Online Master of Business Administration (MBA) Programs with Concentrations in Cybersecurity and Cybersecurity Management

Cybersecurity has become an integral component of business management as the costs of operational disruptions, data loss, and reputational harm stemming from cyberattacks have increased dramatically. Organizations have responded with investments in security technologies, readiness and awareness programs, and technical expertise, elevating cybersecurity to an executive-level responsibility personified in the role of the Chief Information Security Officer, or CISO. Security planning, governance, and oversight teams staffed with IT specialists, project coordinators, and risk management professionals are table stakes for large enterprises and an increasingly common presence in smaller, midsize businesses.

Implementing effective cybersecurity strategies in a business environment requires an understanding of how to balance the benefits of digitally connected systems with the inherent risks. The digital infrastructure and communication systems organizations rely on to drive daily operations, store and share data, and manage vital supply chains represent potential attack vectors for bad actors. Businesses have to proactively identify vulnerabilities, audit security processes, and update cyber defense measures in order to gain the benefits of cloud computing, predictive analytics, real-time global connectivity, and other digital technologies.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs with a Specialization in Cybersecurity are designed to prepare business professionals for the challenges that diverse and digitally enabled organizations face. These programs provide graduate-level training in IT governance, risk mitigation, incident response, and other core cybersecurity topics as part of a broader business management curriculum. In addition to a cluster of business-focused cybersecurity courses, students in cybersecurity MBA programs complete a general business administration curriculum to develop proficiencies in accounting and finance, economics and business law, sales and marketing, and organizational leadership and communications. The goal of these programs is to prepare students for careers in cybersecurity policy, strategy, and management in the corporate world, as well as the non-profit sphere and government settings.

Online degree programs have extended the reach of MBA programs, providing students who do not live near a business school with a Cybersecurity specialization the ability to pursue a graduate degree in this interdisciplinary field without having to relocate. Online programs may also be a good option for working professionals who cannot routinely commute to a college campus due to personal or professional obligations. This is especially true for technical professionals who are on call or who have to regularly travel for work. In addition, online programs that utilize live-streamed online classes often schedule these sessions in the early morning or evenings to accommodate students who work during the day.

Many accredited colleges and universities now offer online MBA programs with a specialization in Cybersecurity. While some of these programs require students to attend a limited number of campus visits, the majority can be completed fully online. Thus, students can earn their MBA degree without having to commute to or travel to a school’s campus while enrolled in the program. Programs that require campus visits typically schedule these sessions over long weekends or during the summer, so that working professionals can attend.

Elements of an MBA in Cybersecurity Program

Most MBA programs offer one or more specialization options in fields related to business and/or technology. Students pursuing their MBA in Cybersecurity complete a master’s in business administration curriculum consisting of 10 to 15 courses, which includes a cluster of cybersecurity courses. Specialization tracks within an MBA typically fulfill elective requirements for the program. As a result, MBA students who specialize in Cybersecurity generally do not have to take extra courses beyond the MBA’s normal credit requirements, as they simply choose courses in cybersecurity instead of other electives in areas such as organizational leadership, supply chain management, or public relations leadership.

An MBA cybersecurity specialization typically consists of four to six courses that cover cybersecurity fundamentals and other key topics, such as security governance, risk management, incident response, data privacy compliance, threat intelligence, and digital forensics. Students learn about IT systems, information security strategies, federal and international legal compliance, common cyber threats, data analytics in the cybersecurity space, and other topics related to the policies and technologies used to ensure business continuity and protect vital data in the face of cyberattacks.

Rather than delving into the technical details of IT systems, MBA programs with a Cybersecurity specialization focus on managerial aspects of cybersecurity and integrating security strategies into broader business goals and policies. For example, MBA cybersecurity coursework may devote time to studying the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework, providing students with the knowledge needed to align enterprise risk management strategies with principles and practices detailed in federal guidelines. Some programs may include a capstone project through which students demonstrate their ability to apply their cybersecurity management knowledge in a business strategy context.

The core business administration curriculum, which generally comprises up to two-thirds of a typical MBA program, is somewhat standardized, as most programs align their requirements with the recommendations outlined by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), and/or the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). Core subjects typically include accounting, finance, marketing, and operations, as well as professional communication, business ethics, data analysis, and organizational leadership. MBA programs also commonly have required or elective courses in applied economics, human resource management, logistics and supply chain management, and/or IT systems.

It is important to note that MBA curricula vary by school, by program, and by program format. In addition to traditional, two-year MBA programs, there are one-year accelerated MBA programs that may require prior business experience and/or graduate coursework, and there are also part-time MBA programs that allow students three years or more to earn their degree.

MBA in Cybersecurity Courses

MBA programs with a cybersecurity specialization are designed to prepare business management professionals to design, implement, and manage information security policies and practices across various departments in complex organizations. This generally includes taking one or two courses in cybersecurity fundamentals coupled with courses in specific information security proficiencies. In addition, while some cybersecurity specializations may have a set curriculum, others allow students to select from a series of courses in the field. The list below provides a representative overview of the types of courses typically offered as part of an MBA in Cybersecurity program.

• Cybersecurity Fundamentals for Business Management: A high-level overview of the current cybersecurity landscape with a focus on the governance and risk-management frameworks used by businesses to protect digital assets, defend IT systems, and maintain business continuity. Students learn about modern digital business systems and network architecture, common threats, and the tools and strategies used to maintain robust cyber defenses.
• Cyber Governance and Program Management: An examination of the planning and policy review processes that lead to a successful cybersecurity strategy. Students learn how organizations align cybersecurity policy with broader IT strategy and business goals. They also gain the knowledge needed to develop cybersecurity plans, communicate cyber policies within organizations, and assess the effectiveness of cyber defense strategies and measures.
• Data Privacy and Security, Legal and Ethical Concerns: An introduction to the ethics of data privacy and consumer protection, as well as the laws pertaining to cybersecurity, including state, federal, and international regulations governing personal data handling and cyber incident reporting.
• Cyber Threat Intelligence: An examination of the stages of a cyberattack, from initial indicators of compromise and digital forensics investigations to the use of forensic findings to address immediate security vulnerabilities, strengthen cyber governance, inform legal responses, and improve executive decision-making. Students learn how to identify common attack modalities, including viruses and malware, social engineering, and distributed denial of services (DDoS) attacks, and apply this knowledge to the development of enterprise cyber governance and management programs.
• Security Infrastructure: Students learn how organizations manage risk as executives balance the need for business functionality with security imperatives, with a focus on the role of a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) in corporate environments and organizations like non-profits.
• Cybersecurity Capstone: Students apply what they have learned in their cybersecurity coursework to real or simulated organizational problems. Typical capstone projects include risk assessments, governance audits, governance policy outlines, cybersecurity strategy recommendations, and comprehensive cyberattack prevention and/or mitigation plans. For their capstone, students might work individually or in groups, addressing the cybersecurity needs of real or hypothetical organizations ranging from small businesses and corporations to research agencies, non-profits, and government departments.

Earning an MBA in Cybersecurity Online

One of the key features of an online MBA program is the use of digital technologies to facilitate online learning. Online programs provide all or most of their coursework via learning management systems (LMSs) that give students access to live-streamed and/or prerecorded lectures, class modules, readings, and other instructional materials using a secure internet connection. Students can also contact instructors, complete assignments and exams, and participate in online discussion groups using a program’s LMS.

There are, however, several important instructional variables students should consider when exploring online MBA programs. These factors affect the overall online learning experience and can impact the relative convenience and flexibility of a program. While the majority of online MBA programs adhere to the same general curricular guidelines as campus-based programs, there are differences among online programs in how they deliver coursework. Moreover, online MBA programs differ in their in-person, campus-based requirements, with some programs requiring zero visits to a physical campus to complete the degree, while other programs may have a limited number of campus visits students must attend.

There are two primary modes of online instruction that most online master’s programs use. Online instruction that requires students to be logged on to a program’s LMS at designated times to participate in real-time lectures using video conferencing software is referred to as “synchronous instruction.” In contrast, “asynchronous instruction” does not include real-time lectures, giving students the flexibility to access pre-recorded lectures, multimedia content, and other course materials at their convenience, 24-7. While all online programs have asynchronous elements, not all programs utilize synchronous instruction.

There are benefits and drawbacks to each of these online instructional methods, and both forms are widely used and have been shown to be effective. Synchronous instruction provides a more traditional structure and real-time interactive learning experiences that are similar to attending a campus-based program, but it can create scheduling conflicts for working professionals. To limit conflicts, programs that use synchronous instruction may schedule class meetings in the early mornings, late evenings, or on weekends so they do not overlap with normal business hours. Programs also typically record live lectures so that students who need to miss a session can still view the material. Programs that mainly use asynchronous instruction maximize the convenience and flexibility of the online learning experience, but require students to keep up with course requirements in the absence of regularly scheduled classes.

Synchronous instruction also provides students with the opportunity to get real-time answers to questions, whereas students taking courses via asynchronous instruction may have to wait until a professor or instructor responds via email unless they offer real-time office hours. It is important for prospective students to think about their preferred learning style and to choose an online MBA program that offers an instructional method that aligns with their preferences. In addition, regardless of the instruction method, campus-based and online MBA programs require students to be self-directed and self-motivated, especially students who plan to continue working while earning their degree.

One final consideration for potential online MBA students is the use of campus visits, as there are a small number of programs that require students to attend orientations, workshops, seminars, and other in-person, campus-based residencies. These sessions are typically short in duration, held over a long weekend or a week, and can be a valuable addition to the online learning experience. At these sessions, students get to meet their classmates and professors in-person through networking events, group projects, and other instructional activities that benefit from face-to-face interactions. Programs that require more than two campus visits per year are not classified as online programs on CyberSecurityDegree.com.

Note: Prospective applicants to online MBA programs are encouraged to reach out to program administrators for specific information regarding a school’s online instructional methods and program formats if the information is not clearly stated on the program’s website.

Online MBA in Cybersecurity Admissions Requirements

Admissions policies and procedures for online MBA programs follow a fairly standard roadmap, regardless of whether the program is offered online or on-campus. Applicants must hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to meet the baseline eligibility requirement, and arrange for academic transcripts to be sent to the program’s admissions department. Some business schools have a minimum GPA requirement for MBA candidates, typically in the range of 2.75 to 3.0 on a four-point scale. MBA programs may also have one or more undergraduate requirements or prerequisites, such as coursework in economics, statistical analysis, or college-level mathematics with a passing or minimum grade. Applicants who intend to pursue a cybersecurity specialization may also need to demonstrate familiarity with computer systems either through prior coursework or professional experiences, depending on the program.

In addition to furnishing academic transcripts, applicants are commonly asked to provide MBA admissions boards with several other components as part of the formal application process. For programs that still require a graduate admission test, students typically must submit GMAT scores, although some programs may accept GRE scores instead. There are also schools that waive testing requirements for applicants who meet a specific GPA requirement, have significant prior work experience, or who earned a graduate degree in a relevant or related field. To round out the application, schools may also ask candidates to submit written responses to one or two essay questions, provide a personal goals statement, and/or send several letters of recommendation from academic or professional references. Most programs also require an up-to-date resume or CV, and some programs conduct phone or video interviews with applicants as part of the admissions process.

It is important to note that many online MBA programs have selective admissions policies, which means that even students who meet the minimum requirements for admission may not be accepted into the program. While most highly competitive MBA programs are offered on-campus, there are highly competitive online MBA programs that may only accept a fraction of the applicants they receive each term. Depending on the school and the academic calendar they use, some programs may only admit students once or twice a year, while others may have as many as six or more start dates per year.

Applicants should also be aware that schools may have different types of application deadlines. There are programs that have set admissions deadlines for each term and there are programs that use rolling admissions. Programs that have set deadlines may wait to review applications and make admissions decisions until after the deadline has passed. Meanwhile, programs that use rolling admissions review applications and make decisions on a first-come, first-serve basis, and once a cohort is full or the program’s start date arrives (whichever comes first), they stop accepting applications for that particular term.

Potential applicants should research programs carefully and take note of admissions processes to ensure they meet eligibility requirements, fulfill all required application components, and abide by submission deadlines. It can also be helpful for prospective applicants to contact a program representative to underscore their interest in the program, obtain further program details, and ask any relevant questions regarding admissions requirements before applying.