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.
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Online Doctorate in Information Systems Security Programs
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The Best Online Doctorates in Information Systems Security Programs
Liberty University
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Lynchburg, VA
Liberty University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Located in central Virginia, Liberty University lies just east of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Lynchburg. As one of the country's largest private nonprofit universities, Liberty's enrollment includes more than 94,000 online students. Liberty offers 349 online programs, including 38 doctoral programs like the doctor of business administration (DBA) in information systems .
Liberty offers all courses in this 60-credit information security systems degree online, although students may take some intensive courses on campus. Liberty suggests students complete three years of consecutive coursework, followed by a year and a half of writing a dissertation, although students may finish the degree sooner. Liberty allows DBA students seeking an online doctorate in information systems security to transfer up to 15 credits. Core courses include topics such as research methods, strategic thinking, and human resource management. The DBA specialization in information systems consists of 12 hours of related coursework.
University of the Cumberlands
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Florence, KY
University of the Cumberlands is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The federal government has named UC a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.
Located in the southeastern Kentucky city of Williamsburg, University of the Cumberlands was initially founded in 1888 by a group of Baptist ministers as the Williamsburg Institute. The school became University of the Cumberlands (UC) in 2005 and currently educates approximately 11,500 students, roughly two-thirds of whom are graduate students.
All courses in UC's 60-credit doctor of philosophy in information technology can be taken online at your own pace. The online doctorate in information systems security includes 18 hours of core courses, 18 hours of professional research including a dissertation, and 24 hours of content specialty courses such as cybersecurity. Students learn to use predictive analytics and identify cyberthreats. Students must have completed a master's degree and earned a GPA of 3.0 or above before applying for an information systems security degree online.
Dakota State University
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Madison, SD
Dakota State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Dakota State University, a public university established in 1881, offers an online Ph.D. in information systems with an information assurance and computer security specialization . The program provides students with a fully online option to earn the advanced education they need for a variety of information security careers.
The online Ph.D. program requires a total of 88 credit hours of coursework that includes the following:
a blend of core and specialization courses research courses dissertation work a portfolio a comprehensive exam Students also engage with key concepts such as:
advanced network technology and management network security and intrusion detection cloud computing network services In the program, students develop the knowledge and skills necessary for successfully managing networks, evaluating and implementing security measures, and protecting valuable data.
For admission, students must have at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and have graduated with a 3.0 GPA.
Colorado Technical University
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Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Colorado Technical University is recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cybersecurity.
Colorado Technical University, a for-profit university founded in 1965, offers a wide selection of online degree programs. These degrees include an online doctor of computer science in cybersecurity and information assurance for students who seek advanced careers in the cybersecurity field.
The online doctorate program requires a total of 100 credit hours. Coursework focuses on theory, research and application of knowledge. The curriculum covers topics such as:
enterprise security architecture security management ethics and compliance information assurance innovation Students complete a blend of core courses, research, and dissertation work to develop mastery of the subject.
The program includes multiple start dates and may be completed in three years of study.
Capella University
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Minneapolis, MN
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Capella University is recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cybersecurity.
Capella University, an online, for-profit university established in 1993, offers a range of fully-online degrees. These degrees include an online doctor of information technology (DIT) degree and an online doctor in information technology (Ph.D.) degree , both which specialize in information assurance and cybersecurity.
Both programs provide curricula full of advanced knowledge in information assurance and cybersecurity. The Ph.D. program focuses on theory and research, while the DIT program focuses on practice and application. The Ph.D. consists of 90 quarter-credits that include the following:
14 core courses five specialization courses three residencies a comprehensive exam a dissertation The DIT requires 82 quarter-credits that include the following:
12 core courses four specialization courses three residencies a dissertation Both cover topics such as:
network security enterprise security risk management strategic planning and global thinking systems and application security
Northcentral University
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San Diego, CA
Northcentral University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Northcentral University, an online, for-profit university established in 1996, offers an online Ph.D. in technology and innovation management with a cybersecurity specialization . Designed to meet the demands of the growing cybersecurity industry, the program’s students develop the advanced knowledge necessary for a variety of cybersecurity careers.
The online Ph.D. program requires 60 credit hours for completion. It consists of 20 courses that cover the following topics:
information assurance and security evaluation and implementation of security measures risk management cybersecurity ethics and compliance Weekly courses are delivered asynchronously, offer plenty of schedule flexibility and are taught by a 100% doctoral faculty.
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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.
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Accredited Online Schools
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: Cryptography: Information Retrieval:
Security Management: Information Assurance:
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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 :
Median Annual Salary: $139,220
Projected Growth Rate: 12%
Computer Network Architect :
Median Annual Salary: $104,650
Projected Growth Rate: 6%
Network and Computer Systems Administrator :
Median Annual Salary: $81,100
Projected Growth Rate: 6%
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
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