The role of cybersecurity expert is one that has a solid future. The internet has become a part of daily life and bad actors have shifted their illegal activities to the virtual world. Someone working in the field has good job security, but employers don’t always recognize the value of the role. The cybersecurity MBA offers the opportunity for a cybersecurity expert to advance into a management role and change how the organization views the need for cybersecurity.
A cybersecurity MBA helps you build on your undergraduate degree and refine the skills you’ve learned during your career or undergraduate studies. Getting an MBA in cybersecurity gives you the opportunity to bridge the gap between the boardroom and the server room, making sure that your company is not only secure, but that business and security bring out the best in each other.
Methodology: Ranking the Best MBA Cybersecurity Programs
Great Business Schools is committed to quality education that makes a real impact on graduates’ careers. For that reason, we only feature reputable, accredited colleges and universities, ranking programs according to practical factors: cost, graduate salary, and student satisfaction. Data comes from Niche and IPEDS.
1. Georgetown University
Georgetown University offers a Master’s in Cybersecurity Risk Management that can be finished as a full-time or part-time student in 2 to five years. While not an MBA cybersecurity degree program, Georgetown requires the completion of 33 semester units to graduate. Foundational coursework for Georgetown’s cybersecurity graduate degree includes ethics in cybersecurity, disruptive technology & organizational change, security architecture, and information assurance & risk management, to name a few. This cybersecurity graduate program is available entirely online or on-campus, with the exact same curriculum.
Georgetown University (Georgetown) was established in 1789. The university’s campus in the nation’s capital serves more than 18,900 students and is considered a highly selective institution of higher education.
Highlight Georgetown University holds the distinction of being the United States’ oldest Catholic higher learning institution.
Degree Master’s in Cybersecurity Risk Management
2. University of Maryland
The University of Maryland offers a Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity that is provided in collaboration with the state’s cybersecurity center. The University of Maryland’s best MBA cybersecurity program includes coursework in embedded system hacking, applied cryptography, digital forensics, and hack of ‘C’ programs & Unix binaries, to name a few. This graduate degree from the University of Maryland in cybersecurity is available entirely online, which allows the flexibility working learners require to complete the degree.
The University of Maryland (UMaryland) was founded in 1856 and now operates as the state university’s flagship campus. The University of Maryland is a sea-grant, space-grant, and land-grant institution of higher learning with a student enrollment that exceeds 40,100 students.
Highlight In terms of research spending, the University of Maryland ranks among the top 50 of all schools in the country.
Degree Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity
3. Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University’s Information Security Institute, in conjunction with the Whiting Engineering School offers a master’s degree in Security Informatics that mirrors some of the best MBA cybersecurity curriculums. Within Hopkins’ master’s degree program in cybersecurity, students can opt to follow a number of academic tracks – cryptography, forensics, intrusion detection, security analytics, ethical hacking, network security, and global cybersecurity trends, to name a few. Johns Hopkins University’s cybersecurity center and educational facilities have been designated by the federal government as a center of academic excellence.
Johns Hopkins University (Hopkins) is recognized among the most elite of higher learning institutions across the globe. The many campuses maintained by Johns Hopkins University serves more than 25,700 students, the majority of whom are graduate students.
Highlight Johns Hopkins University operates campuses on several continents in Asia, and Europe, and the Americas.
Degree Security Informatics, MS
4. Brown University
Brown University offers a Master’s in Cybersecurity (ScM) that can be completed in 16 months almost entirely online, with limited residency requirements. Brown University’s best MBA cybersecurity program includes coursework like advanced topics in computer security, applied cryptography, intro to computer security, cybersecurity management of IT Systems and risks, plus a critical challenge capstone project, among others. Brown University is a rigorous degree but designed for working learners in need of flexibility but an elite degree that challenges them personally and offers professional advancement.
Brown University (Brown) was established in 1764 when Rhode Island was still an English Colony. This Ivy League university serves more than 10,100 students and is recognized worldwide as an innovative school that participates in world problem solving.
Highlight Brown University holds the distinction of being the first higher learning institution in the United States that accepts students regardless of their religious heritage.
Degree Master’s in Cybersecurity
5. University at Albany
The University at Albany School of Business offers a Master’s degree in Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity that can be completed in two semesters plus a related internship the following summer. The University at Albany’sbest MBA cybersecurity program requires the completion of 30 semester units and offers students these academic tracks – digital forensics, cyber defense, or cyber operations. Previous employers of the University at Albany graduates of the cybersecurity degree program include General Electric, Ernst & Young, the Center for Internet Security, and the Albany Medical Center, to name a few.
The University at Albany (UAlbany) was established as a normal college in 1844. As a member of the SUNY system, The University at Albany operates several campuses in the state’s capital region that serves more than 16,900 students.
Highlight The University at Albany hosts the New York State Writer’s Institute and is home to a museum of contemporary art.
Degree Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity, MS
6. Northeastern University
Northeastern University D’Amore-McKim Business/Khoury College of Computer Sciences/ School offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with an academic concentration that is recognized among New England’s best MBA cybersecurity programs. Degree candidates for Northeastern University’s MBS in cybersecurity must complete classes in software vulnerabilities & security, the social impact of business, career management, customer value & the enterprise, privacy, security and usability, and communications security & cryptography, among others. This graduate business and cyber security degree requires the completion of 55 semester credits over a two-year period if studying full time.
Northeastern University (Northeastern) was found as a research higher learning institution in 1898. The school operates multiple campuses throughout the country and internationally with a student enrollment that nears 28,000 students.
Highlight Northeastern University offers its students nearly 175 study abroad opportunities across the world.
Degree MBA in Cyber Security
7. University of Alabama
The University of Alabama College of Arts and Sciences, in conjunction with a number of interdisciplinary partnerships, offers a Master’s degree in Cyber Security with two academic tracks from which to choose – Information Technology Fraud & Audit Examination or Cybercrime Investigation & Computer Forensics. This best MBA cybersecurity program from the University of Alabama offers accelerated/fast-track options for this graduate degree. Classes for the University of Alabama’s cybersecurity degree include software engineering, mobile application development, systems programming, modern cryptography, cloud security, and computer security, among others.
The University of Alabama was established in 1820. The University of Alabama is the oldest/largest of universities and serves more than 38,100 students.
Highlight The University of Alabama boasts being the only higher learning institution in the state of Alabama with a law school and being the flagship campus for the state’s university system.
Degree MS in Cyber Security
8. University of Maine
The University of Maine offers an MS or an MBA in Information Systems that are recognized among the state and the nation’s best MBA cybersecurity programs. Coursework for the cybersecurity portions of these degree programs includes human computer interaction, design of information systems, formal foundations for information science, information systems law, plus several electives from the cyber security curriculum.
The University of Maine (Maine) was established as the result of the Morrill Land Grant Colleges Act in 1865. The university is also a space-grant and sea-grant higher learning institution that represents Maine as its flagship campus.
Highlight The University of Maine holds the distinction of being the state’s largest of all institutions of higher education.
Degree Information Systems, MBA&MS
9. University of Baltimore
The University of Baltimore Merrick School of Business offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in Cyber Security and Organizational Resilience that requires the completion of nine semester units in this specialization. Coursework for the University of Baltimore’s best MBA cybersecurity program includes digital transformation, digital innovation, visual business intelligence, the principles of information security management and information security/business continuity, to name a few. Students graduate prepared to respond to threats/risks and to protect companies and governments in the digital technology realm.
The University of Baltimore (Baltimore) was established in 1925. The urban campus for the University of Baltimore serves more than 2,700 students studying for the law, business, applied art/sciences, or public affairs degrees offered by the university’s four colleges/schools.
Highlight The University of Baltimore operates campuses in Rockville, Maryland and has also partnered with other colleges throughout the state of Maryland.
Degree Cyber Security and Organizational Resilience, MBA
10. St Thomas University
St. Thomas University offers an MBA in Cyber Security Management that is considered among the Sunshine State’s best MBA cybersecurity programs. Additionally, this all-online Master of Business Administration degree in cyber security can also be completed through St Thomas university’s accelerated program tracks. The Master of Business Administration degree in cybersecurity offered by St. Thomas University includes 36 credit units, of which twelve must be from the cyber security management specialization’s curriculum – ethical hacking, cybersecurity management law, cyber security governance, and cyber security technology and operations, plus a business internship, among others.
St. Thomas University (St. Thomas) was established in 1961 with roots in Havana, Cuba. This nonprofit higher learning institution in Miami Gardens Florida, serves more than 2,300 undergraduate and graduate students.
Highlight The school is named to honor St. Thomas of Villanova, the school’s predecessor in Cuba.
Degree Cybersecurity, MBA
11. Valparaiso University
Valparaiso University’s Department of Computing & Information Sciences offers a Master in Cyber security degree program that requires degree candidates to complete a total of 36 semester units to meet program requirements. Core classes for this best MBA cybersecurity program from Valparaiso University include ethics in information technology, IT Risk management, technology, law & society, securing and administering systems in Linux and Windows Environments, corporate data protection, and theory & practice of cryptography, plus either a thesis, a research capstone project, or an MBA cybersecurity internship to meet program requirements.
Valparaiso University (Valparaiso) is a private coeducation higher learning education affiliated with the Lutheran Church. The school’s suburban campus in Valparaiso covers more than 300 acres and serves more than 4,300 undergraduate and graduate degree students.
Highlight Although found by Methodists, the Lutheran University system operates the school currently.
Degree Master in Cyber security
12. Lewis University
Lewis University’s College of Aviation, Science, and Technology offers a Master’s degree in Information Security with a curriculum that meets the criteria as set forth by CNSS – the Committee on National Security Systems Training Standards. Lewis University’s best MBA cybersecurity program can be completed entirely online and offers two academic emphases – the management concentration or technical concentration. Each of these concentrations requires degree candidates to complete a four month research project to meet program requirements. Students graduating from Lewis University’s cybersecurity graduate degree are prepared to sit for the highly-regarded CISSP credential test.
Lewis University (Lewis) was established by the Lasallians as a Roman Catholic higher learning institution in 1932. This Lasallians higher learning institute serves more than 4,400 students from its Romeoville campus.
Highlight Lewis University was used to train pilots for the navy during World War II, which temporarily suspended classes.
Degree Information Security, MS
13. St John’s University
St John’s University’s Collins College of Professional Studies offers a Master’s degree in Cyber and Information Security that requires the completion of 30 graduate semester credits to graduate. St John’s University’s best MBA cybersecurity program offers working learners the flexibility needed to complete this graduate level cyber security academic degree. Core coursework includes foundation sin cybersecurity, protection of digital infrastructure, plus coursework in one of three concentrations – data science, cyber security, or IT Enterprise. Students graduate from St John’s University’s graduate cybersecurity degree program to become IT security architects, data security analysts, or information security specialists, to name a few.
St John’s University (SJU) was established to serve underprivileged youth in 1870. This Vincentian higher learning institution serves more than 20,900 students in and around the New York City borough of Queens.
Highlight St John’s University operates campuses throughout New York City, Long Island, and Internationally in Italy, Ireland, and France.
Degree MS in Cyber and Information Security
14. University of Dayton
The University of Dayton School of Business Administration/Department of Management Information Science, Operations Management & Decision Sciences offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree inCyber Security Management that is considered among Ohio’s best MBA cybersecurity programs. Core classes for the cyber security portion of Dayton’s MBA degree include managing telecommunication & Network systems, managing internet security, and security management for information, among others. Dayton’s MBA cyber security degree program prepares students for these highly regarded credentials – ISC2, CAP, and CompTIA’s Network+ and Security+, among others.
The University of Dayton (Dayton) was established in 1870. The University of Dayton’s urban campus serves more than 10,200 undergraduate and graduate students.
Highlight The University of Dayton holds the distinction of being the largest of all private higher learning institutions and one of the three Marianist (Roman Catholic) universities in the country.
Degree Cybersecurity Management, MBA
15. Pepperdine University
Pepperdine University’s Graziadio School of Business offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in Digital Innovation & Information Systems that is considered among the Golden State’s best MBA cybersecurity programs. Students graduate from Pepperdine University’s Master of Business Administration degree in cybersecurity program to find rewarding careers as technology analysts, IT directors, enterprise architects, operations management, technology product managers, and digital business consultants, to name a few. Coursework includes managing cybersecurity risk, digital innovation and strategy, databases and big data management, designing, sourcing, and digital building platforms, and information systems applied research capstone project, among others.
Pepperdine University (Pepperdine) was established in 1937. Collectively, Pepperdine University’s campuses serve nearly 8,000 students.
Highlight The Churches of Christ remain affiliated with the university, which operates campuses through California and the District of Columbia as well internationally in Germany, Italy, China, London, Switzerland, and South America, among others.
Degree Digital Innovation and Information Systems, MBA
16. Florida Institute of Technology
Florida Institute of Technology offers a master’s degree in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity that offers a flexible, convenient course load for working learners. Florida Institute of Technology’s best MBA cybersecurity program coordinates with the Harris Institute for Assured Information to apply the theoretical knowledge previously learned. Coursework explores these relevant topics – protection strategies, legal issues, security mechanisms, and attack models, among others. Degree holders enter the workforce as computer forensic investigators, threat intelligence analysts, cybercrime technology directors, and security operations managers, to name a few.
Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) was established in 1958 as the county’s engineering school. Florida Institute of Technology is now a space-grant higher learning institution located near Florida’s treasure coast and the enterprising business expansion of Orlando.
Highlight the campus for Florida Institute of Technology was once an abandoned air station used by the United States Navy.
Degree Information Assurance and Cybersecurity, MS
17. McKendree University
McKendree University offers an MBA in Cyber Defense that requires the completion of 39 semester units to graduate. McKendree University’s best MBA cybersecurity program includes classes in cyber defense management, cyber systems administration, stakeholder management, and ethics, corporate finance, organizational behavior, and advanced concepts in cyber defense, to name a few. Students enrolled in McKendree University’s Master of Business Administration cyber security degree program can complete the degree in as few as 18 months carrying a full-time course load.
McKendree University (McK) was established as a seminary in 1828. This private institution of higher learning is a Methodist church- affiliated school. The school’s suburban campus in Lebanon serves more than 2,300 undergraduate and graduate students.
Highlight McKendree University holds the distinction of being the oldest of all higher learning institutions in the state of Illinois.
Degree Cyber Defense, MBA
18. Norfolk State University
Norfolk State University offers a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity that requires the completion of 36 semester credits, of which six semester credits are dedicated to a culminating capstone experience. Norfolk State University’s best MBA cybersecurity program includes classes in management information security, network fundamentals, computer security, human aspects of cybersecurity, database security, and ethic hacking and penetration testing, plus a capstone project in a related field, to name a few. Previous grads found employment with the US Navy, Booz Allen Hamilton, the FBI, or Accenture, to name a few.
Norfolk State University (Norfolk State) is recognized as an HBCU (Historically Black College and University) school and a member of the VA Tech Prep and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. The university’s urban campus is home to more than 5,400 students.
Highlight Norfolk State University was initially created as a unit of VSU – the Virginia State University to serve students in the Norfolk area.
Degree Cybersecurity, MS
19. Regent University
Regent University School of Business and Leadership offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in Cybersecurity management that is considered among Virginia’s best MBA cybersecurity programs. Regent University requires degree candidates to complete 42 semester credits to meet program requirements of this ACBSP accredited school/program. Classes required for students enrolled in this graduate Master of Business Administration program in cybersecurity include information systems security/assurance, business continuation/disaster recovery, and cybersecurity ethics, to name a few. Regent University is considered as one of the top military-friendly schools, as noted by Military Times.
Regent University (Regent) was established as an evangelical school by Pat Robertson in 1977. The school’s campus in Virginia Beach is home to more than 8,500 undergraduate and graduate students, plus another 1,000 of non-degree seeking working learners.
Highlight Regent University offers degrees from the associate’s level through post-graduate degrees to the doctoral level.
Degree Cybersecurity Management, MBA
20. Webster University
Webster University’s Walker School of Business and Technology offers a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity that is ranked among Virginia’s best MBA cybersecurity programs by OnlineMBAToday.com. Webster University is a recognized center of excellence as denoted by the federal government in terms of cyber defense education. Students explore the related topics of digital forensics, cyber fraud & theft, cyber terrorism, digital information protection, counterintelligence, and pre-emptive and strategic force application, to name a few. Webster University is accredited by the ACBSP – global business accreditation.
Webster University (Webster) is a private higher learning institution affiliated with the interdenominational evangelical Christian churches of the world. The university’s various locations throughout the nation serve more than 9,700 students.
Highlight Webster University boasts an international alumnus that exceeds 150,000 individuals.
Degree Cybersecurity, MS
21. Brenau University
Brenau University College of Business and Communication offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in Cybersecurity Management that is considered among the Peach State’s best MBA cybersecurity programs. Classes included in Brenau’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) cybersecurity degree program complete classes in principles of information assurance, strategic cybersecurity management, business law, financial management, business ethics, management of people, current trends in cyber forensics, computer network security, and disaster recovery and business continuity, among others. Total credit hours that are required to complete this cybersecurity degree will be 42 – 45 semester credits, contingent upon the concentration and course load chosen.
Brenau University (Brenau) was established in 1878 as a private higher learning institution. The university’s Gainesville campus serves more than 3,300 students, hailing for nearly all U.S. states.
Highlight Brenau University operates campuses across the state of Georgia, plus another in Jacksonville, Florida.
Degree Cybersecurity Management, MBA
22. Robert Morris University
The Robert Morris University School of Informatics, Humanities & Social Sciences, offers a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance that is ranked among Pennsylvania’s best MBA cybersecurity programs. Students enrolled in Robert Morris University are required to complete 30 semester credits to graduate. Classes for this graduate degree in cybersecurity include network technology & management, information technology governance, and microcomputing technology, among others. Previous employers include BNY Mello, Dicks Sports Goods, Alcoa, PNC, and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Robert Morris University (Robert Morris) was founded in 1921 as an accounting school. The school’s private campuses in Pittsburgh and Moon Township serve more than 3,900 students on its 200+ acres. Robert Morris University offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Highlight The Assoc. to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business accredits the business degrees awarded by the School of Business.
Degree Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, MS
23. Marymount University
Marymount University School of Business and Technology offers a dual degree option with its Master of Science (MS) degree and its Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in cyber security that requires 57 semester credits. Marymount’s best MBA cybersecurity program with a dual MS degree includes classes in information security management, cybersecurity law, and policy, management foundations, leading in business, cybersecurity technology for managers, economics for managers, operations management, global business experience, corporate finance, strategic management seminar and human considerations in cybersecurity, to name a few.
Marymount University (Marymount) was founded in 1950 as a junior women’s college. Marymount University’s campuses serve more than 3,100 students. This school is a member school of the Marymount colleges throughout many states.
Highlight Marymount University’s campus was once home to Admiral/Doctor Rixey, the personal doctor to William McKinley and Teddy Roosevelt.
Degree Cybersecurity, MBA/MS
24. Hofstra University
Hofstra University’s Zarb Business School offers a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity that is ranked among the Empire State’s best MBA cybersecurity programs. This graduate degree in cyber security from Hofstra University requires degree candidates must complete 30 semester hours. Course work for this degree includes information systems for managers, privacy in a wired world, cybersecurity for everyone, and business data communications, among others. Hofstra University’s cybersecurity degree offers two academic tracks – the technology concentration and the policy/management concentration. Capstone projects for technology can be completed independently (or as a capstone project), whereas the management concentration requires a research seminar in information technology.
Hofstra University (Hofstra) was established as an extension of NYU in 1935. The university’s campus on Long Island, New York, is home to more than 6,400 students, studying for academic degrees and certificate programs offered by Hofstra University’s ten colleges/schools.
Highlight Hofstra University maintains a bird sanctuary and arboretum on the university’s suburban campus.
Degree MS in Cyber Security
25. Davenport University
Davenport University offers a Master’s in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity that is ranked as one of the best MBA cybersecurity programs in Michigan. Coursework for Davenport University’s graduate degree in cybersecurity includes information security planning, applied cryptography, application security, network security, analytical statistics for managers, risk mitigation, advanced computer forensics, and legal and ethical security topics, to name a few. Degree candidates must complete 34 semester credits to meet program requirements, which includes a capstone or a thesis relevant to cybersecurity.
Davenport University (Davenport) was established in 1866. This private university’s campus in Michigan serves more than 7,100 students at the undergraduate and graduate level. Davenport University operates multiple campuses throughout the state and through the school’s distance learning platform.
Highlight Regional campuses for Davenport University are located in Grand Rapids, Holland, Lansing, Warren, Kalamazoo Valley, Traverse city, Detroit, and Clinton Township.
Degree MS in Information Assurance and Cyber Security
Why Should I Get a Cybersecurity MBA?
Undergraduate students in cybersecurity studies may find that going straight to a master’s program in cybersecurity helps them bring together their passion of working in IT and protecting an organization from external attacks. An MBA in cybersecurity adds a new area of education to the undergraduate degree in the form of business studies. The MBA cybersecurity program also provides a student with insight into the latest in technology and tried-and-true cyberattacks. The MBA cybersecurity program helps the undergraduate become a viable candidate for management roles in the IT field. The combination of business knowledge along with in-depth understanding of IT and cybersecurity is potent and is on the cusp of a new type of career field for people who want to work in IT.
The cybersecurity MBA is also a good option for working professionals who want more out of their career. Working professionals are well-served by going back to school to learn new skills, but the MBA in cybersecurity brings a new dimension to the career. MBA cybersecurity degrees open the door to the world of management and gives the cybersecurity expert more career options. Someone with an MBA in cybersecurity has learned how to handle the management of business, can handle their budgets with ease, make requests for equipment and be able to explain everything in a language that the C-suite can understand. Management frequently looks at the IT department as an expense instead of a necessity. Someone with an MBA cybersecurity degree can change that perception because they have the skills and insight needed to work with non-IT people.
What Can I Do with an MBA in Cybersecurity?
There are a lot of jobs for MBA in cybersecurity, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics has estimated that there will be a 31% increase in demand for this role between 2019 and 2029. The BLS refers to the position of MBA information security jobs as information security analysts. The median salary for MBA information security jobs is $99,730 per year and likely to increase as the business world looks to cybersecurity to protect their digital assets. The cybersecurity MBA is still relatively new in terms of degrees, but there is a demand for people who possess a combination of these skills. Over time, there will be new jobs in cybersecurity that require MBA cybersecurity degrees and open up more opportunity for those who are early adopters of this type of MBA.
Jobs for MBA in cybersecurity include:
Security Analyst
The security analyst role is one of watching for and evaluating threats to an organization’s IT operations. The security analyst also identifies potential threats, finds weaknesses in the inter- and intranet access and looks for unusual activity throughout the network. Once a threat is identified, the security analyst writes up a report and recommends which actions need to be taken to prevent infiltration from outside actors.
Penetration Tester
The penetration tester is a type of white hat hacker role in that the job requires finding ways to defeat IT security defenses. Testers use a variety of methods and techniques to get access to the IT operations of their employer. When a tester finds a weakness or vulnerability, they inform those in charge of IT security and offer suggestions on resolving the insecurities.
Forensics Expert
The forensics expert is typically brought in after a cybercrime has been committed. Their job is to find out what the cyberthief did to get into the network, determine what areas were accessed, learn what kind of information was stolen, and provide an assessment of the fallout that might occur as a result of the data breach. The forensics expert is a type of in-house detective that has in-depth IT knowledge and knows how to find evidence of tampering within an IT system.
These positions may not always require an applicant to have an MBA in cybersecurity, but having the degree can make the applicant more desirable as an employee. MBA information security management jobs are typically filled by individuals with experience and advanced degrees. Earning an MBA in cybersecurity can help you get employed with any one of these roles and other related positions, but it can also help you accelerate your career advancement.
Carrie Morris
Author
Warren Dahl
Editor-in-Chief