Earn Your PhD in Cybersecurity Online: Today's Top Programs
Explore the leading online PhD cybersecurity programs. Get ready to step into an active research field and meet the growing industry demand for cybersecurity experts.
With the increasing sophistication of cyberthreats, the demand for cybersecurity professionals with advanced degrees is on the rise. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), information security analysts are projected to see 32% growth by 2032, and the highest earners make more than $182,000 annually. Or for those more focused on a future in research and teaching, the BLS has top-earning computer science professors earning $175,150.
As these attractive statistics are luring potential students like you to future graduate degrees, colleges are increasingly offering flexible PhD in cybersecurity online programs for working professionals — perfect for pursuing advanced education while maintaining your career.
But you probably have questions. Which program is best for you and your career goals? Will you be able to balance work and studies? How does an online PhD cybersecurity program work?
This guide will answer all these and more, first introducing you to three reputable doctoral-level cybersecurity programs to consider. Read on to take the first step in launching your cybersecurity career.
Online Cybersecurity PhD Programs at a Glance
If you’re looking to earn your PhD in cybersecurity online, these three top schools offer standout doctoral programs with flexible study options and competitive costs. Our program profiles highlight the unique strengths of each one, and you can use them as a quality benchmark as you compare them to other schools in your search.
Dakota State University
Dakota State University’s Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences has a few fully online PhD programs suitable for cybersecurity students, most notably a PhD in Cyber Defense and a PhD in Cyber Operations. These programs are designed to guide you towards leadership and research roles with specializations in topics like data privacy, malicious code, and software exploits.
During either program, you’ll have an annual residency requirement that includes three on-site research seminars held on the Madison, South Dakota campus; you may, however, petition to participate in these seminars online. You’ll round off your studies with an in-depth cybersecurity dissertation and defense. Dakota State does not strictly require a master’s degree; a bachelor’s degree with relevant experience may be enough to fast-track you into these programs.
Program Highlights: PhD in Cyber Defense
- Credits: 72
- Length: 4-5 years
- Cost: $470.45 – $580.60 per credit
- Mode: Online (with annual residency)
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
National University
If you’re looking for a flexible program with year-round start dates and a menu of specializations, you’ll want to consider the Doctor of Philosophy in Cybersecurity (PhD-CY) at National University. You can choose from concentrations in Technology; Global Strategy and Operations; Governance, Risk, and Compliance; or Secure Cloud Computing.
NU’s PhD in Cybersecurity includes eight foundation/core courses, five courses specific to your chosen specialization, two research courses, a pre-candidacy prospectus, and four dissertation courses for a total of 60 credit hours taken over 20 classes.
Graduate students are eligible to apply for the need-based Key Grant, unlocking a $625 grant per course to help fund the cost of your PhD.
Program Highlights: PhD in Cybersecurity
- Credits: 60
- Length: 40-44 months
- Cost: $1,039 per credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Florida
NSU Florida’s College of Computer and Engineering allows you to earn your PhD in cybersecurity online through its Cybersecurity Management program. This hybrid program is designed to prep you for leadership roles in academia, government, and more. Advanced cybersecurity concepts are integrated with high-level management strategies.
You can enter this program as a bachelor’s or master’s degree-holder, with the latter requiring fewer credit hours to secure your PhD. A blend of online and on-campus classes lets you keep working while giving you the chance to attend class and network with peers. Students are required to complete a dissertation, contributing original research that addresses critical issues in cybersecurity management.
Program Highlights: PhD in Cybersecurity Management
- Credits: 51-66
- Length: 3-8 years
- Cost: $979 – $1,428 per credit
- Mode: Hybrid
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
PhD vs. Professional Doctorate in Cybersecurity: Which Is Right for You?
While pursuing advanced degrees in cybersecurity, you’ll have two primary options: a PhD or a professional doctorate. Which degree you should choose depends on your goals as a student and in your career. Generally speaking, those pursuing a professional doctorate are interested in a more applied, hands-on approach to cybersecurity, while those interested in a PhD may be more focused on research and theory underlying cybersecurity topics.
You’ll find many similarities between these doctoral-level degrees, but we’ve compiled some of the most typical defining characteristics of each option and highlighted them below. Keep in mind these are generalizations, and exceptions often apply.
Online Pro Doctorate in Cybersecurity | Online PhD in Cybersecurity | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Practical application and leadership in the cybersecurity industry | Original research and academic contributions to the field |
| Student Type | Mid-late career | Early-mid career |
| Student Goal | Industry leadership and executive roles | Academic and research positions |
| Funding | Employer sponsorship, self-funded | Scholarships, grants, assistantships |
| Prerequisites | Relevant master’s degree; work experience | Bachelor’s degree with relevant experience and/or certificates or related master’s degree |
| Length | 3-4 years | 4-6 years |
| Capstone | Applied project, dissertation | Research dissertation |
Understanding the Timeline of Cybersecurity PhDs
Every online PhD cybersecurity program is structured differently, but all accredited programs will generally follow a similar timeline. Your PhD studies will generally take between three and six years to complete, with three years requiring full-time, fast-tracked study and six years or more suitable for part-time students or those who haven’t completed a master’s degree.
Here’s a typical year-by-year breakdown of an online cybersecurity PhD program.
Year One
After being accepted into a PhD program, your first year will involve several core courses that teach foundational knowledge necessary for advanced study in cybersecurity.
At the same time, you’ll select elective courses that are aligned with your specific interests and career path. You may also need to file an Individual Development Plan that outlines your academic and research intentions.
Year Two
In the second year, you’ll continue with advanced coursework while starting to narrow down your research focus. This period involves more specialized classes that dive deeper into cybersecurity concepts. You’ll also begin to lay the groundwork for your dissertation. Active engagement with faculty advisors and participation in research seminars and workshops are critical parts of this year.
Year Three
By the third year, you’ll be fully immersed in your research projects. You may need to take comprehensive exams that assess your mastery of cybersecurity and ensure you’re staying on track. After passing any necessary comps, you can formally propose your dissertation topic and begin research under the guidance of your advisors.
Year Four
The fourth year is dedicated to intensive dissertation research. You’ll run experiments and collect data you can use in your dissertation, regularly meeting with advisors and participating in academic conferences. If you have any remaining coursework, you’ll finish these up now and move to focusing fully on research.
Year Five
In the fifth year, you’ll be fully engaged in writing and refining your dissertation. This involves drafting, revising, and receiving feedback from advisors and peers. You’ll be encouraged to publish parts of your research in academic journals and present at conferences.
Many PhD students will give their final dissertation defense at the end of this year. If you successfully defend your dissertation, you’ll be allowed to graduate. If not, you’ll have a chance to revise and try again.
Year Six
If the program extends into a sixth year, you’ll finalize any outstanding research and complete the dissertation defense. You may also need to wrap up any coursework or projects you didn’t complete yet. Professional development activities will continue so you can transition smoothly into your career.
Accreditation & Online PhDs in Cybersecurity
Choosing an accredited online PhD in cybersecurity program is absolutely essential if you want assurances that your degree is from a reputable school and will be respected throughout your career. Regional accrediting bodies like SACSCOC and HLC independently verify that your school meets rigorous standards of excellence. This is especially important for those pursuing the highest levels of education, underscoring the importance of accreditation for online doctoral programs.
You’ll also find accrediting agencies that are specific to cybersecurity programs. Respected organizations may accredit or “approve” particularly exceptional programs that adhere to strict standards. Some examples: The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredits select cybersecurity PhD programs, and the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) offers designations that lend additional credibility.
Common Components of Online Cybersecurity PhD Programs
Online PhD programs in cybersecurity are designed to provide a comprehensive and rigorous education, and most accredited programs involve a few common core elements. This is what you can expect to encounter as you pursue your degree in cybersecurity.
Coursework
Coursework in an online cybersecurity PhD program typically covers topics like cryptography, network security, cyber defense strategies, digital forensics, and risk management. Cybersecurity is a very broad topic, so these are just a few examples.
Your courses are designed to deepen your understanding of critical cybersecurity concepts and give you the skills needed to address real-world security issues.
Dissertation/Research
Most PhD programs require you to complete and defend a dissertation, a comprehensive analysis that involves conducting original research and contributing new knowledge to the field of cybersecurity. A dissertation can take up to six years to prepare, undertake, defend, and complete.
Internship
Some programs include internship opportunities that allow you to gain practical cybersecurity experience in a professional environment. These internships provide hands-on training, enhance your resume, and help you develop a professional network.
Practicum
A practicum is another vital component, offering a structured, practical learning experience within a controlled setting. This can involve simulated cyberattack scenarios or security audits, requiring you to develop a solution to address a security gap.
What You’ll Learn in an Online Cybersecurity Graduate Program
Online PhD programs in cybersecurity offer a range of specialized courses designed to deepen your expertise. Below, we explore five key subjects in more detail.
Advanced Cryptography
A cryptography course involves learning sophisticated encryption techniques and cryptographic protocols, protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access. You’ll learn about the mathematical foundations of cryptography, key management, and implementing secure communication systems.
Network Security
This course focuses on protecting network infrastructures from cyber threats. You’ll study various network security protocols, intrusion detection systems, and defense mechanisms. You’ll likely gain hands-on experience designing and implementing your own security measures in controlled environments.
Cyber Threat Intelligence
In this course, you’ll learn how to analyze and interpret cyber threat data, helping you proactively mitigate future security risks. Threat modeling, risk assessment, and use of well-known threat intelligence tools are commonly explored concepts.
Digital Forensics
High-level cybersecurity professionals and researchers need to know how to investigate security incidents and collect digital evidence. This course includes techniques for data recovery and analyzing compromised systems. You’ll then explore how to use these techniques to track down hackers and learn how cyberattacks happen so you can protect against them.
Policy & Risk Management
This course teaches you how to implement cybersecurity policies and manage risks effectively. Topics include risk assessment methodologies, compliance requirements, and formulating strategic policies.
Graduate School Tuition and Financial Aid
With PhD programs at public universities, your education can be partially or fully funded using various sources. Scholarships and grants are commonly provided to help fund your education, and you may also be able to apply for a fellowship. In some cases, your employer may fund your PhD education.
Work-study programs are often involved in your PhD studies. You may be required to work as a teaching assistant or resident advisor, or you may be offered other research-related job opportunities.
This isn’t always the case, so you may still need financial aid for your PhD. It’s important to understand the financial commitments required of you before you enroll in any program, which is why we’ve provided the table below to give you an idea of the range of credits and costs you’ll encounter in your research.
Potential Cost of Your Online Cybersecurity PhD
| School | Program | No. of Credits | Est. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dakota State University | PhD in Cyber Defense | 72 | $26,921-$47,722 |
| National University | PhD in Cybersecurity | 60 | $62,340 |
| Nova Southeastern University | PhD in Cybersecurity Management | 51-66 | $49,929-$94,248 |
Exploring Lucrative Cybersecurity Careers
Earning a PhD in Cybersecurity opens doors to high-level, lucrative careers in a rapidly growing industry. Revenue in the worldwide cybersecurity industry was projected to reach $185 billion in 2024, and the industry is expected to grow 8% per year globally until 2029.
Cyberthreats are continually evolving, meaning the industry needs researchers to study and combat them. The table below highlights promising career options for PhD graduates in cybersecurity.
| Job Title | Median Salary (50%) | Top Salary (90%) | Projected Growth (2023-33) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Forensics Analyst | $104,920 | $174,300 | 11% |
| Information Security Analyst | $120,360 | $182,370 | 33% |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $169,510 | $239,200 | 17% |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist | $145,080 | $233,110 | 26% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $103,800 | $165,700 | 11% |
Sources: O*Net OnLine, 2024; The Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024
FAQs About Cybersecurity PhDs
What are some of the benefits of earning my PhD online?
Earning a cybersecurity PhD online offers numerous benefits, particularly for those who have already started their careers. You can earn a PhD while working thanks to the added flexibility; there’s no need to commute or attend physical classes.
You can also easily pursue part-time PhD studies, using the extra free time to work or attend to other personal needs. The ability to study from anywhere while having access to the same top-notch curriculum is a major benefit for some students.
Are online cybersecurity PhD programs more affordable than in-person programs?
Online PhD programs in cybersecurity can be more affordable than on-campus programs for multiple reasons. Among them: Online doctorate tuition is often lower, you don’t need to worry about commuting, and you also don’t have to pay for student housing.
On top of all this, online students may have access to the same financial aid opportunities as their in-person counterparts. However, out-of-state tuition is often higher even for online programs, so keep that in mind as you search for the most affordable PhD program.
How long does it take to earn a cybersecurity PhD degree online?
Typically, you can complete a doctoral degree in three to six years. The average student will likely take about five or six years to complete their PhD, while others may require even more time, especially if they don’t successfully defend their dissertation. Full-time students may be able to graduate in only three years, and one-year doctoral programs exist as well.
What are some common admission requirements for online cybersecurity PhD programs?
Most online cybersecurity PhD programs require a master’s degree in a related field, but sometimes a bachelor’s degree is sufficient. Other common grad school admission requirements include a high GPA (usually 3.0 or above), academic and/or professional letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and relevant professional experience. Some programs may also require GRE scores, but no-GRE doctorates are common.
What specializations does a cybersecurity PhD offer?
Various specializations are available, depending on the program and school you choose. You may be able to specialize in areas like network security, cryptography, digital forensics, cyber defense, cloud computing, or cybersecurity policy.
Resources for Online Cybersecurity PhD Students
- Cybersecurity & Information Systems Information Analysis Center (CSIAC)
Part of the U.S. Department of Defense, this site offers access to comprehensive resources to support advanced cybersecurity research and development. - Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
Here you’ll find up-to-date information on cybersecurity threats, best practices, and training opportunities for cybersecurity professionals. - IEEE Cybersecurity Initiative
Looking for information on emerging cybersecurity standards, technology, and research? Access the IEEE site, and you’ll find the Xplore Digital Library with more than 6 million scholarly articles. - National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE)
This website provides comprehensive resources, including frameworks and workforce development guides, to help students and professionals advance their cybersecurity careers. - SANS Institute
Renowned for its training and certification programs, SANS Institute provides courses and resources on various cybersecurity topics.