cheap phd cyber security

Top 5 Most Affordable PhD in Cybersecurity Online Degrees

Computer Science Degree Hub - Most Affordable-01

A PhD in cybersecurity isn’t for everyone. But if you want to move into a high-level research position within government agencies or academic institutions, it is a good degree to get.

This article discusses how a PhD cybersecurity online degree can help leverage your career. If you’re thinking about a leadership role in strategic innovation or want to conduct research in government or academia, read on. Here you’ll find the 5 most affordable PhD in Cybersecurity online degree programs.

What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is a unique field. It focuses on protecting computer and information systems and keeping them safe. You can break down the field into three major categories.

Cloud security
Network security
Physical security

Cybersecurity professionals analyze, build, and test computer and information systems. They also keep data safe. They prevent external attacks and thwart efforts made by hackers to breach online security systems. They spend much of their time fixing weaknesses before attackers find them.

The top computer and information systems security experts have doctorate degrees. A PhD cybersecurity online degree arms you with the knowledge and skills needed to be on the frontier of policy and research in this unique field.

Most Affordable PhD Cyber Security Online Degree

Read on to find out which PhD in cyber security online can help you achieve your career and education goals.

1. Dakota State University

Online doctor of philosophy in cyber defense.

Program Website

Dakota State University offers an affordable doctorate in cyber security online. Graduate students can earn a Doctor of Philosophy in Cyber Defense through online learning.

The program is open to anyone with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a computer science or related discipline. Disciplines include:

Computer science
Cyber defense
Cybersecurity management
Homeland security
Information security
Information technology

While the online PhD cybersecurity program consists of online courses, there is an annual residency rule. The residency includes three research seminars. Students enrolled in the online ph.d program must attend these on site research seminars. But, the rest of your courses you can take online. These online ph.d in information security and cybersecurity courses cover topics such as:

Compliance and audit
Ethics and information technology
Wireless security

Tuition: $470.45/credit, $28,697.45 (est. program cost)

2. Colorado Technical University

Online doctor of computer science in cybersecurity and information assurance.

Colorado Technical University is a good school for a doctorate cybersecurity online degree. You can earn a Doctor of Computer Science with specializations in cybersecurity and information assurance.

The school and its cybersecurity program has received recognition as a national center for academic excellence by the National Security Agency (NSA) and U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

While enrolled in the online ph.D program, students take courses that cover a wide range of research and security topics. Courses include:

Enterprise security architecture
Enterprise tools
Information assurance
Security management

You take most courses online, but there are some in-person symposium experiences. The program is flexible. It offers many start dates throughout the year so you can jump in at any time and begin your degree. The program takes about three years to complete.

Tuition: $598/credit, $59,800 (total tuition cost)

3. Northcentral University

Online phd in cybersecurity.

Northcentral University is an affordable school for an online PhD in cybersecurity. It offers an online ph.d with a specialization in cybersecurity.

The degree and specialization prepare students for technology leadership roles in government and private organizations. The program teaches students how to stay one step ahead of security breaches and threats.

As a cybersecurity PhD online student, you take courses that cover topics in cyber operations and information security. You learn how to examine theories of ethics and risk management. You also study how to form strategies for technology and innovation management. You graduate prepared to handle security risks and establish information security for data-driven systems.

The online doctorate takes about 50 months to complete.

Tuition: $1,094/credit, $68,365 (est. tuition cost)

4. Marymount University

Doctorate in cybersecurity.

Marymount University is a good school for an online cybersecurity PhD. Its online programs include the Doctor of Science in Cybersecurity.

The program is for students seeking high-level leadership roles in cybersecurity and computer and information systems security. You take most courses online, though some hybrid and in-person classes are part of the program.

Students study cyber threat intelligence and learn how to manage cybersecurity risk. You take courses that cover topics like:

Applied research in cybersecurity
Digital systems security
Information assurance research literature
Information security research
Information technology security
Malware analysis
Quantitative research methods

Students graduate prepared to go to work in a leadership position within a government agency or in private practice. Graduates of the online doctor program have taken roles as chief information security officers and chief technology officers.

Tuition: $1,190/credit

5. Nova Southeastern University

Online phd cyber security management.

Nova Southeastern University offers cyber security PhD degrees online. Students can earn a PhD in Cybersecurity Management.

The program has received recognition as a national center of academic excellence in information assurance education by the National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It prepares students for leadership positions in:

Academia (higher education)

Online doctorate students complete at least 51 credits (MS to PhD) or up to 66 credits (BA/BS to PhD). Both pathways include coursework, research methods, and a dissertation. Affordable online courses cover topics in:

Analytics and business intelligence
Computer and information systems security
Cyber operations and network security
Data mining
Enterprise security risk management
Informations systems security

Tuition: $1,346/credit hour, $68,646 (est. tuition cost)

Frequently asked questions, what can i do with a ph.d. in cybersecurity.

Professionals with a PhD in cybersecurity tend to focus on research. They find careers as computer information systems and security professors. They also go to work with private companies and government agencies.

Top level information assurance companies hire online doctoral degree holders. They hire professors and researchers. Major telecom corporations like Comcast, AT&T, Time Warner, and Verizon look for researchers to conduct cutting edge research. Their job is to make their network as secure as possible.

DARPA, the Department of Defense, NSA, CIA, and all branches of the military also hire cybersecurity researchers as consultants and employees. They hire experts in computer information systems and security and information assurance.

Colleges and universities, such as Capitol Technology University, hire individuals with information systems security degrees. The point is that there are many different jobs you can take after earning an affordable online PhD. But some top research positions want candidates with up to seven years experience. They want information assurance and cybersecurity professionals with knowledge management and expertise.

The online PhD in Cybersecurity is a late-career degree that can help you transition into a top research and development role.

What courses will I take in a cyber security PhD online program?

Affordable online ph.d. programs in cybersecurity explore advanced topics in the field. The courses vary depending on the program, but you can expect to study computer information systems and security. Common course topics include:

Advanced risk management
Computer information systems security
Data analytics
Database systems
Professional research theory

Some cyber security phd programs online also require leadership and communication courses. You can take civil security leadership, while learning how internet security professionals handle threats and attacks. Other courses you can find in an affordable online computer or cybersecurity PhD program include human computer interaction and enterprise risk management. Ethics is another common course. Plan on taking legal and ethical practices in your online ph.d or online doctorate program.

You will also complete a research project or dissertation. Requirements depend on what your program demands.

What is the career outlook for Cybersecurity Ph.D. holders?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the job growth rate for computer and information research scientists is 21%. With 33,500 jobs in the current market, that’s a projected growth of 7,100 jobs between 2021 and 2031. This is a much faster growth than the average for all other occupations, even those in information security.

Why the strong growth in jobs?

Many openings will result from the need to replace workers who retire or transfer to different jobs. But growth will also result from an increase in research and development efforts. Demand for new technology and information assurance increases. With this growth comes a need for more information systems experts.

Government agencies and private organizations will hire more information technology and information security professionals. The industry needs experts with computer information systems security degrees. These include:

Computer information systems experts
Data information systems managers
Faculty members
Information systems managers

Why choose accredited online programs in information systems and security?

Every school featured on our list meets accreditation requirements. Many of these schools also offer accredited cybersecurity programs. Accredited programs have an added value.

In cybersecurity, the highest recognition comes from the National Security Agency (NSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. These two agencies name certain cybersecurity programs as national center of academic excellence in information assurance education. This recognition means the program meets standards that ensure its value in the cybersecurity field.

If you’re looking for an affordable online ph.d program, your school search should include programs with this recognition. You can also look for the colleges and schools commission stamp of approval. This recognition helps students planning for careers in government agencies or an international secure systems lab.

How do I finance my Cybersecurity Ph.D.?

There are three ways to finance an online cybersecurity Ph.D. degree. The first one is through financial aid programs such as federal grants and loans. There is less aid available from FAFSA for online doctorate (doctoral degree) programs. But if your school offers grants, you can save a lot of money.

Another option for financing a doctoral degree is teaching students. Many universities hire graduate students to teach. In some cases, you can earn credits while working as a teaching assistant or instructor. Look for courses that align with your degree. These higher education subjects can include:

Computer information systems
Computer networks security
Cyber defense education
Cyber security
Cyber threats in business administration
Disaster recovery efforts
Security risk analysis

Another way to finance your online ph.d in cybersecurity or computer information systems and security is employer reimbursement. Some employers invest in the growth and development of their employees. But they don’t always advertise this benefit. Check with your human resources department to see if there is a continuing education benefit available to you.

You can pay out of pocket if you have no other options. But check with financial aid from FAFSA and other funding sources first.

Is online learning right for me?

Online learning is a convenient way to earn an online doctor degree (online doctorate). But it’s not for everyone. If you work full-time, earning your degree online can help you keep your work life balanced. While online doctor degrees do exist, they aren’t common. So, there are few to choose from.

But if you’ve decided to go after your online cybersecurity PhD, you should ask yourself some questions before you move forward.

Are you the type of person who can learn by watching videos?
Are you comfortable taking tests online?
Are you self-motivated and disciplined?
Can you handle not having any face-to-face interaction with your professors and fellow students?

Online education is a powerful option, but it’s not ideal for all students. But on the flip side, most Ph.D. students are self-driven, motivated learners. This makes online learning suitable for them.

If you are unsure about enrolling in an online program, there are free online college courses from trusted partner programs. Think of services like Coursera or another advertising supported site. It might be a good idea to try out one of these free courses to test the waters and see if an online format feels like a good fit.

Do I have to major in cybersecurity to work in the field?

The short answer is no. You don’t have to major in cybersecurity, but you need to take classes that relate to the discipline. There are many different majors that can lead to a career in cybersecurity or homeland security. Different areas current and former professionals have majored include:

Computer science program
Information systems and security
Innovation management
Network security advances

Other schools that offer an online ph.d in information security or cybersecurity:

Capitol Technology University
Other Southern Association accredited schools

February 2023

This concludes our article on affordable online cybersecurity PhD programs.

Bureau of Labor Statistics
National Center for Education Statistics

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Top 50 Bachelor’s in Computer Science Degree Programs
5 Courses in an Associate in Cybersecurity Degree Program

Cybersecurity Guide

Research with impact: Find online cybersecurity PhD programs

In this guide

2024 rankings
Steps to get an online PhD
Financial assistance
Career paths
School listings

The digital landscape is changing, and so is higher education. Online PhD programs in cybersecurity are not just trending, they’re revolutionizing the way we cultivate experts in the field.

Whether you’re a student eyeing advanced studies or an institution looking to expand your curriculum, discover why an online PhD in cybersecurity degree is becoming the go-to option for next-level learning and expertise.

Programs to make the public aware of the problem and attract bright young minds to the profession are becoming more widespread and are starting to have an effect.

With the ranks of willing candidates beginning to swell, certificate, training and education programs are in great demand. The number of available degree programs offered by colleges in particular is gaining momentum .

Bachelor’s degrees have become a near necessity for new cybersecurity professionals in recent years. And higher-level positions like chief information security officers (CISOs) often require a master’s degree .

At present, though, the need for doctorate degrees in cybersecurity is becoming evident.

High-level management positions, higher-education faculty posts, and advanced research initiatives are all growing in demand much more quickly than the numbers of candidates to fill them.

Generally speaking, most doctoral candidates will fill the rapidly expanding and critical roles of educators, consultants, and researchers.

PhD’s (doctor of philosophy degrees) and DSc’s (doctor of science degrees) are designed for these roles.

PhD’s tend to focus on theory and research, while DSc’s study research and technical expertise. With more focus on technical knowledge, DSc’s sometimes continue working directly in practical applications within the field.

On the other hand, DPS’s (doctor of professional studies degrees) are almost entirely devoted to the highest levels of training in hands-on practical knowledge and skills instead of theory and research.

All three types of doctoral programs are now available to those wishing to advance their careers to the pinnacle of the cybersecurity field.

However, PhD is by far the most commonly offered doctoral cybersecurity degree at present, followed by DSc’s and DPS’s.

The world has a critical need for infosec practitioners, but there is also an equally essential need to expand the capacity of our educational institutions to teach new practitioners.

We also are in dire need of advanced, innovative, strategic thinkers to conduct research in the science of cybersecurity.

Best online cybersecurity PhD programs for 2024

Capitol technology university, nova southeastern university, the george washington university, mississippi state university, marymount university.

These rankings were compiled from data accessed in November 2023 from Integrated Post-Secondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Navigator (both services National Center for Education Statistics). Tuition data was pulled from individual university websites and is current as of November 2023.

Obtaining an online cybersecurity PhD

Six steps for choosing an online phd cybersecurity program.

So with all of these options available, as well as a growing number of colleges offering these programs, how can one best decide which direction is right for you? Here is a quick six-step process to help.

1. Self-appraisal : Those looking to expand their knowledge and background in cybersecurity with a PhD have already succeeded in attaining lesser degrees and certifications, and likely have several years of work experience as well.

That education, and exposure to practical applications provide an excellent overall view of the infosec world. All that experience will be critical in deciding exactly which direction to explore in the next phase of a career. The biggest decisions are of two types.

Are online PhD programs the right way to go, or would real-time college be a better choice?
Is a future in research, education or consulting the right path? Or is work in a real-world application a better fit? Picking the correct answer to both questions will take a good bit of introspective research. And the decisions shouldn’t be made without a thorough self-inspection.

2. Admission requirements : As with any college degree, each individual institution offering it will have its own views of what a desirable PhD candidate should look like.

All require at least a BS degree, some require an MS. But there are often loose specifications as to what discipline the degrees must be in, like STEM or computer science. Other demands may include a minimum GPA threshold, usually 3.0 or higher, and GRE test scores.

Waivers are for the GRE tests are often granted for candidates with strong academic or professional backgrounds. The rest is normally just paperwork, like a personal goal statement, personal and work references, a current resume, and college transcripts.

The primary point here is to pay attention to the requirements of each school under consideration, and whether it will necessitate more time, classwork, certifications, etc. to comply with these demands.

3. Tuition and scholarships : Unless an early career left a PhD candidate with an abundance of cash, money will always be a concern.

Obviously, tuition is the first number to check. But don’t stop with that. There are almost always alternatives for financial assistance available from the school, private scholarship sources, and sometimes government agencies attempting to increase the cybersecurity workforce.

And, of course, government-sponsored and private education loans exist .

4. School reputation, course quality and availability : To get the most return out of an investment of time and money in education, it’s always best to choose from schools with the best reputation among cybersecurity professionals.

Specific courses and available concentrations vary from one school to another. Students must therefore make sure a particular school’s special course offerings match their needs and desires.

5. Centers for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense : US government intelligence agencies are perhaps the organizations most interested in developing the science and resources needed to conduct the most extensive, advanced and complete cybersecurity operations anywhere.

The National Security Agency ( NSA ) and the Department of Homeland Security ( DHS ) jointly sponsor a program to promote cybersecurity education called National Centers for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense ( CAE-CD ). NSA conducts extensive reviews and audits of colleges offering cybersecurity college degrees and designates a select few with CAE approval .

Choosing an institution approved by the NSA provides a high level of certainty that the program offered is of the highest quality. It will also give graduates a leg up on securing a career with federal government intelligence agencies. NSA recently published a fact sheet showing 272 CAE-CD approved institutions across the country.

6. Dissertation research options and faculty : A critical part of any masters or doctoral degree is the dissertation. The exact topic and focus do not need to be determined at the outset of entering the program.

However, it should be possible to know that faculty members and other available resources provide the greatest knowledge, technology and other means of support for the student’s specialty.

What to look for in an online PhD cybersecurity program

For any given doctoral candidate, enrolling in an online program offering the best and most numerous courses within the cybersecurity specialty desired may be top on the list of criteria.

One should also research the infosec faculty members at the school to determine which and how many have expertise within that students focus.

If possible, a chance to meet these faculty members may be very illuminating. Requesting the opportunity to audit one or more classes will also provide invaluable insight into how courses are structured and how close a fit the tutorial style may be.

Opting to attend a PhD program with the best possible reputation among cybersecurity professionals will help open doors when it comes time to find a post-doctoral job.

An institution that cultivates an innovative environment and offers the latest in technological capabilities will help maximize the educational experience. It will also be of great educational benefit to attend a college that fosters consultative communications among students and faculty.

Probably the easiest variables to determine are tuition costs and the availability of school offered financial assistance, especially scholarships, grants, other offsets to student expenses.

Online PhD cybersecurity program timeline

Typically, obtaining a doctorate in cybersecurity will require between three and seven years of dedication.

The specific timeline will depend upon the individual college and the level of testing and qualification required for each student to be accepted into a program.

Coursework can take up to three years, depending in part depending upon credits earned and transferred before entering the program. Once courses have been completed, the next step is to design a research project for the dissertation.

With a well thought out idea in hand, have a chosen faculty mentor assist with fine-tuning the scope, and then approving the research outline.

The rest is extensive research and then writing the dissertation, while all along consulting with a faculty mentor. This phase can take two or more years, sometimes in excess of five years.

The length of time devoted to completing a dissertation will depend in part on the amount of time the candidate is able to devote to the research required.

Once the dissertation is complete, student will schedule a board review and present their research to faculty members to attain the final award of their doctoral degree.

Online PhD cybersecurity tuition and scholarships

Don’t be scared off by tuition rates at any school.

Pick the best academic environments for the degree and specialty desired first, then see what can be done to mitigate the cost.

Tuition rates

The Cybersecurity Guide team recently took a look at the 14 programs in the US that offer an online cybersecurity PhD program in order to get a better sense of what tuition looks like at these programs. All figures below are based on out-of-state tuition rates.

$32,940 is the most affordable online PhD program and its available at the University of Cumberlands.

$56,004 is the average cost of the 14 online cybersecurity PhD programs.

$85,248 is the highest tuition and is at the University of North Texas.

There are almost always several options to consider. Some schools have work-study options where students can take classes for a semester or two, then work in the industry for a time. This provides a balance of academics and practical experience, and also income to offset tuition costs.

Of course, those already working and going to school would not be able to utilize this option.

Most frequently, scholarships, grants and fellowships will be the most accessible financial assistance vehicles.

At present, it seems most scholarships are being directed to undergraduate and graduate students, with less now available for PhD’s.

This is likely to change in coming years as demand for PhD’s is set to expand rapidly. The bulk of scholarships available for PhD candidates at present are provided through individual schools, corporate sponsors, of government agencies.

Cybersecurity PhD career path

The very nature of doctor of philosophy degree programs means those who complete a PhD will be best suited to academic or theoretical applications of their cybersecurity expertise.

However, other times there are really interesting industry jobs available to PhD holders, especially in research-oriented companies.

Typically, these professionals will hold the highest of infosec management positions, such as CISO, information security director, information security manager, or the like.

But many will be destined for advanced investigative research into the cutting edge ideas and technologies being discussed and discovered in the cybersecurity world.

Others will opt for academic posts in higher education. And still others will be employed as consultants to large corporations and/or high leverage government agencies that often have not been able to hire enough cybersecurity employees to adequately satisfy their own needs, or just don’t possess the advanced capabilities that a PhD offers.

Frequently asked questions

An online PhD in cybersecurity is an advanced academic program that allows you to earn your doctorate remotely, focusing on research and expertise in cybersecurity.

Online programs offer flexibility, making it easier for working professionals to balance studies with other commitments. Plus, you can access top-tier faculty and resources from anywhere.

The duration varies but expect to spend 3-7 years, depending on the program and your pace of study.

Graduates often pursue roles in academia, research, or high-level positions in corporate cybersecurity departments.

Yes, most employers consider an online PhD in cybersecurity as valuable as an on-campus degree, provided it’s from an accredited institution.

While convenient, online programs may lack some networking opportunities and face-to-face interactions found in traditional settings.

School listings for online PhD in cybersecurity

As is any course of study, attending school through an online college affords maximum flexibility for students with demanding lives. Whether the limiting factor is work, family, health restrictions or other reasons, a flexible online doctoral program permits PhD candidates to work toward a goal on their own time.

Below is a complete list of schools offering online PhD programs that features current and comprehensive information for an easy side-by-side comparison.

Colorado Technical University

Dakota state university, marymount university, school of technology and innovation, national university, naval postgraduate school, nova southeastern university, college of computing & engineering, the university of fairfax, the university of the cumberlands, university of north texas, university of tulsa.

Majors & Careers
Online Grad School
Preparing For Grad School
Student Life

Top 10 Best PhD in Cybersecurity Online Programs

The news these days is full of reports of cyberattacks resulting in massive financial and reputation losses for companies of all sizes. Therefore, it’s not surprising that there’s a high demand for experts to manage these threats and keep organizations’ information secure.

A PhD cybersecurity online degree can equip you with the necessary skills and expertise to manage these challenges and more.

Table of Contents

Best PhD in Cybersecurity Online Programs

Capitol technology university.

Doctorate (DSc) in Cybersecurity

Capitol Tech University is a leader in STEM-designated programs in Washington DC which Forbes named the second-best city for STEM education. This doctorate in cyber security online program offers comprehensive education on the subject without treating it as a standalone discipline, but instead looking at how it impacts organizational decision-making.

Courses include: Applied research in information assurance, information assurance strategic management, and healthcare information security.
Credits: 54-66
Duration: 3 years
Tuition: $933 per credit
Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, work-study, veteran benefits, and loans.
Acceptance rate: 84.4%
Location: Laurel, Maryland

Colorado Technical University

Doctor of Computer Science – Cybersecurity and Information Assurance

Colorado Technical University offers many online programs online, promoting education for working professionals, military personnel, and retirees. The institution believes in mentoring relationships and accessible education through multiple channels, including mobile devices and social media. This is one of the most flexible cybersecurity PhD programs online that allows you to tailor your study schedule around your other commitments and offers multiple start dates every year. The dissertation is integrated into the program and you can complete your studies in three years.

Courses include: Foundations of digital systems security, security management, and enterprise security architecture.
Credits: 100
Tuition: Refer tuition page
Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, military benefits, and loans.
Acceptance rate: 100%
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado

The University of Fairfax

Doctorate of Information Assurance

The University of Fairfax strives to extend learner-centered education through distance means to working professionals on various subjects, including cybersecurity. You can choose to pursue this online PhD in cyber security program in a hybrid format, where part of the program is delivered face to face through an on-campus residency.

Courses include: Information security systems and organizational awareness, business and security risk analysis, and cybersecurity insurance.
Credits: 62
Tuition: $55,490
Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, fellowships, and military & veteran benefits.
Location: Salem, Virginia

Dakota State University

Doctor of Philosophy in Cyber Defense (PhDCD)

Dakota State University has been named one of the best colleges in South Dakota and offers affordable education to working professionals, especially in fields like cybersecurity. This PhD in cyber security online program focuses on cyber ethics, including integrating ethical frameworks with cybersecurity decision-making. Although mostly online, the program has a minimal annual residency of three to four days to attend seminars. You can also choose to complete it fully on-campus if you prefer.

Courses include: Managing security risks, security metrics, and computer forensics.
Credits: 72
Tuition: $333.25
Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, student employment, veteran benefits, and loans.
Acceptance rate: 83.6%
Location: Madison, South Dakota

New Jersey City University, College of Professional Studies

Civil Security—Leadership, Management and Policy (CSLMP), D.Sc.

New Jersey City University started as the country’s first teachers’ training school. Today, it offers a number of programs across a wide range of fields to a diverse student population. This doctorate centers around civil security and so is not technically an online PhD cyber security program. However, information assurance/cyber security is one of the integral parts of the curriculum, so it could equip you for a career in the field.

Courses include: Current issues in civil security leadership, management, and policy, emergency operations & management, and data analysis for civil security leadership, management, and policy.
Credits: 48
Tuition: $797.70 per credit
Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, employer tuition assistance, and veteran benefits.
Acceptance rate: 96.3%
Location: Jersey City, New Jersey

Marymount University, School of Technology and Innovation

Cybersecurity (D.Sc.)

The School of Technology and Innovation at Marymount University strives to fill the critical global technology workforce shortage by offering programs and training in advanced technological disciplines, including data sciences, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. This cybersecurity PhD online program aims to equip students to address present and future cybersecurity issues through innovation, as well as advanced tools like Artificial Intelligence.

Courses include: Cyber threat intelligence, managing cybersecurity risk, and malware analysis.
Credits: 72 (post-bachelor’s), 36 (post-master’s)
Tuition: $1,190 per credit
Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, assistantships, student employment, and loans.
Acceptance rate: 85.3%
Location: Arlington, Virginia

The University of the Cumberlands

Online PhD in Information Technology

The University of the Cumberlands is a well-known, military-friendly university and ranks among the top ten such private schools that offer doctorate degrees. This online cybersecurity PhD program empowers students to dig deep into the industry’s IT and cybersecurity challenges, with high-level knowledge of evolving cyber threats, as well as tools like analytics and Machine Learning.

Courses include: Security architecture & design, information governance, and legal regulations, compliance, and investigation.
Credits: 60
Tuition: $500 per credit
Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans.
Acceptance rate: 81.4%
Location: Williamsburg, Kentucky

Nova Southeastern University, College of Computing & Engineering

PhD in Cybersecurity Management

Nova Southeastern University strives to offer the latest cybersecurity education with a continually-evolving curriculum that meets the changing needs of the industry and ranks among the top fifteen schools for a number of online cybersecurity graduate programs. This program allows students to develop a deep level of cybersecurity knowledge, with an ethical approach to the discipline. Instead of getting this cybersecurity PhD online, students can also choose the on-campus option at the Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus.

Courses include: Information security governance, ethics in computing, and information system auditing.
Credits: 51 (MS to PhD), 66 (BS to PhD)
Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, loans, and veteran benefits.
Acceptance rate: 76.2%
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Capella University

Doctor of Information Technology (DIT)

Capella University was founded in 1993 and is well-known for its flex-path online programs that allow working professionals to design their own schedule according to their needs. This online doctorate in information technology is essentially the equivalent of a PhD cyber security online degree, with a strong focus on cybersecurity and information assurance.

Courses include: Assurance controls and compliance management, system and application security advances, and advanced risk management systems and research.
Credits: 70
Tuition: $750 per credit
Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, military discounts, and work-study.
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota

What Do You Need to Get an Online PhD in Cybersecurity?

To be accepted into an online PhD in cybersecurity program, you’ll typically need to have an MS or BS qualification in computer science or another STEM field. For more competitive programs, you may need to have a GPA of 3.0 or more.

Once admitted to an online PhD in cybersecurity, you’ll usually need to enroll in core and elective courses in cybersecurity and related subjects. For most programs, you’ll need to successfully complete coursework, exams, and a final dissertation to earn your doctorate.

Jobs and Salaries for Doctors of Cybersecurity

A PhD in Cybersecurity can help you to land one of the many well-paid jobs available in cybersecurity and information systems and network administration.

Some of the most common roles for doctors of cybersecurity (with the annual median salary for each) are:

Director, Cybersecurity ( $173,868 )
Security Analyst ( $70,554 )
Penetration Tester ( $88,715 )
IT Director ( $122,742 )
System Administrator ( $63,089 )
Security Auditor ( $84,039 )

Average Cost of a PhD Cybersecurity Online Degree

The tuition for online PhD cybersecurity degrees can vary widely based on various factors, including whether you choose a public or private university, and if you are a resident of the state or an out-of-state student. Tuition can also vary based on things like the university’s reputation, faculty, and facilities.

In general, you can expect the tuition for doctorate cybersecurity online programs to be in the range of $20,000 to $100,000 in total.

Besides tuition, you may also have other expenses, such as study materials and technology fees.

However, on-campus living expenses can be saved for online programs. Scholarships and grants can reduce expenses to a significant extent.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Online PhD in Cybersecurity?

Most universities allow you to complete your online cybersecurity PhD degree in around three to seven years. However, this timeline may push out if you take more time to complete your dissertation. Some universities say you need to complete the program within a certain number of years. For example, for NSU Florida, you need to earn your doctorate within ten years .

Why You Should Get a Doctorate in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity professionals are in extremely high demand and a qualification in this area can promise you a lucrative career. A doctorate in cybersecurity can equip you with advanced theoretical and practical knowledge, qualifying you for a range of senior positions in cybersecurity management, education, and research. According to the BLS , information security analyst jobs are predicted to grow by a whopping 35% between 2021 and 2031.

What Skills Do You Get from Doing an Online PhD in Cybersecurity?

An online PhD in cybersecurity can equip you with many transferable skills, including:

Advanced research skills
Strong foundational theoretical knowledge
IT forensic skills
Analytical skills
Problem-solving skills
Management & leadership skills
Communication skills

How to Choose an Online PhD in Cybersecurity

Although it is ultimately a personal decision, here are some key factors to keep in mind when choosing an online PhD in Cybersecurity:

School’s reputation : First and foremost, look for a school that has a good reputation and the appropriate accreditations.
Specializations : You should also make sure the program you choose offers courses in the fields you wish to specialize in.
Tuition and scholarships: It’s essential that the tuition fits your budget, or that the school offers good scholarships and financial aid options.
Faculty and research facilities: It’s also important to research the school’s faculty, their reputation, and their areas of specialty.

Accreditation for Online PhD Programs in Cybersecurity

The best online PhD programs in cybersecurity have accreditations that ensure that it meets certain standards. Accreditations ensure you will receive high standards of education and that your qualification will be valuable and highly regarded within the industry.

Final Thoughts

The job outlook within the cybersecurity industry is extremely strong, with the sector expected to witness rapid growth over the next ten years, and a PhD cybersecurity online degree can prepare you for a career in the field.

Having said that, cyber threats are ever-evolving and so it’s important to commit to ongoing education even as an established professional, to keep up to date with the latest changes, trends, and threats.

For more on the best courses in this field and related field, take a look at the best master’s in cybersecurity programs , the top online PhDs in Computer Science , and the best online PhD programs .

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

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