Cyber Defense Doctor of Philosophy (PhDCD)
Cyber threat defense
Unsolicited threats pose a dangerous risk to any organization from government agencies to corporations. They are vulnerable to hackers, malware, and data breaches. Equip any business or agency with the ultimate security protection – you.
With a doctorate in Cyber Defense, you will be a leader at the intersection of innovation and cyber security. Choose your specialization (Data Privacy, Managerial, or Technical) to tailor your program to your interests and career goals.
Prepare to better address growing cyber threats and implement defense strategies through the unique Ph.D. in Cyber Defense curriculum. You will practice risk management strategies and research topics of interest. Gain skills to validate authenticity and confidentiality. Design and implement security policies and provisions. Conduct recovery plans for your future IT infrastructure. Learn from faculty who are experts in their field.
100% online courses
The Ph.D. in Cyber Defense coursework is offered entirely online, allowing professionals to continue working while earning a doctoral degree.
The annual residency requirement includes three on-site research seminars held on the Madison, South Dakota campus. Although students may petition to participate in the residency requirement from a distance, the in-person residencies offer a valuable opportunity to collaborate with faculty and peers.
High demand in cyber defense
Arica Kulm hoped to expand her career opportunities and make a difference. After finishing her master’s in Cyber Defense, she decided to continue on as one of the first students in the PhD in Cyber Defense program. This gives her the knowledge base for a meaningful career in a field that is in great demand worldwide.
Select your specialization
Tailor your program to your area of interest and career goals. Choose from the Data Privacy, Managerial, or Technical Specializations.
Data Privacy Specialization
This specialization equips students to build research portfolios focusing on data privacy in cyber defense. The topics focus on the protection of individuals’ information when engaging with third parties to ensure safe and ethical online practices.
Managerial Specialization
This specialization focuses on the business implications of data privacy and the research that must be conducted for secure business policies and practices.
Technical Specialization
The technical specialization focuses on the application of specific technology controls to enforce cybersecurity policies and procedures within an organization.
Center of Academic Excellence Designations
DSU holds recognized excellence in cyber security, education, and research that is central to our mission. We hold four prestigious Centers of Academic Excellence Designations (CAE) from the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security, including the most technical for Cyber Operations and the most prestigious as a Cyber Defense Consultative Regional Resource Center, one of four university-based centers in the nation.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Ph.D. degree in Cyber Defense, students will be able to:
- Apply scientific research methodologies.
- Advance the field of cyber defense.
- Apply ethical frameworks to security decisions.
