2022’s Top Online MBA Programs in Cybersecurity

An MBA can lead to higher salaries and increased career potential. Explore the best online MBA programs to find a school that fits your goals.

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A cybersecurity MBA trains students for lucrative, specialized information technology (IT) jobs. Professionals equipped with cybersecurity MBAs qualify for careers in information systems analysis, IT management, and senior executive administration. Employers often seek graduates with cybersecurity MBAs for their unique business and technical skills.

Graduates with cybersecurity MBAs can find jobs in nearly every industry, including healthcare, finance, retail, and government. Potential roles include information security analyst, cybersecurity engineer, cybersecurity advisor, or project manager.

Cybersecurity is a growing field. For example, information security analysts can expect a 33% increase in employment from 2020-2030, according to projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These professionals make a median annual salary of $103,590.

What Is an Online MBA in Cybersecurity?

An online MBA in cybersecurity gives learners the tools to build and maintain systems that keep information safe in a digital world. Poor cybersecurity practices can have devastating consequences on businesses. Management professionals with cybersecurity training can help ensure their companies' long-term success. An online MBA in cybersecurity prepares students to take on those management roles.

An online MBA in cybersecurity is a good option for those interested in the technical side of business and information systems security. Standard MBA coursework builds learners' managerial skills. Students also learn about current security solutions. They learn to analyze policies, trends, and intelligence to anticipate and react to cyber threats.

Students understand how to make business recommendations based on risk assessments. They can also give recommendations to reduce businesses' vulnerability to attacks.

Standard coursework for a cybersecurity concentration includes IT risk assessment; cybercrime and cyberterrorism; cloud security; and cybersecurity ethics, laws, and regulations. Core courses include business ethics, finance, marketing, operations management, business communication, and organizational behavior. Most MBA students also complete a capstone project, giving students hands-on experience in the field.

Online MBA programs in cybersecurity offer the same quality education as traditional, on-campus programs. Distance programs add flexibility, however, allowing learners to balance work, family, and education. Online schedules are often highly adaptable, combining synchronous and asynchronous learning.

An online MBA provides you with a solid foundation in business and management, while a focus on cybersecurity puts you in a high-demand field.

What is the Difference Between Cybersecurity and IT?

IT professionals implement new technology to help their organizations grow. They aim to maximize network performance, improve communications, and facilitate information-sharing.

IT security, a subfield of IT, concerns data protection. IT security professionals create and use systems and procedures that protect their organizations' data, whether physical or digital.

Cybersecurity is more specific than IT security, involving the protection of digital data. Cybersecurity professionals keep attackers from gaining access to networks, computers, programs, and data. Cybersecurity falls within the IT security umbrella.

IT professionals are responsible for programming, networking, and helping users with computer issues. Cybersecurity, on the other hand, focuses solely on protecting data. Cybersecurity requires constant supervision of an organization's network and data. Where IT is more project-driven, cybersecurity involves ongoing attention.

Cybersecurity jobs require strong technical skills. Professionals in this field often have backgrounds in system administration, networking, software development, and data integrity. Cybersecurity workers protect company assets, personal information, and other sensitive data, entailing a high level of responsibility.

Many cybersecurity professionals pursue undergraduate degrees in IT, computer science, and other technical subjects. An MBA is not necessary to work in this field. However, professionals who want to pursue entrepreneurship within the IT space may benefit from an online MBA in IT or cybersecurity.

An MBA teaches learners to understand organizations' goals. These goals impact how organizations handle data. MBAs also empower students to manage teams handling sensitive information. Because MBA programs include courses on leadership, graduates are equipped to build strong, trustworthy teams of people they can count on to keep their organizations' data safe.

What Jobs Will an Online MBA in Cybersecurity Prepare Me For?

If you determine that cybersecurity is the field for you, an online MBA in the subject can qualify you for a variety of options. Consider the following careers for graduates holding an online MBA in cybersecurity:

  • Chief Information Security Officer: CISOs are at the senior level of security for their organizations. These professionals oversee all development, implementation, and maintenance of security processes.
  • Forensics Expert: Forensic experts are sometimes called information security crime investigators. They investigate cyberattacks, finding any clues from attackers and system flaws that allowed the attack to happen.
  • Lead Software Security Engineer: Lead software security engineers head up security engineering teams. They analyze risk and develop software to keep data safe.
  • Penetration Tester: Penetrations testers find vulnerabilities in their organizations' networks.
  • Security Architect: Security architects analyze threats and recommend solutions. They train staff on policies and install security measures like VPNs and firewalls.

Any organization with a strong online presence needs equally solid cybersecurity. Such organizations include large corporations like Amazon and Target, social networks like Twitter and Facebook, financial institutions, universities, and tech companies.

An online MBA in cybersecurity provides insight into the technical side of business and information systems security. These learners also glean business and managerial skills from the core MBA curriculum. Learned skills may include:

  • Business ethics
  • Finance
  • Marketing
  • Operations management
  • Business communication
  • Organizational behavior
  • Security solutions
  • Policy analysis
  • Trends
  • Responses to cyber threats
  • Risk assessments

Online information systems have become the standard for everyday practices. For that reason, more and more organizations are storing their information digitally. This creates an increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals.

With an online MBA in cybersecurity, you may be a source of knowledge and skills that employers find valuable.

Will Employers Care if My Cybersecurity MBA Program Was Online?

Prospective students might wonder what employers think of online MBAs. Fortunately, online MBAs commonly carry as much weight as their on-campus counterparts.

As online education becomes more common, employers are less likely to see an online MBA in cybersecurity as inferior to a traditional one. In most cases, employers cannot even tell whether a candidate earned their degree online or in person — especially if the degree comes from a university with a brick-and-mortar campus.

To ensure your online MBA is worth it, make sure to choose a properly accredited program. MBA accreditation involves both regional and subject-specific entities. Regional accreditation applies on a school-wide basis and comes from the following organizations:

  • Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
  • New England Association of Schools and Colleges
  • North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
  • Northwest Accreditation Commission
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  • Western Association of Schools and Colleges

If your school of choice is regionally accredited, make sure its business school and/or MBA program holds programmatic accreditation as well. Subject-specific accreditors include:

  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
  • Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
  • International Accreditation Council for Business Education

As long as your online MBA in cybersecurity is fully accredited, employers should value it as much as they would an on-campus MBA.

2022’s Top Online MBA Programs in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is a fast-growing industry with several possible career pathways. An MBA in cybersecurity can get learners one step closer to their dream careers. The below ranking showcases the five best online MBA programs for cybersecurity in 2022 to start your search

Discover how we ranked these programs on the following page:

University of South Florida-St Petersburg

The University of South Florida was founded in 1956 with its first students attending in 1960. Between its three campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee, the university has a student body of more than 50,000

Online Master of Business Administration in Cybersecurity

Prospective MBA students can take up to 16 foundation credits to prepare them for USFSP's MBA program. Those with eligible transfer credits can waive some or all of these courses and complete the 33-credit core and elective program

Learners taking the cybersecurity concentration choose from database administration, risk management and legal compliance, and other technical courses. A graduate director assists students in selecting an additional elective to round out the 15-credit concentration.

A 6-credit thesis or 3-credit practicum is an acceptable alternative to elective credits. All students must complete a capstone course or comprehensive exam to test their understanding at the end of the program.

USFSP's Affordability

Bachelor's degree graduates may be able to waive foundation courses to save time and tuition costs. USFSP's financial aid options include loans, partial scholarships, and veterans' tuition assistance

Program at a Glance�

  • School Type: Public
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC, AACSB
  • Tuition: $497/credit (foundation courses); $750/credit (core, elective, and capstone courses)
  • Required Credits: 49 credits
  • Program Length: 1-3 years
  • Delivery Format: 100% online
  • Admissions
    • Process: Prospective students should submit an online application, official transcripts from an accredited bachelor's degree, and GMAT or GRE scores. USFSP also requires a statement of purpose, resume, and three reference letters
    • GPA: 3.3 GPA preferred
    • Standardized Tests: GMAT, GRE
    • Cost: $30 application fee

The University of Texas at Tyler

Located in Tyler, Texas, the UT Tyler campus sits on over 200 acres that include a performing arts center and a health science center. Nearly 100 student organizations and six academic colleges make UC Tyler a diverse learning community

Master of Business Administration with a Concentration in Cybersecurity Online

UT Tyler's MBA with a cybersecurity concentration teaches cybersecurity with a managerial-focused approach. Learners can expect to enter careers as project managers, security systems administrators, and other tech-forward leadership roles.

The College of Business and Technology offers this MBA program. The curriculum uses National Security Agency's ISAM methodology to explore risk management and quick-acting strategies

The concentration includes cybersecurity, cybersecurity management, and cybersecurity risk analysis courses. Core courses, such as decision making in operations management and organizational behavior, cover general management theory and practice.

Online students may complete up to two proctored exams per class using a webcam with livestreaming capabilities.

UT Tyler's Affordability

Eligible graduate students may apply for an assistantship to receive an in-state tuition waiver. Fellowships provide a $1,000 award that applies to graduate tuition. Fellowship recipients may receive an in-state tuition waiver for their first year.

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Public
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC, AACSB
  • Tuition: $856.10/credit
  • Required Credits: 36 credits
  • Program Length: 1 year
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous)
  • Admissions
    • Process: Applicants must submit official transcripts from a regionally accredited bachelor's degree program. Additionally, UT Tyler requires two professional letters of recommendation and GMAT scores.
    • GPA: 3.25 to waive GMAT
    • Standardized Tests: GMAT
    • Cost: $50 application fee

Regent University

Regent opened in 1978. Throughout the 2000s, the private Christian university expanded with new facilities, such as its student center and performing arts center. Today, its 70-acre campus serves more than 11,000 students

MBA in Cybersecurity Management

Prospective cybersecurity analysts, consultants, and auditors can enroll in Regent's MBA in cybersecurity management to blend business strategy concepts with technical cybersecurity practices. The program focuses on bridging the gap between executives and technology professionals to help businesses make informed security decisions

Examples of concentration courses include cybersecurity ethics, information systems security and assurance, and information security management. A business continuation and disaster recovery course requires learners to develop strategic plans to counteract and recover from cyber events

Enrollees must choose one foundation course before beginning their core and concentration courses

Regent's Affordability

Regent's flat-rate tuition prices keep rates affordable for out-of-state students. The university strives to keep its tuition costs lower than comparable private institutions. Additionally, Regent awards several grants and scholarships to eligible students

Program at a Glance�

  • School Type: Private
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC, ACBSP
  • Tuition: $675/credit
  • Required Credits: 42 credits
  • Program Length: 5-7 semesters�
  • Delivery Format: 100% online
  • Admissions
    • Process: Enrollees should send Regent their unofficial transcripts and complete an admissions questionnaire and application for conditional acceptance. Regent then requires official transcripts and a copy of government-issued identification.
    • GPA: N/A
    • Standardized Tests: None
    • Cost: N/A

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

UNCG became part of the University of North Carolina higher education system in 1971. More than 19,000 students make up its diverse student body across its 27-building campus

Master of Business Administration with a Concentration in Cybersecurity

UNCG's flexible cybersecurity MBA features year-round classes and asynchronous online learning or evening schedules to accommodate most learners. Learners get a streamlined program start with no prerequisite courses or standardized tests.

Students with fewer than five years of professional experience must complete a mentorship program and three-day orientation before beginning their courses. Experienced learners can waive these requirements, resulting in a 33-credit core rather than 36 credits.

The cybersecurity concentration includes nine credits from four courses, such as principles of cybersecurity and global cyberthreat analysis. A required capstone course places students in teams to consult with real businesses on day-to-day challenges and strategic development

UNCG's Affordability

UNCG's tuition rate for online learners allows them to study from any state for lower tuition than out-of-state students. The school participates in federal financial aid programs, including grants and loans.

Program at a Glance�

  • School Type: Public
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC, AACSB
  • Tuition: $24,000/program, (in-state); $36,500/program (online); $57,500/program (out-of-state)
  • Required Credits: 45 credits
  • Program Length: 18 months
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous) or on campus
  • Admissions
    • Process: Applicants must submit an introductory video and official transcripts from their bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Additional documentation includes a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and a resume.
    • GPA: N/A
    • Standardized Tests: None
    • Cost: $65 application fee

Tennessee Technological University

Tennessee Tech provides undergraduate and graduate degrees through eight academic schools, including the College of Business. The university boasts14 NCAA Division I teams in tennis, men's baseball, women's basketball, and other athletic programs.

Business Administration Cyber Management and Analytics Certificate MBA

The AACSB-accredited MBA program from Tennessee Tech allows students to receive a cyber management and analytics certificate in addition to a traditional MBA

Cybersecurity students explore network security, database management, and data analytics in a curriculum with six more credits than the general MBA. A project management course allows students to discover real-life strategies for planning, organizing, and executing technical projects.

Core courses include financial management and strategic marketing. Enrollees may transfer up to nine credits taken within the past five years to their MBA program to accelerate their degree.

Tennessee Tech's Affordability

Tennessee Tech's flat-rate tuition plan covers terms rather than credits. Therefore, students taking at least 12 credits in a term qualify for one rate, regardless of any additional credits they take

Program at a Glance�

  • School Type: Public
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC, AACSB
  • Tuition: $5,688/term (in-state); $12,222/term (out-of-state)�
  • Required Credits: 36 credits
  • Program Length: 1-2 years
  • Delivery Format: 100% online or on campus
  • Admissions
    • Process: Tennessee Tech applicants submit official transcripts, test scores, and one letter of recommendation with their applications. Proof of work experience may be necessary for some students.
    • GPA: 2.5 GPA
    • Standardized Tests: GMAT or GRE
    • Cost: $35 application fee

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