The headlines are filled with stories of high-profile data leaks causing chaos for companies with sensitive personal information. Behind the scenes, organizations are often scrambling to ramp up their cyber security efforts to avoid being the next headline.
For that reason, cyber security professionals are very much in demand. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cyber security profession is projected to grow 28 percent through 2026. A rate much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand also boosts income potential. As of 2018, the median salary for an information security analyst is $98,350.
St. Thomas University is committed to preparing the next generation of leaders in cyber security. We’ve developed six courses of study to accommodate those new to the field as well as working adults who want to move their career in the direction of cyber security. Read on to learn more about what cyber security degrees we offer.
Cyber Security Undergraduate Degree
The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Management with Cyber & Information Security Management prepares students to pursue a career within a private, public, non-profit, or governmental organization. An underlying theme of our coursework is how to make ethical decisions from both a business and information technology perspective, which is critical in the modern workplace. In addition to a solid foundation in business administration, students with the Cyber Security Management specialization learn how to identify and handle any potential threats, hacks, acts of cyber terrorism, or cyber breaches.
Cyber security undergraduate programs can be the launching pad to a number of exciting career directions.
According to CyberSeek’s Career Pathway Tool, the most common entry-level cyber security roles are Cyber Security Specialist/Technician, Cyber Crime Analyst/Investigator, Incident Analyst/Responder, IT Auditor. However, smaller organizations may combine these roles into one. They also note that the following roles often act as a stepping stone to more specific cyber security positions: Networking, Software Development, Systems Engineering, Financial & Risk Analysis, and Security Intelligence.
The cyber security field is ripe with opportunities. CyberSeek has an interactive career pathway showing key jobs within cyber security, common transition opportunities between them, and detailed information about the salaries, credentials, and skill sets associated with each role.
Cyber Security Master’s Degrees
For IT or business professionals who want to improve their income potential or open up new career opportunities, cyber security master’s degrees can make it all possible. We’ve designed three programs to accommodate full or part-time students, on-campus or online. Two are embedded within an MBA program, while the third has a heavier focus on cyber and information security management.
Graduates are prepared for positions such as Cyber Security Analyst, Cyber Security Consultant, Penetration & Vulnerability Tester, Cyber Security Manager/Administrator, Cyber Security Engineer, or Cyber Security Architect. For those with relevant work experience, a master’s degree can also lead to positions like Chief Security Officer, Chief Privacy Officer, or Forensics Expert.
Master of Business Administration in Cyber & Information Security
The St. Thomas University Master of Business Administration in Cyber & Information Security is designed for students currently in (or planning to enter) responsible positions of management. The MBA core curriculum emphasizes a broad range of skills in managerial accounting, policy and planning, strategy systems, international business, data analytics, financial management, and organizational behavior. You’ll also learn how to effectively develop a security program, implement information security vision and strategy, and examine fundamental cyber security technologies.
To make the curriculum immediately useful, coursework will reflect the student’s current industry, if already employed. For those seeking a position upon graduation, there will be opportunities to network with notable industry leaders and professionals. There’s also a strong emphasis on internships and job placements.
Master of Business Administration with a Concentration in Cyber Security Management (Online)
Our online MBA program with a concentration in cyber security management, like the one above, is structured specifically for working professionals. However, our online program offers accelerated seven-week courses delivered in a convenient online format ideal for a busy lifestyle. You can choose from six start dates each year and finish your business master’s degree in less than a year.
Master of Science in Cyber & Information Security Management
The Master of Science in Cyber & Information Security Management is a multi-disciplinary degree that includes coursework from Business, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, and Law disciplines. For example, courses include Ethical Hacking for Business, Enterprise Information Security, Internet Protocols and Network Security, and Cyber Crime and its Control. The program also provides six credits of electives. Students can focus on an area of interest such as IS Auditing, Risk Management and Compliance, or Security Operations. Courses are also aligned with major industry certifications, so students can confidently pursue them upon graduation.
The new home of St. Thomas University’s Gus Machado School of Business will open in the fall of 2019. The new state-of-the-art complex will include a trading room and a global conference auditorium as well as the Institute for Cyber Security.
Cyber Security Graduate Certificate
For working professionals who want to build their knowledge and understanding of security governance, the Graduate Certificate in Cyber & Information Security Management is an ideal foundation. Our 12-credit curriculum includes four courses:
- Ethical Hacking for Business
- Cyber Security Governance
- Enterprise Information Security
- Cyber Security Risk Management
As with the MS program described above, courses are aligned with major industry certifications, so students can go on to take exams, further demonstrating their skills for current or future employers.
Cyber Security Doctoral Degree
The Executive Doctor of Business Administration in Information Security is the first program of its kind, designed to develop scientist-practitioners who focus on topics at the intersection of theory and contemporary cyber security issues. Students address complex security problems in organizations by understanding and applying the latest research in information security.
The three-year, part-time program is for the working executive with seven to ten years of managerial or consultative experience in cyber security, IT, compliance, audit or related field. The EDBA-IS graduate students benefit from knowledge improvement in information security, and potential opportunities for career differentiation and advancement. Graduates can pursue a career in higher education but they’ll also be qualified for top-level roles in corporations, think-tanks, and research organizations.
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Ready to learn more? If you’re intrigued by the idea of subverting hackers and defending important information, our cyber security degrees offer exciting challenges, room for advancement, and job security. Contact us to find out how you can join this growing profession.
