If you’re considering advancing your career in cybersecurity, an MBA might be just what you need. Unlike a master’s degree, an MBA equips you not only with technical expertise but also with essential business skills to lead cybersecurity initiatives.
Let’s take a look at the top MBA in Cybersecurity programs that offer this special mix of skills.
Summary
- The schools offering some of the best specialized MBA programs in Cybersecurity are Lancaster University, American University (Kogod), and Baylor University (Hankamer).
- The main benefit of this type of program is that it offers a holistic understanding of cybersecurity’s role in business.
- An MBA in Cybersecurity opens doors to roles such as CISO, Cybersecurity Manager, Information Security Analyst, Consultant, and more.
- Cybersecurity roles like Information Security Analysts (32% growth) and Computer and Information Systems Managers (15% growth), are rapidly expanding.
Top MBA in Cybersecurity programs:
| School Name | Program |
|---|---|
| Lancaster University | Cybersecurity Executive MBA |
| American University (Kogod) | MBA, Cybersecurity electives |
| Baylor University (Hankamer) | MBA, Cybersecurity concentration |
| Florida International University | MBA in Cybersecurity Risk Management |
| Central Michigan University | MBA, Cybersecurity emphasis |
| Bellevue University | MBA, Cybersecurity concentration |
| Colorado Christian University | MBA, Cybersecurity emphasis |
| Florida Institute of Technology | Online MBA in Cybersecurity |
| Grand Canyon University | MBA, Cybersecurity emphasis |
| John Brown University | MBA Cybersecurity |
Lancaster University
Highlight: Designed for experienced professionals
Relevant courses: Cybersecurity Core Technologies, Cybersecurity Operations and Incident Response, Cybersecurity Risk Management and Governance, Global Operations and Marketing Management in the Cyber Context
Admission requirements:
- 2:1 Hons degree or equivalent
- 5+ years of professional experience
- Interview with the program director
| University | Delivery Method | Duration | Tuition | Scholarships Available | International Students | Accreditation | Education Rankings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lancaster University | Hybrid, part-time | 2 years | £36,000 | Yes | 38% | AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS, Small Business Charter | Times Higher Education World University Rankings in Business and Economics (99), QS Business & Management Studies (70) |
American University (Kogod)
Highlight: Designed for mid-career professionals
Relevant courses: Cybersecurity Risk Management, Database and Big Data, Cybersecurity Governance
Admission requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent + transcripts
- 3 or more years of professional experience preferred
- Personal statement essay
- Letter of recommendation
- GMAT/GRE or waiver essay
| University | Delivery Method | Duration | Tuition | Scholarships Available | International Students | Average GPA | Average GMAT | Accreditation | Education Rankings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American University (Kogod) | Online | 12-month, 15-month, or 18-month track | $1,922 per credit (x 48 credits = $92,256) | Yes | 37% | 3.16 | N/A | AACSB, Middle States Commission on Higher Education | QS Global MBA Rankings (131-140), Bloomberg Best B-Schools US (62) |
Baylor University (Hankamer)
Highlight: Designed for early-career professionals
Relevant courses: Cybersecurity Fundamentals, Organizational Strategies for Cybersecurity
Admission requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) + transcripts
- Cover letter
- Letter of recommendation
- GMAT/GRE (optional)
| University | Delivery Method | Duration | Tuition | Scholarships Available | International Students | Average GPA | Average GMAT | Accreditation | Education Rankings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baylor University (Hankamer) | In-person | 18 months | $91,374 (approx.) | Yes | 22% | 3.46 | 624 | AACSB | U.S. News Best Business Schools (60), QS Global MBA Rankings (151-200), Bloomberg Best B-Schools US (50) |
Florida International University
Highlight: STEM-designated, qualifies as a 2-year educational waiver for CISA and CISM certifications
Relevant courses: Cybersecurity Governance and Strategy, Information Security Management, Business Cybersecurity Data Visualization and Reporting, Protecting and Defending Business Digital Assets
Admission requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Minimum 4 years of professional experience in cybersecurity or related fields ( waivers possible)
- Minimum upper division grade point average (GPA) of 3.0
- Resume
- Statement of purpose
| University | Delivery Method | Duration | Tuition | Scholarships Available | International Students | Average GPA | Accreditation | Education Rankings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida International University | Hybrid | 20 months | $900 per credit (x 45 =$40,500) | Yes | 6.25% (approx.) | N/A | SACSCOC, AACSB | U.S. News Top Public Schools (64), U.S News Best National University (124) |
Central Michigan University
Highlight: Opportunities for transfer students
Relevant courses: focusing on threat detection, data analysis, and legal skills to protect organizational data
Admission requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Minimum 2.7 GPA
- Minimum GMAT 450, waivers available
- Statement of purpose
| University | Delivery Method | Duration | Tuition | Scholarships Available | International Students | Average GPA | Average GMAT | Accreditation | Education Rankings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Michigan University | Online or in-person | 1-2 years | $458 to $875 per credit hour, based on residency and total credit hours completed ($10,992-$42,000) | Yes | 11.6% | N/A | N/A | Higher Learning Commission, AACSB | U.S. News Best Online MBA Programs (120), U.S. News Best National Universities (260) |
Bellevue University
Highlight: GMAT/GRE-free application
Relevant courses: Computer Forensics, Cloud Computing, Ethical Hacking and Response
Admission requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent + transcripts
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 in the last 60 undergraduate credits or a 3.0 in prior graduate coursework
| University | Delivery Method | Duration | Tuition | Scholarships Available | International Students | Average GPA | Accreditation | Education Rankings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bellevue University | Online or in-person | Flexible | $649 per credit hour ($23,364 – $25,311 depending on number of credits) | Yes | N/A | N/A | Higher Learning Commission, IACBE | U.S. News Regional Universities Midwest (149-164) |
Colorado Christian University
Highlight: GMAT/GRE-free application
Relevant courses: ethics and design of a cyber-based business model, the principles and mindset of cyber criminology, and creating security policy and governance.
Admission requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) + transcripts
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- 5 years of professional work experience
- Fulfilled prerequisite courses in accounting, finance, and statistics
| University | Delivery Method | Duration | Tuition | Scholarships Available | International Students | Average GPA | Accreditation | Education Rankings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Christian University | Online | 18 months | $628 per credit hour (x 39 credits = $24,492) | Yes | N/A | N/A | Higher Learning Commission | U.S. News Regional Universities West (51) |
Florida Institute of Technology
Highlight: GMAT/GRE-free application
Relevant courses: Introduction to Information Security Management, Security in the Enterprise, Host-Based Security, Secure Networks and Communication
Admission requirements:
- Undergraduate degree or high school graduation documentation/ GED if under 24 credits completed + transcripts
- Coursework from accredited schools will be evaluated for transfer credits; a minimum grade of C- is required
- Resume/CV
| University | Delivery Method | Duration | Tuition | Scholarships Available | International Students | Average GPA | Accreditation | Education Rankings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Institute of Technology | Online | 2 years/Flexible | $920 per credit hour (x 36 credits = $33,120) | Yes | N/A | N/A | IACBE, SACSCOC | The Princeton Review Top 50 Online MBA Program (47) |
Grand Canyon University
Highlight: Transfer-friendly school
Relevant courses: Cyber Warfare and Applications, Enterprise Security Infrastructure Design
Admission requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree + transcripts
- Minimum 2.8 GPA
- Students with low GPAs may qualify with GMAT scores of 500 or GRE scores of 1000 (prior to 8/1/11) or 300 (after 8/1/11) combined for verbal and quantitative sections (optional)
| University | Delivery Method | Duration | Tuition | Scholarships Available | International Students | Average GPA | Average GMAT | Accreditation | Education Rankings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Canyon University | Online or in-person | 2 years | $640 per credit (x 54 = $34,560) | Yes | N/A | N/A | N/A | ACBSP | U.S. News Best National Universities (395-435) |
John Brown University
Highlight: GMAT/GRE-free application
Relevant courses: Information Technology Risk Management, Security Policies and Privacy, Security Management of Information Systems (CISM)
Admission requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) + transcripts
- Minimum 2.75 GPA
- Undergraduate coursework in finance, accounting, statistics, and economics (only needed to enroll in the 36-credit hour MBA)
- Application essay
| University | Delivery Method | Duration | Tuition | Scholarships Available | International Students | Average GPA | Accreditation | Education Rankings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Brown University | Online | 2 years (flexible) | $640 per credit hour (x 36 to 45 credits = $23,040 – $28,800) | Yes | N/A | N/A | Higher Learning Commission, ACBSP | U.S. News Best Regional Universities South (13) |
MBA in Cybersecurity Benefits
Cybersecurity is vital for protecting important systems and information worldwide. It helps keep critical infrastructure secure, maintains national security, and ensures trust in digital interactions across countries. An MBA in Cybersecurity can empower you to lead these operations effectively.
Here are some of its benefits:
- Enhanced business perspective. Understand how cybersecurity fits into overall business goals, helping you implement security measures that support the company’s mission, such as integrating security into new product launches in tech firms.
- Leadership skills. Learn to lead cybersecurity teams effectively, preparing you for roles like Cybersecurity Director in large companies.
- Career growth. Expand your career options and potential earnings, with opportunities for promotions to senior roles or transitions to specialized areas within cybersecurity, such as moving from an analyst to a consultant in a top consulting firm.
- Global impact. Gain skills to address cybersecurity issues worldwide, allowing you to contribute to international initiatives or work for global companies, like overseeing cybersecurity for a multinational corporation to protect data across borders.
- Networking opportunities. You’ll expand your network by connecting with industry leaders, peers, and experts, paving the way for new career opportunities. Participating in cybersecurity events or alumni networking sessions can lead to valuable connections and job prospects.
Careers with an MBA in Cybersecurity
A cybersecurity MBA can fast-track career progression by blending leadership skills with specialized knowledge. Leveraging existing experience, you can move from a mid-level role to a manager.
With 5-10 years of experience and an MBA, you’ll be well-positioned for executive roles like Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), where you’ll oversee cybersecurity strategies for organizations.
Here are some careers with an MBA in Cybersecurity:
- Cybersecurity Manager/Director. Oversee security measures, manage teams, and ensure the protection of digital assets within organizations.
- Information Security Analyst. Analyze security data, identify threats, and recommend solutions to enhance security.
- Cybersecurity Consultant. Provide advisory services, conduct risk assessments, and assist in developing security strategies for organizations.
- Cybersecurity Policy Analyst. Develop, evaluate, and enforce cybersecurity policies and procedures within organizations.
- Security Operations Center (SOC) Manager. Manage day-to-day operations of a SOC, monitor and respond to security incidents, and coordinate with other teams.
- Security Compliance Manager. Ensure adherence to cybersecurity regulations and standards, conduct audits, and implement measures to maintain compliance within organizations.
- Cybersecurity Entrepreneur. Start and run cybersecurity businesses, providing services or products to clients, and coming up with new solutions for cybersecurity problems.
Cybersecurity Job Outlook
The need for cybersecurity experts is booming as cyber threats become more complex. Roles like Information Security Analysts and Computer and Information Systems Managers are experiencing rapid growth rates of 32% and 15%, respectively, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
From entry-level to senior roles like Chief Information Security Officers, there are many job opportunities, especially in finance, healthcare, and technology.
MBA in Cybersecurity Salary
Those with an MBA in Cybersecurity typically make anywhere from $80,000 to $250,000 per year in the US, depending on factors like job title, location, and experience.
Roles such as Cybersecurity Manager or Cybersecurity Consultant tend to pay well. On top of base salaries, they may also get bonuses and other perks based on performance.
Here’s a look at some common positions and what they pay according to data from Payscale:
- Cybersecurity Manager/Director – $152K – $253K
- Information Security Analyst – $95K – $153K
- Cybersecurity Consultant – $111K – $186K
- Cybersecurity Policy Analyst – $104K – $160K
- Security Operations Center (SOC) Manager – $83K – $135K
- Security Compliance Manager – $119K – $198K
MBA vs Masters in Cybersecurity
An MBA in Cyber Security mixes business and cybersecurity skills, which makes it more suitable if you have a couple of years of experience in the field.
An MBA in Cyber Security is ideal if you’re looking for:
- Leadership. Ideal for climbing the corporate ladder, leading teams, and aligning cybersecurity with business goals.
- Broad skills. Learning business skills alongside cybersecurity, crucial for communicating with non-tech staff.
- Entrepreneurial. Great if you want to start a cybersecurity business or consultancy.
On the other hand, a Master’s in Cyber Security offers technical expertise, better for newcomers or mid-career individuals.
A master’s degree in cybersecurity is better if you’re looking for:
- Deep tech. Focusing on technical skills like cryptography and hacking for specialized roles.
- Research focus. Great for academic or research careers in cybersecurity.
- Specialized. Preparing for roles like penetration tester or security architect.
Online vs. In-person MBA in Cybersecurity
Choosing an online MBA in Cybersecurity offers flexibility for busy schedules but might miss out on face-to-face networking and hands-on experiences.
In-person programs provide valuable interaction and immediate feedback but may have stricter schedules and limited accessibility for some.
The decision ultimately relies on your lifestyle, career objectives, and the level of practical experience desired in the cybersecurity field.
Note: Many of the programs we’ve listed are fully online, so if you’re an international student, you can join them and earn your degree from anywhere. However, keep in mind that these programs might not meet the criteria for an F-1 visa to study in the United States. So, make sure to check if the program you choose meets visa requirements if you plan to study in the US.