Online MBA: Cybersecurity Degree
- Evening
- Online
What Is an MBA in Cybersecurity?
An MBA in cybersecurity is a master’s degree that combines leadership and management education with cybersecurity-specific technical skills, such as risk management. GCU’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an Emphasis in Cybersecurity is designed for cybersecurity professionals who want to lead teams, manage digital risk and align cybersecurity decisions with business strategy. Unlike a technical MS in cybersecurity, this MBA emphasis focuses on applying cybersecurity knowledge in organizational leadership, operations, risk management and strategic decision-making.
Offered by the Colangelo College of Business, this online degree teaches countermeasures to cyberattacks and aims to prepare graduates to lead at the intersection of technology and management.
Estimated cost of cybercrime globally by 2029(See disclaimer 1)
Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Master's)
- Undergraduate Degree*
- 2.8+ GPA
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
- GMAT: 500
- GRE: 300 combined**
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.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).
What Is It Like Going to GCU for Your MBA?
GCU strives to make higher education more accessible to working professionals. You can earn this MBA in cybersecurity online, making it more convenient to fit education into your busy life. As an online student, you’ll be immersed in GCU’s faith-based learning community. Our biblically rooted business college teaches leadership and professional ethics through the lens of a Christian worldview.
What To Expect in the MBA: Cybersecurity Program
Flexible Online Learning Format
Through GCU’s intuitive digital learning platform, MBA in cybersecurity students can connect and collaborate with classmates through online discussions and interactive coursework. The flexible online format helps students stay on track with accessible course materials, clear deadlines and structured weekly engagement.
Support Services
Our faculty members at the Colangelo College of Business champion the progress and achievements of our MBA students. You can benefit from faculty mentorship and student support resources, such as career services and technical support for our online students.
What Will I Study in the MBA: Cybersecurity Program?
This MBA: cybersecurity online emphasis program teaches a blend of broad business competencies in areas such as leadership, strategic management principles and economic concepts. It also covers field-specific competencies in identifying technology vulnerabilities and enacting countermeasures to cyberattacks. Future IT leaders can prepare to apply cybersecurity practices to improve the resilience of their organizations.
In this program, students study how to:
MBA: Cybersecurity Core Course Topics
The coursework for this MBA program provides a solid framework for informed decision-making in business contexts. You can practice using quantitative tools and techniques to model business functions and examine case studies in managerial accounting, with a look at cost behavior and performance analysis.
Some of the core topics in this cybersecurity MBA include:
Organizations and leadership
Applying soft skills to refine one’s leadership style
Cyber warfare prevention
Identifying vulnerabilities, preventing cyberattacks and responding to threats
Enterprise infrastructure security
Designing enterprise infrastructure and aligning it with business plans
Operational management
Improving the efficiency of daily operations using quantitative and qualitative methods
Career Opportunities for MBA Cybersecurity Graduates
Cyber crime can affect any type of organization in any industry. Given the continued growth in cyber crime,(See disclaimer 1) it’s expected that organizations will need to rely on technology professionals who are well-versed in the latest countermeasures and who can apply threat intelligence for risk mitigation. An MBA may help you position yourself for potential advancement opportunities for IT leaders who can make informed, strategic decisions.
Some of the industries that hire cybersecurity professionals include:(See disclaimer 3)
Healthcare
Healthcare facilities need to protect highly sensitive patient data.
Manufacturing
Manufacturers need cybersecurity experts to safeguard their intricate operations.
Government
Government agencies can be targeted by hackers interested in obtaining confidential information.
Financial services
Financial services companies need to protect the financial data of their customers.
Median annual salary for computer and information systems managers as of May 2024(See disclaimer 2)
Projected growth for computer and information systems managers from 2024 to 2034(See disclaimer 4)
How Much Does an Online MBA in Cybersecurity Cost?
We believe that quality higher education should be accessible to all. We’re committed to keeping our academic programs affordable for our students by offering institutional scholarships. An education at GCU is an investment in your future.
Ways To Save
Your education is an important financial investment, and there are several ways to help manage costs while earning your degree. GCU’s university counselors are available to help you explore available options and provide personalized guidance on your estimated cost of attendance.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to determine eligibility for federal grants and student loans. Since some aid is awarded on a first‑come, first‑served basis, GCU recommends submitting the FAFSA as early as possible after Oct. 1 to maximize funding opportunities.
If you’ve earned college credits from another institution, you may be able to complete your degree sooner at GCU by transferring those credits. Submit the Lopes Unofficial Credit Evaluation form, then connect with a university counselor who can provide you with personalized guidance.
You may be able to reduce your college costs by applying for GCU’s on-campus or online student scholarships. We invite you to explore available institutional scholarships and determine which opportunities you may be eligible for. GCU also encourages students to seek out third‑party scholarships and grants.
You can apply to a degree program at GCU in just three simple steps. Your university counselor is standing by to assist you with any questions about the application process.
It starts with selecting the program that aligns with your goals from one of GCU's 380+ academic programs — from undergraduate degrees to post-master’s certificate programs to doctoral degrees.
Pick your program
Explore our on-campus, online or evening cohort options under the Degree Programs page to find the right program for you.
Complete our online application
Your university counselor will direct you to the online application. Fill in all required information and submit the form.
Submit supporting documents
Submit your official transcripts and any relevant test scores, and confirm with your university counselor that all forms for your desired program are submitted.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Cybersecurity MBA
Explore the following frequently asked questions and answers about the cybersecurity MBA.
Is an MBA: cybersecurity worth it?
Is an MBA better than a technical master’s for someone already in IT/cybersecurity?
What business skills matter most in cybersecurity leadership?
How long does it take to earn an MBA: cybersecurity online?
Is AI replacing cybersecurity jobs?
Can I earn the MBA: cybersecurity fully online?
Do I need cybersecurity experience to enroll in an MBA: cybersecurity program?
Admission Requirements for the MBA: Cybersecurity Program
GCU does not require a personal statement or essay, and there is no application fee. Specific requirements can vary, depending on the degree or program. Your university counselor will help you navigate the process of applying.
You can apply to a degree program at GCU in just three simple steps. Your university counselor is standing by to assist you with any questions about the application process.
It starts with selecting the program that aligns with your goals from one of GCU's 380+ academic programs — from undergraduate degrees to post-master’s certificate programs to doctoral degrees.
Pick your program
Explore our on-campus, online or evening cohort options under the Degree Programs page to find the right program for you.
Complete our online application
Your university counselor will direct you to the online application. Fill in all required information and submit the form.
Submit supporting documents
Submit your official transcripts and any relevant test scores, and confirm with your university counselor that all forms for your desired program are submitted.
Program Curriculum
Fundamental Courses
Fundamental courses prepare students for the curricular content they will encounter within the program. Upon evaluation of their transcripts, students with the appropriate undergraduate degree(s) may waive fundamental course(s). All students will undergo transcript evaluations upon receipt of their undergraduate degree bearing official transcript. For college specific information regarding fundamental coursework, students should refer to the University Policy Handbook.
Core Courses
Earn your MBA with an Emphasis in Cybersecurity online at GCU and build leadership skills for today’s evolving digital risk landscape.
- Statista. (2025, Dec. 17). Cybercrime Worldwide – Statistics & Facts. Retrieved May 2026.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Computer and Information Systems Managers, as of May 2024, retrieved May 2026. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as computer and information systems managers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
- Roman-Johnston, L. (2025, Oct. 9). Top 5 Industries Hiring Cybersecurity Talent Right Now. Peterson Technology Partners. Retrieved May 2026.
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer and Information Systems Managers, retrieved May 2026.
- Blakley, B. (2026, May 6). Cybersecurity Professionals Need to Think Like Business Leaders. Security Magazine. Retrieved May 2026.
- Wiz. (2026, March 19). Will AI Replace Cybersecurity? Exploring AI’s Evolving Role in Security. Retrieved May 2026.