Cyber Security Management B.Sc.
Your path to cybersecurity expertise
The digitalization of society continues unabated, resulting in ever-increasing dependence on digital systems. For companies, high IT security that protects sensitive infrastructures from attacks and threats is of paramount importance, and will remain so in the future.
According to the World Economic Forum, the number of people employed in cybersecurity worldwide rose by 12.6% in 2022 and 2023. However, four million workers are still needed in the cybersecurity industry worldwide. IT security specialists are in particularly high demand on the job market, with up to 76% of IT security positions remaining unfilled.
Take advantage of this opportunity to start a successful career with promising prospects for the future. Mainz University of Applied Sciences is paving the way for tomorrow’s IT professionals and security experts with its Cyber Security Management degree program (B.Sc.).
Alongside a strong technological focus, the program also teaches skills in management and business administration and the essential legal foundations in this context, giving students a well-rounded view of the complex topic of IT security.
The practical orientation of the cybersecurity degree program prepares students at Mainz University of Applied Sciences to take on responsible positions in IT and information security and to fend off cyberattacks. The program focuses on the efficient handling of security incidents on technical and organizational levels.
If you would like to become an expert in IT security and secure digital infrastructures, this is the right place for you.
Earn a degree in cybersecurity (Bachelor of Science) - high practical relevance, cutting-edge content, a comprehensive perspective
Interdisciplinary - for a comprehensive perspective
At Mainz University of Applied Sciences, you can look forward to an interdisciplinary degree program that will provide you with fundamental knowledge in informatics, programming, and cybersecurity technology, while also equipping you with the necessary legal, business, and organizational expertise. These additional qualifications pave your way to management positions such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), as you will not only be able to implement customized security solutions for companies, but also establish such measures in everyday business operations, taking business and legal aspects into account.
What you bring to the table:
- German or foreign higher education entrance qualification (HZB)
- A strong interest in computer science
- An interest in economic and legal issues
- You enjoy working with people – with the prospect of taking on the role of mediator between all parties involved
Programming skills are not necessary, as you will learn these as part of your cybersecurity studies.
The degree program provides you with in-depth knowledge of network security, cryptography, system hardening, and digital forensics, while also honing your understanding of current security issues. The program focuses on both practical content and theoretical fundamentals to ensure that you are optimally prepared for a career in a rapidly growing career field. Case studies and projects help you develop a deep understanding of potential vulnerabilities in IT systems and learn how to protect them over the long term.
The technological knowledge that students gain to become IT security experts is particularly essential. In conjunction with other disciplines, graduates acquire extensive skills that enable them to implement solutions at companies in a legally compliant and successful manner, assess the impact of changes, and select appropriate cyber protection measures that are optimally suited to the structures of their future employer.
In addition, the Cyber Security Management bachelor's degree at Mainz University of Applied Sciences combines important core competences in the four major disciplines:
The subject of technology makes up around 50% of the curriculum and teaches comprehensive IT skills. In the first semester, students learn important basics in the following areas: programming, informatics, and resilience. As no previous programming knowledge is required, the Cyber Security Management bachelor's degree is also suitable for newcomers and those changing careers. The Resilience module is one of the first steps beyond the purely technological aspects and aims to ensure that graduates contribute to the resilience of their company and the German economy in their future positions.
Secure Networks & Infrastructures | Secure Software Development
In these technology modules, students learn how to create an IT infrastructure and software that are reliably protected against attacks. They integrate security mechanisms and firewalls that work preventively and react in an emergency to contain threats.
Pentesting I & II (Penetration Testing)
This module is a technical attack analysis where IT experts specifically test computers, networks, and applications to identify security vulnerabilities and subsequently close them. In these modules, students learn common methods and apply various procedures in their own tests.
IT Forensics
This module teaches important skills for analyzing existing security incidents and reinforcing the IT infrastructure against future threats.
The aim of the management section is for students to acquire important communication and action skills so that they can become a liaison for all those involved when new technologies are established in a company or if there is an acute threat to the IT infrastructure. In such situations, it is not only important to cleanly and securely implement the technological aspects, but also to organize and communicate the procedure in an understandable way and to take the interests and structures of the company into account.
Graduates are able to understand the actions of a company and support its goals with suitable IT measures.
Leadership and Interaction | Incident Management
In these two modules, you will learn the ability to act independently and in a targeted manner, even in the event of a crisis.
New Work & Change Management
In this module, graduates of the cybersecurity degree program acquire crucial skills that enable them to contribute to the digital transformation of a company, drive it forward on an ongoing basis, and foster comprehensive acceptance of it.
Highly qualified cybersecurity specialists not only focus on the security of a company’s internal IT infrastructure but also factor in business aspects. It is crucial for IT experts to understand which workflows and processes in a company are worth particular protection and what damage can be caused by outages or data leaks. At the same time, security measures also cost money, so it is important to achieve a positive cost-benefit factor.
To ensure that students develop a sound understanding of business administration principles, the curriculum includes modules such as the Basics of Business Administration and Mathematics – the latter is also necessary for programming. At the end of their cybersecurity studies, graduates will be able to integrate security-relevant measures into everyday operations and corporate structures.
IT security is not just a technical matter - legal aspects also need to be addressed. Cybersecurity experts must operate within the framework of applicable laws, such as the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), the GDPR (EU General Data Protection Regulation), and the NIS2 Directive (EU Directive on measures for a high common level of cybersecurity).
IT security staff need to know which regulatory requirements apply to their company – otherwise there is a risk of legal consequences in addition to security incidents. It may also be necessary to properly secure and document digital evidence in the event of security incidents, which is precisely the purpose of the IT Forensics module mentioned above.
IT Security Law & Data Protection
These modules provide students with the necessary knowledge to develop legally compliant security concepts. The data protection module teaches the basics of data protection law to comply with existing obligations and avoid any liability risks in this context.
The exam requirements and procedures are governed by the General Examination Regulations (APO) and the Subject-Related Examination Regulations (FPO).
Cybersecurity studies – study in Germany, work globally
Studying cybersecurity at Mainz University of Applied Sciences opens up a wide range of opportunities for a diverse future in the field of IT security — an area that is becoming increasingly relevant and is in high demand both nationally and internationally.
To understand the legal framework governing IT security obligations, current case studies are examined, taking into account both national and EU legislation (including the Cyber Resilience Act, CRA, for example). Collaborations with partner companies in the region round out this program. Guest lectures and visits to local and globally operating businesses give you a better understanding of the global context.
The demand for IT security experts is growing rapidly worldwide – partly because cyberattacks are becoming increasingly complex and cross-border. They have evolved into one of the greatest risks for companies, institutions, and our entire digital society. There is a demand for specialists who not only protect internal company structures but also understand the global context and have the ability to assess security requirements.
This is exactly where our full-time Cyber Security Management degree program comes in. It is designed for anyone who wants to enter the world of IT security and become an expert — no previous knowledge is required. Whether you are a high school graduate or a professional with an interest in technology, systems, and mastering digital change who wants to change careers, our Cyber Security Management degree program is the perfect stepping stone to a successful career that will open doors for you locally and globally.
If you are already working in the IT or security sector – as an apprentice or an employee, for example – and you would like to deepen your knowledge academically, our dual studies program makes it possible: You can study part-time or alternatively in a model that combines four days of university with one day at your company.
Working closely with collaborating companies, you will combine your degree program with professional work experience and benefit from a targeted alignment with the demands of the company’s operations. This allows you to expand not only your expertise, but also your career prospects – directly in the workplace.
This degree program equally addresses private companies on the open market and public sector employers – take the opportunity to qualify as an IT security expert!
Cyber Security Management degree program – complete your bachelor’s degree with a practical focus
The bachelor’s degree program in Cyber Security Management at Mainz University of Applied Sciences prepares you for responsible positions as an IT and information security expert across all industries. We place great emphasis on broad-based, highly practical expertise to ensure you not only acquire the necessary knowledge but also gain initial experience in putting your knowledge into practice.
Lecturers teach you in small groups, providing you with a deep and comprehensive understanding of the complex topic of IT security.
Over 70 professors share their many years of professional experience with you and remain at the cutting edge of the field when discussing current issues in the IT sector in their classes.
Thanks to the intensive practical focus of the degree program, students actively apply theoretical knowledge to realistic use cases. In addition to lecturers with extensive professional experience, we regularly invite experts from the IT industry to give guest lectures and organize company visits where students can directly experience potential jobs and career profiles for themselves.
The Interdisciplinary Project on Resilience (5th semester) presents students with challenges they may encounter in their future careers. Working in a team, they collaborate on a software project that involves planning and developing a web application and analyzing it for security risks. Working in a group also strengthens teamwork skills.
In the sixth semester, students complete their own practical project that allows them to apply and further deepen the knowledge they have acquired. This includes IT know-how, project management skills, and interdisciplinary knowledge from various areas of cybersecurity.
The cybersecurity degree program concludes with a bachelor’s thesis with a high degree of practical relevance to ensure that the acquired knowledge can be successfully transferred.
Students complete their degrees in cybersecurity in Germany and come into contact with our numerous partner companies in the region at an early stage, all of which are also interesting potential employers. While the academic training is geared toward the national market, we ensure that students develop a global understanding of IT security issues so that they can also work internationally.
In addition, our annual Company Fair brings students and over 40 companies together for networking at Mainz University of Applied Sciences. The top priority here is to encourage an open exchange of ideas. The job portal jobteaser supports you in your search for current jobs while studying, internship offers, and opportunities to start your career.
Mainz – Studying in style!
Welcome to Mainz University of Applied Sciences and to our beautiful state capital city! With its wonderful location directly on the Rhine, its charming old town, and its rich cultural diversity, it is a popular place to live and study. With numerous recreational activities available, you will find a great balance to your cybersecurity studies here.
We know our students personally. With around 3,100 enrolled students, the School of Business is not overly large and, with over 200 lecturers from the business world, offers a direct link to real-world experience and a broad range of expertise. The university offers the ideal location for studying, working on projects, or just exchanging ideas with fellow students.
Your benefits
- Small semester groups (around 40 students) for individual guidance
- Open workspaces with free Wi-Fi
- Library with flexible OpenPlus access system
- Modern Mensa and cafeteria
- Dedicated streetcar stop directly on campus
- Semester ticket for unlimited mobility
We accompany your first steps in your studies with numerous events during the orientation week for first-semester students. You will network with your fellow students, attend preparatory courses, and learn important tips about student life from the student student representatives (AStA, student councils, and StuPa). If you have any questions about your studies, the Academic Advisory Servicest team will be happy to help you.
Mainz is one of the most popular places to study in the Rhine-Main region – above all because of its openness and youthful vibe. Around 20 percent of its residents are enrolled at a university, which has a strong influence on city life and makes Mainz a central location for education in Germany.
Mainz is not just an academic city, but also a cultural one: As a media hub, it is home to important institutions such as ZDF, SWR, and the Rhein-Main publishing group. In the old town, winding alleyways with small boutiques, trendy bars, individual restaurants, theater stages, and museums invite you to explore. For students in particular, the city offers an exciting contrast to day-to-day lectures. The excellent connections to Frankfurt, Wiesbaden, and the international airport also make it possible to enjoy the occasional getaway.
For all those who want to get to know Mainz better, the traditional market breakfast with Weck, Worscht und ein Glas Woi, which translates to a roll with sausage and a glass of wine, is a must. On warm days, people like to meet up by the Rhine to wind down the day in a relaxed atmosphere. The city also has a lot to offer in terms of sports: Mainz 05’s stadium is located in the immediate vicinity of the university, and students interested in Bundesliga soccer can watch matches against top clubs such as Dortmund or Bayern at discounted rates. And fans of Eintracht Frankfurt can also quickly get to their own stadium.
The city has a particularly special atmosphere at Carnival time: When the revelers celebrate during the Rose Monday parade, the entire city of Mainz is on its feet. Mainz University of Applied Sciences is creatively involved here – whether it is with design projects or activities that make a modern contribution to Carnival.
Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity – and then what?
The challenges of cybersecurity are diverse and can vary depending on the industry and environment – a public sector authority differs significantly from a pharmaceutical company or a research institution in terms of the assets to be protected. The cybersecurity degree program enables you to make a difference in an environment that is right for you.
Graduates of the cybersecurity degree program qualify as IT security experts who can protect digital systems against attacks in a wide variety of scenarios by planning and implementing customized security solutions. After completing the degree program, you will take on operational tasks such as the development of secure software, the operation of digital systems, or the forensic analysis of attacks. At the same time, strategic fields of activity become available to you, such as protecting global critical infrastructures or in managerial roles in security operations centers.
You will graduate from the cybersecurity degree program in Germany with a Bachelor of Science – an internationally recognized degree that will open up diverse and challenging career prospects for you. Digital security is playing an increasingly central role in almost all areas of society and, above all, across all industries – which means that the demand for qualified specialists is constantly on the rise.
Studying cybersecurity opens all doors for you. There is no fixed job description – on the contrary: You will have a diverse range of job opportunities in a wide variety of industries and (management) positions.
Your potential employers include security authorities such as the police, State Criminal Police Office (LKA), Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), and Economic Security authorities, which increasingly need highly qualified specialists for digital investigations and preventing industrial espionage. They are looking for experts to securely structure the digital transformation and protect democratic structures.
In addition, small and medium-sized companies and major corporations offer interesting fields of activity – not least due to legal requirements such as the new KRITIS Regulation. Cybersecurity professionals are also in demand in the financial sector, which is increasingly subject to regulations such as DORA and PCI DSS, as well as from technology providers, systems houses, and consulting firms.
Potential career fields:
- Penetration Tester
- Security Analyst
- IT Consultant for Economic Security
- IT and Information Security Manager
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
The degree program in cybersecurity qualifies you specifically for this broad job market by teaching you comprehensive skills in several subject areas – practical, in-depth, and forward-thinking.
Can you imagine a future in this field? Take advantage of this opportunity and apply to the Cyber Security Management B.Sc. degree program at Mainz University of Applied Sciences!
FAQs
Yes, the structure of the modules includes topics that are typical for the duties of the role of a CISO. In addition to technical aspects, the degree program also covers topics in the areas of management, business administration, and law, ensuring that students develop a comprehensive view of IT security and are optimally prepared for responsible management positions.
No. Previous knowledge can be helpful, but is not required because the basics of informatics and programming are taught as part of the cybersecurity degree program.
The bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity management provides comprehensive preparation for roles in IT security. Possible career paths include positions in information security management, in a security operations center (SOC), as a security architect, or security analyst, to name just a few.
Due to society’s extensive dependence on digital infrastructures, IT security is becoming increasingly important and the demand for highly qualified specialists is continuously growing. This is also reflected in the legal initiatives that hold manufacturers and operators accountable and impose high security standards – both nationally and throughout the EU. Secure digital systems are of vital relevance to companies of all kinds, offering students a wide range of career opportunities.