Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems – Cybersecurity Online

Boot up your digital technology skills for a career averting hacks and data breaches and guarding valuable information.

Apply by: 4/9/24
Start class: 4/29/24 Apply Now Apply Now

Program Overview

Discover our online management information systems – cybersecurity program

Prepare to protect organizations from relentless digital attacks and keep data safe with the 100% online Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems – Cybersecurity from Northwest Missouri State University. According to Burning Glass Technologies, jobs in cybersecurity have grown three times faster compared to IT jobs overall—plus, cybersecurity professionals are earning 16% more than their IT counterparts (2019). A degree with a cybersecurity concentration gives you the in-demand qualifications that set you up to work in virtually any industry.

In our online management information systems – cybersecurity program, you will gain highly sought-after business and management competencies as well as skills in computer programming, network fundamentals, systems analysis and design, and data and information systems protection. As a graduate, you will be prepared to detect vulnerabilities and to recommend software and hardware programs that can keep data out of the wrong hands and reduce risk, and to develop digital hygiene policies and procedures for maintaining security. Our online bachelor’s program prepares you to become a valued IT professional who can respond rapidly to real-world threats.

Our experiential learning format prepares you with the relevant knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to the workforce upon graduating. The undergraduate-level curriculum goes beyond theory and encourages you, as a student, to think critically and act decisively. Plus, the profession-based learning aspect of the curriculum, influenced by the Professional Advisory Board at Northwest, allows you to apply your studies to real-life contexts. The Board, composed of industry professionals, meets annually to discuss the job market, workforce skills, gaps and needs and provides that information to Northwest faculty so they may incorporate it in their course learning outcomes.

Accreditation:

Northwest Missouri State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.


Graduates of this online MIS program will:

  • Learn to detect and prevent cybersecurity attacks on computer systems
  • Identify problems related to information systems and develop solutions for them
  • Communicate problems and solutions to a variety of audiences within a business organization
  • Be prepared to act as the bridge between tech and business professionals
  • Study project management and learn to develop a project management plan
  • Learn the fundamentals of digital forensics
  • Learn to detect and prevent cybersecurity attacks on computer systems
  • Identify problems related to information systems and develop solutions for them
  • Communicate problems and solutions to a variety of audiences within a business organization
  • Be prepared to act as the bridge between tech and business professionals
  • Study project management and learn to develop a project management plan
  • Learn the fundamentals of digital forensics

Cybersecurity career opportunities:

  • Security Engineer
  • Systems Administrator
  • Information Security Analyst
  • Cybersecurity Architect or Analyst
  • Security Software Developer
  • Digital Forensics Analyst
  • Cryptographer
  • Security Engineer
  • Systems Administrator
  • Information Security Analyst
  • Cybersecurity Architect or Analyst
  • Security Software Developer
  • Digital Forensics Analyst
  • Cryptographer

Also available:

Northwest offers a variety of specialized online education program options. Check out our other online undergraduate programs.

Per Credit Hour $320*
Program Transfer Credits: Up to 90 hours
Credit Hours 120

Accreditation:

Northwest Missouri State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.


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Need More Information?

Call 844-890-9304

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Tuition

Find out how and when to pay your tuition

Our B.S. in MIS – Cybersecurity online program offers affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition, which is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. All fees are included.

Transfer Your Credits for Lower Tuition

Use our Tuition Estimator to see how affordable your degree could be. Slide the notch to the number of credits you've already earned—which may qualify for transfer credit—to get an estimate of what your degree might cost.

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Transcripts sent from other colleges and universities will be evaluated, and accepted credits will be added to the student’s Northwest record. The Tuition Estimator is not a guarantee or predictor of the number of credit hours that will be accepted.

Tuition breakdown:

Per Credit Hour $320*

Calendar

Our application deadlines and class schedules

Northwest online programs are delivered in an accelerated format ideal for working students, conveniently featuring multiple start dates each year

TermProgram Start DateApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlineRegistration DeadlinePayment DueLast Class Day
Spring 23/4/242/13/242/19/242/26/242/28/244/19/24
Summer 14/29/244/9/244/15/244/22/244/24/246/14/24
Summer 26/24/246/3/246/7/246/14/246/18/248/9/24
Fall 18/26/248/6/248/12/248/19/248/21/2410/11/24
Fall 210/21/2410/1/2410/7/2410/14/2410/16/2412/6/24

Now enrolling:

Next Apply Date: 4/9/24
Next Class Start Date: 4/29/24
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earning your degree?

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Admissions

What you need to know before applying

At Northwest, we’ve streamlined the admission process to help you get started quickly and easily. Please read the requirements for the B.S. in MIS – Cybersecurity online, including what additional materials you need and where you should send them. The requirements include:

Admission Requirements:

  • GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended

To apply for this program, you must meet the requirements for one of the sections listed below.

Transfer Criteria

  • Students with 24 or more transferrable credit hours:
    • A minimum 2.0 cumulative transfer GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Students with less than 24 transferrable credit hours:
    • Follow freshman admission requirements and have a minimum 2.0 cumulative transfer GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Transfer students from non-regionally accredited institutions will also be considered a freshman; credit cannot be transferred into Northwest from a non-regionally accredited institution

Returning Students (previously enrolled as degree-seeking at Northwest)

  • A minimum 2.0 cumulative transfer GPA in any coursework completed since last being at Northwest (on 4.0 scale)
  • A probation essay (if returning after being suspended or put on probation) explaining previous time at Northwest, what they've been doing since and how they plan to be successful when they return

Freshman Criteria (Adult - 24+ years old):

  • High school transcript showing graduation date or completion of GED/HiSET
  • Essay
  • ACT/SAT test scores optional; can be submitted for scholarship/placement purposes if available

Freshman Criteria (for non-adult freshmen and transfers with less than 24 transferrable hours):

  • Category I:
    • 21 or higher ACT composite (or the SAT equivalent: SAT-980 or 1060**)
    • A minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA (weighted or unweighted) or above (on 4.0 scale)
  • Category II:
    • Have an admissions index score (see here) that equals or exceeds 100 points
    • A minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA (weighted or unweighted) or above (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Category III:
    • Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA (weighted or unweighted) or above (on a 4.0 scale)
    • Complete high school college-preparatory curriculum
    • Students who have completed the GED or HiSET are eligible with a minimum score of 660 on the GED or a minimum score of 75 on the HiSET
    • This category is not an option for home-schooled or unaccredited high school graduates unless they have also completed the GED or HiSET

Home-Schooled Students

Applicants must have their ACT or SAT results submitted directly from ACT or College Board. A transcript listing of high school courses and grades in each course is also required for admission.

  • 21 or higher on the ACT (or SAT equivalent), OR
  • GED score of 660 or higher, OR
  • HiSET score of 75 or higher

GED Applicants/HiSET Applicants

A student may be considered for admission after receiving an equivalency certification, meeting the following criteria:

  • GED score of 660 or higher, OR
  • HiSET score of 75 or higher

Official transcripts can be emailed to [email protected]. To submit official documents by mail, send them to:

Office of Admissions
Northwest Missouri State University
800 University Drive
Maryville, MO 64468-6001

Have a question? Call us at 844-890-9304.

Click here for State Authorization information.


Admission Requirements:

  • GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended

Courses

A look at the online MIS – cybersecurity degree curriculum

For the B.S. in MIS – Cybersecurity online, the curriculum is comprised of 120 credit hours, including: 44-47 credit hours of Northwest Core (general education), 4 credit hours of Institutional Requirements, 48 credit hours of Common Professional Component Courses, 18 credit hours of Required Courses, 9 credit hours of Cybersecurity Emphasis Courses and 3 credit hours of Advisor-Approved Elective Courses.

Students must take 44-47 credit hours of general education courses to meet the degree plan requirements.

Students are required to take a University Seminar (1 credit hour) and a Digital Literacy course (3 credit hours), usually Computers and Information Technology because this is the only Digital Literacy course currenlty offered to Online Professional students.

Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1
University Seminar is designed to help students transition to college life and achieve success. Topics of exploration will include the privileges, rights, and responsibilities associated with a university education, skills necessary for success, assuming responsibility for one's own university experience, and available resources.
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to computer systems. Topics include integrated office applications, hardware, software, Internet, and the rights and responsibilities of computer users.
To ensure a common professional foundation among the accredited business programs, all students majoring in Accounting, Business Economics, Business Management, Business Technology, Finance, International Business, Management Information Systems, Marketing, and Organizational Behavior/Human Resource Management are required to fulfill the following common professional component requirements. A minimum grade of C is mandatory for each of the Common Professional Component and required courses.

Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Basic concepts of decision making, central values, variability, probability and statistical inference, elementary concepts of correlation, parametric tests of significance, and regression analysis. Will satisfy The Northwest Core requirement in mathematics. Proficiency examination is available. Prerequisite: An ACT Math score of 22 or higher, high school GPA of 3.00 or higher, or a minimum grade of C in MATH 17082, or concurrent enrollment in MATH 17014.
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A course for helping students apply functions to model practical situations. Students will apply concepts of algebra to problem solving while relying more heavily on technology when using nonlinear situations. Will satisfy The Northwest Core requirement in mathematics.  Proficiency examination is available.
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to computer systems. Topics include integrated office applications, hardware, software, Internet, and the rights and responsibilities of computer users.
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A beginning course in the principles and theory of accounting
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A continuation of ACCT 51201, with the partnership and corporation as forms of business organizations emphasized. Prerequisite: ACCT 51201 with a minimum grade of C.
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An introduction to the fundamental principles of macroeconomic analysis. The basic principles relating to aggregate supply and demand; the determination of national income, employment and price level; money and banking; monetary and fiscal policies; and alternative economic systems are studied.
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An introduction to the fundamental principles of microeconomic analysis. The basic principles relating to the decision-making by the individual household and the individual firm under different market structures, the allocation of society's resources and international trade and balance of payments are studied.
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Fundamental principles of law in relation to the legal environment of business, including procedure and evidence, business ethics, court systems, contracts, torts, administrative law and constitutional law.
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A study of the financial structure of corporations, principles and techniques used in financial analysis and decision-making. Prerequisites: ACCT 51202 and MATH 17118 or consent of instructor.
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Designed to acquaint students with current knowledge and emerging trends in business communication. Emphasis on developing and improving business writing (letters, memoranda, reports) and oral presentation skills, understanding the importance of communication in organizations, developing skills needed in the job search, and learning how to match specific communicative styles to various situations. Prerequisites: COM 29102, ENGL 10112 or ENGL 10115.
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An introduction to the field of management designed to give a basic understanding of the principles, concepts, and functions of management within that social system called the information era. Successful management is dependent on fostering responsible and autonomous behavior, as authoritarian structures are being replaced by democratic processes evolving within modern organizations. Thus, successful management is studied as the processes and behavior of participative management.
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A study of the several areas of primary concern to the production manager including layout, work measurement, wage incentives, inventory control, and quality control. The use of both qualitative and quantitative tools to aid in decision-making will be introduced. Prerequisites: MGMT 54313, MATH 17114, MATH 17118, or consent of instructor.
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A course designed to give students the opportunity to integrate information from the functional areas of an organization in the formation and implementation of organizational policy. Computer simulations will also be utilized to simulate organizational decision-making. Prerequisite: Senior standing, ECON 52150 and ECON 52151 (with a minimum grade of C in each of the courses), and completion of all other common professional component courses.
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
In this course students will study the determination and satisfaction of consumer wants or needs from a managerial perspective. Elements of this process include market research, demand analysis, product development, pricing, promotion, and distribution.
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A course on the myths, misconceptions, and misinformation prevailing in International Business, especially in the areas that affect us most-protectionism vs. free trade, balance of payments, deficits and surpluses, the European Union, WTO, problems unique to developing countries, changing trade patterns and reasons why, floating vs. fixed monetary systems, cultural differences, and multinationals.
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A study of business systems and their relationship with computer systems. The interaction of various systems of the organization and computer technology is emphasized. Prerequisites: MGMT 54313 and either CSIS 44101 or CSIS 44130, each with a grade of C or better.
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An introduction to object-oriented programming, analyzing problems and designing and implementing solutions. Pre-req: CSIS 44130 with a grade of C or better, or concurrent enrollment CSIS 44130, or School director's permission.
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Course topics include intermediate computer programming, design of algorithms and introduction to data structures. Pre-req: CSIS 44141 with a grade of C or better.
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Course introduces the architecture, structure, functions, components, and models of the Internet and other computer networks. The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) and Transport Control Protocol (TCP) layered models are used to examine the nature and roles of protocols and services at the application, network, data link, and physical layers. The principles and structure of IP addressing and the fundamentals of Ethernet concepts, media and operations are introduced. Pre-req: CSIS 44130 or CSIS 44101 with a grade of C or better.
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A study of the procedures necessary to analyze and design computerized business systems. Written and oral proposals based on design methods and techniques will be used to develop the student's analytic and communication skills.
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A detailed study of project management including life cycle, scope, integration, controls and the use of project management software. Pre-reqs: CSIS 44317 and either CSIS 44411 or CSIS 44561, each with a grade of C or better.
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An introduction to database systems, including data modeling, design, and implementation. Pre-req: CSIS 44241, with a grade of C or better
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An overview of the cybersecurity landscape as well as national and international perspectives on the field. The legal environment that impacts cybersecurity as well as predominant threat actors will also be covered. Pre-req: CSIS 44130
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Computer and network systems are pervasive in today's work and home environments. This course will give students knowledge and experience setting up, securing and maintaining the various components that make up these systems. Students will be able to perform these operations using both physical and virtual environments. Pre-req: CSIS 44356
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Introduces the fundamentals of digital forensics, analysis and investigations. Students will gain experience using investigative skills and tools to recover forensics data and will gain a better understanding of the science, technology, procedures and law of acquiring and analyzing digital evidence from computers and devices. Pre-reqs: CSIS 44241 and CSIS 44356

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Northwest Missouri State University is ranked #1 among the "Best Online Colleges in Missouri" by SR Education Group (2020)

Highly Qualified Faculty

100% of classes taught by professionals, not graduate assistants

*Tuition and fees are based on current rates. Textbooks and laptops are not included with tuition. A one-time fee of $20.50 will be charged for remote proctoring of required Assessment of Core Proficiencies.

**Per 2016 SAT redesign.

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