Online Masters in Cyber Security Management
Get started on your Journey
Are you ready to lead others in protecting the digital world? The Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management at Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) is tailored for exactly that—professionals eager to take on leadership roles in this rapidly evolving field.
Cybersecurity work is intertwined with the very networks and systems that connect us all. It's fitting that the people responsible for protecting cyberspace begin their careers in an online setting. Learning to defend the cyber world through an online master's in cybersecurity management mirrors the reality of the field itself: fast-paced, always evolving, and deeply reliant on the virtual environment.
The program focuses on the management and development of security programs and assets across industries and includes:
Managing and planning for security and contingencies
Developing strategies and approaches for risk assessment and mitigation plans
Audit planning for meeting compliance and regulatory standards
Translating business strategies into goals, objectives and indicators using dashboards
and scorecards
Maintaining ethical standards as they apply to cybersecurity
Master's in Cybersecurity Management Program Overview
The need for skilled cybersecurity leaders is growing exponentially. As cyber threats become more and more complex, organizations require experts to develop, implement, and maintain advanced security frameworks. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 17% increase in computer and information systems management positions, which encompass cybersecurity ones as well, with a median salary of $169,510.
OLLU's online Master's in Cybersecurity Management is designed to help working professionals elevate their careers while maintaining flexibility. It offers much more than just convenience; it prepares you to succeed in the very space you'll one day protect, developing both your technical expertise and strategic leadership skills.
Program benefits include:
- Fully online program with no synchronized class times – allows for maximum flexibility
- Only 30 credit hours (10 courses)
- Full-time students can complete program in 12 months or choose their own pace
- No GRE/MAT Required
- Small classes that allow faculty members to mentor and guide students
National Designation
OLLU has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) . It is part of an elite group of colleges and universities nationwide to receive the designation.
Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
(ACBSP). ACBSP is a leading specialized accreditation association for business education,
supporting, celebrating and rewarding excellence on a diverse global scale.
Program Benefits
Duration:
1-2 years
Credit hours:
30 (10 courses)
Program Delivery:
Online/Asynchronous
What is an Online Master’s in Cybersecurity Management?
While both degrees are centered on preparing students for the field of cybersecurity, the Master's in Cybersecurity and the Master's in Cybersecurity Management cater to different career paths and professional goals.
The Master's in Cybersecurity suits students who aspire to work in technical roles, including ethical hacking, penetration testing, or network security engineering. On the other hand, the Master's in Cybersecurity Management degree shifts focus from hands-on security tasks to leadership positions. Instead of being directly involved in technical operations, graduates aim for roles guiding teams, shaping long-term security strategies, and working on the organization's overall cyber resilience.
Who Should Enroll?
The Master's in Cybersecurity Management is perfect for individuals who are already working in cybersecurity or IT and are looking to advance their careers into management and leadership positions. If you have a passion for cybersecurity but want to take on roles that involve strategic planning, team leadership, and decision-making at an organizational level, this program is an excellent fit.
With the program being online, it is especially suited for:
- Working cybersecurity professionals who need the flexibility to balance advancing their education with their current job responsibilities
- IT managers looking to specialize in cybersecurity while continuing their full-time roles without the need to attend in-person classes
- Compliance and risk management specialists who want to expand their cybersecurity knowledge but require the convenience of studying from anywhere
- Mid-career professionals seeking to earn an advanced degree at their own pace, fitting
coursework around their busy schedules
Aspiring cybersecurity leaders who need an adaptable learning environment that mirrors the fast-paced, digital world they'll be managing
Courses in the Online Cybersecurity Master's Degree
At OLLU, we design our curriculum to give you the tools you need to manage and lead and move to the next level in your career.
The program requires only 10 courses (30 credit hours) that can be taken in a non-sequenced format. This allows you to take courses when you want to take them. The classes are presented in an asynchronous format which means you can study on your schedule. The online cybersecurity program is composed of the following courses:
BUSA 8339 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
Introduction to dashboards and scorecards for presenting and analyzing critical performance
and operational data. Developing such skills will provide students with the requisite
knowledge/tools for translating business strategy into goals, objectives and indicators
that are used as metrics in quantifying an organizations’ progress towards achieving
its operational targets. Introduction to dashboard functionality, characteristics
and components, key elements, design principles, security, standards and best practices.
CISS 8310 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
In-depth study of specialized topic chosen by instructor.
CISS 8311 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
Comprehensive overview of risk management at the organizational level and its implications
on IT infrastructure and compliance. Strategies and approaches for risk assessment
and mitigation plans, including data, people, processes, and technology.
CISS 8312 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
In-depth study of ethics and morality, and recognizing the distinction between ethical
theory and professional ethics. Exploration of ethical issues as they apply to cybersecurity.
CISS 8321 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
Advanced survey of key concepts of cybersecurity. Access control; security operations,
administration, and personnel; risk identification, monitoring and analysis; incident
response and recovery; cryptography; network and communications security; physical
and environmental security; systems and application security. Privacy, risk, ethics,
and legal regulations.
CISS 8322 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
Management of information security including planning for security and contingencies,
development and implementation of security programs. Security management models and
practices, risk management, laws and ethics.
CISS 8323 - 3 CREDIT HOURS
In-depth coverage of audit planning, standards, and issues related to compliance with
applicable laws and regulations.
FINC 8301 | 3 credit hours
Provides students with a comprehensive background in the theoretical foundations of
modern financial economics. Themes include: individual investment decisions under
uncertainty, stochastic dominance, mean-variance theory, capital market equilibrium
and asset valuation, arbitrage pricing theory, option pricing and the potential application
of these themes.
Leadership Strategies and Processes
LEAD 6321 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
Focus on strategic planning methodologies and issues related to the design of effective
organizational structures, processes and control systems in contemporary and future
complex organizations. Emphasis will be placed on a variety of seminal strategic planning
methodologies available to leaders.
or
Critical Thinking and Problem Analysis for Leaders
LEAD 6322 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
Study of the principles of logic, critical thinking, problem definition and decision
theory that are used in identifying problems, assumptions and alternatives for problems
that leaders encounter. Methods of decision-making and scenario planning are explored
in detail.
Database Management Systems
CISS 8302 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
Analysis, design and administration of databases using information systems development
methodologies and tools. Overview of SQL, data warehouses, distributed access, and
security.
or
Networking and Cloud Computing
CISS 8304 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
Networking and cloud computing architecture and security with an overview of current
technologies and solutions. Exploration of cloud architecture models, services, security
issues, virtualization technologies and logical and physical components.
or
Hardware and Software Platforms
CISS 8305 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
Study of hardware, software and architecture platforms used to deliver enterprise
information systems. Current and emerging platform technologies supporting enterprise
applications and networked environments.
or
Scripting and Programming
CISS 8306 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
Study of creating scripts and programs to automate and perform simple operations and
implement algorithms, regular expressions, and data/control structures. Basic security
practices in developing scripts/programs.
or
Penetration Testing
CISS 8324 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
Introduction to methodologies, techniques, and tools for system vulnerability identification,
analysis and mitigation.
or
Digital Forensics
CISS 8325 | 3 CREDIT HOURS
Exploration of forensics techniques, tools, and legal requirements as they apply to
different operating systems, devices, media, and applications.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the requirements for graduate admission to Our Lady of the Lake University, MS in Cybersecurity Management applicants should provide evidence of:
- An earned baccalaureate or graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution in an information technology-related discipline.
- A grade point average of at least 3.0 for cumulative undergraduate work.
- Completed Application for Admission -- free to apply
- Official transcripts from all regionally accredited colleges and universities where degrees were conferred
The Computer Information Systems and Security department reserves the right to limit enrollment in the MS in Cybersecurity Management program, therefore meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee immediate admission to the program. The admissions committee bases its decision on a holistic review of all components of the application. Therefore, higher achievement in any of these requirements may compensate for a deficiency in one of them. The program may offer successful applicants full admission or conditional admission.
Faculty
Full-time faculty members in the Computer Information Systems and Security (CISS) Department have extensive professional and academic experience. Most have doctoral degrees and/or professional certifications. Seasoned practitioners who teach selected courses complement full-time professors as adjunct faculty. View CISS Faculty
Vanessa Clark
Associate Professor and Chair
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Master's in Cybersecurity Management program can pursue various leadership roles, including but not limited to the following:
Cybersecurity Manager
A Cybersecurity Manager heads the implementation of security standards across an organization, oversees cybersecurity teams, and guarantees that all systems are adequately protected from cyber threats. It involves strategic planning, resource management, and executive collaboration to align security strategies with business goals.
Information Security Analyst
An Information Security Analyst identifies vulnerabilities, observes networks, and responds to cyber threats. These specialists play a huge role in safeguarding an organization's information systems by implementing solutions to prevent any potential breaches.
Governance, Risk and Compliance Officer
A Governance, Risk, and Compliance Officer (GRC) ensures that the organization adheres to regulatory requirements and internal security policies. They develop risk management strategies, maintain compliance with laws like GDPR or HIPAA, and oversee audits to ensure the organization's cybersecurity measures are up to standard.
Chief Information Security Officer
A Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is in charge of an organization's entire cybersecurity strategy. This executive role involves guiding the security vision, making high-level decisions on protecting data and infrastructure, and leading teams in mitigating risks and addressing security challenges.
Tuition & Financial Aid
The online Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management is an investment in your career advancement. Unlike other area programs, the OLLU program allows you to continue working full-time while pursuing your degree so you don't lose valuable on-the-job experience while preparing for leadership roles within the cybersecurity field.
| Tuition | Costs |
|---|---|
| Our Tuition (2024–2025 rate) | $2,973 per three credit hour course |
| Average Tuition of Peer Online Institutions | $4,330 per course |
| Average Total Cost of Tuition | $29,730 |
You should begin the Financial Aid application process at the same time that you apply to the graduate program. To be considered for financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.studentaid.gov . Please list Our Lady of the Lake University, federal school code #003598, as one of the schools to receive your application information. OLLU will receive your results electronically and use them to award your financial aid.
Please note: You must be officially accepted for admission to the university before a financial aid award can be processed.
Center for Cyber Leadership
Students in OLLU’s Cybersecurity program have access to the University’s Center for Cyber Leadership (CCL). The center provides information about events, competitions, industry standards,
news and other available resources and opportunities.
CyberSaints
Cybersecurity students at OLLU have the opportunity to join the CyberSaints student organization. Becoming a member of the CyberSaints allows for students to network with industry professionals, participate in regional and national competitions, keep up to date on industry trends, and explore leadership opportunities, among other benefits.
CyberSaintsFAQs
A student carrying a full-time load can complete the program in 12 months – attending the fall, spring and summer semester.
The MS in Cybersecurity Management is offered in a non-sequenced format. This allows students to set their own pace for completion and provides for flexibility in choosing which courses to take and when to take them.
OLLU’s MS in Cybersecurity Management program coursework covers Common Body of Knowledge topics included in the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification exam and others.
The MS in Cybersecurity Management does not require a graduate entrance exam for admittance into the program. Applicants must have an earned baccalaureate or graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution in an information technology-related discipline and a grade point average of at least 3.0 for cumulative undergraduate work.
The cybersecurity field is generally considered stable in terms of job security. As long as cyber threats exist, there will be a need for cybersecurity professionals. According to governmental data, cybersecurity-related careers are projected to grow 33% from 2023 to 2033.