Masters of Business Administration - Cybersecurity Management
The MBA with a Cybersecurity Management concentration at Fisher College is a comprehens...
Master of Business Administration
Boston, Massachusetts
INTAKE: Jan & Sept
Program Overview
The STEM MBA at Fisher College is a comprehensive 44-credit program that can be completed in as little as 10 months for full-time on-campus students or 14-15 months for online students, offering significant flexibility. It blends a core MBA curriculum with specialized coursework that emphasizes quantitative analysis, technology, and strategic problem-solving. The program fosters meaningful relationships through a cohort-based model and employs case-based learning, enabling students to discuss business concepts with professors, collaborate on group projects, and tackle real-world problems in hands-on assignments.
STEM-Designated: A key differentiator and significant benefit, especially for international students, is the STEM designation of this MBA program. This allows eligible F-1 visa holders to apply for a 24-month extension to their Optional Practical Training (OPT) period, resulting in up to 36 months of temporary employment in the U.S. post-graduation. This extended work authorization provides a substantial advantage for gaining valuable professional experience in high-demand STEM-related business roles. The STEM designation reflects the program's focus on analytical methods, technology, and data-driven decision-making.
IACBE Accredited: Fisher College's School of Management and Communications, which offers the STEM MBA, holds specialized accreditation from the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). This accreditation signifies that the business programs meet rigorous standards for quality and continuous improvement in business education, assuring students and employers of the program's relevance and effectiveness in preparing graduates for the modern business world.
Curriculum: The curriculum consists of core MBA courses and specialized STEM-focused content. Core 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, and a capstone Industry Analysis, Strategy, and Planning. The STEM focus is integrated into these core courses and potentially through electives (e.g., in cybersecurity or informatics), driving skill acquisition in areas like data analysis, technology application, and profitability analysis. The case-based learning approach is central, transforming theoretical knowledge into practical, strategic, and analytical decision-making capabilities.
Research Focus: While the STEM MBA at Fisher College is highly applied and career-focused, preparing students for immediate professional impact, it incorporates a strong emphasis on analytical and evidence-based problem-solving. The curriculum encourages students to define complex business problems, apply quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze data, and develop innovative and precise solutions. The capstone course requires in-depth industry analysis and strategic planning, which inherently involves research into current trends and the development of data-informed strategies. Faculty members, many of whom hold doctorates and are engaged in scholarly activities, bring a research-informed perspective to the classroom, enriching discussions and guiding students in their analytical endeavors.
Industry Engagement: Fisher College's STEM MBA program is designed with a keen awareness of current industry demands. It aims to develop a skillset that is directly applicable and highly valued by employers across various sectors, particularly those experiencing growth in technology and data-driven roles. The program emphasizes hands-on assignments and multifaceted group projects that often address real-world problems, potentially involving collaboration with industry leaders. The focus on developing competencies in cybersecurity and informatics, identified as areas with better than average employment growth, further underscores the program's commitment to industry relevance and preparing graduates for high-demand careers.
Global Perspective: Fisher College fosters a global perspective, recognizing the interconnected nature of modern business and technology. The curriculum includes learning outcomes that prepare students to "analyze and interpret the effects of globalization on all aspects of commerce." The college actively welcomes a diverse international student body, enriching the learning environment with varied cultural and professional viewpoints. The STEM designation is particularly impactful for international students, providing the crucial opportunity for an extended OPT period, which significantly enhances their ability to gain professional experience in the U.S. and compete in a global job market. This practical work experience contributes to a more globally aware and competent professional workforce.
Location
Boston, Massachusetts
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 31726
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 STEM Master of Business Administration (MBA) program is designed to cultivate a new generation of business leaders who are not only adept at traditional management functions but also possess strong analytical, quantitative, and technological competencies.
Product Manager (Tech/Data-driven Products): This role bridges the gap between business, technology, and user experience. STEM MBA graduates are ideal for product management, especially for technology-driven products or services, as they understand both market needs and the technical feasibility of solutions. They define product vision, strategy, and roadmap.
Data Scientist / Business Intelligence Manager: Leveraging the quantitative and analytical skills honed in the STEM MBA, graduates can excel in roles focused on extracting insights from large datasets. Data Scientists build predictive models and analyze complex information, while Business Intelligence Managers create reports and dashboards to guide strategic decision-making.
Technology Consultant: STEM MBA graduates are well-suited for consulting roles where they advise clients on technology strategy, digital transformation, system implementation, and leveraging data for business improvement. Their business acumen complements their understanding of technological solutions.
Operations Manager / Supply Chain Analyst: These roles focus on optimizing processes, improving efficiency, and managing complex logistics within organizations. The quantitative and analytical skills from a STEM MBA are invaluable for streamlining operations, managing supply chains, and reducing costs.
Financial Analyst / Quantitative Analyst (Quant): In the finance sector, STEM MBA graduates can analyze financial data, assess investment opportunities, and develop sophisticated financial models. Quantitative Analysts specifically apply mathematical and statistical methods to financial problems, often in risk management or algorithmic trading.
IT Project Manager: This role involves leading technology projects, from software development to infrastructure upgrades. The STEM MBA provides the necessary project management skills along with a strong understanding of technical components and their business implications.
Digital Transformation Consultant: With businesses undergoing significant digital shifts, these consultants help organizations adopt new technologies, revamp business models, and integrate digital strategies across all functions. A STEM MBA provides the strategic and technical understanding required for such large-scale changes.
Cybersecurity Manager / Risk Manager: Given the optional concentration in Cybersecurity Management at Fisher, graduates are well-prepared to manage an organization's cybersecurity posture, identify and mitigate digital risks, and ensure compliance with data security regulations.
Healthcare Data Analyst / Health Informatics Manager: For those interested in healthcare, the STEM MBA can lead to roles focused on analyzing healthcare data to improve patient outcomes, optimize operations, and manage health information systems, especially if paired with healthcare-focused electives.
Strategic Planning Manager: Across any industry, a Strategic Planning Manager uses data-driven insights and analytical frameworks to help an organization define its long-term goals, assess market opportunities, and develop actionable strategies for growth and competitive advantage.
