Graduates from top MBA programs in information security can use their skills in business and technology to take advantage of a rapidly growing job market. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), information security analysts earned a median annual wage of $98,350 nationwide. Individuals in management positions can earn even more.
Prospective students can use rankings, such as this list of top online MBA in information security programs, to find quality programs that best fit their career goals. On this page, readers can learn more about what to expect from an MBA in information security, including possible curricula, careers in information security, scholarship possibilities, and professional organizations.
What Is an MBA in Information Security?
Across industries, information security professionals protect their organizations' data from hacking breaches, which can cost millions of dollars and damage a company's reputation. These professionals need a college education, and many employers prefer candidates with graduate-level credentials. MBA programs prepare learners for supervisory and management roles in this field.
Salary potential varies depending on education, experience, location, and industry. According to the BLS, pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing ranks as the highest-paying industry for information security analysts, paying an annual mean wage of $131,150 as of 2018. Other top industries include wholesale electronic markets, agents, and brokers; legal services; and utility system construction. The top-paying regions include New York, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia, which pay annual mean wages reaching $122,000.
Online MBA Programs for You
Grow your career, leadership, and business acumen with an accredited online MBA program.
What Can You Do With an MBA in Information Security?
Organizational Behavior and Leadership A foundational course for business-minded information security professionals, organizational behavior and leadership covers conflict management, change strategies, and group behavior as it relates to business.
Information Security Management Courses in information security management cover a broad swath of topics, including accepted security management models, network security, software security, control systems, and business planning.
Information Security Ethics Courses in information security ethics consider philosophical and societal expectations for technology and business professionals. The class explores ethical quandaries that may arise in professional situations, including case studies and implications.
See More Top MBA Programs
The Best Online MBA Programs10 Most Affordable Online MBA ProgramsThe Best Online MBA Programs: No GMAT RequiredThe Best Accelerated Online MBA Programs
How to Choose the Right Online MBA in Information Security Program
Students considering an MBA in information security should consider their personal career goals in their program search. Other important factors include accreditation, program structure, affordability, school location, and extracurricular graduation requirements.
With an MBA in information security, students can graduate with strong skills in business administration and cybersecurity. Some students may pursue a master's degree in cybersecurity or computer science, instead, focusing more on the technological aspects of the field.
Prospective online MBA students should consider program structure. Students who want to complete their degree more quickly can pursue full-time programs with accelerated options, while professionals already working in the field might elect to study part time. Hybrid courses and in-person requirements may also factor into a student's decision.
Some schools allow out-of-state distance learners to pay in-state or otherwise reduced tuition, while others charge more per credit for online courses.
Local business partnerships often indicate strong, well-connected programs. Likewise, extracurricular requirements like internships and thesis papers can provide important resume-boosting experience, but they may not be necessary for those already working in the field.
Finally, students should always check for accreditation when considering online MBA programs. Regional accreditation holds schools to rigorous standards. MBA students may also look for programmatic accreditation from organizations like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Scholarships for Information Security MBA Programs
Prospective MBA students can fund their education with the help of scholarships. Honor societies, local associations, and professional organizations often offer scholarships to help students to pay for tuition, materials, and other costs associated with graduate studies. The list below offers a few examples of available scholarships for information security MBA students.
Professional Organizations for Information Security
Information security students and graduates can benefit from participation in professional organizations, which offer both online and in-person networking opportunities, continuing education, leadership, mentorship, career services, and professional credentials. The list below offers a few examples of organizations for information security students and professionals.
The SANS Institute
Dedicated to information security research and education, the SANS Institute oversees critical industry credentialing, including the GIAC certification program. The institute offers live training, online training, and a wealth of free resources, including a reading room, blog, and affiliate directory.
The Information Security Forum
The ISF is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to networking between cybersecurity professionals for the purpose of sharing expertise. Member benefits include risk analysis tools and methodologies, research, regional chapters, an online portal, and workshops for continuing education.
ISACA
Founded as the Information Systems Audit and Control Association, ISACA now uses only its acronym to encompass the wide range of information security professions it represents. Offering important industry certifications, including CISA and CISM, ISACA provides members with networking via local chapters.
Information Systems Security Association
An international organization dedicated to advancing global cybersecurity, ISSA provides student and professional members with continuing education opportunities, networking through events and local chapters, and an online job board.
Association of Information Security Professionals
Dedicated to creating better cybersecurity systems, AiSP hosts regular conferences and serves members through an online community, job board, certifications, and training opportunities.
Top Online MBA Programs in Information Security
How We Rank Online MBA Programs
Want to know how we create our rankings? We assess schools based on academic quality, affordability, online flexibility, and student success.
