Department website: https://business.wvu.edu/academics/management-information-systems/business-cybersecurity-management
Degree Offered
- Master of Science in Business Cybersecurity Management
Certificates Offered
- Business Cybersecurity Data Analytics
- Business Cybersecurity Foundations
- Business Cybersecurity Management
Nature of the Program
The online M.S. in Business Cybersecurity Management can be completed in 12-24-months. The online course delivery of this program allows students to work in teams with expert faculty conducting hands-on technical labs, learning complex technologies while working with a flexible schedule and location independence.
This Business Cybersecurity Data Analytics certificate orients both data and technology analysts to the demands and requirements of both securing and analyzing data. The Business Cybersecurity Foundations certificate focuses on the development of a new or overhaul of existing cybersecurity structures in firms of all sizes. The Business Cybersecurity Management certificate prepares students to manage and improve existing cybersecurity programs with an emphasis on the evaluation of risks and where cybersecurity management meets the law.
Although the master's and certificate programs require the learning of challenging technical material, entry into the program does not assume or require depth in technology fields. The program is constructed in such a way as to allow students from all backgrounds to get up to speed quickly, while simultaneously challenging those with deep technical expertise.
Academic Standards
In addition to the University’s academic and professional standards, students enrolled in a John Chambers College of Business and Economics master’s degree program must also abide by the following standards:
- Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to earn a degree from their graduate program, without exception.
- A student who cannot mathematically meet the 3.0 GPA requirement to successfully complete the degree, within a reasonable period of time (as defined by the Program Coordinator or designee), will be dismissed from their academic program. Visit the Probation, Suspension, and Dismissal section of the University’s Graduate Catalog for more information about this topic.
- Students must follow the professional standards established by the college, their degree program and/or department. A student who violates the established professional standards may be placed on probation or dismissed from their program.
- A student whose cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 will automatically be placed on academic probation.
- A student will be dismissed from their program if their GPA is not raised to 3.0 by the end of their subsequent semester of enrollment.
- A student will be dismissed from their program if they earn a letter grade below C- in more than one required course.
- A student who earns a letter grade of D or F in any required course must repeat the course and earn a minimum letter grade of C-.
- Any grade earned in a repeated course at the graduate level is included in the calculation of a student’s overall and major GPA, along with the original grade earned in the course. Additionally, the original grade earned in the course will remain on the student’s academic transcript/permanent record. Visit the Grades section of the University Graduate Catalog for more information about this topic.
Any exceptions to the above standards must be approved in writing by the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs and the Program Coordinator.
Faculty
Coordinator
- Christopher Ramezan - Ph.D. (West Virginia University)
Security Architecture, Machine Learning, IT/OT Convergence, Remote Sensing, Cybersecurity Education
Teaching Assistant Professors
- Mohammad J. Ahmad - Ph.D. (West Virginia University)
Software Vulnerability and Fault-Proneness Detection, Analysis, and Classification, Machine Learning, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity
Adjunct Professors
- Lydia Greaser - M.S. (West Virginia University)
Director of HSC Information Security, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center - Frank Hatten - M.S. (West Virginia University)
Cybersecurity Analyst, John Chambers College of Business and Economics - John Lympany - Ed.D. (Spalding University)
Assistant Dean for Administration and Planning, John Chambers College of Business and Economics
Admissions for 2027-2028
The M.S. in Business Cybersecurity Management program seeks individuals from diverse academic backgrounds who have an interest and aptitude to be successful in the cybersecurity domain. This program prepares students to become cybersecurity professionals, as well as sharpen the skills of those who currently work in the cybersecurity industry so that they can adapt to growing changes in security technology.
The Committee reviews applications holistically and will admit students based on strength of their admissions application and potential to succeed in this program.
To apply, applicants must submit:
1) a completed application - https://graduateadmissions.wvu.edu/how-to-apply/first-time-graduate-applicant
2) application fee
3) up-to-date academic transcripts from all prior undergraduate and graduate institutions - a minimum of 2.75 is required; to be competitive, an applicant would present a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.25
4) an up-to-date resume showing prior work experience
International Applicants are required to submit a TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score. Visit English Language Proficiency Requirements | Graduate Admissions | West Virginia University for specific information.
WVU cannot accept scans, uploads, faxes, or unverified photocopies of transcripts as official.
Graduate degree-seeking applicants must send their official transcript from the undergraduate institution that granted the bachelor’s degree. It is preferred that official transcripts be sent via an online, secure service such as National Student Clearinghouse, or Parchment to graduateadmissions@mail.wvu.edu. Alternatively, sealed, untampered, physical official transcripts can be sent to:
WVU Graduate Admissions
1 Waterfront Place
P.O. Box 6009
Morgantown, WV 26506
International applicants and applicants using express mail, use the address below:
WVU International Admissions
1 Waterfront Place
P.O. Box 6009
Morgantown, WV 26506
Major Code: 2140
All graduate programs in the John Chambers College of Business and Economics require that enrolled students maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in coursework applied toward their degree program, as outlined in the specific academic program of study.
Degree Requirements
Each student who completes an MS in Business Cybersecurity Management will complete a 10 course online sequence in a one to two year time period.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A program GPA of 3.0 is required by the Chambers College. | ||
| CYBR 510 | Cybersecurity Information Systems Management | 3 |
| CYBR 515 | Software Security | 3 |
| CYBR 520 | Business Cybersecurity Analytics | 3 |
| CYBR 525 | Information Security Assurance Management | 3 |
| CYBR 530 | Business Data Communications | 3 |
| CYBR 535 | Business Network Security * | 3 |
| CYBR 540 | Information Ethics and Legal Procedures ** | 3 |
| CYBR 545 | Business Cybercrime Management | 3 |
| CYBR 550 | Business Enterprise Security Architecture | 3 |
| CYBR 555 | Business Cybersecurity Practicum | 3 |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
- *
Students may select CPE 538 in place of the CYBR 535 in the Spring semester, on campus.
- **
Students may select CS 539 in place of the CYBR 540 in the Spring semester, on campus
Suggested Plan of Study - 1 Year
| First Year | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | Summer | Hours |
| CYBR 510 | 3 | CYBR 535 | 3 | CYBR 515 | 3 |
| CYBR 520 | 3 | CYBR 540 | 3 | CYBR 555 | 3 |
| CYBR 525 | 3 | CYBR 545 | 3 | ||
| CYBR 530 | 3 | CYBR 550 | 3 | ||
| 12 | 12 | 6 | |||
| Total credit hours: 30 | |||||
Spring Start - 18 month
| First Year | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Hours | Summer | Hours | ||
| CYBR 535 | 3 | CYBR 515 | 3 | ||
| CYBR 540 | 3 | ||||
| 6 | 3 | ||||
| Second Year | |||||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | Summer | Hours |
| CYBR 510 | 3 | CYBR 545 | 3 | CYBR 555 | 3 |
| CYBR 520 | 3 | CYBR 550 | 3 | ||
| CYBR 525 | 3 | ||||
| CYBR 530 | 3 | ||||
| 12 | 6 | 3 | |||
| Total credit hours: 30 | |||||
Fall Start - 2 Year
| First Year | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | Summer | Hours |
| CYBR 525 | 3 | CYBR 535 | 3 | CYBR 515 | 3 |
| CYBR 530 | 3 | CYBR 540 | 3 | ||
| 6 | 6 | 3 | |||
| Second Year | |||||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | Summer | Hours |
| CYBR 510 | 3 | CYBR 545 | 3 | CYBR 555 | 3 |
| CYBR 520 | 3 | CYBR 550 | 3 | ||
| 6 | 6 | 3 | |||
| Total credit hours: 30 | |||||
Degree Progress
The department of Management Information Systems and Supply Chain requires satisfactory completion of all curriculum requirements as defined in the graduate catalog. Students who are either not making adequate degree progress or who are failing to uphold professional standards may receive notice of probation or dismissal. Students may be notified of academic consequences outside of routine evaluation processes if an issue must be addressed immediately.
The graduate handbook will be distributed via email no later than the first day of classes of the Fall semester.
Satisfactory Progress
- To be in good standing, a student must maintain a cumulative and program GPA of 3.0.
- A student who falls below a 3.0 GPA will be placed on probation for a semester.
- Probation is lifted when students are back in good standing or have made enough satisfactory progress toward graduation.
- Students who cannot mathematically achieve the required GPA or who can no longer make progress toward graduation may be dismissed.
Major Learning Outcomes
Business Cybersecurity Management
Upon completion of this program, students will:
- Students will be able to demonstrate managerial expertise in understanding and investigating complex cybersecurity ideas.
- Students will be able to evaluate the data security of businesses from a data and systems security perspective, and to recommend and initiate appropriate procedures, policies, and security controls to ensure improved data and systems security.
- Students will be able to use appropriate tools to mitigate cybersecurity threats by applying knowledge of topics such as risk management, disaster recovery, business continuity, digital forensics, and computer network defenses.
- Students will be able to communicate the analysis and findings of a comprehensive security audit initiative to enhance the protection and security of an organization.