Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity Leadership
Master the Tools to Lead in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE
Complete the form below to learn more about our online programs and how to get started.
At a Glance
Advance your career with the University of Oklahoma’s online Master of Science in Cybersecurity Leadership—a forward-thinking program built to develop leaders who can bridge the gap between cybersecurity strategy and organizational decision-making.
Offered through OU’s top-ranked Gallogly College of Engineering, this flexible, 100% online degree can be completed in as little as 18 months, empowering professionals to take on high-impact roles in cybersecurity leadership, policy development, and enterprise risk management.
100% Online
Time to Complete:
18+ months
Credit Hours:
30
Time Commitment:
15 to 20 hours weekly
start dates
Fall & Spring
cost
OU’s online MS in Cybersecurity Leadership is designed for working professionals who want to lead in cybersecurity strategy, policy, and risk management across industries.
Tuition and fees for the program are $30,450 ($1015 per credit hour for 30 credit hours). Books and additional materials are not included.
YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE
Complete the form below to learn more about our online programs and how to get started.
About the Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity Leadership Online
The University of Oklahoma’s online MS in Cybersecurity Leadership is a 30-credit-hour program designed to prepare professionals to effectively lead teams and organizations in the dynamic field of cybersecurity.
Delivered through OU’s Gallogly College of Engineering, the curriculum emphasizes governance, risk management, and cybersecurity strategy—preparing graduates to lead teams, influence policy, and align security initiatives with business objectives. Coursework features real-world tabletop exercises and covers topics such as leadership theory, regulatory compliance, ethical decision-making, organizational resilience, and executive-level communication.
MS in Cybersecurity Leadership: Career Paths, Industry Impact, and Your Next Move
In today’s digital world, cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue—it’s a business imperative. The 100% online Master of Science in Cybersecurity Leadership from OU Online is designed for professionals like you: leaders, managers, and decision-makers who want to confidently navigate cybersecurity challenges and drive strategic change across their organizations. This program is ideal if you want to:
- Understand the business impact of cybersecurity threats and regulations
- Communicate effectively with technical experts and executive stakeholders
- Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in areas such as risk management, governance, compliance, business continuity, digital ethics, and cybersecurity policy—where strategic thinking and organizational influence matter most.
- Lead cross-functional teams through risk and crisis
- Shape cybersecurity strategy without needing a technical background
Industry Insights
- Median Pay: $112,000–$124,000 for strategic cybersecurity roles (e.g., risk & compliance managers, policy advisors)
- Job Outlook: 33% projected growth 2023–2033; significantly faster than average
- Job Opportunities: 40% increase in postings for governance, risk, and compliance roles in 2024
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Program Outcomes: Skills That Define Cybersecurity Leaders
OU’s online MS in Cybersecurity Leadership equips professionals with the executive-level skills to lead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. You’ll graduate prepared to manage high-stakes cyber risk, build resilient security strategies, and communicate effectively across business and technical teams. Through this program, you’ll learn how to:
- Conduct comprehensive cybersecurity risk assessments and ensure legal, regulatory, and ethical compliance
- Lead incident response efforts, manage cyber crises, and guide recovery processes
- Align cybersecurity initiatives with strategic business goals to create enterprise-wide value
- Cultivate strong cybersecurity cultures through ethical leadership and organizational influence
- Communicate complex cyber concepts clearly to executives, stakeholders, and IT professionals
Course Details
OU’s MS in Cybersecurity Leadership empowers professionals to take charge in today’s high-stakes digital landscape. Students begin the program with Introduction to Cybersecurity Leadership, build a solid foundation through core coursework, and bring it all together in the Strategic Planning in Cybersecurity Practicum—a hands-on capstone designed to sharpen strategic thinking and executive-level decision-making. The program blends flexibility with connection through asynchronous courses and live, biweekly sessions that foster real-time collaboration and insight.
Introduction to Cybersecurity Leadership
Credit Hours: 3
This course equips students with the strategic leadership capabilities required to navigate today’s complex cybersecurity environment. Through an intensive, immersive format, students will integrate evidence-based leadership frameworks with real-world cybersecurity challenges. The course explores leadership theories and applies them to crisis management, risk, communication, culture development, and organizational change. Students will evaluate and synthesize cybersecurity frameworks within business contexts, while developing executive-level communication strategies and stakeholder engagement plans. The course prepares cybersecurity leaders to manage uncertainty, inspire resilient teams, and drive sustainable security initiatives at scale.
Cybersecurity Ethics, Policy, and Law
Credit Hours: 3
This course explores the intersection of ethics, policy, and law within the realm of cybersecurity. Students will engage with case studies, legal frameworks, and ethical dilemmas to critically analyze and navigate the complex landscape of digital security. The goal is to develop a foundation for applying ethical considerations in any organizational structure.
Cybercrime and Cybersecurity
Credit Hours: 3
This course delves into the intricacies of cybersecurity and cybercrime, offering a comprehensive overview of the challenges and strategies associated with protecting digital assets. Students will explore various threats, risk management approaches, and the critical roles of people, processes, and technology in cybersecurity.
Network Security & Resilience
Credit Hours: 3
This is a course designed to give students a deep understanding of the various aspects of securing computer networks and building resilience. It covers topics ranging from the motivations behind security threats to the technical and procedural steps necessary for ensuring the resilience of networks.
Trust in Artificial Intelligence
Credit Hours: 3
This course explores the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), management, and trust, delving into how these elements influence each other in modern organizations. It covers various aspects of trust in AI, including organizational, psychological, technological, and ethical dimensions. The course also examines the role of trust in human-machine interaction, AI's impact on innovation, and reducing costs.
Behavioral Cybersecurity
Credit Hours: 3
This course explores the interdisciplinary field of behavioral cybersecurity, emphasizing the role of human personality in cybersecurity practices. It aims to address the growing challenges posed by the digital age. This course will examine the application of psychological methods, profiling techniques, and the use of game theory in understanding human behavior.
Threat Hunting and Incident Response
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides an in-depth exploration of threat hunting and incident response in cybersecurity. It moves beyond traditional defensive measures to actively seek out and mitigate novel cyber threats. Students will learn how to plan, execute, and recover from hunts, customize frameworks for specific use cases, and respond to incidents, including ransomware attacks.
Insider Threat and Risk Management
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides an in-depth exploration of insider threats within organizations and the strategies for managing and mitigating these risks. Students will learn about the motivations behind insider threats, detection methods, prevention techniques, and deterrence mechanisms.
Cybersecurity in a Cloud Environment
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides an in-depth look into the multifaceted aspects of cybersecurity within cloud computing environments. Covering fundamental concepts, architecture, software security, risk issues, and life cycle concerns, students will learn how to secure cloud services and infrastructure effectively.
Strategic Planning in Cybersecurity Practicum
Credit Hours: 3
This capstone course delves into the strategic planning and leadership aspects of cybersecurity. Students will explore the relationship between the business environment and organizational goals, risk management, and protecting information assets. The course will provide tools to build a cybersecurity strategic plan, develop IT security policies, and lead teams in the execution of these plans.
Why OU Online Is the Smart Choice for Cybersecurity Leadership Professionals
OU Online delivers high-quality, career-focused graduate programs built for working professionals—combining the flexibility of a 100% online format with the academic excellence of a top-ranked public university. Offered through OU’s Gallogly College of Engineering and OU’s Polytechnic Institute, the MS in Cybersecurity Leadership prepares professionals to step into strategic leadership roles. With a curriculum grounded in risk management, policy development, and organizational resilience, this degree equips you to lead in high-stakes environments where cybersecurity and business intersect.
Faculty with Real-World Expertise
The University of Oklahoma’s Gallogly College of Engineering and OU Polytechnic Institute bring together cybersecurity faculty with deep experience in industry, government, and academia. These experts specialize in areas such as cyber defense, risk management, digital forensics, and secure systems design—fields that shape the program’s forward-thinking curriculum. Faculty are recognized leaders, frequently invited to speak at national conferences, advise federal agencies, and consult with global organizations. Their insights and mentorship prepare students to lead confidently in high-stakes environments.
Robust Student Support
OU Online offers robust student support services, including academic support, online tutoring, mental health counseling, and an online career development center. The program accommodates the needs of working professionals, allowing you to expand your leadership and finance skills while maintaining full-time employment.
Global Alumni Network
OU offers a tremendous alumni base in the financial sector and rich experience among the program’s students. With more than 250,000 alumni across the world, becoming a Sooner means you’ll have access to a strong network of finance leaders to accelerate your career.
Flexible Format
The MS in Cybersecurity Leadership is delivered 100% online in a flexible format designed for working professionals. Earn your degree in as little as 18 months while managing full-time work and personal commitments. Study from anywhere and gain the strategic, technical, and leadership skills needed to advance in cybersecurity and drive impact across industries.
Tailored Experience
Courses combine the flexibility of asynchronous learning with the value of live, interactive sessions held every other week. Students begin with foundational coursework and progress toward a hands-on capstone—the Strategic Planning in Cybersecurity Practicum—where they apply what they’ve learned to real-world challenges. This dynamic format allows professionals to stay engaged, collaborate with peers and faculty, and build the leadership skills needed to drive cybersecurity strategy in any organization.
Cost & Financial Aid
Earning your Master of Science in Cybersecurity Leadership is an investment in your future—and OU Online is committed to making that investment as accessible and transparent as possible.
Tuition and fees for the program are $30,450 ($1015 per credit hour for 30 credit hours). Books and additional materials are not included.
Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance may be available to help offset the cost. If you have questions regarding financial aid for your online program, please get in touch with the Online Aid office by emailing onlineaid@ou.edu or calling 405-325-2929.
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YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE
Complete the form below to learn more about our online programs and how to get started.
