Best Online MBA in Cybersecurity

Over the years MBA degrees have become one of the most sought after degrees for students seeking a graduate level degree in the US. Workplace expectations are continually on the rise, because of this many employers now view an MBA as an essential part of successful business and management careers. With the demand for highly qualified professionals, there has also been a rise in the number of MBA degrees available to prospective students.

All of the programs within this ranking are offered primarily online. However, there are also many schools on this list that offer blended and campus options.

Online MBA’s offer a flexible option for students seeking a high-quality education while still maintaining professional and personal priorities. This format is also frequently more affordable than traditional on-campus programs. While tuition costs, format options, and prestige are all things to consider, finding a quality program with specific concentration areas such as Cybersecurity can be quite difficult.

Cybersecurity is a quickly growing field because of this many universities are beginning to integrate this subject into their programs.

A Cybersecurity MBA is beneficial to professionals with its unique blend of business foundations and specialized technical training. Graduates of well-recognized programs are set-up to compete for top positions in the State, Federal, and Local government agencies, as well as, private, corporate, and non-profit businesses.

For this ranking, we have compared potential schools by pricing, format, accreditations, and prestige in order to assure that students interested in this competitive field can find a program that meets their specific needs. Many of the programs included offering additional certification options within their degree plan. Certifications such as Certified Information Privacy Professional, GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst, and Certified Information Security Manager are just a few more ways to stand out to potential employers.

Methodology

When searching for the right fit in an online Cybersecurity MBA, students are looking for a program that offers the most value. Which program supports their distance students, so it is an engaging process? Are there any that are affordable and of high quality? In this ranking, MBA Central ranked the cybersecurity programs based on the areas of Affordability (33%), Support Services (33%), and Quality of Classes (33%) to find the top programs offering the most value.

Each program is also listed with an Affordability Score. This data takes into account the total base tuition of the entire degree. Ranges are as follows:

Very Affordable: under $14,999
Affordable: $15,000 – $19,999
Average: $20,000 – $29,999
Above Average: $30,000 – $49,999
Expensive: $50,000  $99,999
Very Expensive: over $100,000

Best Online MBA in Cybersecurity

#1 Fayetteville State University College of Business and Economics – Fayetteville, North Carolina

Fayetteville State University’s distinguished College of Business and Economics offers a fast-paced MBA program. This online MBA consistently receives high praise from the major educational ranking systems and offers very affordable tuition rates.

Students at Fayetteville State University have an opportunity to pursue an online MBA degree with a graduate certificate in cybersecurity management. This established program currently sits at #106 on US News and World Report’s ranking for the top Online MBA programs and carries esteemed accreditation from the AACSB. Busy professionals will appreciate the convenient online format of this MBA. The core curriculum is a compilation of 14 courses covering a variety of relevant business topics such as Managerial Accounting, Principles of Business Statistics, International Business Law, and Business and Society. After completing their base requirements, students are then able to choose an area of concentration or graduate certificate program. The Cybersecurity Management certificate is designed with the National Institute of Standards and Technology framework in mind and can be completed in 12 credit hours. The online Master’s of Business Administration at Fayetteville State University is not only flexible and highly recognized, but also offered at an extremely affordable price point of far below $14,999.

Fayetteville State University is an active member of the elite University of North Carolina System. This historically black university serves a student body of approximately 6,500 students and holds regional accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The student to faculty ratio is 15 to 1 with a wide variety of degree options from the undergraduate through the graduate level. Students accepted into the College of Business and Economics can earn an affordable and highly accredited online Master’s of Business Administration degree. Applicants of this top-notch program must have a completed bachelor’s degree, minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75, GMAT scores of at least 400, official transcripts, and two recommendation letters.

Accreditation: AACSB, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Affordability Score: Very Affordable

#2 Texas A&M University-Commerce College of Business – Commerce, Texas

Students enrolled at Texas A&M University-Commerce can earn an elite online MBA degree with a minor in Cyber Security. This program offers students a high level of prestige, accreditation, and affordable tuition rates.

Texas A&M University-Commerce’s College of Business provides students with a variety of distinguished degrees including an online MBA with a minor in Cyber Security. The program is accredited through the AACSB and 30-48 credits in length depending on the level of prerequisites completed prior to admission. Courses such as Statistical Methods, Financial Management, Applied Business Research, and Advanced Managerial Accounting are just a few of the relevant classes that make up the core requirements for this flexible online degree. After completing core coursework, students may additionally choose a minor area of concentration from several topics including Cybersecurity. The Cybersecurity minor is made up of four classes in Database Management, Cyber Security and IT Auditing, Mobile Security Intelligence, and Cyber Forensics and Information Security Policy Governance. Tuition for the online MBA program at TAMU-Commerce is very affordable with rates below $14,999. This low price point, a recognizable brand, and excellent accreditations make this program a great choice for students looking to complete a quality online Master’s of Business Administration.

Texas A&M-Commerce is the third largest member of the renowned Texas A&M University system. The campus is located less than 100 miles away from downtown Dallas and holds accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. This comprehensive university offers 100 diverse degree options through five academic schools and colleges. TAMU-Commerce’s College of Business includes a well-respected online MBA degree with an optional minor in Cybersecurity. Prospective applicants are encouraged to complete an application online and be prepared to submit all official transcripts, GMAT/GRE scores, and one letter of recommendation.

Accreditation: AACSB, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Affordability Score: Very Affordable

#3 Maryville University John E. Simon School Of Business – Saint Louis, Missouri

The Simon School of Business at Maryville University houses a highly acclaimed online MBA in Cybersecurity. This program carries an excellent reputation and is committed to supporting their distance students.

The University of Maryville’s Simon School of Business includes an online Cybersecurity MBA with accreditation with the ACBSP. US News and World Report recently listed this program at #156 on their Best Online MBA ranking. The Simon online MBA is 39 credits in length and can be completed in as little as one year on a full-time basis. Students will appreciate multiple start dates each semester, no entrance exams, and economical tuition costs. The program builds from a set of core business courses in subjects such as Business Ethics, Accounting for Managers, and Corporate Financial Policies. Next, there are nine areas of concentration ranging from Cyber Security to Health Administration for students to choose from. Those who select Cybersecurity will focus on Controls for Effective Cyber Defense, Pen Testing, Forensic Examination and Analysis, and Legal Aspects of Privacy and Compliance.

Maryville University was established in 1872. Over the years the University has gained regional accreditation with the HLC and grown to serve over 7,500 students each year. There are over 90 degree options available through six schools and colleges at the bachelor’s through doctoral levels. The Simon School of Business is well-respected and gives students an opportunity to earn an MBA completely online. The program has six flexible start times throughout the year. In order to apply students need to complete a fee-free online application, submit official academic transcripts, and write a personal statement explaining qualifications for graduate work. There is no GMAT or GRE requirement for this degree.

Accreditation: ACBSP, Higher Learning Commission
Affordability Score: Average

#4 University of Lynchburg College of Business – Lynchburg, Virginia

Students enrolled at the University of Lynchburg can earn an established Cybersecurity MBA. This online program earned its place on our list due to its excellent tuition rates, ranking prestige, and accreditations.

The online Cybersecurity MBA program at the University of Lynchburg is highly accredited by the ACBSP. Students may choose to complete this degree either fully online or on-campus. Part-time students generally finish the 42 credit-hour program in two to three years. There are two areas of emphasis available including Management and Cybersecurity. The Cybersecurity option includes a balanced combination of foundational business courses and technology-driven subjects. Marketing Management, Management Information Technology, and Global Business Competition and Strategy are all an essential part of the business core. A few of the IT courses are Cyber Forensics Fundamentals, Distributed System Architecture and Administration, and Cybersecurity Fundamentals. US News and World Report currently places the University of Lynchburg at #184 in their ranking of the top Online MBAs. This recognition, along with reasonable tuition under $29,999, are just a few of the reasons that this program stands out among the rest.

The University of Lynchburg is a private four-year university with regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Each year the University educates nearly 3,000 students and offers an array of degree options at the bachelor’s through doctoral levels. The College of Business includes an online MBA with a Cybersecurity emphasis. While this program does have technology-driven content, there is no prior computer coursework or experience required. Applicants are encouraged to complete an application online, which will include three letters of recommendation, a personal essay, official transcripts, and GMAT scores of at least 400. Equivalent GRE scores are also accepted. Some students meeting certain GPA requirements may qualify for a GMAT waiver.

Accreditation: ACBSP, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Affordability Score: Average

#5 Cedarville University School of Business Administration – Cedarville, Ohio

Cedarville University’s School of Business includes a well-respected MBA with a concentration option in Cybersecurity. The program is accredited and 100% online.

Individuals interested in earning an MBA with a concentration in Cybersecurity can complete their degree online at Cedarville University. The program holds a reasonable tuition rate between $20,000 to $29,999 and is currently recognized as #164 on US News and World Report’s ranking for the top Online MBA programs. At Cedarville University the MBA focuses on general business knowledge from a biblical perspective. Accounting for Business Executives, Organizational Design and Behavior, Strategic Marketing Planning, and Executive Financial Management are all topics covered within the core curriculum. The concentration in Cybersecurity prepares students for leadership roles in the industry through in-depth study of Cybersecurity Law and Policy, Enterprise Security and Architecture, and Foundations of Risk Management. All of the courses within the degree are 100% online, but many include student-centered case studies, simulations, projects, and personal development. This commitment to interactive learning is an aspect that sets the Cedarville University apart from many other programs.

Cedarville University exists as a private Baptist University that was founded in 1887. Over the years they have grown to serve over 3,500 students annually and offer over 130 unique programs of study. The University is regionally accredited with the Higher Learning Commission and the School of Business includes a nationally recognized MBA program. Busy professionals will appreciate the online format and comprehensive curriculum. In order to apply to this faith-based program applicants must show evidence of their Christian faith, a completed bachelor’s degree with preferred GPA of 2.75 or higher, official transcripts, both a professional reference and Christian leader recommendation. Students from all undergraduate fields are encouraged to apply, however, some may be required to complete prerequisite business courses before beginning the program.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Affordability Score: Average

What is a Cybersecurity MBA?

Master’s of Business Administration degrees have become an essential part of career progression in the business world. Online Master’s degrees can especially be of interest to busy working professionals who are not wanting to step away from their current roles and responsibilities. There are many degrees offered in distance learning formats. They are entirely online or blended with on-campus components, giving students the flexibility needed to juggle the many aspects of their life while still working towards their academic and career goals.

Online MBA’s with concentration options focused in the area of Cybersecurity combine essential business skills with specialized technology-driven training. This Cybersecurity skill development can give business leaders a distinct advantage in today’s competitive industry.

Cybersecurity students will appreciate the affordability, flexibility, and expertise offered by high-quality online programs. Individuals with specific career goals in mind may also benefit from the fact that many of these degrees offer additional certifications such as CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker, and GIAC Certified Incident Handler.

Why is Cybersecurity important?

Today’s society is completely interconnected. Many people frequently pay bills, order groceries, and set their home alarm all just from their phone. When you begin to think about the internet and the many smart devices that have since become staples in our everyday lives, it is easy to focus on the convenience that these products bring.

While Apple smart watches, Amazon’s Alexa, and Netflix instant streaming are quite amazing, this type of merchandise often opens individuals up to the hacking of information such as bank accounts, identity theft, and fraud. The risks involved with these types of hacks are significantly higher when you relate it to a business scale such as the Target breach a few years ago.

Government, nonprofit, and private sectors all benefit and need Cybersecurity professionals who can help keep their company and individual citizen’s private information safe. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the employment rate for Information Security Analysts is expected to increase by 28 percent from 2016 to 2026. This growth is significantly higher than the seven percent projected for all occupations.

What can I do with a Cybersecurity MBA?

Graduates of Master’s of Business Administration programs with concentrations in Cybersecurity have the communication and leadership skills necessary to help propel businesses to the next level, and the technological background to keep digital assets safe in the process. MBA graduates with Cybersecurity specialization may qualify to work as Chief Information Security Officers, Forensic Experts, Cybersecurity Consultants, Information Security Testers, and much more. Typical responsibilities for Information Security Analyst include developing security standards and procedures within their organization, conducting penetration testing to find and prevent future cyber attacks, documenting existing security breaches, and educating employees on computer programs or software used for security purposes. While some responsibilities of

Cybersecurity Specialists do overlap with Information Technology Specialist is it is important to note that Cybersecurity professionals are primarily focused on protecting data and assets, whereas IT specialist’s primary concern is ensuring that computer networks, programs, and software function properly. Additionally, those in Cybersecurity have a great deal of responsibility in creating systems and processes to protect users and company’s data. This is a contrast to IT professionals who stay up to date on hardware, software, and creating solutions to recurring computer issues.

Business courses such as leadership, economics, and global communications all come together to help Cybersecurity professionals feel confident in the many diverse aspects of the digital security industry. The technology courses included also give graduates the background needed to create practices that prevent and respond to cyber attacks at any level.

As of May 2017, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics found that the median salaries for Information Security Analysts were $95,510. A few of the top paying industries within the field included Management of Companies and Enterprises, Information, and Computer System Design and related services. Additionally, metro-cities in the United States have reported top salaries for chief information security officers averaging up to $380,000.

In 2015 data from the U.S. Census showed that the median household income in the United States was $56,516. While this number has risen over the past several years, it is easy to see that completing an MBA in Cybersecurity to enter the field of digital information security shows a high return on investment potential. This is further proven by the fact that The Global Information Security Workforce Study predicts that there will be a workforce gap of 1.8 million Cybersecurity professionals by 2022, meaning those who are highly qualified in this field will likely continue to have ample job opportunities.