With a Ph.D. program in Cyber security , you are sure of building an exceptional career in Cyber Security. Although you can get a nice job with a bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Ph.D. in cyber Security Degree opens you to wider career opportunities and advanced knowledge.
So, if you are wondering about how to get a Ph.D. in Cyber Security in terms of the cost and requirements this post is all you need.
This post provides you with information on how you get a Ph.D. in Cyber Security in 2024 including the Cyber Security PhD Programs, Requirements, and cost.
You can navigate through the table of contents below to get an overview of all that this post entails.
What exactly is Cyber Security?
Cyber security is a way to protect computers, networks, applications, and data from unauthorized access or attacks aimed at exploitation.
Individuals and organizations use this to protect against unauthorized access to data centers and other computer systems
Basically, the aim of cybersecurity implementation is to ensure that computers, servers, networks, mobile devices, and the data stored on these devices are protected from malicious intent.
Cyber attacks can be designed to access, remove, or delete confidential organization or user data; cybersecurity is becoming vital.
For example, medical, government, corporate, and financial organizations may have vital personal information about an individual.
The following are the general benefits of cyber security include:
- Protection of companies against malware, rescue, fraud, and social engineering.
- Data and network protection.
- Prevention of unauthorized users.
- Improves recovery time after damage.
- End-user protection.
- Confidence in the product has improved for both developers and customers.
What are the phd in Cyber Security Majors?
The following are the majors of Cyber Security;
- Network security
- Application security
- Endpoint security
- Data security
- Identity management
- Database and infrastructure security
- Cloud security
- Mobile security
- Disaster recovery/business continuity planning
- End-user education
What does it mean to do a PhD in Cyber Security?
Cybersecurity is a relatively new field, so it’s rare to find a degree explicitly called “Ph.D. in Cyber Security”. Instead, most universities choose to offer a Ph.D. in Computer Science or Computer Engineering with the option to focus on security-related issues.
A Ph.D. in Cyber Security is a research-focused degree where you can devote yourself to a particular area of interest (e.g. human-centered computing, cyberinfrastructure, embedded systems, etc.).
To get a PhD degree can take you about 5-7 years to complete.
Basically, most people that go for this degree program, go into it not just because of career opportunities, rather the go into Ph.D. degree programs in Cyber Security because they need research-based jobs such as:
- Corporate researchers
- University faculty
- Policy Advisors
Why PhD in cyber security
There are countless reasons why you should consider taking a Ph.D. program in Cyber Security or information technology security as its sometimes called.
First aside from the advanced knowledge in technology you will get, you need a computer base knowledge on applied research related to information technology security. And that is one thing this program aims at delivering.
Secondly, you will acquire techniques for specialized cyber operations which include data collection, software usage, reverse engineering, and malicious code analysis.
In the same vein, you will learn how to detect cybercrime and protect confidential information stored on computers and servers. This can help improve your problem solving and decision-making skills.
Additionally, going for a PhD in Cyber Security will help train you in research methods with a deeper understanding of cybersecurity issues.
Furthermore, as a student, you will become familiar with theories and acquire the skills necessary to administer information and technology programs.
Check out:How to get a PhD in Information Security in 2024: Schools, Cost & Requirements
What Career Opportunity can I take up with a PhD degree in Cyber Security?
Like I mentioned earlier, Cybersecurity is one field that has so many career opportunities, especially for those who have invested their time and money in getting a doctorate degree in the field.
Interestingly, these career opportunities pay well more than most IT career opportunities. With a PhD degree in Cyber Security or information technology, you fit into any of the following positions;
- Security Engineer
- Postgraduate Teacher
- Security Consultant
- Chief Information Security Officer
- Security Architect
- Penetration Tester
- Security Analyst
- Network Security Engineer
Postgraduate Teacher
With a cybersecurity doctorate degree, you can teach at the university level. As Ph.D.’s, cybersecurity doctorates are research-centered and help to create the next generation of university instructors.
You can also work work in a variety of university, public, and private settings as a cyber security researcher.
Chief Information Security Officer
As a Chief Information Security Officer, you will be responsible for implementing the security program throughout the organization and oversees the activities of the IT security department.
Security Consultant
This is another lucrative career you can go for with a degree in Cyber Security. Security consultants are very important, this is because they oversee everything that has to do with system security.
Also, they identify the most effective way to protect computers, networks, software, data, and information systems from potential attacks.
Furthermore, as a security Consultant, you will also handle or perform vulnerability tests, risk analysis and security assessments.
Penetration Tester
A penetration tester is a network security consultant that attempts to enter or find potential vulnerabilities in various computer systems and software.
You can think of them as a type of ethical hacker. They conduct official penetration tests of web applications, networks, and computer systems.
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However, this role requires an understanding of information technology principles, concepts, and methods, including software languages, design concepts, test methods, and integration practices.
Security Architect
This person is responsible for planning, analyzing, designing, testing, maintaining, and maintaining the critical infrastructure of a company.
Also, as a Security Architect, you will be handling the developing and maintaining of the organization’s network and computer security infrastructure.
Additionally, you will be in charge of creating requirements for local area networks (LANs), broadband networks (WANs), virtual private networks (VPNs), routers, firewalls, and related network devices.
Cyber Security Engineers
Cyber Security engineers often come from a technical (computer) environment, usually with knowledge of Python and Java. An entry-level Cyber Security engineer with less than 5 years of experience can expect to earn an average of $ 80,000 in compensation.
An engineer with 10 to 20 years of experience can expect to earn an average of $ 116,000 in compensation. The Glass Door website reports an average salary of $ 138,322.
Security Analyst
This person has multiple responsibilities including planning security measures and management, protecting digital files, and conducting internal and external security audit
Information Systems Engineer
As an IS security engineer, your role will involve the following:
- Maintaining the network virus-free.
- Periodically performing security tests.
- Passing the security system protocol to the rest of the company’s staff.
Safety Engineer
This person is often a mid-level employee responsible for developing and maintaining an organization’s IT security solutions.
In performing these functions, they configure firewalls, test new security solutions, and investigate intrusion events, among other tasks, by notifying the security administrator.
This work requires solid technical training in vulnerability and penetration testing, virtualization security, application and encryption technologies, and network and Internet protocols.
Malware Analyst
They are responsible for helping an organization understand viruses, worms, robots, trojans, and other malicious software that threatens its network daily.
Malware analysts are reverse engineering specialists. They can replace the engineer, identify the model or fingerprints, and then the analyst can write programs that detect and protect the computer system or mobile device from infection.
Network Security Engineer
A network security engineer provides, configures, configures, and administrates many different networks and security-related hardware and software.
These include firewalls, routers, switches, network monitoring tools, and VPNs (virtual private networks).
As a network Engineer, you must have in-depth knowledge and multidisciplinary education, including experience in information technology, networking, engineering, and information security.
What is Ph.D. in Cyber Security Salary Like?
When talking about How much you can make a year with a phd in cyber security degree, you can make enough that can help you financially.
Below is an overview of the Average and salary Range of some of the PhD degrees in Cyber Security or information technology career opportunities.
| Career Opportunities | Average Salary | Salary Range |
| Security Architect | $ 120,529 | $ 84,010 – $ 155,113 |
| Cyber Security Engineer | $ 92,978 | $ 59,574 – $ 133,596 |
| Information Systems Engineer | $ 91,911 | $ 62,862 to $ 131,776 |
| Safety Engineer | $ 88,062 | $ 57,456 to $ 126,118 |
| Malware Analyst | $ 87,671 | $ 52,156 to $ 123,963 |
| Network Security Engineer | $ 84,025 | $ 53,774 to $ 126,474 |
| Security Consultant | $ 83,712 | $ 53,810 to $ 131,295 |
| Penetration tester | $ 80,334 | $ 48,883 – $ 132,019 |
How long does it take to get a phd in cybersecurity?
They are taking Ph.D. programs in Cyber Security last 3-5 years. Some only take 1 or 2 years, but they are rare.
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13 Best Ph.D. In Information Systems In 2024 | Programs, Requirements, Cost
What are the Application Requirements
Admission requirements at Cyber Security schools will vary from one university to another. That being said, these are the most common academic requirements:
It is important to note that, Universities consider so many things before they can consider admission. Below are some of the basic admission requirements:
- Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- GPA of 3.0 or more (Grade B or above) in computing/math courses
- Excellent GRE scores
- Relevant professional experience
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Research work, including publications
What are the Universities that offer Ph.D. in Cyber Security programs?
Below is a list of universities that offer Ph.D. in cyber security programs:
- UAEU United Arab Emirates University
- University College London
- Kansa Stae University
- Cardiff University
- Sabnci University
- Bangor University
- Nova Southeastern University, College of Computing and Engineering
- University of Fairfax
- New York University
- Northeastern University
- Walden University
- New Jersey City University
- Colorado Technical University
- Northcentral University
- Dakota State University
Best Ph.D. in Cyber Security Programs
There are so many. To help you make the right choice, I have listed below a list of the best Ph.D. in Cyber Security Programs that can help you build an exceptional IT field career.
Although some of these programs are pretty expensive in tuition, it is a lifetime investment that you help you in life.
Check out the List!
- Security Science-University College London (UCL)
- Investigating Transport System Risks due to Cyber-Physical Security Threats, Ph.D.– Coventry University
- Communication Networks and Protocols, Ph.D./MPhil- Bangor University
- Ph.D. in Cyber Security- University College London
- Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Program in Information Security- West Lafayette, Indiana
- Ph.D. in Computer Science –Tempe, Arizona
- Khoury College Ph.D. in Cybersecurity program-Northeastern University
- Ph.D. in Computing and Information Sciences – Computing Security Focus- Rochester, New York
- Ph.D. in Information Security- United Arab Emirates University
- Cybersecurity Management Ph.D.- Nova Southeastern University
- Security Studies, Ph.D.-Kansas State University
- Cyber Operations, Ph.D.-Dakota State University
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1. Security Science-University College London (UCL)
Location: 35 Tavistock Square, Bloomsbury, London WC1H 9EZ, United Kingdom
Program Length: 4 years
Tuition: $5,850 (in-state), $27,240 (Outstate)
Application Deadline: 24 July
The University of London College (UCL) Security Science program is designed to reduce crime and terrorism through the teaching, research, and analysis of policies.
Remember that this program is widely recognized for its impact on investigating real-world crime issues.
This doctoral program specializes in these areas; Analysis of extensive data, Ecological modeling, scenario and process analysis, geographic analysis, social media analysis, human error analysis, UAV Radars, chemical sensors, X-ray scanners, cybernetics, and technology.
Note this program starts September.
#2. Investigating Transport System Risks due to Cyber-Physical Security Threats, Ph.D.– Coventry University
Location: Priory St, Coventry CV1 5FB, United Kingdom
Program Length: 4 Years
Tuition: Free Tuition with a stipend of $16,357/year
Deadline: 30 June.
This program is a fully-funded doctoral program organized by Coventry University. This university has Academic Reputation rate of 99.3% and a high graduation rate of 97%.
Once you are selected, you will be given the opportunity to join the project known as “Study of transport system risks related to physical and cybersecurity threats” at the Copenhagen Systems Security Group.
This research group is part of the Advanced Systems group of the Institute for the Future of Transport and Cities (FTC) and is dedicated to modeling, testing, analyzing and testing the security of transport-related cyber-physical systems.
To be eligible for this program, you have have at least 2: 1 in a first grade in a relevant discipline / subject area (including but not limited to computer science, data science, cyber security, ethical hacking, automotive engineering), with a minimum of 60% on a project item or equivalent.
#3. Communication Networks and Protocols, PhD/MPhil- Bangor University
Location: Bangor LL57 2DG, United Kingdom
Program Length: 3 years full-time
Tuition: $4,579/course
Deadline: 31st Dec
This is another PhD program you will love to go for. This research-based program deals with the following fields; network planning and optimization, wireless data networks, and network protocols.
Basically, Bangor University has achieved a Gold Award, the highest rating possible, in the national Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
Note, to qualify for this program you must have a good honors degree or equivalent in electronic engineering or computer science is required.
#4. Ph.D. in Cyber Security- University College London
Location: London, Bloomsbury
Program Duration: 4 Year
Tuition: $5,850/year (In-state) $26,685/year (out state)
Deadline: Closed 15 May 2024
The Cyber Security program from University College London (UCL) provides students with core skills and knowledge at the forefront of computing, cybercrime, and digital technology policy.
Moreso, it will provide you with in-depth knowledge in the field of Cyber Security, as well as building you into an individual that can resolve problems using a range of tools and methods, confident in their ability to work effectively with experts from across the socio-technical divide.
Some of the areas covered by this program include; artificial intelligence (AI), applied cryptography, on-line propaganda/hate speech / fake news, authentication and verification, financial technology and cryptocurrencies, blockchains, and so on.
See Also: How to get a Ph.D. in Information Systems Online in 2024: Schools, Cost & Requirements
#5. Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Program in Information Security- West Lafayette, Indiana
Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
Program Duration: 5 years
Tuition: $28,045/year
Deadline: NA
With a degree in this cybersecurity program, you can comfortably work as information security, cybercrime investigation, privacy protection, security foresight, or related topics.
Note, The Doctor of Communication and Philosophy program at the Polytechnic Institute and the Linguistics program, each of which is based on information security in graduate students and is currently pursuing a doctorate. level. Other master’s programs are currently considering support.
#6. Ph.D. in Computer Science –Tempe, Arizona
Location: 699 S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, United States
Program Duration: 4
Tuition: $1,300/unit
Deadline: 31st Dec
Next in our list of best PhD in Cyber Security Programs that can help you build an exceptional career in Cyber Security is a PhD in computer science.
This program prepares you to study and apply relevant computer science by preparing them to apply their papers to science, government policy, and/or industry.
However, if you are interested in research, this opened for you to apply today. Note, the major aim of this Cyber Security PhD program is to give students the opportunity to focus on art, media and engineering, and cyber security.
To qualify for this program, you must have a bachelor’s degree and a science degree like a degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a similar field.
#7. Khoury College PhD in Cybersecurity program-Northeastern University
Location: 440 Huntington Ave, 202 West Village H Boston, MA 02115
Program Duration: 4
Tuition: $28,736/year
Deadline
The PhD in Cyber Security prepares students as data analysts, faculty, and advisors to improve the reliability and security of data networks and information systems.
This program does not focus on the use of technology to combat global threats but also examines how human laws, policies, and practices affect the planning and implementation of security measures.
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Suppose you don’t have a technical background. In that case, you will be expected to complete the following courses before you can qualify Fundamentals of Information Assurance, Network and Systems, and Fundamentals of Computer Engineering.
#8. Ph.D. in Computing and Information Sciences – Computing Security Focus- Rochester, New York
Location: One Lomb Memorial Drive Rochester, NY 14623 United States
Program Duration: 4 Years
Tuition: $41,761
Graduation Rate: 60%
The University of Rochester offers a doctorate in the field of computer science and biology, theoretical research is a common practice.
The doctoral program requires students to complete the 60-year degree course, including the school and research.
Students are required to practice 18 years of basic language and communication skills, along with their teaching methods. All doctoral students must have an initial examination, write and maintain documentation.
The program requires a minimum of 60 credit hours beyond the baccalaureate level comprised of graduate-level course work, including seminar attendance and research credits.
However, when applying you must have a bachelor credential and submit GRE credits, goal statement, resume, and two courses.
Note, the RIT does not specify a bachelor’s degree, but applicants must have at least a year in programming and accounting in different classes in mathematics and probability and statistics.
#9. Ph.D. in Information Security- United Arab Emirates University
Program Duration: 4 years
Tuition: $2400/unit
Deadline: 28 February
Highly qualified individuals who can develop and implement their own research studies can benefit from a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD student) focusing on information security.
The program provides students with the knowledge and skills to conduct basic and applied research to develop new solutions to fundamental information security research problems in academia, government, and industry.
In addition to rigorous research, students are expected to complete a set of courses and pass all required exams.
Note, this program requires a minimum 54 hours.
#10. Cybersecurity Management PhD- Nova Southeastern University
Location: Fort Lauderdale, USA
Program Duration: 4 years
Tuition: $1,185/year
Deadline: 20 June
To apply for this program at the School of Informatics and Engineering of the Southeastern University of Nova, you must have a minimum of 67 credits.
The unique format combines traditional and online guidelines to enable professionals to continue their studies and continue working in their current position.
The Doctoral Program in Cyber Security Management is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary research program that prepares graduates for key positions in academic, federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as business and industry.
The curriculum combines both technical and management security courses to provide a comprehensive approach to information security/cybersecurity management studies.
Each student must complete seven core courses, two doctoral research courses, and a doctoral dissertation.
#11. Security Studies, Ph.D.-Kansas State University
Location: Manhattan, KS 66506, United States
Program Duration: 3 year
Tuition: $960.73/year
Deadline: 3 August
It is a rigorous, interdisciplinary program designed to prepare your students for careers in research, teaching, security, and international affairs, with extensive research in social science and historical methodologies, and security issues.
Many students will already have a master’s degree in security studies at Kansas State University, but this is not required.
Students with other relevant master’s degrees can apply for doctoral studies program directly. Note, The Ph.D degree will require 90 hours of course work.
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#12. Cyber Operations, Ph.D.-Dakota State University
Location: 820 Washington Ave N, Madison, SD 57042, United States
Program Duration: 3 Years
Tuition: $8,927
Deadline: December
The Doctor of Philosophy in Cyber Operations (PhD student) is a firmly computer-based technical program that will emphasize applied research in cyber security.
Students enrolled in the program will become a vital resource for DSU researchers and regional and national employers.
The proposed program is designed for graduates with relevant cybersecurity knowledge, programs, and research in the field of cybersecurity and supporting information technology.
The program will pay special attention to technologies and techniques related to specialized cyber operations, including data collection, use of software, analysis of malicious codes, and reverse engineering.
FAQs
Below is a list of universities that offers Ph.D. in Cyber Security programs:
UAEU United Arab Emirates University
University College London
Kansa Stae University
Cardiff University
Sabnci University
Bangor University……
Below is a list of PhD in Cyber Security programs you can run:
Security Science-University College London (UCL)
Investigating Transport System Risks due to Cyber-Physical Security Threats, Ph.D.- Coventry University
Communication Networks and Protocols, PhD/MPhil- Bangor University
Ph.D. in Cyber Security- University College London
Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Program in Information Security- West Lafayette, Indiana
Ph.D. in Computer Science –Tempe, Arizona…..
There are wide career opportunities opened for a PhD holder in Cyber Security. Some of them include;
Security Engineer
Postgraduate Teacher
Security Consultant
Chief Information Security Officer
Security Architect
Penetration Tester
Security Analyst
Network Security Engineer
It is important to note that, Universities consider so many things before they can consider admission. Below are some of the basic admission requirements:
Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
GPA of 3.0 or more (Grade B or above) in computing/math courses
Excellent GRE scores
Relevant professional experience
3 letters of recommendation
Statement of purpose
Research work, including publications
Sources
- Degreequery.com
- 9 Most Affordable Doctorate in Internet Security Online
- PHDstudies.com
- Cyberdegrees.com
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