What are Cyber Security MBA Options?


Cyber security MBA options in both cybersecurity and information assurance jobs offer jobs as analysts, in forensics, and as a consultant. As advancements in technology show no signs of slowing down, there is a need more than ever for specialists in the field of information assurance and cybersecurity. Over the last few years, it has become painfully obvious no company is immune to cyber threats. As one example, the federal government has a projected budget of $14 billion for cybersecurity in 2019 and has already experienced 49 government and military data breaches in 2018. Due to the high occurrence of costly cybercrimes, businesses both big and small are looking to hire technicians in the field with a minimum of an MBA in cybersecurity.

Information Assurance vs Cyber Security

MBA cyber security jobs are one of the hottest commodities in today’s market. With an MBA in cybersecurity, employees are able to fill a workforce gap. According to recent estimates, there could be as many as 3.5 million vacant cybersecurity positions by the year 2021. The main reason for the gap is because information assurance jobs were traditionally being filled to protect a company’s sensitive data.

Although information assurance and cybersecurity professionals are responsible for preventing unauthorized access to information systems, the “information security” job title was also commonly used to broadly describe employees who also safeguarded hard copies of data. In comparison, cybersecurity has a stronger emphasis on the protection of digital information.

Cyber Security MBA Options and Information Assurance Jobs

When you earn an MBA in cybersecurity, you are qualified for both cybersecurity and information assurance jobs. Job opportunities in the field include:

  • Chief Information Security Officer: Responsible for overseeing all tasks related to a company’s security. The officer will be responsible for the development, implementation, and maintenance of all security processes.
  • Forensics Expert: A forensics expert will investigate all cyberattacks and look for evidence left behind.
  • Cybersecurity Consultant: A consultant will advise companies on what type of products and processes should be implemented to protect data.
  • Security Analyst: A security analyst will be responsible for evaluating threats and making recommendations on security hardware and software. Consultants and analysts can also provide training on security policies. A security architect will also perform similar job duties.
  • Information Security Tester: This job title is also known as a penetration tester and will try to locate current vulnerabilities within a network.

Information Assurance Certifications and Education

Professionals have a number of pathways to prepare for a career in information assurance and cybersecurity. More and more colleges are offering MBA in Cybersecurity degree pathways, including MBS programs in:

  • Cybersecurity
  • MBA in Information Technology Management
  • Security and Intelligence
  • MBA in Organizational Resilience
  • Information Security

Many programs have courses that may be taken online with flexible schedule options. Another way to prepare for a job in the field of cybersecurity is to attend a program that offers an MBA in information technology management.

Certain government positions may require additional training for job eligibility like the completion of information assurance certifications. There are more than a few certification programs in cybersecurity, such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), CompTIA Security+, and GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH). Certifications like these will help you make the most of your security degree.

Information Assurance Salary and ROI

An MBA cybersecurity salary will offer a very high return on investment. According to Payscale, the average Information Assurance salary falls within the $98,000 range. Within metro cities of the United States, the top salaries for chief information security officers average up to $380,000.

With an MBA in cybersecurity, students have the opportunity to work in one of the fastest-growing fields in the workforce. Professionals with cybersecurity expertise are valuable and find jobs quickly after graduating.

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