Program Overview

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an online concentration in Cybersecurity is designed for early careerists, mid-level to senior leadership executives, administrators, directors, and managers in industries reliant upon digital technologies. These industries range from health-care industries, energy sector, banking sector as well as across private industry and government. This rapidly growing sector of the economy is thirsty for competently trained personnel able to lead in an era of shrinking financial support and increasing cost and demand - managers and executives who must thrive in an ever-changing environment while dealing with cyber threats.

The program focuses on developing sustainable executive practices that result in efficient cybersecurity management and effective outcomes to the communities served. A significant distinguishing component to this online concentration is the hands-on experience each student will receive as they progress through their studies. This mix between hands-on real-world experience and classroom studies makes this concentration unique and cutting-edge.

With a focus on applied cybersecurity research, Fairmont State University has become a leader in cybersecurity education and a leading research center in cybersecurity by promoting published, relevant research, and scholarly work by course participants. This 12-hour area of cybersecurity concentration meets a real demand in the marketplace, satisfies the course work portion for leading professionals in the field of cybersecurity, and surpasses other educational programs offered across the United States.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain, interpret and synthesize effective methods for exemplary professional performance through demonstration of key managerial and leadership competencies and innovative practices.

• Apply information acquired through implementation and introduction of new skills that demonstrate effective communication, analytical or critical thinking, and problem solving necessary for expanded administrative roles in cybersecurity practice and leadership.

• Create new or original work utilizing effective and dynamic management practices or tools required for research, planning, strategy, quality assessment, organization and staffing effectiveness, leading change and sustainability for organizations that desire to secure their digital infrastructure.

• Critique and assess didactic and experiential opportunities for professional development in cybersecurity leadership and/or management.

Admission and Program Requirements

The application process will follow the same steps and standards as are in place for the School of Business and Fairmont State’s graduate programs generally. Admission requires:

• Complete application to program

• Official Transcripts sent directly from the College or University who issued the degree

• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution

• Minimum 2.75 overall undergraduate GPA on a 4.0 scale or 3.0 on the last 60 hours attempted

• Submit scores on Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or Graduate Managment Admission Test (GMAT).

Students applying to the College of Business and Aviation must meet the minimum requirements for graduate study. Applicants who do not meet all minimum admission criteria may be admitted provisionally by applying at least 5 years of progressively responsible work experience as an additional measure.

Graduation Requirements

Students must maintain a 3.00 overall GPA and earn not more than 2 grades of “C” on courses to be counted toward graduation in order to graduate.