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Business Cybersecurity Management M.S.

Aug. 16, 2023

Next Start Date

10

Courses Required

$820

Cost Per Credit Hour
Military Pricing Applies

30

Total Credit Hours

Online Courses

Learning Formats

Defend online data and systems

The Master of Science in Business Cybersecurity Management offered by the WVU John Chambers College of Business and Economics is designed to address the significant need for cybersecurity talent. There are over 209,000 cybersecurity jobs in the US that are not filled, and cybersecurity job postings are up to 74 percent in the last five years, according to a 2015 Bureau of Labor Statistics study. The degree is built to equip the motivated student with the toolkit to engage, lead and own the cybersecurity business career path. You will be prepared to hold a number of diverse positions, to include security analyst, network security engineer, information security manager and security administrator.

Cybersecurity Manager manager working on a laptop in a high-tech room.

In today’s world there is a significant need for cybersecurity professionals in both business and government to combat intellectual property theft, credit card fraud, pirated content, data theft, malware, ransomware, and more. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the job outlook in this field through 2026 is growing at a much faster-than-average rate of 28% per year.

The online graduate degree in Business Cybersecurity Management, offered through the WVU John Chambers School of Business and Economics, gives students the skills they need to become cybersecurity professionals and to adapt to growing changes in security technology. The program provides a natural graduate pathway for students in computer science, management information systems and criminal justice.


Ranked #21 Among Public Online Business Master's Programs by U.S. News & World Report.

CYBER courses cover cutting-edge technical and management-focused topics and sub-fields within cybersecurity. Everything from cybersecurity data analytics, machine learning, and security architecture, to cryptography, penetration testing, software security, and more. You can even work with expert faculty on basic and applied cybersecurity research.

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Business Cybersecurity Management M.S. Admission Requirements

Successful completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

Admissions

Applicants must be admitted to WVU as a graduate student.

  • Enter the WVU Application portal.
  • Create a username and password.
  • Once an account has been created, applicants can edit the application at their discretion. Please complete all questions asked.
  • When selecting a start term, choose "fall" or "spring."
  • Upload an up-to-date resume. Your resume should include enough information for the admissions committee to trace your entire professional work history and should indicate any relevant affiliations.
  • Request 1 letter of recommendation through the online portal. Individual letters should not exceed one page. We recommend that your reference provide some information that is not found in the other materials being submitted. Topics regarding to your ability to work with others, your discipline and ambition, leadership potential, etc. should be addressed. Your reference letter(s) should cover aptitudes necessary for your success in the program to which you are applying.
  • Create a Statement of Purpose (not to exceed one page). Your statement of purpose should be a short, one-page essay which describes your interest in the program, why you wish to pursue the program at WVU, how the program will help you reach your career goals, and any additional information which may be necessary to understanding your candidacy.
  • Pay application fee.
  • Submit application.
  • Applicants will then need to send their transcripts to WVU's Office of Admissions. If the applicant's undergraduate school offers "e-script" (an official electronic copy of transcripts), email the transcripts to GraduateAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu. This will help expedite the admissions process. If they do not offer this service, please have your official transcripts mailed to:
    West Virginia University Office of Graduate Admissions and Recruitment
    PO Box 6510
    Morgantown, WV 26506-6510
  • International Students are required to submit a TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score. The John Chambers College of Business & Economics TOEFL requirement is higher than the University's--applicants must have a TOEFL score of either 580 (paper prior to July 27) or 68 (paper after July 27), 237 (computer), or 92 (Internet-based). If you have taken the IELTS, the minimum score must be 6.5, and the minimum Duolingo score is a 105. English language exam scores should be sent to:
    Office of Admissions
    West Virginia University
    P.O. Box 6009
    Morgantown, WV 26506-6009.

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Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Financial aid is available. Students are encouraged to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to determine their eligibility for federal and state funds as well as scholarships. WVU’s FAFSA Code is 003827.

Military Resources and Pricing Badge.

Business Cybersecurity Management M.S. total degree cost: $24,600 – Residents and Non-Residents

Credits Cost
1 $820
3 $2,460
6 $4,920
9 $7,380

Courses and Curriculum


Course Title Credit Hours
CYBR 510 Cybersecurity Information Systems Management 3
CYBR 520 Business Cybersecurity Analytics 3
CYBR 525 Information Security Assurance Management 3
CYBR 530 Business Data Communications 3
CYBR 535 Business Network Security * 3
CYBR 540 Information Ethics and Legal Procedures ** 3
CYBR 545 Business Cybercrime Management 3
CYBR 550 Business Enterprise Security Architecture 3
BUDA 550 Business Data Visualization 3
CYBR 555 Business Cybersecurity Practicum 3

Total Hours: 30

* Students may select CPE 538 in place of the CYBR 535 in the Spring semester, on campus.
** Students may select CS 539 in place of the CYBR 540 in the Spring semester, on campus.

The future with a Master of Science in Business Cybersecurity Management degree

The future for Business Cybersecurity Masters graduates is very promising. With the increasing threat of cyber-attacks, businesses are becoming more aware of the importance of cybersecurity and are investing more resources in this area. This has led to a growing demand for professionals with a background in cybersecurity, including those who hold a Business Cybersecurity Master’s degree.

The Benefits of pursuing a Business Cybersecurity Management M.S. degree

Upon completion of this program, students will:

  • Students will be able to demonstrate managerial expertise in understanding and investigating complex cybersecurity ideas.
  • Students will be able to evaluate the data security of businesses from a data and systems security perspective, and to recommend and initiate appropriate procedures, policies, and security controls to ensure improved data and systems security.
  • Students will be able to use appropriate tools to mitigate cybersecurity threats by applying knowledge of topics such as risk management, disaster recovery, business continuity, digital forensics, and computer network defenses.
  • Students will be able to communicate the analysis and findings of a comprehensive security audit initiative to enhance the protection and security of an organization.

Career Outlook for Business Cybersecurity Management graduates

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, High demand is expected for information security analysts. Cyberattacks have grown in frequency, and these analysts will be needed to create innovative solutions to prevent hackers from stealing critical information or creating problems for computer networks.

As businesses focus on enhancing cybersecurity, they will need information security analysts to secure new technologies from outside threats or hacks. A shift to remote work and the rise of e-commerce have increased the need for enhanced security, contributing to the projected employment growth of these workers over the decade. Strong growth in digital health services and telehealth will also increase data security risks for healthcare providers. More of these analysts are likely to be needed to safeguard patients' personal information and data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some careers that this degree will prepare me for?

Graduates with this degree will have a strong understanding of cybersecurity principles and best practices, as well as the ability to apply these concepts to real-world business situations. They will be well-equipped to handle a variety of cybersecurity-related roles, such as:

  • Information Security Analyst: responsible for monitoring and analyzing security threats, implementing security measures, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
  • Cybersecurity Manager: responsible for developing and implementing cybersecurity policies and procedures, managing a team of cybersecurity professionals, and ensuring the organization's security posture.
  • Risk Manager: responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating cybersecurity risks, and ensuring the organization's risk management strategy is effective.
  • Chief Information Security Officer (CISO): responsible for overseeing the organization's entire cybersecurity program, including strategy, policy, and implementation.

The program offers full-time and part-time plans of study that are typically completed in 3 to 5 semesters.

The M.S. in Business Cybersecurity Management Program is a 12-month or 24-month online program.

What makes a good cybersecurity professional?

If you are a meticulous and analytical person with strong collaboration skills and the ability to think on your feet, a career in cybersecurity could be an excellent fit for you. Along with advanced mathematical and computational abilities, most roles in this field require a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity or a related field.

The most successful cybersecurity professionals exhibit passion for the industry's larger mission and a dedication to the day-to-day responsibilities. While lucrative salaries and job stability are notable benefits of the job, the work can be high-stress and involve confronting active hacking attempts that put millions of dollars at risk. At times, it can also be routine, such as reviewing incident logs.

To excel in this industry, you must thrive on solving complex problems and remain level-headed under pressure.

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