Whether you’re pivoting careers or stepping up in tech, an online MBA in Cybersecurity can open doors to leadership roles in one of the fastest-growing fields. With over 755,000 U.S. cyber jobs unfilled in 2023, the demand is clear — and this degree can put you in a position to meet this demand. Best of all, flexible online formats let you advance your career without putting it on hold. Ready to explore how this program could future-proof your career?
- Inside Real Programs
An inside look at actual online programs, exploring their structure, curriculum, costs, admission criteria, and more…
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Insightful and guiding answers to common questions prospective students like myself have about earning this degree…
Read more - Cost Breakdown
A clear overview of how much my degree might cost and the factors influencing total expenses…
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What doors open after graduating with my master’s degree…
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In Focus: Online MBA in Cybersecurity Programs
Baylor University—Online MBA (Cybersecurity Concentration)
Baylor’s 42-credit Online MBA with a Cybersecurity concentration combines high-level business training with in-depth cybersecurity knowledge. Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the program covers topics like information security, cyber risk, and strategic management, taught by experienced faculty. Students learn to translate complex cyber threats for business leaders and devise security policies aligned with organizational goals. The program emphasizes ethical leadership and real-world application, preparing graduates for roles from cybersecurity consultant to CIO. Flexible online delivery allows working professionals to earn a Baylor degree from anywhere, with a supportive network and resources akin to on-campus offerings.
Duration: 14 months
Mode: Online courses, in-person immersion experience
Cost: $1,189/credit, $49,938 total
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Transcripts
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- Two years of work experience (preferred)
University of Texas at Tyler—MBA with Cybersecurity Concentration
UT Tyler offers a fast-paced online MBA focused on Cyber Security management. This AACSB-accredited program (36 credits) can be completed in as few as 12 months. The curriculum builds a strong business foundation while integrating cybersecurity courses on threat evaluation, cryptography, and disaster recovery. Students tackle real-world case studies and even use NSA methodologies to assess vulnerabilities. Designed for a broad range of students, it welcomes those from IT and non-technical backgrounds alike, aiming to bridge executives and technologists. The program includes multiple start dates, offering career support and networking opportunities within the UT system.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $802/credit, $28,887 total
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- GMAT score or waiver
- Résumé
- Transcripts
University of North Carolina Wilmington—MBA with Cybersecurity Specialization
UNCW’s Cameron School of Business provides an affordable online MBA with a specialization in Cybersecurity. This 36-credit program is AACSB-accredited and career-oriented, blending core MBA courses with cybersecurity electives in security analytics, governance, and incident response. Courses are delivered in seven-week blocks, allowing completion in just 12 months. The program emphasizes practical skills, and students learn from the same faculty as on-campus and tackle current cybercrime issues, preparing for roles like security analyst or risk manager. With multiple start dates year-round and pay-by-course tuition, it’s designed for working professionals seeking advancement without breaking the bank.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $536/credit, $19,287 total (in-state)* / $51,459 (out-of-state)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Résumé and cover letter
- Transcripts
- Two recommendations
FAQs About Online Cybersecurity MBA Programs
Q: What is an MBA in Cybersecurity, and how is it different from an M.S. in Cybersecurity?
An MBA in Cybersecurity combines core business education (strategy, leadership, finance) with cybersecurity management focus, while an MS in Cybersecurity emphasizes technical skills and hands-on cyber defense. Choose MBA for cybersecurity leadership and management roles or MS for technical specialist positions. The MBA bridges business and technical domains, preparing graduates to translate between technical teams and executives.
Q: Do I need a technical IT background to enroll in a Cybersecurity MBA?
No, a technical IT background isn’t required for a Cybersecurity MBA. Programs welcome professionals from diverse fields including business, finance, marketing, and military backgrounds. While basic tech familiarity helps, the program teaches necessary IT fundamentals. What’s most important is your interest in cybersecurity and willingness to learn. You’ll develop skills to bridge business and cybersecurity domains.
Q: What are my financing options for a Cybersecurity MBA?
Multiple funding pathways can make the degree more affordable. (If affordability is critical, OMD offers a list of some of the most affordable online master’s degree programs.) Federal student loans and work-study programs are available through FAFSA. Many employers offer cybersecurity education benefits or tuition reimbursement, recognizing the strategic value of this expertise. Schools often provide merit-based scholarships, and some offer specialized cybersecurity grants.
Q: Are online MBA in Cybersecurity programs accredited and why does accreditation matter?
Yes, accreditation is crucial for an online MBA in Cybersecurity programs. Look for regional accreditation and ideally Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) certification, which is the gold standard for MBAs. Accreditation ensures program quality, employer recognition, and credit transferability. Plus, an accredited online MBA carries the same weight as its on-campus counterpart, validating your investment in the degree. In short, accreditation matters for credibility, credit transfer, and employer confidence.
Q: How demanding is the online format for working professionals?
While offering flexibility, an online MBA in Cybersecurity is demanding for working professionals. It merges rigorous graduate-level business coursework (strategy, finance) with complex, technical cybersecurity topics like threat analysis and risk management. Balancing these intensive studies alongside a full-time career requires significant discipline, strong time management, and a substantial weekly commitment—often 15-20 hours or more—for lectures, readings, assignments, and potential group projects. Expect a challenging but manageable workload if you are well-organized and dedicated.
Exploring the Costs of an Online Cybersecurity MBA
Online MBA programs in Cybersecurity typically require 30-42 credits, with total costs ranging from $20,000 to $50,000+. Public universities often offer lower rates for in-state students, while private institutions charge uniform rates. Additional expenses include technology fees and potential residency costs, though online formats eliminate housing and commuting expenses. Students need reliable technology but can often pay per course and continue working while studying.
If you’re worried about finances, OMD’s suite of financial resources includes a detailed financial aid guide that walks you through both the application process and available options. Discover potential funding through our guide to top grad school grants, and explore 68 scholarships for master’s students.
Below are cost examples from three programs.
| School | No. of Credits | Cost per Credit | Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baylor University – MBA (Cybersecurity) | 42 | $1,189 | $49,938 |
| UT Tyler – MBA Cybersecurity | 36 | $802 | $28,887 |
| UNC Wilmington – MBA Cybersecurity | 36 | $536 | $19,287 |
Note: All costs shown reflect tuition rates at the time of publishing and exclude additional university fees.
Career Options with a Cybersecurity MBA
Earning an MBA in Cybersecurity combines business management expertise with cybersecurity insight, qualifying you for leadership roles that command premium salaries. Companies urgently need professionals who can strategize against cyber threats while aligning with business goals. Graduates often lead teams, advise executives, or shape company-wide security policies. This degree also accelerates advancement to executive roles, as you become the essential link between technical teams and business leadership, a skillset valued across all industries.
- Information Security Analyst — Information Security Analysts protect an organization’s data by planning and implementing security measures. MBAs with a cybersecurity focus can move quickly into managerial roles by understanding both technical and business impacts of security breaches. Job growth for information Security Analysts is projected at 33% from 2023 to 2033, making it one of the fastest-growing professions. Median salary is $120,360, as of 2023.
- IT Manager / IT Security Manager — These roles oversee IT operations and cybersecurity strategies. An MBA in Cybersecurity prepares you for leadership, blending managerial training with cyber expertise. These roles are lucrative, with median salaries for Computer and Information Systems Managers of $169,510. Responsibilities include managing cybersecurity projects, supervising teams, and aligning security with business goals. MBA graduates also excel in budgeting, policy-making, and executive communication—key skills for future CISOs or IT Security Directors.
- Management Analyst (Cybersecurity Consultant) — As a cybersecurity consultant, you’ll analyze vulnerabilities, recommend solutions in terms of ROI and risk reduction, and align security improvements with business goals. This career is ideal for professionals who enjoy variety, as they move between industries to tackle challenges like streamlining incident response plans or developing training programs.