Understanding the Admissions Process: Who Is a Good Fit for the Business Cybersecurity Program?

As businesses integrate digital technology into more aspects of their operations,  their technology grows more susceptible to data breaches and other cybercrimes. Malware, phishing, and denial of service are just a few methods hackers use to access data without authorization. Data intrusion exacts a high cost on businesses that include increased expenditures, operational disruption, reputational damage, lost revenue and stolen intellectual property.

Today’s businesses need to prioritize data security, and that’s creating demand for business cybersecurity experts. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the cybersecurity industry to grow 32% by 2032. Demand should be robust for financial, healthcare, retail, government, information, and infrastructure providers (like water, energy, and transportation).

Companies looking to safeguard their intellectual property and customers’ private information will need digital experts who understand cybersecurity and business. A master’s degree in business cybersecurity, like the Master of Science in Business Cybersecurity (MSBC) online program offered by the University of Tennessee, can prepare you with the skills to improve your company’s resilience against digital threats.

Who Is a Good Fit for the Master of Science in Business Cybersecurity Program?

Whether you are a business professional interested in improving your cybersecurity knowledge or a technical expert looking for deeper insights into business strategies, UT’s MSBC online degree can help you develop your skills and prepare you to take on new roles and challenges within your organization. 

Are you:

• A business, health, education, institutional or government manager who wants cybersecurity training to advance your career?
• A project manager, risk manager, or IT auditor looking to add cybersecurity skills to your portfolio, or to pivot to a cybersecurity role?
• A veteran seeking to build cybersecurity skills or enhance skills you developed during military service?

These are just a few examples of the professionals you could meet in UT’s MSBC online program. There is no technical requirement for entry into the program—applicants from various academic and professional backgrounds who are interested in the intersection of cybersecurity and business planning are encouraged to apply. While this degree is geared toward working professionals, recent college graduates with a bachelor’s degree in business can also apply. 

Benefits of a Master of Science in Business Cybersecurity

Hackers constantly develop new ways to access business data; organizations must stay abreast of the latest defenses to ensure their information is secure. With an MSBC online from UT, you can gain the technical skills and business knowledge to combat cybercrime and improve organizations’ ability to adapt and thrive in challenging times.

Cybersecurity must be a central component of any company’s business strategy. UT’s MSBC curriculum is designed to develop leaders versed in technology and business strategy through classes like Risk Management and Business Continuity, Business Security Governance and Ethics, and Emerging Topics in Business Cybersecurity. Your degree can prepare you to assume business leadership roles like cybersecurity analyst, IT director, or IT technical consultant. 

Master of Science in Business Cybersecurity Admissions Requirements

Are you ready to take the next step in becoming a business cybersecurity expert? Here’s what you need to do to submit your application to UT’s master’s degree in business cybersecurity online:

1. Collect transcripts from all bachelor’s and post-bachelor’s institutions you attended, even if you did not complete your degree. Copies are suitable for the initial application; official transcripts are required to enroll.
2. Provide a professional resume or CV.
3. Write an admissions essay addressing the following prompts:
   1. What are your career goals—both short-term and long-term?
   2. How will earning an MSBC from Haslam College of Business benefit you professionally and personally?
   3. Describe your three most substantial accomplishments and explain why you view them as such.
4. Pay a $60 application fee.

The admissions committee does not require letters of recommendation; you may include one or two with your application. Contact an enrollment advisor with any questions about your eligibility and the application process or to review your application before you submit it. 

Is the Online Master of Science in Business Cybersecurity Program for You? 

Cyberattacks are rising; in 2024, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received over 880,000 complaints, representing losses of over $12.5 billion. Businesses need to elevate cybersecurity to the top of their priority lists.

You can prepare for a career in this growing field with an online Master of Science in Business Cybersecurity from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Haslam College of Business. Haslam delivers this ten-course program entirely online, enabling you to complete it remotely without disrupting your professional life or personal commitments. Reach out to an enrollment advisor for answers to your questions about the program, admissions requirements, or the curriculum. Or, if you’re ready, start your online application today.