Dual Degree: Master of Science - Cybersecurity & Master of Business Administration

Plan Description

The Dual degree in MS Cybersecurity and MBA appeals to those that want to understand and know the impact of technology, data security and how a business operates. Individuals in this plan will be trained in the usual manner of an MBA and understand all aspects of a business and with the degree in cybersecurity be well suited to understand the threats to the organizations data, and how to better secure it. Thus, this degree is ideal for anyone that is wanting to work in a small business environment, or is an entrepreneur and wants to work in the technology/cybersecurity sector.

The Lee Business School MBA Programs at UNLV is designed for those who seek global career and leadership opportunities. The world is changing quickly and today’s business leaders are faced with new challenges in a complex business environment supported by new communication technologies and organizational structures. Success in the new global marketplace requires teams of executives working across functions and across borders.

This program is an interdisciplinary master of science in cybersecurity provided by the Lee Business School and the Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering. Currently, there is a demand at the local, state, regional, and national levels for individuals to be trained in the knowledge of computers, networks, and risk and security management. This has been identified by the Department of Labor and other sources as one of the most needed professions/skills, yet the traditional sources of such skills (i.e., higher education) is not producing graduates as fast as this field is growing. Students will be trained in technical and managerial aspects of cybersecurity. Further, UNLV is a recognized center of academic excellence (CAE) for cybersecurity. This is a prestigious recognition from the US Federal Government that is only awarded to several universities in the entire country.

The MBA programs at UNLV prepare students to succeed in today’s business environment by providing them with the needed skills, knowledge, and tools to become visionary and creative leaders. The program focuses on ethics and critical thinking, business communications, the role of the firm and its goals and markets, firms’ strategic planning and positioning, supply chain management, international business culture, information technology, leadership, and teamwork. Our faculty and administration are committed to fulfilling the recently revised college mission: to advance the knowledge and practice of the disciplines that constitute business and administration and to foster the intellectual and economic vitality of Nevada and the Intermountain Region through teaching, research, and outreach. Our faculty are committed to continuous quality improvement of the curriculum. To achieve the best outcome, the faculty embrace no single teaching method, but rather employ a combination of methods best suited to the particular objectives of the course. Lectures, group discussions, seminars, case studies, computer simulations, and individual and group research projects are frequently used within courses and across the curriculum.

Plan Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for the dual degree are the same as those stated under the MS CSEC and MBA programs.

See the Application Process section under: 

Master of Science - Cybersecurity 

Master of Business Administration 

Applications will be reviewed by representatives of the Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering and the Lee Business School in an independent process within each college.

Applicants must be admitted to both schools to qualify for the dual degree program for that term. If denied by one program, the applicant will have the option of proceeding with a single degree program with departmental approval.

All domestic and international applicants must review and follow the Graduate College Admission and Registration Requirements.

Students are accepted into a degree program as described in the Graduate Catalog.

Plan Requirements

Total Credits Required: 54

Degree Requirements

1. Completion of a minimum of 30 credits of MBA core courses and a minimum of 24 credits of MS – Cybersecurity courses.
2. A grade point average of at least 3.00 for course work required for the degree.
3. No grade lower than C is acceptable.
4. Students with unsatisfactory progress toward the degree requirements are subject to dismissal. A student with a grade of C or lower in any of the required courses for the degree will be put on probation for one semester. Conditions and deadlines for the removal of probation will be specified. Failure to meet the condition will result in departure from the program. A student with two grades of C or lower will be dropped from the program.
5. The CSEC 790 course is the culminating course for the MS Cybersecurity portion of this dual degree. This course should be taken during the last year of the student’s enrollment in this program. 

Graduation Requirements

Successful completion of the capstone course.

Students cannot graduate from one portion of the dual degree until the requirements for both are met. Students must apply to graduate from both programs for the same semester.

Students may apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements. All required forms must be submitted to the graduate college via the Grad Rebel Gateway