This article provides an overview of the doctorate in cybersecurity degree program, some of the subjects and courses that the program covers, and why you may want to consider this degree for career advancement. It also presents a high-quality doctorate in cybersecurity program that is available online, which you could enroll in.
What Is a Doctorate in Cybersecurity?
The field of cybersecurity focuses on the methods and strategies used to protect networks and computers from illegal attempts to gain access to classified, business, and personal information through online means. If you are interested in this field, there are many career opportunities available to you, and more so if you have a high level of education. The doctorate degree is the terminal degree in this field, which means you will become a recognized global expert and be ready to take on research and/or to teach the next generation of cybersecurity specialists.
Any device that is connected to the internet can be attacked and cybersecurity aims to protect such devices. Hacking, which aims to gain classified and personal information, is an illegal practice, but it is also one that is becoming more common. As a result, there is an increased demand for professionals who understand how these attacks are made, where they come from, and how they can be stopped.
Most people who enroll in a doctorate in cybersecurity program already have a background in this field. They may have completed a bachelor’s degree in management information systems or computer sciences, for instance. Often, they also have a number of professional certifications in related disciplines, many of which are offered through hardware and software companies, as well as institutions like professional associations. Commonly, these are now seen as industry standards. With a doctorate degree in cybersecurity, you could become responsible for the development of those standards.
Because of the rising demand for experts in cybersecurity, degree programs are being created. This is something the government is also heavily involved with, ensuring that cybersecurity workers are properly trained. In fact, Homeland Security has established the Cyber Security Division (CSD), which is looking for people with high levels of education, skills, and knowledge in order to help them identify vulnerabilities in existing information systems. Additionally, they are needed to develop appropriate responses to breeches in security.
Why Earn a Doctorate in Cybersecurity?
Making the internet a secure place on which sensitive digital information can be stored is becoming a major emphasis of information technology as a whole. There is a huge demand, therefore, for workers who have specialized training or education in this field. Those who have this can enjoy a wide range of job prospects in various industries. The highest demand is found in federal government, but equally so in private companies that want to find better ways to keep stored information and data secure.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), information security analysts had a median salary of $92,600 per year as of May 2016. However, this is at the bachelor’s degree level. Those with advanced degrees, especially doctorate degrees, are more likely to find themselves in the top 10% of earners, with $147,290 per year or more. The BLS has also reported that there will be an 18% growth in demand for these types of professionals from 2014 to 2024, which will translate in some 14,800 new jobs.
Online Option for Doctorate in Cybersecurity
Capella University
Capella University’s online PhD in Information Technology, Information Assurance and Cybersecurity degree can teach you how to conduct scholarly research, communicate effectively, and develop professional skills in an IT discipline of your choosing. In your studies, you’ll dive into advanced research, scholarly writing, and information security skills, and culminate your learnings in a dissertation that advances information security as a whole.
Graduates are expected to be able to take on a variety of jobs and roles. These include:
- Information security manager
- Faculty member
- Vice president of information security
- Information security consultant
- Information security analyst
- Cyber security software engineer
- Information security analyst
- Software developer
- Adjunct or part time faculty
- Full time faculty
- Information security manager
- Information security executive
They can also find employment in a variety of organizations and industries, including:
- Government agencies
- Corporations
- Health care organizations
- Technology consulting firms
- Land-based or online universities and colleges
- Global technology firms
Summary
As you can see, having a doctorate in cybersecurity is a fantastic way to significant advance your career. You will have the opportunity to take on a variety of different roles in any sector and type of organization, and you will set yourself apart as a leader and expert in your field. Furthermore, you will play an important role in keeping the internet a safe place to be enjoyed by all, which is something that can give you a great deal of personal and professional satisfaction.
Additional Resources
- Why Choose a Masters in Cybersecurity + Online No GRE!
- Top Online Cybersecurity Graduate Certificates
- How to Get a Masters in Information Technology + No GRE!
- Why Get a Masters in Business Intelligence Degree?
- Salary Outlook + Things You Can Do with a Masters in Cybersecurity Degree
- Why Get a Masters in Technology Management + Online No GRE!
References
- Information Security Analysts. (2015, Dec. 17). Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm/
- Cyber Security Division. (n.d.). Retrieved fromhttps://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/cyber-security-division
