Best Online PhD Programs in Cybersecurity

The duration of a PhD program varies between schools. Typically, students should plan on spending approximately 2-3 years completing coursework and an additional 3-5 years conducting research and writing their dissertation. However, this timeline can be greatly affected by the availability of courses in the department, whether students are enrolled as part- or full-time students, and how long it takes to conduct sufficient research for the dissertation.

Additionally, in order to advance to candidacy, most cybersecurity programs require you to pass qualifying exams. Since the doctoral process beyond coursework is highly personalized and dependent upon your areas of interest, the general timeline for adequately preparing for and passing exams can vary greatly between PhD students.

Furthermore, there are a number of factors that are out of your control, namely the sequence, duration, and scheduling of steps between qualifying exams and the final dissertation defense meeting. The timeline during your final year is also greatly affected by the schedules and preferences of the three or four faculty members serving on your dissertation committee.

After earning a PhD in cybersecurity, graduates will be prepared for careers in a wide variety of fields. With this research-focused advanced degree, many cybersecurity PhD holders pursue employment with colleges and universities as adjunct, part-time, or full-time faculty members. Additionally, both public and private organizations employ cybersecurity specialists as information security managers, security consultants, information security executives, and in other related roles.

When considering the types of jobs you would like to pursue upon graduation, be sure to consider fields that rely on computer-driven networks and computer specialists to carry out their daily operations. Additional areas to explore for potential careers include banking and finance, insurance, information technology, healthcare, corporate positions, and global technology firms.

Cybersecurity Consultant: These professionals can work in a variety of areas in the field. They often help companies and organizations identify weaknesses in their computer systems and networks to prevent intruders from gaining access to private information. Consultants must possess strong leadership, communication, and negotiation skills with a strong understanding of cybersecurity ethics, laws, and policies.

Information Security Manager: In this role, cybersecurity specialists are in charge of maintaining a high standard of protection and security protocols throughout an organization. They often work in teams to identify and prevent issues in both software and hardware that can affect the organization’s daily processes. They need strong communication and leadership skills as they often assume personnel management roles and delegate responsibilities to other employees.

Professor of Computer Science or Cybersecurity: Professors typically work at universities and colleges and teach a wide variety of classes. Depending on the program, professors often teach introductory courses for new computer science and cybersecurity students. Alternatively, more established or tenured professors will teach highly specialized courses to advanced learners seeking a master’s and doctoral degree. In these roles, you will need strong written and verbal communication skills and will benefit from prior experience in public speaking.

A PhD is traditionally a research- and academically-focused degree, and programs in cybersecurity are no exception. Is a research-driven career a good fit for you? This is one of several questions prospective online students should ask themselves before applying for distance learning programs in cybersecurity. Here are five important questions to consider about your desired career path and learning style before applying to online programs.

1. Am I ready for distance learning?
   Earning an online PhD in cybersecurity is a rigorous, long, and notably solitary process. In addition to possessing the self-discipline to continue your studies for several years, you will also need self-motivation as a distance learner. Without attending classes in person regularly, online learners need to hold themselves accountable to stay on track and progress toward graduation.
2. Am I prepared for graduate student life?
   The workload and amount of stress you face as a PhD student may be drastically greater than what you experienced in an undergraduate program. This should not necessarily deter you from pursuing an advanced degree. Rather, it is important to prepare in advance some concrete ways in which you can deal with the stressors graduate student life. Many schools offer online or on-campus counselors who serve as excellent support systems and can direct you to effective resources.
3. Do I want a research-focused degree?
   Earning a PhD does necessarily mean your future career will be spent poring over data or scrounging through digital archives, but you will likely find yourself in a role with heavy research components. If you wish to work with computers and envision a more hands-on or creatively-focused career, you may wish to consider alternative degrees in areas such as computer programming or software development.
4. Can I afford to go to graduate school?
   Unfortunately, not all graduate students receive funding to pursue their education. Many U.S. undergraduate degree holders today who are considering further education in graduate school already possess some level of student loan debt. Be sure to consider all of your funding options, whether through your prospective department or an external source, to make your PhD more affordable. Alternatively, if you wish to do so, you have the option of using student loans for tuition, supplies, or living expenses.
5. Do I need to take the GRE?
   Some online PhD programs in cybersecurity require applicants to submit their GRE scores. While not all programs require the exam for admission, the GRE can be a significant factor in your competitiveness as a graduate school applicant. Students typically need three months or more to study for the GRE. You may even wish to hire a tutor to help you brush up on your knowledge for the quantitative, verbal, or writing sections of the test.

Many schools offer online cybersecurity PhD programs with minimal or no on-campus obligations. Some schools require students to appear for a meeting or event on campus as few as one time per year. With a computer-driven field such as cybersecurity, PhD degree seekers can likely find a fully online graduate program that fits their needs. Most colleges and universities require cybersecurity PhD students to complete a doctoral dissertation for graduation. Depending on the school, you may need to attend meetings in-person on campus, such as for your dissertation defense. Alternatively, your program may offer video meetings in lieu of a campus visit.

Admission requirements for online cybersecurity PhD programs can vary widely between schools. However, most programs generally require applicants to hold a master’s degree in a STEM field. Some programs offer a combined master’s and doctoral degree, which may accept students with only a bachelor’s degree. Typically, applicants must have earned a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. In addition, admission applications usually require submission of GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay or statement of research. Some institutions may also request documentation of previous research projects, such as a research portfolio or list of publications.

Earning your PhD in cybersecurity online is a financial commitment and time investment. In some cases, you may be able to obtain substantial financial support from your department in the form of scholarships or grants. On the other hand, your department may not offer the same types of financial support for online students as it does on-campus students. In these scenarios, you may wish to seek outside sources of funding such as private organizations or memorial foundations. While researching potential schools, be sure to take a close look at the cost of a program and weigh it against the benefits it can offer you. The table below offers a quick look at the cost and required number of credits for online PhD cybersecurity degrees.

Regional or national accreditation is crucial for ensuring that a doctoral program in cybersecurity meets certain educational standards. Attending an accredited school can ensure that you receive a quality education and earn credentials that will assist in advancing your career.

In many cases, schools that offer career-focused programs such as vocational or trade schools usually possess national accreditation. Schools with regional accreditation tend to offer a wide range of academically-focused programs, from associate degrees to doctoral programs. Regionally accredited schools tend to be more expensive but are widely considered to be the more prestigious of the two.