If you want to become a lead professional in the business environment and help businesses and organizations protect their digital data and information, an MBA in Cybersecurity might be a good fit.
A cybersecurity MBA online program can help you develop key skills and knowledge relevant to the world of business and cyberspace.
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This advanced credential can help you grow your qualifications and capabilities in performing business management duties and leading a team in the cybersecurity department.
Online MBA in Cybersecurity Programs
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Cybersecurity can help train you for business administration and information technology careers that specialize in protecting an organization’s digital information.
Cybersecurity has become increasingly important across almost every industry because of the threat of cyber attacks. Cybersecurity professionals work to protect data and information by building and maintaining secure information systems for various types of businesses and organizations.
Some top industries where cybersecurity procedures are essential include:
- Healthcare
- Government
- Retail
- Finance and banking
- E-commerce
Cyber attacks can be detrimental to a business or organization. It can disrupt business operations and compromise sensitive data, such as health and financial records and personal information.
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Enrolling in a cybersecurity MBA online can be a convenient way to earn an advanced degree that teaches you skills and knowledge essential to information security and business management. Some topics you may be introduced to in the program include:
- Leadership and organizations
- Marketing management
- Cybersecurity management
- Cybersecurity risk analysis
You can learn about different tools and methods used to prevent, identify, and address cyber threats. The business administration core curriculum can also teach you about business management practices and procedures.
Some careers you may consider with an MBA in Cybersecurity include project manager, information security analyst, management analyst, and business operations specialist.
Cybersecurity Careers & Salaries
An MBA in Cybersecurity can be useful for cybersecurity and business administration careers found in almost any industry.
The technical and leadership skills you can develop throughout the program can help prepare you to lead a team and be well-versed in carrying out various business administration duties. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these are some median salaries of careers in business administration and cybersecurity.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Chief Executives | $189,520 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $164,070 |
| Database Architects | $134,870 |
| Software Developers | $127,260 |
| Computer Network Architects | $126,900 |
| Training and Development Managers | $120,000 |
| Information Security Analysts | $112,000 |
| Project Management Specialists | $95,370 |
| Management Analysts | $95,290 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | $90,520 |
Many professionals with an MBA in Cybersecurity seek careers as cybersecurity analysts or information security analysts in the business environment. This graduate degree can also be useful for business management careers that involve directing the operations of a cybersecurity team.
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While many of the careers listed above may be attainable with a bachelor’s degree, earning a master’s can help you stand out as a candidate who’s qualified to take on leadership responsibilities.
Cyber Security MBA Curriculum & Courses
Management operations and information security issues and techniques are studied throughout a cybersecurity MBA program. Courses that may be offered include:
- Leadership and Organizations: You can learn about key leadership concepts and basic organizational behavior in the business environment to adopt effective management and leadership skills.
- Marketing Management: This course can teach you about marketing fundamentals and functions from a manager’s perspective, with an emphasis on the marketing process, marketing strategies, product development, and pricing strategy.
- Operations Management: This course explores common concepts and strategies used to effectively manage business operations.
- Controls for Effective Cyber Defense: You can learn about ways to prevent potential cyber attacks by studying critical controls organizations use to build defenses against cybersecurity risks.
- Legal Aspects of Privacy and Compliance: This course explores legal issues associated with the digital age, with an emphasis on privacy and security issues and intellectual property protection.
- Cybersecurity Management: This course explores techniques and methods used to manage computer security systems and networks.
- Organizational Behavior: By analyzing the roles of individuals and groups in the business environment, you can learn how to achieve business goals and how to understand issues that managers face when leading a team or department.
- Decision Making in Operations Management: This course studies business functions and practices from a manager’s perspective, with an emphasis on decision-making methods and techniques.
- Information Systems Security: This course examines response procedures to security concerns, such as malware, and how prevention control methods are applied to information system security and computer networks.
- Information Security Risk Management: You can learn how to apply various risk management techniques to reduce security risks and address issues associated with cyber threats and vulnerabilities.
These topics can help you understand the daily operations of a business from a manager’s perspective and teach you how to address and respond to security concerns in the digital space.
Admissions Requirements
Every graduate school has a different admissions process, but these are some general admissions requirements for MBA programs online or on campus:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- GRE or GMAT scores (only some schools require them)
- Official transcripts
- Resume
Most schools require students to hold a bachelors degree from an accredited institution. Some may require students with a non-business degree to take additional business foundation coursework.
Some schools request GRE or GMAT scores to consider your ability to succeed in the program, but not all schools require them. A resume may also be requested to see what kind of relevant experience you have in the degree field.
Accreditation
When considering different degree programs, whether an MBA in Cybersecurity or MBA in Sustainability online, it’s important to note the accreditation status of a college or university. Accredited institutions are recognized as meeting or exceeding quality educational standards.
Regional accrediting organizations conduct rigorous evaluations of postsecondary institutions and programs to determine accreditation. Accreditation of a program or institution can assure you that the resources and curriculum offered are up to standard. Attending an accredited school can also affect your eligibility to receive financial aid and impact employment opportunities.
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You can check whether certain schools are accredited by using the US Department of Education’s accreditation database.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Various forms of financial aid are available to help make college more affordable. Submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is one of the first things you can do to apply for federal assistance. Other forms of federal financial aid include grants, loans, and federal work-study programs. You can also seek state financial assistance from your state’s Department of Education.
Scholarships are non-repayable monetary awards offered by public or private organizations and foundations. Scholarships may be offered to specific groups of students, to students who’ve displayed academic or athletic excellence, or to students with specific academic interests. Many employers also offer tuition benefits to encourage professional development in their workers.
What Is a Cybersecurity MBA Degree?
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Cybersecurity degree is a graduate degree that blends business administration and cybersecurity coursework to prepare you for various management and cybersecurity roles.
The curriculum can introduce you to key business administration topics, such as organizational behavior, marketing functions and strategies, and operations management. Cybersecurity topics generally explored include cyber defense and threat response methods, information security systems, and privacy issues associated with the digital age.
You can learn how to build strong security systems and networks to reduce the risk of threats as well as how to respond to cyber attacks and address vulnerability issues.
What Can You Do with an MBA in Cybersecurity?
The leadership and technical skills you can develop in a cybersecurity MBA online program can help prepare you for a variety of careers in cybersecurity and the business environment.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a bachelor’s degree is typically the minimum educational requirement for information security analysts. Some graduates apply their skills as business operations managers or specialists, chief information security officers (CISO), and security engineers.
Earning an MBA in Cybersecurity may make you a more competitive job candidate as you gain advanced skills and expertise in business management and information technology (IT) security.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online MBA in Cyber Security?
Credit hour requirements for an online MBA in Cybersecurity can range between 30 to 60 credit hours. The time it takes to earn the degree can depend on enrollment status, credit hour requirements, and thesis requirements.
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Many full-time students complete masters programs in 2 years or less. If it’s a 36 credit hour program with no thesis required, you may be able to finish in 1 year with full-time, year-round enrollment. If a thesis is required, it can add on more time. It can also take longer to complete if you’re enrolled part-time.
What’s the Difference Between an MBA vs. Masters in Cybersecurity?
An MBA in Cybersecurity differs from a master’s in cybersecurity because of coursework requirements and the focus of the program.
- MBA in Cybersecurity: The main focus is on business administration topics, which are supplemented with cybersecurity concentration coursework.
- Masters in Cybersecurity: The coursework is more heavily focused on cybersecurity fundamentals and practices and isn’t specialized to fit a specific industry.
An MBA in Cybersecurity may better suit your interests if you want to enter a business management role or become a cybersecurity professional in the business environment. This degree option offers less cybersecurity coursework compared to a master’s in cybersecurity.
What’s the Difference Between an MBA in Cyber Security vs. Information Security?
While some coursework in an MBA in Cybersecurity and an MBA in Information Security may overlap, some parts of information security aren’t associated with cybersecurity.
- MBA in Cyber Security: This degree focuses on security measures and mitigation controls associated only with the cyberspace environment.
- MBA in Information Security: This degree covers all aspects of information security, including components unrelated to the cyberspace environment.
Cybersecurity is a part of information security, but information security includes a broader range of methods and techniques to protect all information in the digital and physical world.
Is an MBA in Cybersecurity Worth It?
Yes, an MBA in Cybersecurity is worth it for many students. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, management occupations and computer and IT occupations are expected to grow by 8% and 15%, respectively, over the next ten years. Both of these growth rates are faster than the average for all occupations.
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As many businesses and organizations become increasingly reliant on storing data and information digitally, cybersecurity has become an essential component in protecting the privacy of such information. Security breaches can be detrimental to a business. This is why cybersecurity professionals are needed to maintain secure systems and networks and respond quickly to vulnerabilities and attacks.
Universities Offering Online MBA in Cybersecurity Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
American University offers an online MBA with a focus area in Cybersecurity. The program requires 48 credits and offers a 12 month, a 15 month, or an 18 month track. The curriculum may include 2 in-person immersion sessions, at least one of which will be in Washington, DC. The immersion sessions include networking opportunities and collaborative projects.
American University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Baylor University offers an MBA in Cybersecurity. The program requires 48 credits. Potential courses include Fundamentals of Applied Business Finance, Managing Information Technology in Enterprise, Organizational Strategies for Cybersecurity, and Strategic Management and Business Policy.
Baylor University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Cedarville University offers an online MBA in Cybersecurity Management. This accelerated program provides a supportive community and teaches a biblical worldview. Each term lasts 7 weeks. The curriculum aims to teach real-world skills through case studies, simulation games, and hands-on projects chosen by the student.
Cedarville University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Colorado Christian University offers an online MBA in Cybersecurity designed to help develop technical expertise and business knowledge. The curriculum requires a total of 39 credits, with courses typically taken one at a time in 5 or 7 week blocks. The program can typically be completed in 18 months.
Colorado Christian University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Florida International University offers a fully online MBA in Cybersecurity Risk Management. This STEM-designated program requires 45 credits and can typically be completed in 20 months. Classes are held in synchronous sessions twice a week in the evenings.
Florida International University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
An MBA in Cybersecurity can be earned through Grand Canyon University. The curriculum covers a variety of current business issues and places a particular focus on understanding the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. The program requires 54 credits of 8 week courses. Potential courses include Finance Principles, Strategic Management, and Cyber Warfare and Applications.
GCU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Lawrence Technological University offers a fully online Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Cybersecurity. The curriculum requires 36 credits. Potential courses include Operations and Supply Chain Management, Enterprise Network Infrastructure, and Global Business Economics. The program can typically be completed in 2 years.
Lawrence Technological University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
At Maryville University, an MBA in Cybersecurity can be earned 100% online. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world skills, such as how to use ethical hacking to look for security vulnerabilities and how to perform digital forensic examinations. There are multiple start dates every year, and test scores are not required to apply.
Maryville University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Murray State University offers a fully online Cybersecurity MBA designed for working professionals. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for multiple start dates every year. The program requires 30 credits and can typically be completed in 12 to 18 months. Potential courses include Managerial Economics, Corporate Finance, Information Systems, and Security.
Murray State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Queens University of Charlotte offers an online Master of Business Administration with a Cybersecurity Management Concentration. The program requires 39 credits and takes about 2.5 years on average to complete. The curriculum typically provides hands-on experiences through lab simulations and collaborative projects.
The Queens University of Charlotte is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Baltimore offers a flexible MBA program with a specialization in Cyber Security and Organizational Resilience. The program is intended for professionals who work full-time with the option to choose how many classes to take each semester. There is also an option to choose whether to take classes online, in-person, or both.
The University of Baltimore is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
At the University of Lynchburg, a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Cybersecurity can be completed online. Classes are available online and on campus in the evenings and provide opportunities to interact with professors and classmates. The program can typically be completed in 3 years or less.
The University of Lynchburg is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of South Florida offers an online Master of Business Administration with a Cybersecurity concentration. Courses may include Basics of Information Security and Risk Management, Decision Processes for Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery, and Distributed Information Systems. The program typically culminates with a capstone course.
The University of South Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Texas – Tyler offers a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Cybersecurity online. The program’s 36 required credits can potentially be completed in 1 year. Potential courses include Organizational Behavior, Cybersecurity Management, and Cybersecurity Risk Analysis. There are multiple start dates every year.
The University of Texas at Tyler is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Webster University offers a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Cybersecurity. This flexible program allows for part-time or full-time study and the option to choose from classes online or at multiple campus locations.
Webster University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your MBA in Cybersecurity Online
An MBA in Cybersecurity can help you stand out as a top professional with the knowledge and skills essential to perform managerial tasks.
This graduate degree can help you prepare for leadership roles in the business environment and cybersecurity space by covering topics related to business management operations and leadership styles. Cybersecurity courses offered can teach you how to build secure systems and networks, identify and address vulnerabilities, and respond to cyber threats and attacks.
If you’re ready to earn your MBA in Cybersecurity online, you can start your graduate journey today by researching accredited institutions and programs that best support your career goals and interests.
