Best Online Doctorate in Information Systems Security Programs
Earning an online doctorate information systems security degree prepares managers and executives for the ever-evolving challenges of protecting data and sensitive information from cybercriminals. A study from the Online Trust Alliance found that the rate of business-related cyberattacks doubled from 2016 to 2017; over 159,000 attacks were reported. Most of these attacks could have been prevented with better information security policies and employee training.
Professionals in computer information systems management earn a median salary of $139,220. As companies store more sensitive information in connected databases and cloud servers, the need for executives who understand how to protect that information continues to grow. The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) anticipates a 12% growth in employment through 2026.
- Choosing an Online Doctorate in Information Systems Security Program
- What Else Can I Expect From an Online Doctorate in Information Systems Security Program?
- Careers With a Doctorate in Information Systems Security
The Best Online Doctorates in Information Systems Security Degrees Programs
Dakota State University
Madison, SD- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The Ph.D. in information systems program at Dakota State University enrolls online learners. The public university offers flexible enrollment options for degree-seekers. Doctoral students participate in career counseling and benefit from research support.
Learners take doctoral classes in the information systems program. After completing coursework, doctoral candidates conduct research for their dissertation or doctoral project. A information systems doctorate leads to job opportunities in research, academia, and leadership.
Online doctoral students can pay for their degree with scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of financial aid. Contact the information systems program to learn more about the enrollment process and start dates.
Dakota State University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 2,206
Online Master's Programs: 6
Online Doctoral Programs: 2
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $5,939
- In-State$7,616
- Out-of-state$10,718
- In-State$5,999
- Out-of-state$11,199
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate98%
- Students Enrolled3,508
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment77%
- AccreditationYes
Colorado Technical University
- Colorado Springs, CO
- 4 year
- Online
The online doctor of computer science program at Colorado Technical University ranks among the best in its field. With its flexible format, the private university makes a doctorate more accessible. Doctoral students participate in career counseling and benefit from research support.
In the online cybersecurity and information assurance program, learners take advanced doctoral coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates spend 1-2 years researching and writing their dissertation. As the terminal degree in computer science, the program leads to career opportunities in academia, research, and industry.
Online doctoral students at the accredited institution qualify for several forms of financial aid. Reach out to the program to learn more about financial aid opportunities, admission requirements, and start dates.
Colorado Technical University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 27,043
Online Master's Programs: 13
Online Doctoral Programs: 2
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 31-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $13,710
- In-State$12,100
- Out-of-state$12,100
- In-State$14,104
- Out-of-state$14,104
- Retention Rate44%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled28,852
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
Capella University
- Minneapolis, MN
- 4 year
- Online
Doctoral students seeking an online information systems security program can pursue the doctor of information technology program at Capella University. Degree-seekers benefit from the flexible enrollment options at the private university. Doctoral students receive research support throughout the program.
During the online information technology program, learners complete advanced coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates complete an original dissertation that contributes to the IT field. Graduates with a doctorate in information technology work in academic, research, and industry positions.
Online doctoral students at the accredited institution qualify for several forms of financial aid. Contact the program for more information about research support and financial aid.
Capella University at a Glance:
Online Master's Programs: 76
Online Doctoral Programs: 60
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 27-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $14,767
- In-State$14,436
- Out-of-state$14,436
- In-State$15,066
- Out-of-state$15,066
- Retention Rate23%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled43,915
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Choosing an Online Doctorate in Information Systems Security Program
An information security systems degree integrates technical skills with policy creation and organizational leadership. Many schools require applicants to complete a graduate entrance exam (such as the GRE) and demonstrate professional experience in computer programming or information systems management. Most schools also require applicants to have a master’s degree; however, some schools do offer integrated master’s and doctoral programs.
The Ph.D. curriculum focuses on applied research in data security, which provides practical solutions to real-world problems. Students study advanced computer programming fieldwork, data analytics, and both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Many schools offer concentrations for specific careers, like healthcare information, human-computer interaction design and information assurance. One should expect to spend three to seven years completing upwards of 60 credits (this varies by program). Online programs often offer flexibility for working professionals, though some require on-campus or fieldwork components.
The dissertation provides a comprehensive evaluation of what students have learned and their ability to apply independent research to organizational challenges. Students often work with a team of mentors to develop a topic in their area of interest as well as conduct research and data analysis. It can take several terms to complete the dissertation, which is typically capped by an oral defense of a student’s research methodology, conclusions and communication skills.
What Else Can I Expect From an Online Doctorate in Information Systems Security Program?
While exact course requirements vary, earning an information systems security degree online builds upon one’s prior training in computer science and programming. Expect to study theoretical principles and demonstrate the practical application of those principles through projects, a dissertation and an oral defense.
Curriculum for an Online Doctoral Degree in Information Systems Security
- Governance, Quality, Compliance, and Ethics:
Students study information security regulations and the impact these regulations have on organizational processes. This course also delves into how organizations govern the use of their data, how they recognize when individuals undermine those policies an ethical issues of trust and privacy. - Cryptography:
In this course, students learn about encryption protocols and the mathematical foundations of modern cryptography. Students also learn to build secure encryption protocols from cryptographic primitives. - Information Retrieval:
Students in this class study the technology that powers internet search engines, which includes text analysis, ranking algorithms and data retrieval. They learn to establish metrics to determine effectiveness, classification and data clustering.
- Security Management:
In security management courses, students learn to create data security frameworks for organizations. In addition to data security, the course also examines risk mitigation for internal or external security breaches. - Information Assurance:
Students in information assurance courses learn to audit organizational security plans and network architectures. They learn how to identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies by aligning information security with business goals. Students often create a plan that incorporates policy, security standards and information compliance.
Careers With a Doctorate in Information Systems Security
An online information security degree prepares graduates for careers developing secure data networks and instituting proper security protocols for organizations like banks, federal agencies and technical consulting firms. Graduates with these advanced technical skills and data analytics knowledge take on leadership roles in any organization by leading technology security efforts.
- Chief Information Officer:
These executives focus on data processing, information networks and long-term information technology purchasing priorities. They often develop organization-wide policies to protect sensitive information from phishing or malware attacks and institute ongoing training to ensure that all staff understand how to prevent security breaches.- Median Annual Salary: $139,220
- Projected Growth Rate: 12%
- Computer Network Architect:
Network architects determine the hardware and software needs of an organization and provide ongoing support to their company. They analyze data traffic and determine how to best meet both short-term and long-term information technology needs; they often present their findings to top-level executives. They provide training for staff and troubleshoot technical problems.- Median Annual Salary: $104,650
- Projected Growth Rate: 6%
- Network and Computer Systems Administrator:
Systems administrators install and maintain hardware and software across internal networks. They implement network security policies and set up monitoring that provides early warnings of data breaches. They help determine future network needs and train employees to use new software.- Median Annual Salary: $81,100
- Projected Growth Rate: 6%
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
