MBA in Cybersecurity
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In early 2017, Forbes shared the following advice with its readers: cybersecurity is for everyone. Modern hackers aren’t just going after the big targets like Target, The Home Depot, the U.S. government, or other prominent victims of the past. There is currently potential for hackers to target anyone. As a result, Forbes warns readers that literally everyone should prepare for possible cyber attacks, theft of money, and theft of critical information.
With Intel’s prediction that by 2020, there will be 200 billion smart devices worldwide, data vulnerability will require a lot of attention. Companies are going to need high-level insight on what hardware, software, and processes need to be established or replaced to maintain effective defenses against cyber criminals. For those interested in helping businesses keep data secure
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that opportunities for information security analysts—one of many potential career paths open to cybersecurity professionals—are expected to swell 28 percent between 2016 and 2026.
By understanding the inner workings of business and mastering the computer skills to keep data secure and keep intruders out, those who earn an MBA in cybersecurity can qualify for a range of positions including security consultant, systems administrator, IT manager, database and network administrator, digital forensic specialist, and more.
In response to the need to offer professional development that fits into already-established lives, many MBA programs are now offered in fully online or in hybrid online/on-campus formats. These distance learning formats allow students to complete coursework on their own schedule within some parameters. In addition, distance learning programs don’t require students to physically relocate in order to complete the program, and have no or minimal requirements for on campus visits.
Featured Cybersecurity Programs | ||
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American University | MBA@American Online MBA - Cybersecurity | View Full Profile |
Maryville University | MBA - Cybersecurity | View Full Profile |
Pepperdine University | Online MBA - Digital Innovation and Information Systems | View Full Profile |
Utica College | MBA - Cyber Policy | View Full Profile |
Utica College | MBA - Cybersecurity | View Full Profile |
Because business education recognizes the need for quality programming that is also flexible, there is a wide range of high quality online MBAs in cybersecurity taught by highly qualified and experienced professors.
Read on to learn more about online MBA programs in cybersecurity, including details about the expected curriculum and distinguished faculty.
Online MBAs in Cybersecurity
Students pursuing an online MBA with a concentration in cybersecurity at American learn about risk management, database management, and cybersecurity governance. Graduates can be prepared to help companies, organizations, and agencies improve their defenses and investigational abilities through coursework in fraud examination, litigation support, and general forensic accounting. The 48-credit program also includes an overview of business fundamentals, accounting, and finance. Courses are designed in coordination with the school’s Kogod Cybersecurity Governance Center, an entity focused on technology research and policy. Though American’s MBA in cybersecurity is mostly online, students are required to visit the campus for two three-to-four day practicums throughout the program.
Location: Washington, D.C. |
Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business |
Time to complete: 18-24 months |
Tuition: $1,642/credit |
Maryville’s online MBA program offers nine concentrations, including cybersecurity. Students enrolled in the cybersecurity concentration learn hands-on skills like PEN testing and forensic examination, and can gain analytical and theoretical information like the legal aspects of privacy and compliance. Creating strong defensive cyber systems is the main emphasis of this program. The 36-credit online program also includes core MBA courses in business and leadership skills, and aims to prepare students with required information to apply for certifications such as Certified Ethical Hacker, Certified Information Systems Security Professional and EnCase Certified Examiner.
Location: St. Louis, Missouri |
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (school), Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (program) |
Time to complete: One to three years |
Tuition: $714/credit |
MBA seekers who are interested in additional knowledge in the areas of cyber topics have two specialization options within Utica’s 30-credit curriculum: cybersecurity or cyber policy. The cybersecurity specialization helps students to understand the role that cyber systems can have on businesses and institutions. Coursework in the cybersecurity specialization include cyber intelligence, investigations, and general management and response to threats. The specialization in cyber policy includes coursework in public policy and politics, law and ethics, and international aspects of policies. Both specializations are available online.
Location: Utica, New York |
Accreditation: Middle State Commission on Higher Education (school), Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (program) |
Time to complete: one year full-time, two years part-time |
Tuition: MBA cybersecurity $895/credit, MBA cyber policy $775/credit |
The Florida Institute of Technology offers an MBA with a specialization in cybersecurity. In this program, students begin studies with a focus on business principles, followed by an overview of the fundamentals of modern cybersecurity terminology and practices. In an online format, students discover skills in risk assessment and how to create or maintain secure networks and communications systems. In the 36-credit program, students also learn about current vulnerabilities and threats, how to prepare to defend against them, and how prevent threats from affecting workplace secure networks.
Location:Melbourne, Florida |
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
Time to complete: 18-24 months |
Tuition: $896/credit, $32,256/program |
The MBA with a cybersecurity management concentration at St. Leo’s provides the technical skills and tools to create solid policies and defenses against cyber threats, blended with foundations of leadership, interpersonal communication, and team-building. The 36-credit online curriculum emphasizes ethical business decisions and the role of technology related to management issues. This program includes courses on the fundamentals of network security, disaster recovery, web security, general security principles, and strategic planning for future defenses and intrusion efforts.
Location: St. Leo, Florida |
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (school), Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs and International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (program) |
Time to complete: Two years part-time, 18 months with permission |
Tuition: $555/credit |
Within the Satish and Yasmin Gupta College of Business, students can seek a 42-credit MBA with a cybersecurity concentration. The program includes an overview of business-focused courses such as finance, value-based marketing, and operations management. The cybersecurity track covers topics such as network security, organizational cybersecurity management, data protection and compliance, and legal issues. The business school has been designated as a Center for Academic Excellence by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security.
Location: Irving, Texas |
Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business |
Time to complete: 18 months to three years |
Tuition: $1,250/credit |
The Muma College of Business at USF invites MBA students to concentrate in cybersecurity. This program includes courses on strategies in risk management to try to create strong defenses and disaster recovery methods if a system fails. Students also learn about database management, cryptology, legal compliance, and general information security topics. The 32-credit online program is designed to help people do well in highly technical security fields, including working on projects and putting policies together. Students are required to visit campus for a three-day final capstone course.
Location: Tampa, Florida |
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (school), Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (program) |
Time to complete: One year full-time, three years part-time |
Tuition: $900/credit |
The 36-credit online MBA program includes a cybersecurity component, and is recommended for people who want to be facilitators between IT teams and upper-level management. The program provides an overview of modern business foundations and theories, plus computer terminology, which can be useful in creating or updating corporate security policies. Students in the online program also are taught how to assess system security, create disaster responses, and work with common cryptographic algorithms.
Location: Tyler, Texas |
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (school), Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (program) |
Time to complete: 18-24 months |
Tuition: $837.43/credit, $2,512.29/course, $30,147.60/program |