MBA in Cybersecurity Degrees

School Program Admissions
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The Master of Business Administration is one of the most common higher education degrees to receive, and there are multiple ways to customize the degree to fit specific needs within an organization. One of the fastest-growing sectors to consider is the protection of information technology with cybersecurity as many people transition to storing sensitive information digitally and on the cloud with multiple companies.

Obtaining an MBA degree within cybersecurity gives students the tools and skills needed to succeed in the field that may not have a background in computer science. There are online Masters in Network Security degree programs available, as well as the Cybersecurity Masters degree, but those tend to be more technical while the MBA in Cybersecurity is focused more on the business side.

What Can You Do With a MBA in Cybersecurity?

Students pursuing an MBA degree with a concentration in cybersecurity, or selecting electives that provide customization into that sector, will have a mixture of knowledge in business management and technology protection. This type of degree is ideal for the professional that may not be ready to fully commit into the field of cybersecurity and retains business education for alternative opportunities at an organization.

Another benefit is giving business executives an advanced look at the methods and needs of protecting an organization's network and private information. Those looking to become a chief security officer, or chief information officer that is an expert in cybersecurity, may consider this concentration at an accredited university.

How does this differ from a Master of Science in Cyber Security? The bulk of this degree will offer courses within computer science and information technology, and students that have not studied an undergraduate degree with these disciplines may not be prepared for a Master's degree that exclusively focuses on cybersecurity. An MBA provides an avenue for experienced business professionals and those with a business knowledge to also gain a fundamental understanding and importance of cybersecurity.

Online Cyber Security MBA Degree Availability

Many institutions across the United States offer accredited Master of Business Administration programs online. This is one of the most common degrees that are both offered and obtained by working professionals that are looking for higher administrative and executive roles within a company.

As an MBA requires a significant time commitment, universities are offering more flexible schedules for students to gain this degree and move up at their place of work or change career paths.

School Program Admissions
Pace University Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity Website
Maryville University Master of Science in Cybersecurity Website
University of California, Berkeley Master’s in Cybersecurity Website
University of West Florida Online M.S. in Cybersecurity Website
Syracuse University Master of Science in Cybersecurity Website
Arizona State University Online Master of Computer Science - Cybersecurity Website
Utica University Online MS in Cybersecurity Website
Fairleigh Dickinson University Master of Science in Cyber and Homeland Security Website
Stevens Institute of Technology Master of Science in Computer Science Website
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In depth review of Online MBA in Cybersecurity programs, updated for 2023

Utica University's Multi Faceted MBA Focused on Cyber Security and Policy

The School of Business and Justice Studies has a blended MBA format that gives students the flexibility of completing classes on campus, online, or a combination of both. Students have the option of accessing on-demand classes and having the full experience with live classrooms in a virtual setting.

Utica University gives students the ability to actively communicate with professors and other students in the cohort regardless of their location with the learning management platform. There are numerous concentrations that are tailored to specific careers, and among those are cybersecurity and cyber policy.

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Course Structure

Utica structures their MBA program with consistently updated course content and is geared to fully prepare students to instantly succeed in the career path they choose. Through cybersecurity, students will gain principal knowledge in the sector and how it has evolved over time. They gain preparation for various sectors, be it in an educational setting, private business, or a level of government.

ACBSP Accredited

Students entering into the program that do not have a strong background in business will take self-study modules to prepare themselves for the opening courses of the MBA program before jumping into the specialization. This program is designated by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

University of South Florida's Online MBA

Students can earn the online MBA through the Muma College of Business, which is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). It can be completed within four semesters, or up to three years for part-time students. The curriculum totals 33 credit hours and is nearly split evenly with core courses (18 credits) and concentration electives (15 credits).

Concentration Emphasizing Cyber Security Track

One of the concentrations emphasizes cybersecurity with the following required courses: Basics of Information Security and Risk Management, Decision Processes for Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery, and an approved capstone project within cybersecurity. There are two electives that students choose that further dive into risk management, legal compliance, and data network security.

There are fundamental business management courses that are required before beginning the full program, with topics in accounting, finance, information systems, and decision analysis. Those that already have a business degree from an accredited institution within the last seven years are eligible to waive these foundational courses, otherwise up to 16 credits will need to be added onto the curriculum.

As an alternative, students can elect to receive a Cybersecurity Awareness and Education Graduate Certificate. This is a specialized certification that focuses on the protection of modern technology within educational institutions. Students have the ability to complete the certificate within five years and credit can go toward a Master's degree.

University of Texas-Tyler's MBA with a Concentration in Cyber Security, Fully Online

The Graduate College of Business and Technology offers a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Cyber Security, and the program is fully available online. Within the specialization, students will receive an overview of cybersecurity and the tools used in the profession, gain the skills needed for risk assessment and to reduce organizational vulnerability, become competent in cryptography for authentication and communication, and they will study business from an international perspective in a variety of topics.

Course Setup

Testing is done completely online through a proctoring software with live monitoring. Students must have their own webcam for the examination process. Examples of courses taken in the overall MBA program include Decision Making in Operations Management, Strategic Human Resource Management, and Advanced Marketing Fundamentals. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete the entire program, which is possible in a span of a calendar year for full-time students.

Admissions

Hopeful applicants must send an application with fee, proof of an earned Bachelor's degree from an accredited college, and GMAT scores unless the cumulative GPA (or within the final 60 credit hours) is 3.25 or higher. GMAT scores can be waived for GRE scores or if the student has multiple years of health care or management experience.

Missouri State University's AACSB Accredited Online MBA and Grad Certificates

A number of online MBA options exist in the state of Missouri, and one of the top options is the College of Business at MSU, which is accredited by the AACSB. Graduate certificates are available to customize the program worth six credit hours - one of those being in cybersecurity. Other topics that have a certification option include data analytics, forensic accounting, and quantitative enterprise risk management.

Credit Hours

In addition, a seminar course is needed and 24 credit hours worth of core courses that totals 33 credit hours for the entire curriculum. For a replacement to the seminar and one elective, students can choose to complete a thesis project. Students that are completing an undergraduate program in the College of Business can apply for the MBA program in their junior year. Up to six credit hours of 600-level and above courses will count toward both degrees, making the Master's degree curriculum shorter.

Before Admission Application

Prior to application, student should have completed at least 80 credit hours of the undergraduate program while maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA. Another alternative MBA program is the Executive MBA. This is another quicker program geared toward professionals that have been in the industry for at least five years. In addition to taking classes online, students do have the option to meet physically in the evening when possible.

School Program Admissions
Fairleigh Dickinson University Master of Science in Cyber and Homeland Security Website
Stevens Institute of Technology Master of Science in Computer Science Website
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Master of Science in Cybersecurity Website
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Master of Science in Intelligence and Data Analytics Website
Utica University MS in Cybersecurity - Computer Forensics Website
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Why consider a MBA in cybersecurity?

Cybesecurity is an increasingly important concept that is being implemented at every organization to protect their private information as well as their employees and clients they work with. Many companies are looking for experts within this industry to lead their teams when intrusions occur and how to eliminate these threats in the future by protecting their computer networks.

Not all degrees will carry an emphasis in cybersecurity, but this is a growing subject that is being added to many programs. For those that do not have this, some cybersecurity courses are available within the MBA curriculum, but they may be limited to few electives. Some cybersecurity topics may be explored in concentrations such as computer science, data science, and information technology.

Popular courses (from actual MBA in Cybersecurity programs)

Principles of Cybersecurity

These courses emphasize the importance of protecting confidential information and methods used to do this, such as password protection and encryption. It is important that these processes are guaranteed to work in order to ensure that sensitive information is only between the parties involved. Examples of information that requires advanced protection include credit card transactions, identity verification with social security number, and health care data. Defensive measures should not get in the way of the client’s access to the information or to those that are authorized.

Disaster Recovery

Develops and reviews processes that respond to and manage cyber incidents within an organization. Students will typically learn the various incidents that can occur when information technology is attacked and explore best-case reactions and scenarios for these situations. There are different levels of attacks and disasters that take place, and having a strategy for each situation prepares organizations for handling any setbacks. Recovery methods, such as bringing information back online from backup systems, are also detailed.

Forensic Examination

Students will gain the skills necessary to perform digital forensics to analyze and authenticate evidence from a network attack. This determines all the details needed to figure out how the attack happened, where it was based from, how much information was compromised, and much more. There will also be topics in theory involved and case study to get insight on how various attacks can impact organizations across the world.

Risk Management

Analysis of potential risk within an organization or with individuals directly. Students will explore principles of this topic in introductory courses and assessment procedures in the advanced sections. Being able to manage and control risk is important for an organization to make important investment decisions and to avoid massive financial loss because they will be prepared for various scenarios. With successful risk management, companies will have optimal money flow and better morale with the employers.

Cryptography

The conversion of sensitive information into an unreadable format when it is obtained by unauthorized parties during transmission. Courses will often cover both encryption and decryption processes and the history of more security being added to cryptography in an effort to avoid successful hacking intrusions. One of the most famous uses of cryptology is within e-mail messaging as these files are encrypted when being sent and decrypted once it arrives in the destination’s inbox.

Careers and Associations

Those pursuing an MBA degree with an emphasis in cybersecurity are likely looking for employment at the executive or administrative level at a company. Security systems administrators constantly oversee the network and protect it from any cyber attacks. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for network and computer systems administrators is approximately $82,050 annually.

Typical Duties

Duties include developing the rules and regulations that employees must follow in order to keep vulnerability low from unauthorized users getting access to personal information. This may include what information that employees are able to take home or access when working remotely on company projects. They are also typically responsible for the action needed when an intrusion is detected.

The CIO

Known as the chief information officer or chief information systems officer, one of the responsibilities in this executive role is maintaining the security of information technology at the organization. They serve as an expert on the infrastructure of the company network and is responsible for any issues or vulnerabilities found within that leads to hacking and other unwanted intrusions. Usually at larger corporations, these duties are designated in their own role as chief security officer.

Specifically, these officers should acknowledge and fully understand the types of attacks they may receive, such as stealing payment information for a service they offer. Not only should the network be protected, but employees should be aware of practices to keep sensitive information secure from outside attackers. It is imperative for CIOs and related officers to keep in touch with management at various departments of an organization to analyze data breaches and determine any steps that are needed to further protect the company they represent.