Cyber Degree Programs Offered State By State

Online Associate Certificates and Degrees In Cybersecurity

Below are all online programs found in directory from a total of 2 schools in the U.S.

 

Capella University

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Programs:

Doctor Of Information Technology – Information Assurance and Security

Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology – Information Assurance and Security

 

Dakota State University

Madison, South Dakota. NSA CAE

Programs:

Doctor of Science in Cyber Security 

 

Cyber Security Programs In PhD Overview

 

Just like any other PhD program, a PhD degree in cybersecurity is research intensive where you will have to dedicate yourself in any area of interest and then do extensive research on it. It can easily take you anywhere from 5-7 years to complete such degree.

 

It is important to note that a PhD degree is not essential when it comes to finding a career in cybersecurity. IT was made for people who want to get into a research based job. Following are some example jobs you can get in after completing your PhD

 

  • University Faculty
  • Corporate researcher
  • Policy advisor

 

A PhD is time consuming, expensive and very hard for some people, so make sure you are well prepared before you get into one.

 

What Are The Types Of Cybersecurity PHD Programs?

 

PhD in Computer Science with a Focus In Cybersecurity

 

This is perhaps the most common degree when it comes to cybersecurity. It has a lot to do with theoretical and technical concepts of systems and information security. With a PhD in this field, you can expect to have fundamental computer knowledge such as database management, algorithms, architecture and artificial intelligence.

 

PhD in Cybersecurity

 

Cybersecurity is a brand new field so finding a degree that is especially made for cybersecurity is hard. Instead, a lot of universities simply offer computer engineering or computer science as an alternative that also focuses on security.

 

PhD in Information Assurance

 

Information Assurance is all about protecting information systems. A PhD in this may mean that you will have investigate policies, effective laws and security measures.

 

Sample Curriculum of PhD Program

 

The standard format of a PhD degree in U.S consists of two years graduate classes and an exam followed by independent research for 3-5 years. Here are some of the coursework you can expect in a degree of such level.

 

Years 1 – 2 Sample Coursework

 

  • Theory of Computation
  • Network Security
  • Security Risk Management
  • Homeland Security
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Graphics and Visualization
  • Machine Learning
  • Applied Probability
  • Computer Systems
  • Applied Cryptography
  • Cyber Law
  • Advanced Algorithms
  • Software Engineering
  • Data Warehousing
  • Information Theory
  • Neural Networks

 

Requirements of a PhD Program

 

You should be interested in thinking, solving puzzles and taking keen interest in specialized field with the ability of conducting very extensive and relevant research according to your subject.

 

Universities take in the following criteria when choosing the right candidate for the program.

 

  • You should at least have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Very Good GRE Scores
  • At least 3 letters of recommendation
  • Publications and Research work under your name
  • GPA of at least 3.0 or better in mathematics or computer science
  • Professional experience that is relevant to the program.

 

Should You Do A PhD?

 

If you ask the experts, they will tell you that there is no need to do a PhD degree. Most universities will grant you a Master’s degree which is enough to get a good job. But if you want to do research in the field, then you should definitely consider doing it.

 

 

 

 

 

Jake Ciber

Jack of all trades... master of none... ABL... Always Be Learning! I love what I do and I love helping people.