BS in Cybersecurity Management Degree
Learn To Apply Business Principles in Cybersecurity Management Jobs
The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Management degree at GCU sets you up to be a leading figure in IT security-related fields. In this program, you will gain management skills along with cybersecurity essentials to prepare you for jobs that navigate between technical and non-technical spaces within an organization.
Throughout your studies in this program, you will learn competencies that relate to both business and cybersecurity management. These competencies demonstrate the knowledge you gain that is applicable to your future as a cybersecurity management professional. Some of the core competencies you will learn include:
- Effectively collaborating and negotiating
- Problem-solving and promoting innovation within your organization
- Identifying cybersecurity vulnerabilities within an organization
- Analyzing and synthesizing data to evaluate risk when making business decisions
- Solving business problems through examining management methods
- Assessing ethical issues related to information systems
- Understanding and examining information systems laws and regulations
- Developing quality strategic cybersecurity plans
As a cybersecurity professional with your degree from GCU, you will learn servant leadership with the aim of creating a shared value of leadership within the management of cybersecurity.
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Choose GCU’s Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity Management Degree
Along with the knowledge gained from earning this degree, there are several other reasons to choose the cybersecurity management degree at GCU. This degree program gives you the choice of completing your courses online or in person, while also setting you up to pursue advanced STEM or business degrees down the line.
Fundamental Skills and Cybersecurity Management Concepts You Will Study
Throughout your coursework in this cybersecurity management program, you will study both fundamental business and cybersecurity management principles. Some of the topics you will study throughout the program include:
- Cyberlaw and privacy
- Accounting
- Marketing
- Basics of cybersecurity
- Management and leadership
- Information technology ethics
- Business finance
- Economics
The combination of these various topics makes for an ideal balance for those looking to pursue leadership positions in the cybersecurity industry.
Cybersecurity Management Jobs With a Bachelor’s Degree
With the knowledge gained from a curriculum that focuses on both cybersecurity and management principles, you will be equipped to pursue job opportunities in the IT and business worlds. With this degree, you may go on to explore jobs such as:
- Computer and information systems manager
- Information security analyst
- Database architect
- Network and computer systems administrator
BS in Cybersecurity Management Degree FAQs
Read through our frequently asked questions to learn what it takes to be a manager in the cybersecurity business, as well as other important aspects of a career in cybersecurity.
At a minimum, employers typically require a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline to be eligible for cybersecurity manager positions. A degree in cybersecurity management is an ideal choice because it teaches IT and business management skills. Additional certifications may also be required for certain positions, including Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and Information Systems Security Management Professionals (CISSP-ISSMP) certifications.1
Virtually all organizations use technology in some form, making cybersecurity an increasingly important field. With this comes a need for high-level professionals to oversee and manage cybersecurity programs within an organization. A cybersecurity management degree is an all-encompassing degree that prepares you to take on modern day cyber challenges, combined with the business management principles needed to lead and educate others.
Cybersecurity management can be a financially rewarding career choice. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for computer and information systems managers was $151,150 in 2020.2
While you don’t necessarily need a degree in cybersecurity or computer science degree to become a cybersecurity project manager, a Certified Security Project Manager (CSPM) Certification is required. These individuals oversee dynamic projects and manage teams of people; therefore, along with a strong foundation of cybersecurity and IT, it’s imperative to have strong management skills to take on this role. A bachelor’s in cybersecurity management can help provide you with those skills to prepare you for this role and certification later on.
The main difference between an applied degree and a non-applied degree is that applied degrees emphasize hands-on learning and prepare you to be job-ready to go into the field following graduation. For instance, an applied cybersecurity management degree will incorporate active learning lessons surrounding topics such as financial decision making and an applied business project. In contrast, a bachelor’s in cybersecurity management will focus on theories, concepts and practical application of knowledge, rather than hands-on learning.
1 Retrieved from Infosec, How to become a cybersecurity manager, in November 2022.
2 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer and Information Systems Managers. They are not calculated using wages from GCU graduates but from workers across the country with varying levels of education and experience, and they reflect a national median wage for this occupation in May 2020. This national data may not accurately reflect earnings of workers in particular parts of the country and include earners at all stages of their career and not solely entry level wages. COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is based on May 2020.
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.
Requirements
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.
Course Options
- UNV-112, Success in Science, Engineering and Technology & Lab: 4
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
- UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
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.
Course Options
- MAT-154, Applications of College Algebra: 4
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
- PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4
- BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4
Requirements
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.
Course Options
- HIS-144, U.S. History Themes: 4
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Core Courses
Course Description
In this course, students examine basic accounting concepts and explore how accounting information assists business leaders in making financial decisions that increase profitability and contribute to competitive advantage. There is specific emphasis on the analysis of financial statements in the business decision-making process, budgeting, and factors businesses must consider when determining appropriate pricing of goods and services. Prerequisite: MAT-144 or MAT-154.
Course Description
This course introduces core components of computer, information systems, and analytics technology. Students examine how organizations use technologies to analyze business processes and data and learn fundamental skills for business analytics.
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.
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.
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to the practical application of descriptive and inferential statistics in business. Topics include probability, probability distributions, the central limit theorem, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, correlation, and regression. Prerequisite: MAT-134, MAT-144, or MAT-154.
Course Description
This course examines various areas of information technology project management. Traditional and agile project management topics are covered with specific focus on information technology projects. A project management software scheduling tool is also used in the course. Prerequisite: BIT-200, BIT-205, CST-111 or ITT-111.
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.
Course Description
This survey course covers the basic concepts of microeconomics and macroeconomics. The course begins by addressing the fundamental concepts of scarcity, choice, opportunity cost, and comparative advantage. The course builds on these fundamentals to explain the market forces of supply and demand, market efficiency, the economics of the public sector, and the firm's behavior under competitive market conditions. The second half of the course focuses on basic macroeconomic concepts, including measurement of national income, economic growth, and productivity. In addition, this course covers the monetary system and the classical theory of inflation.
Course Description
This course provides the principles of quality management in information security. Emphasis is on managerial guidance for establishing, implementing, organizing, governing, and maintaining security frameworks within an organization. Students explore best practice quality management principles for information security managers.
Course Description
This course is an introduction to managerial finance and the financial markets, analysis of financial statements, time value of money, interest rates, asset valuation, assessment of risk, cost of capital, and capital budgeting. Prerequisites: ECN-220, ECN-351, or ECN-361; and ACC-240 or ACC-250.
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.
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.
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.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course serves as the capstone experience in business and management that includes the gradual development of a comprehensive and integrative business plan. This course is designed to assist students in their development as managers, servant leaders, and successful strategic thinkers. Management, marketing, accounting, finance, economics, global perspectives, law, and political issues are covered during this course. Prerequisites: MGT-420 or MGT-422HN; FIN-210 or FIN-350; and MKT-245 or MKT-315.
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to designing, planning, operating, and controlling production systems. Emphasis is on managerial concepts and strategies relating to the management of operations in both manufacturing and service environments. Quantitative and qualitative methods and tools are introduced and applied. Prerequisite: BUS-352, MAT-274, MAT-374, or ESG-374.
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
* 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.