Businesses need leaders who can manage risk, follow regulations and ensure security supports how the business operates. Because the number of job openings typically exceeds the number of people seeking to fill them, professionals with expertise in security management find themselves at an advantage. The online Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Cybersecurity Concentration program from Emporia State University (ESU) is an AACSB-accredited program that prepares graduates to blend leadership with cybersecurity strategy.
According to the 2024 ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, the global workforce gap has reached 4.8 million professionals, with 67% of organizations reporting they don’t have enough staff to stay secure. This creates openings for managers to oversee teams and budgets while understanding digital threats. Some careers that graduates can pursue include cybersecurity manager, information security manager, risk and compliance manager, incident response manager, and cybersecurity consultant.
Cybersecurity Manager
A cybersecurity manager oversees the daily security of a company, focusing on building policies and leading teams of analysts to make sure those policies support the business. They must stay alert, since a single lapse in security can quickly damage a company’s reputation.
These positions pay well and the average yearly salary is about $132,962. Those in this field often earn the CISM (Certified Information Systems Auditor) credential to demonstrate their ability to manage security programs and comply with legal regulations. The coursework in Emporia State’s cybersecurity program is designed to prepare students for this certification.
Information Security Manager
These leaders head the planning and rollout of a company’s data protection strategy. Their work involves setting up access controls and making sure the organization meets all legal data privacy regulations. They are the planners who decide which parts of the business need the most protection and how to use resources to keep them safe.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that information security analysts earn a median salary of $124,910 per year, with the field expected to grow by 29% through 2034. At the management level, pay can be even higher. Getting a CISM certification can give a candidate an advantage, which shows they have skills in auditing, control, and assurance, which are covered in the cybersecurity program at Emporia State.
Risk and Compliance Manager
These professionals assess organizational risks and check that the business follows regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, NIST and ISO. They also spend time preparing for audits to prove that the company’s security policies meet legal and industry standards.
A 2024 Ponemon Institute study found that the average cost of a data breach has reached $4.88 million. Because these stakes are so high, many employers look to see if their employees hold the CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control) certification. This validates a professional’s ability to identify and manage IT risk, an area where ESU provides instruction.
Incident Response Manager
When a security breach happens, the incident response manager takes the lead. They coordinate teams during a crisis, manage communication with various departments and work to improve processes after the crisis is over. It’s a high-pressure job that requires technical knowledge and the ability to lead people through stressful situations — exactly the combination this online MBA develops.
The ISC2 found that 88% of organizations faced at least one significant security risk last year because they didn’t have people with the right expertise. Having an MBA with a cybersecurity concentration gives a professional an advantage when dealing with these threats.
Cybersecurity Consultant (Managerial Level)
Consultants provide outside advice to organizations regarding security strategy and risk management. They often work with clients across various fields, helping them build more robust security systems that comply with regulations and support their business goals. This is a good fit for MBA graduates who enjoy variety and want to apply their business knowledge to solve a range of problems.
Cybersecurity program managers earn an average yearly salary of approximately $149,013. Having certifications like CISM, CRISC or CISA makes a consultant more qualified in the eyes of a client. Since the ESU cybersecurity program helps students work towards these goals, they can enter their field with a head start.
Professional Growth in a Growing Industry
The variety of management roles available to those with a cybersecurity MBA shows how much the industry has changed. Companies want leaders who understand how a security budget fits into their goals and graduates from this online program can fill the talent gap.
ESU provides an affordable way to enter this field through its online program. The curriculum builds leadership skills while focusing on cybersecurity governance expertise. By preparing students for certifications like CISM and CISA, the program helps graduates enter their careers ready to protect sensitive information.
Learn more about Emporia State University’s online MBA in Cybersecurity Concentration program.
