Best Online Doctorate in Information Systems Security Programs Updated on November 28, 2023
Find the best online phd in information systems security degree with our list of top-rated schools that offer accredited online programs.
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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.
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The Best Online Doctorates in Information Systems Security Degrees Programs #1 Best Online Doctorate in Information Systems Security Programs Liberty University Lynchburg, VA4 year Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-State $15,417 Out-of-state $15,417 Average Graduate Tuition
In-State $7,980 Out-of-state $7,980 Retention Rate 81% Acceptance Rate 51% Students Enrolled 85,586 Institution Type Private Percent Online Enrollment 92% Accreditation Yes More Details
#2 Best Online Doctorate in Information Systems Security Programs University of the Cumberlands Williamsburg, KY4 year Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-State $9,875 Out-of-state $9,875 Average Graduate Tuition
In-State $5,670 Out-of-state $5,670 Retention Rate 69% Acceptance Rate 80% Students Enrolled 16,966 Institution Type Private Percent Online Enrollment 91% Accreditation Yes More Details
#3 Best Online Doctorate in Information Systems Security Programs Dakota State University Madison, SD4 year Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-State $7,541 Out-of-state $10,611 Average Graduate Tuition
In-State $5,939 Out-of-state $11,088 Retention Rate 66% Acceptance Rate 77% Students Enrolled 3,268 Institution Type Public Percent Online Enrollment 68% Accreditation Yes More Details
#4 Best Online Doctorate in Information Systems Security Programs Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs, CO4 year Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-State $11,896 Out-of-state $11,896 Average Graduate Tuition
In-State $13,710 Out-of-state $13,710 Retention Rate 44% Acceptance Rate N/A Students Enrolled 27,232 Institution Type Private Percent Online Enrollment 99% Accreditation Yes More Details
#5 Best Online Doctorate in Information Systems Security Programs Capella University Minneapolis, MN4 year Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-State $14,148 Out-of-state $14,148 Average Graduate Tuition
In-State $14,767 Out-of-state $14,767 Retention Rate 40% Acceptance Rate N/A Students Enrolled 37,859 Institution Type Private Percent Online Enrollment N/A Accreditation Yes More Details
Best Online Programs Doctorate in Information Systems Security 2023
Online Doctorates in Information Systems Security Degrees Programs Ranking GuidelinesWe ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Rankings Methodology Return to the top 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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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.Return to the top 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% Return to the top