Earning an affordable MBA in cybersecurity makes you an incredibly valuable asset to any company that wants to protect its confidential information. This type of degree also gives you the option of working with an IT company and serving multiple clients on a variety of levels. Cybersecurity spans all industries and will allow you the option of working in either the public or the private sector. IT experts that specialize in cybersecurity are in high demand. Opportunities for advanced are always available and the potential to earn grows with each and every year.
One of the most vital components of choosing a cybersecurity MBA ideal for you is comparing the price of degree options. Most potential students for a cybersecurity master’s are already working adults, so they’ll be paying their way themselves. A person obviously wants a degree he or she can afford and to know that he or she won’t have a mountain of debt once he or she graduates from the MBA program. Several aspects can help a person find an affordable degree, yet still provides the person with a quality degree.
Methodology: Ranking the Most Affordable Cybersecurity Master Degree Programs
Cheap doesn’t always mean good, but great programs can be a great value. That’s why Great Business Schools editors don’t just look for low-cost cybersecurity MBA programs, but accredited, reputable institutions that offer real career results. The final ranking is presented based on tuition cost, according to current IPEDS data.
1. California State University, San Bernardino
California State University, San Bernadino offers an MBA in cybersecurity. This affordable cybersecurity master teaches students the skills they need to make information systems secure and keep their organization’s data safe. The program covers computer forensics, hands-on cyber warfare, infrastructure protection, advanced networking, and the industry’s best practices. Required courses include senior systems manager, information assurance and security, information networking systems, and information based management.
The Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration produces graduates who go on to become community leaders. Students work closely with faculty to develop their leadership skills as they complete their programs. The school is accredited by both AACSB and NASPAA. Over 95% of the school’s graduates would recommend the school to others.
Highlight California State University, San Bernadino’s coursework in cybersecurity meets the standards set by the Committee on National Security Systems.
Degree Cybersecurity, MBA
2. University of Washington – Tacoma
The University of Washington-Tacoma offers a Master of Cybersecurity and Leadership that is one of the most affordable cybersecurity master level programs in the country. This program helps students develop leadership skills while learning how to protect their organizations’ cyber systems. The program is intended for students who already have technical work experience. Students must demonstrate technical proficiency in both networking and programming before being admitted to the program.
The School of Engineering and Technology focuses on quickly developing high-tech academic program that meet the needs of employers in the region. The school has many partnerships with local businesses in order to offer internships to its students. Students at the School of Engineering and Technology are exposed to real-world experiences that help them understand how their studies can be applied. This gives them an advantage when they start their careers after graduation.
Highlight The Master of Cybersecurity and Leadership is one of the most revolutionary graduate programs at UW Tacoma.
Degree Master of Cybersecurity & Leadership
3. East Tennessee State University
East Tennessee State University is adding a cybersecurity management concentration to its Masters of Business Administration program. This program will teach students about cybersecurity threats and their management while focusing on business and leadership skills as well. There will be three courses that must be taken to earn the cybersecurity management concentration. ETSU’s MBA program prepares students for leadership positions in business and nonprofit organizations. The program is open to all graduate students regardless of their undergraduate major.
The College of Business and Technology at East Tennessee State University is AACSB-accredited and provides a flexible learning experience for its students. The MBA capstone experience allows student-led teams to gain real-world experience solving actual business problems for local businesses. Graduates are qualified to serve in leadership roles in marketing communications, market research, sales, supply chain management, human resources, and supervisory positions.
Highlight This program is available as a traditional program, an online program, or a 12-month accelerated program.
Degree Cyber Security Management, MBA
4. University of Houston
The University of Houston offers an MS in Cybersecurity. This affordable cybersecurity master prepares students to become security professionals who deal with cybersecurity threats in government, business, and nonprofit organizations. The program helps students learn to work together with other professionals to deal with malware and other cybersecurity threats. Students who complete the program will fill the gaps in their knowledge that would allow cybersecurity threats to become major problems.
The College of Technology at the University of Houston is committed to community enrichment, workforce development, and corporate progress. The school focuses on combining innovation with education to provide students with proficiency in technology. The College of Technology offers a variety of academic programs that help students understand and apply technology to solve problems in the real world. Graduates find rewarding careers in technological fields.
Highlight The University of Houston offers real-world scenarios that help students succeed in their careers.
Degree Cybersecurity, MS
5. Bellevue University
The MS in Cybersecurity from Bellevue University is one of the most affordable cybersecurity master level programs around. The program consists of 36 credits and prepares students to be able to come up with solutions to solve the cybersecurity problems at the companies they work for. Students learn network security technologies, information assurance techniques, and computer forensics. The program uses real-world scenarios to help prepare students for the situations they will face in their careers as cybersecurity professionals. Graduates will be able to prevent network attacks, detect and deal with cyberattacks, and develop plans and procedures to deal with cybersecurity risks.
Bellevue University has over 50,000 graduates around the world. The school is a nonprofit organization that is a leader in getting students ready for successful and fulfilling careers without costing a fortune. The school helps students master the knowledge and skills they need to stand out in the workforce.
Highlight There is an accelerated cohort for IT, MIS, and other information security professionals that is offered online.
Degree Cybersecurity, MS
6. Murray State University
Murray State University offers an MBA with a concentration in cybersecurity. This affordable cybersecurity master prepares students for a career in the in-demand field of cybersecurity. The concentration contains three cybersecurity courses. They are data communications and networking, information systems security, and information security risk management. Through these courses, students learn about network infrastructure, information system security, message authentication, malicious software, privacy issues, and more.
The Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business offers a wide variety of disciplines, such as computer information systems, computer science, marketing, accounting, and economics. The school has expert faculty members who are excited about helping their students learn and grow. Students have the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning experiences both inside and outside of the classroom. The school is committed to seeing students succeed.
Highlight This concentration is available online.
Degree Cybersecurity, MBA
7. Rutgers University
Rutgers University offers a Master of Business and Science degree with an emphasis in cybersecurity. This program builds on students’ experience in computer science, criminal justice, IT, forensic science, law, psychology, law enforcement, public policy, and more to prepare students for careers in cybersecurity. The program combines business courses with cybersecurity science. Students experience hands-on training to help prepare them for their future careers. Graduates understand cybersecurity technology and have critical skills to keep information secure.
Rutgers University developed the Master of Business and Science degree in 2010 to accommodate the needs of working professionals in the community. The school seeks to train students for leadership roles in industries that involve a lot of science and technology. The curriculum is interdisciplinary and changes to meet the ever-evolving needs of the labor force.
Highlight This program is offered through evening classes and as an online or hybrid program.
Degree Cybersecurity, MBS
8. Mercy College
Mercy College offers an MS in Cybersecurity that helps prepare the heroes who protect our digital world. Students learn how to prepare for the worst and safeguard valuable data. Graduates of the M.S. Cybersecurity program work at private companies, law enforcement agencies, health care organizations, hospital, government agencies, and IT departments. The B.S./M.S. dual degree program allows students to earn their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in cybersecurity in just five years. Mercy College has been recognized by the Department of Homeland Security and National Security Agency as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education.
The School of Liberal Arts at Mercy College focuses on getting students to think rationally and in an organized manner. Students develop good judgment and learn how to think, regardless of their field of study.
Highlight This program is available on campus at Dobbs Ferry, Bronx, and Manhattan, or students can take it online.
Degree Cybersecurity, MS
9. Wilmington University
Wilmington University offers an MBA in management information systems. This program helps students advance their careers in the field of information systems by providing both technical knowledge and leadership skills. The program is intended for working professional and entrepreneurs. Students learn decision-making, analytics, networking, communication, and more. The program turns students into creative thinkers and problem-solvers. Students develop mentorship relationships with faculty members who are actively working in their fields.
The College of Business at Wilmington University is dedicated to providing an outstanding education with a relevant curriculum and paying attention to each student individually. The school offers respected programs that provide career opportunities to lifelong learners. The curriculum helps fill the needs of the community for educational instruction. The College of Business strives to remain current by building relationships with alumni and within the business community. Graduates are able to solve problems and make meaningful contributions in their communities.
Highlight Students can choose traditional classes or attend classes online.
Degree Management Information Systems, MBA
10. Johnson and Wales University
Johnson and Wales University offers an MBA in information security assurance. This program provides students with the business knowledge they need as well as knowledge about information security. Students learn to choose and implement appropriate security systems to manage the risks of data storage and transmission. The school collaborated with real companies to create a program that integrates real-world challenges and projects. These projects give students the experience they need to be prepared for the careers they will pursue after graduation.
Johnson and Wales University is a nonprofit institution with an enrollment around 13,000. The school is innovation in its use of technology in education. The curriculum is a combination of arts and sciences, along with industry-focused learning that incorporates real-world opportunities and experiences to help prepare students for life after graduation.
Highlight The faculty members at Johnson and Wales are experts in their fields.
Degree Information Security and Assurance, MBA
How Do I Save Money on a Cybersecurity MBA?
First and foremost, a person should perform an internet search for the best and cheapest cybersecurity masters. The results will show schools that are known for affordability. A person wants to limit these search results to either a school that offers online courses or one that’s local. At this point, a person should check each listing and determine if the price seems affordable, especially when an individual factors in all the other ways to make school more affordable.
If a person doesn’t find an adequate amount of search results, he or she may want to look for more schools in the area without searching for the best and cheapest cybersecurity masters. Even if the price is slightly higher, it’s still possible to make obtaining an education more affordable.
For instance, even if a school didn’t receive a search listing for the best and cheapest cybersecurity masters, a person may look into grants to help with the cost of the tuition. A grant is an amount of money that a person receives to help with the cost. This money doesn’t need to be paid back unless a person doesn’t complete his or her degree. A person may find both state and federal grants, and private grants are available as well.
A person may also want to look into scholarships to help with the price of a cybersecurity degree. A scholarship is also free money that a person receives for a school that also must be paid back if a person doesn’t complete his or her education. A person can earn a scholarship for sports, academic achievement, and being an outstanding citizen, among other factors.
The best and cheapest cybersecurity masters are also possible if a person looks into employer reimbursement. Employer reimbursement consists of a person receiving financial assistance for school if the person works for the company during the entire duration of his or her degree. There may be other stipulations, such as the person has to work for the employer for a certain length of time after he or she completes the degree.
How Much Can I Make with a Cybersecurity MBA?
Especially if a person finds a way to make a cybersecurity degree affordable, the average masters salary, according to PayScale, is around $98,000 per year for an information assurance specialist. This figure is the same as $47.12 per hour. In the metro areas in the U.S., the average cybersecurity salary is even higher. A person can make up to $380,000 per year. This figure is equivalent to $182.69 per hour.
Not only is the MBA information security management salary higher in certain areas, but the average cybersecurity masters salary is also higher in some positions. For instance, the average information security manager salary is almost $30,000 more than that of an information assurance specialist. To be exact, a person the average cybersecurity masters salary for this position is $127,000 per year. This particular salary is the same as earning $63.50 per hour working full time.
Moreover, the MBA information security management salary for an information technology (IT) director is $105,000 annually. The average hourly wage for this salary is $53.85.
With a cybersecurity MBA, a person can become a fraud investigator. This particular person is responsible for checking on people who commit fraud against companies and the government. A person may find a role at an insurance company. On average, a person who takes on this role makes $86,000 per year, as noted by PayScale. Like other jobs in this field, a person will usually make a higher salary if he or she works in one of the major metro areas in the U.S.
A person could also choose to be an information security analyst. The market for this particular job is expected to grow by 18 percent from 2014 to 2024, and a person who takes on this role can expect to earn an average salary of $92,600 per year, which is the same as around $50 per hour.
The bottom line, no matter what type of role a person takes on with a master’s degree in cybersecurity, he or she can expect a lucrative salary that can help him or her repay student loans while still giving him or her enough to live off of comfortably. Generally, a person wants to take on a management role if he or she is looking for the highest salary because the MBA information security management salary is higher than a standard salary.
Carrie Morris
Author
Warren Dahl
Editor-in-Chief