BS in Applied Cybersecurity Management Program

Q: How do you become a cybersecurity manager?

The first step is to earn an undergraduate degree in cybersecurity or a closely related field. You may also want to earn cybersecurity or information systems certifications, which some employers may require. It is also beneficial for you to seek out experience in the form of internships or entry-level jobs, as many cybersecurity managers must have prior experience in a related field.

Q: What kind of computer do I need for an applied cybersecurity program?

Students in cybersecurity programs at GCU need specific computer capabilities to be able to successfully complete the program and prepare for their careers in the IT field. Specific computer requirements for cybersecurity majors can be found in the GCU University Policy Handbook.

Q: How does management apply to cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity management involves monitoring, analyzing and communicating cybersecurity processes within an organization. The management side of this career takes it beyond a typical cybersecurity position, as you oversee managing resources, business decisions, policies, teams and strategies regarding cybersecurity for an organization.

Overview

Overview of this BS in Applied Cybersecurity Management

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Cybersecurity Management degree at Grand Canyon University can prepare you to be a competitive candidate for information technology (IT) security positions. This applied cybersecurity management degree, online or on campus, provides you with the knowledge and skillset you need to become an effective leader in the IT industry.

Our applied cybersecurity program is offered through the Colangelo College of Business, which means that, along with essential cybersecurity principles, you will be taught important management and leadership skills. With this knowledge, you may be prepared to lead within technical and non-technical spaces in your organization.

Bachelor of Science in Applied Cybersecurity Management

Offered By

Colangelo College of Business

Class Settings

Campus

Online

Tuition Rate

Campus: $8,250 per semester [More Info]

Online: $485 per credit [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 120

Campus: 15 weeks

Online: 8 weeks

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Transfer Credits

Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)

16+ years old
High School Graduate
3.0+ Unweighted GPA

OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

ACT: 19
SAT: 1000*

Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).

Coursework

Gain Manager Skills During an Applied Cybersecurity Program

Cybersecurity leaders must possess knowledge of both IT and team leadership. As a graduate of this applied cybersecurity program, you will feel confident in your ability to fulfill knowledge and skill requirements for high-level IT management positions.

Upon completing the program, you will be able to:

Effectively communicate business decisions and technical information
Problem-solve and improve cybersecurity processes by evaluating trends and resources
Demonstrate how improved information systems lead to improved relationships with stakeholders and the community
Apply servant leadership principles to collaborative team environments and other relationships within an organization
Understand ethical and legal consequences that may occur in the global cybersecurity industry

Through your understanding of the technical and business worlds, you can look forward to leading others, making important business decisions and problem-solving to improve cybersecurity functioning within an organization.

Benefits of GCU’s Bachelor’s in Applied Cybersecurity Program

There are various reasons to consider earning your applied cybersecurity management degree online or on campus at GCU.

Along with the opportunity to jumpstart your career in your field of interest, you can also take advantage of multiple modality options and advanced degree opportunities later on.

Pursue Your Applied Cybersecurity Management Degree Online

Our applied cybersecurity management degree at GCU is offered online, making it a feasible option for working adult learners. Online learning at GCU provides the same top-tier education, wealth of support and plentiful resources as traditional on-campus programs. However, through an applied cybersecurity management degree online, you can earn your STEM degree in a format that makes sense for you.

Earn Your Master’s in Cybersecurity or Cybersecurity Certificate

Aspiring cybersecurity professionals or current IT experts both have options to advance their careers at GCU. We offer various online STEM programs for those interested in developing their knowledge of cybersecurity, from an online certificate program to an advanced master’s in cybersecurity.

Study Foundational Concepts for Other Graduate Degrees

The essential knowledge learned through our applied cybersecurity program at GCU can prepare you to be an ideal candidate for advanced degrees. Dive deeper into the field and fulfill your career aspirations by exploring technology graduate degrees in various disciplines, such as computer science, information technology, software engineering and data science.

Study Applicable Cybersecurity Management Skills and Concepts

In this applied cybersecurity management degree, you will cover various course topics, where you will master critical cybersecurity skills needed for a successful career in the field. The material learned in these courses serves to provide you with a well-rounded base of knowledge in both cybersecurity and management.

Some of the course topics you will study include:

Understanding computer technology and analysis

Cyberlaw and privacy

Cybersecurity fundamentals

Marketing

Making financial decisions

Managing information security

IT ethics

Management and leadership for cybersecurity

Careers

Careers for Graduates With a BS in Applied Cybersecurity Management

Applied cybersecurity degree graduates can look forward to various job opportunities within the IT field.

Some of the jobs you may go on to pursue include:

Computer and information systems manager
Network and computer systems administrator
Information security analyst
Computer network support specialist

FAQ

BS in Applied Cybersecurity Management Degree FAQs

Browse our frequently asked questions to learn more about a career in the cybersecurity field and earning your applied cybersecurity degree.

How is an applied cybersecurity management degree different than a cybersecurity management degree?

While an applied degree and a non-applied degree may focus on the same major topics, they are not completely the same. A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity management will focus more on theoretical knowledge, concepts and the practical application of that knowledge. Meanwhile, an applied cybersecurity degree includes more hands-on learning, such as problem solving and working in team environments.

How do you become a cybersecurity manager?

What kind of computer do I need for an applied cybersecurity program?

Do employers respect cybersecurity management degrees online?

Yes. Employers evaluate candidates not on the modality of their bachelor’s degree, but on their experience, demonstration of their knowledge and ability to successfully carry out their responsibilities. They will also take college accreditation into account. As online degrees become more mainstream, it is known that students can gain the same high level of education online as from a traditional on-campus format.

How does management apply to cybersecurity?

Courses

Program Curriculum

Credit Summary

General Education Requirements34-40 credits

Major48 credits

Open Elective Credits32-38 credits

Degree Requirements120 credits

General Education Requirements

General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.

Competency

4 Total Credits

Course Description

Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.

Competency

9-12 Total Credits

Competency

4 Total Credits

Competency

11-12 Total Credits

Course Description

Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher.

Competency

6-8 Total Credits

Course Description

Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.

Core Courses

BUS-317

4 Total Credits

BIT-205

4 Total Credits

CYB-220

4 Total Credits

Course Description

The Internet Age has introduced myriad legal challenges on a global level. Students will explore the emerging specialty within law that is cyber law. Topics will expose the reality that our legal system has evolved in a physical and visual world, but cyber space is largely invisible and virtual. Students will learn that past legal decisions or legal precedence has been important in our system and reasoning by analogy has been used extensively. In many cases the laws applied in the physical realm do not translate equally well into cyber space. This course will discuss the importance of this area introduce legal issues that need to be addressed.

MKT-315

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course introduces models and practices used by contemporary marketers in fast-paced, dynamic, domestic and global markets, including the marketing concept and processes for developing, implementing, and assessing the effectiveness of marketing plans. Building from a foundational understanding of consumer behavior and marketing research, students examine the development and implementation of marketing mix strategies and tactics with an emphasis of how marketing integrates within all aspects of business.

ENT-436

4 Total Credits

BIT-415

4 Total Credits

CYB-300

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course provides a fundamental understanding of the importance of cybersecurity through a broad range of cybersecurity topics. The course introduces core concepts and terminology used in cybersecurity and information systems security. Students learn concepts related to identifying common attack vectors, threats, preventive tools, and keeping information secure as it travels across a network. Students also gain a basic understanding of how cybersecurity threats and social engineering impact society.

CBM-350

4 Total Credits

MGT-420

4 Total Credits

Course Description

Drawing upon real-world management situations, this course is a study of individual and group behavior in organizations through detailed coverage of the functions of management, individual differences/diversity, leadership, motivation, decision making, organizational design, and organizational change and development. Emphasis is placed on how an understanding of organizational behavior leads to effective management practice.

BIT-417

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This writing-intensive course examines the role of governance and ethics within information technology. Topics include understanding and satisfying Sarbanes/Oxley, preparing for an information technology audit, complying with government regulations such as HIPAA, and understanding data-privacy issues. Students examine real-world case studies. Prerequisite: BIT-200, BIT-205, CST-110, or CST-111.

BUS-470

4 Total Credits

Course Description

In this writing-intensive course, students investigate challenges facing contemporary organizations and recommend solutions based on research and critical analysis. Students integrate major concepts learned throughout their program to formulate problem statements, employ quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, and communicate recommendations that satisfy the needs of diverse stakeholders.

CBM-490

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course provides an overview of cybersecurity leadership, new technologies, and dynamic workplace environments. Emphasis is on managerial and leadership concepts and strategies relating to critical thinking, creative problem solving, and professional development challenges faced in today's global marketplace. Students explore professional best practices and evolving technology for application to real-world scenarios.

GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change

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