In this guide
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.
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cybersecurityguide.org is an advertising-supported site. Clicking in this box will show you programs related to your search from schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other information published on this site.
Featured Cybersecurity Training
| School Name | Program | More Info |
|---|---|---|
| Walden University | Doctor of Information Technology | website |
| National University | Ph.D. in Cybersecurity | website |
| UC Berkeley School of Information | Online MS in Cybersecurity | No GRE/GMAT Required | website |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Online MS in Cybersecurity | website |
| Syracuse University | Online MS in Cybersecurity | Complete in 15 Months | website |
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 number 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 2025
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Program: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Cybersecurity Management
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $49,929
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $979
Credits: 51
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsDakota State University
Madison, South DakotaProgram: Doctor of Philosophy in Cyber Defense (PhDCD)
CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R, CAE-CO
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $47,736
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $374 in-state | $663 out-of-state
Credits: 72
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Tulsa
Tulsa, OklahomaProgram: Cyber Studies, Ph.D.
CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
Delivery method: Hybrid
Total tuition: $106,128
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,474
Credits: 72
GRE requirement: Required
Learn more: Program detailsColorado Technical University
Colorado Springs, ColoradoProgram: Online Doctorate in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $59,800
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $598
Credits: 100
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsNational University
San Diego, CaliforniaProgram: Doctor of Philosophy in Cybersecurity (PhD-CY)
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $62,340
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,039
Credits: 60
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program details
These rankings were compiled from data accessed in December 2024 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 December 2024.
2024 Rankings
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.
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 institution offering it will have its views of what a desirable PhD candidate should look like.
All require at least a BS degree, and 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 for the GRE tests are often granted to 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 the 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 master’s 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 student’s 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 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, and 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 consulting with a faculty mentor. This phase can take two or more years, sometimes over five years.
The length of time devoted to completing a dissertation will depend in part on the amount of time the candidate can devote to the research required.
Once the dissertation is complete, students 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 13 programs in the US that offer an online cybersecurity PhD program to get a better sense of what tuition looks like at these programs. All figures below are based on out-of-state tuition rates.
$27,468 is the most affordable online PhD program and it’s available at Mississippi State University.
$57,164 is the average cost of the 13 online cybersecurity PhD programs.
$106,128 is the highest tuition and is at the University of Tulsa.
There are almost always several options to consider. Some schools have work-study options where students can take classes for a semester or two, and 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 PhDs.
This is likely to change in coming years as demand for PhDs is set to expand rapidly. The bulk of scholarships available for PhD candidates at present are provided through individual schools, corporate sponsors, or 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.
However, 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
Ad
cybersecurityguide.org is an advertising-supported site. Clicking in this box will show you programs related to your search from schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other information published on this site.
Featured Cybersecurity Training
| School Name | Program | More Info |
|---|---|---|
| Walden University | Doctor of Information Technology | website |
| National University | Ph.D. in Cybersecurity | website |
| UC Berkeley School of Information | Online MS in Cybersecurity | No GRE/GMAT Required | website |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Online MS in Cybersecurity | website |
| Syracuse University | Online MS in Cybersecurity | Complete in 15 Months | website |
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 feature current and comprehensive information for an easy side-by-side comparison.
Capitol Technology University
Laurel, MarylandProgram: Doctorate (DSc) in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $51,300
2024/2025 Cost per credit : $950
Credits : 54
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsColorado Technical University
Colorado Springs, ColoradoProgram: Doctor of Computer Science - Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Delivery method : Online
Total tuition: $59,800
2024/2025 Cost per credit : $598
Credits : 100
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsDakota State University
Madison, South DakotaProgram: Doctor of Philosophy in Cyber Defense (PhDCD)
CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R, CAE-CO
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $26,928 in-state | $47,736 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit : $374 in-state | $663 out-of-state
Credits : 72
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsMarymount University, School of Technology and Innovation
Arlington, VirginiaProgram: D.Sc. in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Delivery method : Online, campus & hybrid
Total tuition: $48,060
2024/2025 Cost per credit : $1,335
Credits : 36
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsMississippi State University
Mississippi State, MississippiProgram: Ph.D. Computer Science - Computer Security Concentration
CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R, CAE-CO
Delivery method : Online & campus
Total tuition: $20,097 in-state | $27,468 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit : $319 in-state | $436 out-of-state
Credits : 63
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsNational University
San Diego, CaliforniaProgram: Doctor of Philosophy in Cybersecurity (PhD-CY)
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Delivery method : Online
Total tuition: $62,340
2024/2025 Cost per credit : $1,039
Credits: 60
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsNaval Postgraduate School
Monterey, CaliforniaProgram: Ph.D. in Computer Science (may elect Computer Systems and Security specialization)
CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R, CAE-CO
Delivery method : Online & campus
2024/2025 Cost per credit : $6,750/quarter
Credits : 64
GRE requirement: Required
Learn more: Program detailsNova Southeastern University, College of Computing & Engineering
Fort Lauderdale, FloridaProgram: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Cybersecurity Management
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $49,929
2024/2025 Cost per credit : $979
Credits : 51
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsThe George Washington University
Washington, District of ColumbiaProgram: Online Doctor of Engineering in Cybersecurity Analytics
CAE designation: CAE-R
Delivery method : Online
Total tuition: $79,200
2024/2025 Cost per credit : $1,650
Credits: 48
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsThe University of Fairfax
Salem, VirginiaProgram: Doctorate of Information Assurance
Delivery method: Online & hybrid
Total tuition: $55,490
2024/2025 Cost per credit : $895
Credits : 62
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsThe University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, KentuckyProgram: Online PhD in Information Technology - Information Systems Security
CAE designation: CAE-CD
Delivery method : Online
Total tuition: $44,940
2024/2025 Cost per credit : $749
Credits: 60
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of North Texas
Denton, TexasProgram: Information Science Ph.D. With a Concentration in Cybersecurity
CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
Delivery method: Hybrid
Total tuition: $28,980 in-state | $53,580 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit : $483 in-state | $893 out-of-state
Credits : 60
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Tulsa
Tulsa, OklahomaProgram: Cyber Studies, Ph.D.
CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R
Delivery method: Hybrid
Total tuition: $106,12
2024/2025 Cost per credit : $1,474
Credits : 72
GRE requirement: Required
Learn more: Program details