Masters of Business Administration - Cybersecurity Management
The MBA with a Cybersecurity Management concentration at Fisher College is a comprehens...
Masters of Business Administration - Cybersecurity Management
Boston, Massachusetts
INTAKE: Jan & Sept
Program Overview
The MBA with a Cybersecurity Management concentration at Fisher College is a comprehensive graduate program that can be pursued in both full-time (on-campus, as little as 10 months) and online (as little as 14-15 months) formats, providing flexibility for working professionals. The program typically consists of 42-44 credits, including a core MBA curriculum and specialized cybersecurity management courses. It aims to foster a deep understanding of business concepts alongside specific expertise in cybersecurity principles, financial decision-making, and operational concerns related to digital security. The program utilizes a cohort-based model and case-based learning to promote collaborative learning and the application of theoretical knowledge to real-world business scenarios.
IACBE Accredited: Fisher College's School of Management and Communications, which houses the MBA program, has received specialized accreditation for its business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). This accreditation signifies that the program meets rigorous standards of quality and continuous improvement in business education, providing assurance of the program's relevance and effectiveness.
Curriculum: The curriculum is structured to provide a strong foundation in general business administration, complemented by specialized cybersecurity knowledge. Core MBA courses typically include Executive Level Presentation and Communication, Management, Teamwork and Empowerment, Leading Organizational Change, Decision-making Analysis Methods for Managers, Value-based Operations and Logistics Management Practice, Financial Reporting and Statement Analysis, Strategic Cost and Profitability Analysis, Marketing Management and Analysis, and a capstone Industry Analysis, Strategy, and Planning course. The Cybersecurity Management concentration then builds upon this foundation with specialized courses such as Principles of Cybersecurity Management, Financial Decision Making and Cybersecurity Management, and Operational Cybersecurity Management. The program's case-based approach encourages students to apply theoretical principles to practical scenarios, fostering analytical and strategic decision-making skills.
Research Focus: While the MBA program at Fisher College has a strong practical and applied focus, preparing students for immediate career impact, research is integrated through various avenues. The curriculum encourages students to engage in critical thinking and problem-solving through the analysis of real-world business challenges. The capstone course, "Industry Analysis, Strategy, and Planning," likely involves research into current industry trends and the development of strategic solutions. Faculty members, many of whom hold doctorates and are published in scholarly journals, bring their research expertise into the classroom, enriching discussions and providing a deeper understanding of contemporary business and cybersecurity issues. The STEM designation of the MBA program further suggests a focus on analytical methods and evidence-based approaches, aligning with a research-informed perspective.
Industry Engagement: Fisher College emphasizes experiential learning and preparing students for direct entry into high-demand roles. The program's curriculum is designed to impart applicable and specialized knowledge that qualifies graduates for competitive roles and promotions. While specific industry partnerships are not explicitly detailed for the MBA program, the college's overall commitment to career-focused education and its location in Boston, a hub for innovation and business, suggest opportunities for industry exposure. The program's emphasis on real-world problems in hands-on assignments and group projects, along with potential for networking opportunities, contributes to practical industry engagement. The STEM designation, by aligning with national workforce needs, further solidifies its connection to industry demands.
Global Perspective: Fisher College actively fosters a global perspective within its MBA program. The curriculum includes learning outcomes that explicitly address the ability to "analyze and interpret the effects of globalization on all aspects of commerce." Furthermore, the college is committed to providing a world-class education to students from around the globe, with a significant international student population. For international students, the STEM-designated MBA offers a crucial advantage: the opportunity to apply for a 24-month extension to their Optional Practical Training (OPT), providing up to 36 months of temporary employment in the U.S. post-graduation. This extended OPT period enhances global career prospects and allows international graduates to gain valuable professional experience in the U.S., contributing to a diverse and globally aware professional workforce.
Location
Boston, Massachusetts
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 30408
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 58 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 115.
Fisher College is making quality education accessible and affordable for students from around the globe. To support its diverse and growing international student population, the college offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid options that help ease the financial burden of studying in the United States.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Fisher College offers merit-based scholarships to international students who demonstrate strong academic performance. These scholarships are awarded based on GPA, standardized test scores (if submitted), and overall academic excellence during the admissions process. No separate application is typically required students are automatically considered for these awards at the time of admission.
Presidential and Founder's Scholarships: High-achieving international students may be eligible for Presidential or Founder’s Scholarships, which offer larger award amounts. These are competitive and may require additional documentation or essays showcasing leadership, volunteerism, or extracurricular involvement.
Talent-Based Awards: Students with exceptional skills in areas such as arts, athletics, or technology may qualify for talent-based scholarships. These are evaluated individually and may require a portfolio, audition, or recommendation.
Graduate Student Scholarships: International students applying for master’s programs at Fisher College may be eligible for limited graduate-level financial aid or departmental scholarships, based on academic merit and program-specific criteria.
Fisher College's Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in Cybersecurity Management is specifically designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles where business acumen meets critical cybersecurity expertise.
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO): This executive-level position is at the pinnacle of cybersecurity leadership. CISOs are responsible for an organization's overall information security strategy, policies, and procedures. They report directly to senior management, bridging the gap between technical security teams and the broader business objectives, and ensuring that cybersecurity initiatives align with corporate goals and risk tolerance.
Cybersecurity Consultant: Working for consulting firms or independently, cybersecurity consultants advise businesses on their security posture. They assess vulnerabilities, develop security strategies, implement solutions, and ensure compliance with regulations. Their MBA provides the business context to understand client needs and communicate solutions effectively to management.
IT Risk Manager: These professionals identify, assess, and mitigate IT-related risks, with a strong focus on cybersecurity risks. They develop risk management frameworks, conduct risk assessments, and implement controls to protect an organization's information assets and ensure business continuity.
Information Security Manager: Overseeing a team of security analysts and engineers, an Information Security Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of an organization's security program. This includes managing security incidents, implementing security technologies, and ensuring adherence to security policies.
Security Operations Center (SOC) Manager: Leading a team within a SOC, this role involves overseeing the monitoring, detection, analysis, and response to cybersecurity incidents. The MBA provides the leadership and operational management skills to optimize SOC performance and incident response processes.
Cybersecurity Program Manager/Director: For larger organizations, a Cybersecurity Program Manager/Director is responsible for the overall planning, execution, and oversight of multiple cybersecurity projects and initiatives. This role requires strong project management, strategic thinking, and the ability to align security programs with business objectives.
Compliance and Governance Officer (Cybersecurity Focus): These roles focus on ensuring that an organization's cybersecurity practices comply with relevant laws, regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA), and industry standards. An MBA provides the understanding of legal, ethical, and business implications necessary for effective governance.
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Manager: In the event of a cyberattack or other disaster, these managers are responsible for developing and implementing plans to ensure that critical business operations can continue with minimal disruption. Their role combines cybersecurity knowledge with comprehensive operational planning.
Vendor Risk Management Specialist (Cybersecurity): As organizations rely more on third-party vendors, managing the cybersecurity risks associated with these relationships becomes crucial. This specialist assesses and monitors the security postures of vendors, ensuring they meet the organization's security requirements.
Cybersecurity Analyst (Senior/Lead): While "analyst" might sound entry-level, an MBA graduate would typically aim for a senior or lead analyst position. This involves deeper analytical work, mentoring junior staff, and contributing to strategic security initiatives, leveraging both technical and business insights to protect organizational assets.
