An MBA in Cyber Security is a rare academic program that offers students advanced business administration and IT security training. This degree is the perfect choice for individuals who want to become managers and administrators in technology driven organizations. These degree programs balance strategic planning, analysis and management courses with cyber threat, mitigation and response courses.
Program Outcomes
Graduates of MBA in Cyber Security programs have the communication skills and analytical tools to address risk and incident management challenges. They will have collaborative competencies to work with diverse coworkers and clients in various settings. MBA in Cyber Security graduates will have the ability to analyze information through comprehensive research and comparative analysis to solve cyber security issues and management problems. They will be competent in using analytical tools, systems and applications to develop solutions that exceed risk and security expectations. They will know how to compile, analyze and assess the current best practices in information security in order to identify vulnerabilities and opportunities for improvement. Graduates will be able to integrate principles and techniques of risk analysis, project planning and change management.
Common Curriculum Topics
All cyber security MBA programs will have classes on risk management, so students will be familiar with industry standards like risk management frameworks. They will know how to complete deliverables and communicate the results of projects to executives. Programs will teach students how to review and analyze the compliance implications of cyber security policies within risk management frameworks. Students will learn to assess system vulnerabilities, reverse engineer threats, conduct controlled experiments and produce effective mitigation plans and tactics. MBA coursework will cover organizational leadership, so students will understand managerial dynamics, technology shifts and the evolution of security threats and work processes. Classes on statistical research will examine the methodologies used in the management of IT security and technology. Students will learn standard quantitative and qualitative methodologies, so they will understand things like research design, data collection, expert interviewing and action plans.
Degree Alternatives
Although a cyber security MBA is an excellent choice, MBAs are the most common graduate degree. This means that many similar job hunters will possess similar academic credentials. Those who want to differentiate themselves from the competition and who aren’t interested in leadership positions can simply earn a master of science in cyber security. By obtaining this graduate degree, they will gain specific high-level training related to threats, security and risk management. Cyber security graduate programs will focus on computer, software and information systems science, while an MBA will be focus on policy, practice and leadership. Alternatively, students can pursue a master’s degree in computer science or engineering as well as information assurance or technology. Deciding which degree is best depends on personal goals and circumstances. Either way, students should examine what the program offers their long-term careers in order to establish their educational goals.
Related Resource: Part-time MBA
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, graduates of MBA in Cyber Security programs may go on to find work as information security analysts, system security officers and risk management analysts. They may also find work as information system engineers, managers and incident response administrators.