Online Cybersecurity Management Master’s Degree Program
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A Master’s Degree Program for Advancing Cybersecurity Leaders
The online Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management at Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) prepares cybersecurity professionals to be leaders in the growing and in-demand field of cybersecurity. Graduates may pursue cybersecurity management positions or may progress to a doctoral program developing and managing cybersecurity programs for an organization.
The program focuses on the management and development of security programs and assets across industries and includes:
- Managing and planning for security and contingencies
- Developing strategies and approaches for risk assessment and mitigation plans
- Audit planning for meeting compliance and regulatory standards
- Translating business strategies into goals, objectives and indicators using dashboards and scorecards
- Maintaining ethical standards as they apply to cybersecurity
Online Cybersecurity Program Overview
Employment in the cybersecurity management field is expected to grow by 15 percent in the next year, much faster than the average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Demand for managers in the field will continue to grow as businesses and organizations rely on information technology (IT) services and require these workers to plan and oversee computer hardware and software needs. As cybersecurity threats increase, implementing more robust security policies will be especially critical for organizations that manage sensitive information. The Bureau reports that the median annual wage for individuals in this field was $164,070 over the last year.
OLLU’s online master’s program in Cybersecurity Management is designed for busy professionals who are seeking the skills, knowledge and preparation to move into management and leadership positions. Program benefits include:
- Fully online program with no synchronized class times – allows for maximum flexibility
- Only 30 credit hours (10 courses)
- Full-time students can complete program in 12 months or choose their own pace
- No GRE/MAT Required
- Small classes that allow faculty members to mentor and guide students
National Designation
OLLU has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) . It is part of an elite group of colleges and universities nationwide to receive the designation.
Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
(ACBSP). ACBSP is a leading specialized accreditation association for business education,
supporting, celebrating and rewarding excellence on a diverse global scale.
Program Benefits
Duration:
1-2 years
Credit hours:
30 (10 courses)
Program Delivery:
Online/Asynchronous
What is an Online Master’s in Cybersecurity Management?
OLLU's Online’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management program is a step toward management and leadership positions within the cybersecurity field. The program is designed for cybersecurity professionals who are ready to advance into positions that focus on planning, leading and managing cybersecurity operations. The curriculum prepares graduates for strategic visioning to meet the needs of organizations in the areas of security assessment and planning, risk assessment and mitigation, compliance, and maintaining ethical standards.
The online format of OLLU's Cybersecurity Management master's degree offers maximum flexibility to allow you to continue working in the field while obtaining your advanced degree. The program can be completed at your own pace, but faculty members are always ready to assist and guide you along the way.
What Will I Learn in This Cybersecurity Management Master’s Degree?
In the Online Master’s in Cybersecurity Management at Our Lady of the Lake University, you will gain the skills and knowledge to effectively lead and manage the people and assets in the cybersecurity section of any field. The program was designed to help you develop the planning and strategic skills needed for advanced leadership. The program covers:
- Cybersecurity Planning and Management
- Information Assurance Compliance and Auditing
- Risk Management
- Dashboards, Scorecards and Visualization
- Cybersecurity Ethics
Is an Online Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity Management Worth It?
Yes! Enrolling in Our Lady of the Lake University's Online Master's in Cybersecurity Management is an excellent move in the advancement of your career. Employment in the cybersecurity management field is expected to grow by 15 percent in the next year, much faster than the average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Demand for managers in the field will continue to grow as businesses and organizations rely on information technology (IT) services and require these workers to plan and oversee computer hardware and software needs. As cybersecurity threats increase, implementing more robust security policies will be especially critical for organizations that manage sensitive information. The Bureau reports that the median annual wage for individuals in this field was $164,070 over the last year.
Courses in the Online Cybersecurity Master's Degree
At OLLU, we design our curriculum to give you the tools you need to manage and lead and move to the next level in your career.
The program requires only 10 courses (30 credit hours) that can be taken in a non-sequenced format. This allows you to take courses when you want to take them. The classes are presented in an asynchronous format which means you can study on your schedule. The online cybersecurity program is composed of the following courses:
BUSA 8339 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
Introduction to dashboards and scorecards for presenting and analyzing critical performance
and operational data. Developing such skills will provide students with the requisite
knowledge/tools for translating business strategy into goals, objectives and indicators
that are used as metrics in quantifying an organizations’ progress towards achieving
its operational targets. Introduction to dashboard functionality, characteristics
and components, key elements, design principles, security, standards and best practices.
CISS 8310 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
In-depth study of specialized topic chosen by instructor.
CISS 8311 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
Comprehensive overview of risk management at the organizational level and its implications
on IT infrastructure and compliance. Strategies and approaches for risk assessment
and mitigation plans, including data, people, processes, and technology.
CISS 8312 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
In-depth study of ethics and morality, and recognizing the distinction between ethical
theory and professional ethics. Exploration of ethical issues as they apply to cybersecurity.
CISS 8321 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
Advanced survey of key concepts of cybersecurity. Access control; security operations,
administration, and personnel; risk identification, monitoring and analysis; incident
response and recovery; cryptography; network and communications security; physical
and environmental security; systems and application security. Privacy, risk, ethics,
and legal regulations.
CISS 8322 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
Management of information security including planning for security and contingencies,
development and implementation of security programs. Security management models and
practices, risk management, laws and ethics.
CISS 8323 - 3 CREDIT HOURS
In-depth coverage of audit planning, standards, and issues related to compliance with
applicable laws and regulations.
FINC 8301 | 3 credit hours
Provides students with a comprehensive background in the theoretical foundations of
modern financial economics. Themes include: individual investment decisions under
uncertainty, stochastic dominance, mean-variance theory, capital market equilibrium
and asset valuation, arbitrage pricing theory, option pricing and the potential application
of these themes.
Leadership Strategies and Processes
LEAD 6321 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
Focus on strategic planning methodologies and issues related to the design of effective
organizational structures, processes and control systems in contemporary and future
complex organizations. Emphasis will be placed on a variety of seminal strategic planning
methodologies available to leaders.
or
Critical Thinking and Problem Analysis for Leaders
LEAD 6322 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
Study of the principles of logic, critical thinking, problem definition and decision
theory that are used in identifying problems, assumptions and alternatives for problems
that leaders encounter. Methods of decision-making and scenario planning are explored
in detail.
Database Management Systems
CISS 8302 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
Analysis, design and administration of databases using information systems development
methodologies and tools. Overview of SQL, data warehouses, distributed access, and
security.
or
Networking and Cloud Computing
CISS 8304 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
Networking and cloud computing architecture and security with an overview of current
technologies and solutions. Exploration of cloud architecture models, services, security
issues, virtualization technologies and logical and physical components.
or
Hardware and Software Platforms
CISS 8305 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
Study of hardware, software and architecture platforms used to deliver enterprise
information systems. Current and emerging platform technologies supporting enterprise
applications and networked environments.
or
Scripting and Programming
CISS 8306 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
Study of creating scripts and programs to automate and perform simple operations and
implement algorithms, regular expressions, and data/control structures. Basic security
practices in developing scripts/programs.
or
Penetration Testing
CISS 8324 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
ntroduction to methodologies, techniques, and tools for system vulnerability identification,
analysis and mitigation.
or
Digital Forensics
CISS 8325 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
Exploration of forensics techniques, tools, and legal requirements as they apply to
different operating systems, devices, media, and applications.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the requirements for graduate admission to Our Lady of the Lake University, MS in Cybersecurity Management applicants should provide evidence of:
- An earned baccalaureate or graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution in an information technology-related discipline.
- A grade point average of at least 3.0 for cumulative undergraduate work.
- Completed Application for Admission -- free to apply
- Official transcripts from all regionally accredited colleges and universities where degrees were conferred
The Computer Information Systems and Security department reserves the right to limit enrollment in the MS in Cybersecurity Management program, therefore meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee immediate admission to the program. The admissions committee bases its decision on a holistic review of all components of the application. Therefore, higher achievement in any of these requirements may compensate for a deficiency in one of them. The program may offer successful applicants full admission or conditional admission.
Faculty
Full-time faculty members in the Computer Information Systems and Security (CISS) Department have extensive professional and academic experience. Most have doctoral degrees and/or professional certifications. Seasoned practitioners who teach selected courses complement full-time professors as adjunct faculty. View CISS Faculty
Vanessa Clark
Associate Professor and Chair
What Can You Do With an Online Master's Degree in Cybersecurity Management?
An Online Master's Degree in Cybersecurity Management from Our Lady of the Lake University prepares you to lead and direct the work of a cybersecurity team, implement security protocols, develop policies and strategies and opens doors to advanced leadership opportunities.
Here are some sample job titles you might pursue:
- Information Security Analyst
- Computer Network Architect
- Computer and Information Systems Manager
- Digital Forensics Analyst
- Cybersecurity Compliance Officer
- Incident Responder
Tuition & Financial Aid
The online Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management is an investment in your career advancement. Unlike other area programs, the OLLU program allows you to continue working full-time while pursuing your degree so you don't lose valuable on-the-job experience while preparing for leadership roles within the cybersecurity field.
| Tuition | Costs |
|---|---|
| Our Tuition (2023–2024 rate) | $2,943 per three credit hour course |
| Average Tuition of Peer Online Institutions | $4,330 per course |
| Average Total Cost of Tuition | $29,430 |
You should begin the Financial Aid application process at the same time that you apply to the graduate program. To be considered for financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.studentaid.gov . Please list Our Lady of the Lake University, federal school code #003598, as one of the schools to receive your application information. OLLU will receive your results electronically and use them to award your financial aid.
Please note: You must be officially accepted for admission to the university before a financial aid award can be processed.
Center for Cyber Leadership
Students in OLLU’s Cybersecurity program have access to the University’s Center for Cyber Leadership (CCL). The center provides information about events, competitions, industry standards,
news and other available resources and opportunities.
CyberSaints
Cybersecurity students at OLLU have the opportunity to join the CyberSaints student organization. Becoming a member of the CyberSaints allows for students to network with industry professionals, participate in regional and national competitions, keep up to date on industry trends, and explore leadership opportunities, among other benefits.
CyberSaintsFAQs
A student carrying a full-time load can complete the program in 12 months – attending the fall, spring and summer semester.
The MS in Cybersecurity Management is offered in a non-sequenced format. This allows students to set their own pace for completion and provides for flexibility in choosing which courses to take and when to take them.
OLLU’s MS in Cybersecurity Management program coursework covers Common Body of Knowledge topics included in the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification exam and others.
The MS in Cybersecurity Management does not require a graduate entrance exam for admittance into the program. Applicants must have an earned baccalaureate or graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution in an information technology-related discipline and a grade point average of at least 3.0 for cumulative undergraduate work.
The cybersecurity field is generally considered stable in terms of job security. As long as cyber threats exist, there will be a need for cybersecurity professionals. According to governmental data, cybersecurity-related careers are projected to grow 32% from 2022 to 2032.