Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Cybersecurity – Academic Influence

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.
The top 3 positions in our ranking of the fastest online doctorate degrees in cybersecurity remain unchanged between 2024 and 2025. Marymount University moved up 2 positions to the number 4 spot.
The University of North Texas has imporoved its cybersecurity program by securing a designation as a National Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense from the NSA, emphasizing its commitment to producing leaders in cybersecurity research and practice. The school has also updated their coursework in cutting-edge areas such as post-quantum cryptography and secure cloud collaboration.
Marymount offers a D.Sc. in Cybersecurity program that emphasizes applied research and real-world cybersecurity challenges, offering courses that blend technical skills with insights into policy, ethics, and leadership. The school also holds the prestigious designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, and offers scholarships through the CyberCorps Scholarship for Service, incentivizing government service upon graduation.
Programs that offer accelerated online cybersecurity doctorates offer working professionals the excellent opportunity to earn a terminal degree in a shorter time than it would take to complete a traditional doctorate degree. The rigorous coursework, advanced research skills requirements, and hands-on learning experiences prepare students for leadership roles in the competitive cybersecurity industry.
However, with the accelerated pace comes challenges that prospective students must plan for. Full-time enrollment is the norm. However, even with the accelerated degree course load, it’s possible to maintain employment and meet personal commitments with the right time management skills.
Cost can also be a huge factor when determining whether or not to pursue earning an online doctorate in cybersecurity. However, the cost can be made reasonable with financial aid.
There are many factors to keep in mind when deciding to go to graduate school and what you will study. Check out our article on the pros and cons of graduate school.
Be sure to consider these factors when choosing from online programs in cybersecurity at the post-graduate level:
In case of doubt, coordinate with the program coordinators and/or the admissions counselors.
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
79%
Graduation
59%
Student body
49K
Median SAT/ACT
1120/23
University of North Texas’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
University of North Texas
Tuition + fees: $11,994
Doctor of Philosophy in Information Science – Cybersecurity Concentration
The online PhD in Information Science – Cybersecurity Concentration program emphasizes the convergence of computer science, engineering, information technology, and decision sciences. Professionals pursuing this PhD in cybersecurity specialization benefit from the interdisciplinary training that enables them to practice cybersecurity from diverse perspectives.
The online doctoral program is part of UNT’s center of excellence that nurtures next-gen leaders. Students pursuing the online cybersecurity PhD degree develop their research and publication skills and gain expert skills in pedagogical practices.
Admission Requirements:
Required Credit Hours: 60 (With master’s degree); 72 (With bachelor’s degree)
Average Time-to-Degree: 3-4 years
Tuition: About $2,857 for three credits
Featured Courses:
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
62%
Student body
24K
Median SAT/ACT
1175/23
Nova Southeastern University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Nova Southeastern University
Tuition + fees: $35,560
Doctor of Philosophy in Cybersecurity Management
The hybrid Ph.D. in Cybersecurity Management program provides students with an interdisciplinary and comprehensive view of contemporary cybersecurity principles and practices. Graduates of this online doctoral degree program are valued leaders in the public and private sectors because of their expert skills in cybersecurity and information security management.
Students in the online cybersecurity PhD program must complete the academic requirements from start to finish. These include the qualifying stage for PhD candidacy, the dissertation proposal stage, and the dissertation defense.
Admission Requirements:
Required Credit Hours: 51 credits (With master’s degree); 66 credits (With bachelor’s degree)
Average Time-to-Degree: 3-4 years
Per Credit Tuition: $969 – $1,386
Featured Courses:
Tuition + fees
$13K
Graduation
22%
Student body
29K
National University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
National University
Tuition + fees: $13,320
Doctor of Philosophy in Cybersecurity
The online PhD in Cybersecurity program prepares students for the challenges that come with the detection and prevention of security breaches, among other cybersecurity concerns. Students are encouraged to take an applied perspective when choosing their research topics and conducting their dissertation research.
The curriculum of the cybersecurity program emphasizes the exploration of advanced topics in cybersecurity, as well as technology strategies applicable for diverse cybersecurity scenarios. Students in the online PhD in cybersecurity program choose from specializations in:
Admission Requirements:
Required Credit Hours: 60 credits
Average Time-to-Degree: 3-4 years
Per Quarter Unit: $442
Featured Courses:
Tuition + fees
$38K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
61%
Student body
4K
Marymount University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Marymount University
Tuition + fees: $36,800
Doctor of Science in Cybersecurity
Marymount’s online DSc in Cybersecurity program has a more practice-based approach than a PhD in Cybersecurity program. Students gain industry-specific skill sets that result in their eligibility for a wide range of top-level technology leadership positions, from national security to enterprise management. While technical skills are emphasized, transferable skills vital for success in the ever-changing world of cybersecurity are also developed.
Both students and graduates benefit from Marymount’s proximity to many of the nation’s foremost cybersecurity agencies including the Department of Homeland Security, the National Security Agency, and the National Science Foundation. Plus, many of the world’s top technology companies are in the nation’s capital, too. Extensive research and employment opportunities are within reach!
Admission Requirements:
Required Credit Hours: 36 credits (With master’s degree); 72 credits (With bachelor’s degree)
Average Time-to-Degree:
Per Credit Tuition: $1,190
Featured Courses:
Tuition + fees
$14K
Student body
68K
Capella University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Capella University
Tuition + fees: $14,328
Doctor of Information Technology
The online Doctor of Information Technology program features an intensive curriculum with 13 core courses including specialization courses and two virtual residencies. The doctoral dissertation is the culminating requirement where students demonstrate their advanced information technology and cybersecurity competencies.
Students build extensive knowledge and skills in information assurance and cybersecurity that prepare them for technology leadership roles. There’s also an integrated capstone requirement that enables students to expand their perspectives of information technology including cybersecurity.
Admission Requirements:
Required Credit Hours: 70 credits
Average Time-to-Degree: 3-4 years
Per Credit Tuition: $765
Featured Courses:
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
90%
Graduation
39%
Student body
8K
New Jersey City University
Tuition + fees: $13,168
Doctor of Science in Civil Security Leadership, Management and Policy
While the courses are delivered online, students in the DSc in Civil Security Leadership, Management, and Policy program must participate in on-campus residencies. Students gain expert skills in three areas: national security including homeland security and intelligence, corporate security, and information assurance. Civil security core competencies—communications, data analysis, emergency management, current issues, and policy and budget—along with advanced research skills are emphasized.
Graduates are prepared for leadership positions in business, government, and nonprofits, as well as for tenured professorial positions in academia and research organizations.
Admission Requirements:
Required Credit Hours: 48 credits
Average Time-to-Degree: 3 years
Per Credit Tuition: $800.70 (In-state and out-of-state)
Featured Courses:
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
44%
Student body
25K
Median SAT/ACT
1060/19
University of the Cumberlands’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
University of the Cumberlands
Tuition + fees: $9,875
Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology
Students in the online PhD in Information Technology program are encouraged to become the movers and shakers, the innovators, and the shapers of the information technology sector.
Their extensive training is applicable to diverse disciplines within information technology, such as in cybersecurity and information assurance. Their education also covers the applications of machine learning in business issues, in the use of analytics in meeting information technology needs, and in the effective response against cybersecurity threats.
The affordable online PhD program combines the best theoretical research-centric approach of PhD programs and the practitioner-based perspective of Doctor of Science programs. The result: Graduates are adept at solving real-world issues through data-driven research.
Admission Requirements:
Required Credit Hours: 60 credits
Average Time-to-Degree: 3-4 years
Per Credit Tuition: $549
Featured Courses:
Tuition + fees
$13K
Graduation
20%
Student body
50K
Colorado Technical University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Colorado Technical University
Tuition + fees: $12,581
Doctor of Computer Science – Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
The online DSc Computer Science – Cybersecurity and Information Assurance program at Colorado Technical University ensures that its students benefit from personal and professional growth opportunities. Students learn the skills in enterprise systems management using tools like OWL, RDF, and J2EE.
Their information assurance education also includes a dissertation with a process that’s integrated into the rigorous curriculum. Students at Colorado Technical University must meet residency requirements and attend in-person symposiums that strengthen their networks and provide exposure to the industry’s latest trends.
Admission Requirements:
Required Credit Hours: 100 credits
Average Time-to-Degree: 3 years
Per Credit Tuition: $598
Featured Courses:
Tuition + fees
$27K
Acceptance
64%
Graduation
55%
Student body
1K
Capitol Technology University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Capitol Technology University
Tuition + fees: $26,934
Doctor of Science in Cybersecurity
Designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, CTU’s online DSc in Cybersecurity program delivers on academic excellence at every turn! Students can access outstanding resources for training and research in cybersecurity matters, as well as choose from internship opportunities, if they so desire.
The courses are delivered online but there’s a residency course requirement. Students thrive thanks to the online community consisting of their peers, professors, and alumni, as well as industry experts. Graduates of the cyber security online program conduct research in several areas including information assurance and information security.
Admission Requirements:
Required Credit Hours: 54-66 credits
Average Time-to-Degree: 3-4 years
Per Credit Tuition: $950
Featured Courses:
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
79%
Graduation
49%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1090/23
Dakota State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Dakota State University
Tuition + fees: $9,633
Doctor of Philosophy in Cyber Defense
The online PhD in Cyber Defense program has a yearly residency requirement, particularly three research seminars in the Madison campus. DSU is also designated as a Center for Academic Excellence by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security, and hosts a Cyber Defense Consultative Regional Resource Center.
DSU also offers a PhD in Cyber Operations program that complements the Cyber Defense program.
Admission Requirements:
Required Credit Hours: 72 credits
Average Time-to-Degree: 3 years
Tuition for nine credits/semester: $3,365.10 (Resident); $ 5,305.14 (Minnesota reciprocity); $5,965.20 (Non-resident)
Featured Courses:
Colleges and universities that offer accelerated online programs in cybersecurity must have national or regional accreditation from accreditation bodies authorized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The best online cybersecurity programs also have programmatic accreditation, particularly from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), and recognition from the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
On-campus and online programs offering doctorates in cybersecurity degrees usually have the same admissions requirements and criteria. Applicants are evaluated based on holistic criteria, including their academic performance and potential, professional work experiences, and potential contribution to the cybersecurity field.
While admission requirements and criteria vary between online programs, here are the requirements that you can expect from a PhD in cyber security online program:
Online application and non-refundable application fee are also the norm.
There can be significant differences among online programs in cybersecurity, not only in the program of study, but also in the courses and their descriptions, requirements for graduation, and learning outcomes. The most common courses include:
Students will develop their cybersecurity skills through a combination of didactic online courses, dissertation activities, and even internships, practicum, or graduate assistantships.
Every online program also uses a learning management system (LMS), such as Canvas, Moodle, or Blackboard, which allow students and faculty members to upload and download learning materials and resources, submit assignments and projects, and engage in interactions. Most online programs adopt a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning methods, too.
Key Point: Aside from the coursework in cybersecurity-related topics, online cybersecurity programs also require students to complete dissertation coursework and submit an approved dissertation. The dissertation, the culminating requirement of any PhD program, is a scholarly paper that accounts for the entirety of your research work and adds to the existing body of knowledge in cybersecurity.
The time-to-degree varies among online programs in cybersecurity, too, depending on several factors, such as the program structure, full-time or part-time matriculation, and the time required to complete the dissertation. In accelerated programs, however, earning a doctoral degree in as little as 3-4 years of full-time accelerated studies is common. Note that doctoral degree programs usually take 5-6 years to complete, and many programs have a 10-year maximum time-to-completion.
If you want to earn your doctoral degree in less time, look for cybersecurity degree programs that allow students to transfer credits from doctorate-level courses, relevant work experiences, and professional certifications.
An accelerated program, especially at the doctorate level, is not for everyone. To make sure that you are a good fit for this fast-paced program, consider trying out the pace at a lower level. If you haven’t already obtained your bachelor’s or your master’s, consider enrolling in one of the fastest bachelor’s or master’s degrees in cybersecurity.
Online PhD programs can be more affordable than traditional degree programs because traveling and incidental expenses associated with on-campus enrollment are removed from the picture. But it’s also important to remember that earning a doctorate degree in cybersecurity has its monetary costs that range between $20,000 and $60,000 or more every year in tuition and fees. Add in the cost of technology, such as your personal computer and Internet connection, and it will add up.
Fortunately, there are several financial aid options that graduate students are eligible for including:
These financial aid options can be combined to increase the savings.
Earning your PhD cybersecurity online degree opens up excellent career advancement opportunities in the cybersecurity field in diverse workplaces, including government agencies, privates companies, nonprofit organizations, and think tanks.
Here are some of the most popular occupations and their average annual salaries.
Key Point: Online PhD cybersecurity degrees are recognized and accepted by employers and clients. In fact, graduates are highly sought-after professionals who can earn six-figure salaries and enjoy the prestige that comes with an online PhD degree.
Current and aspiring cybersecurity professionals choose to become members of these professional organizations for their valuable resources, professional support, and networking opportunities. Staying connected to the cybersecurity field and keeping up with trends are also benefits of membership.
Whether or not a cybersecurity degree is worth it will larger be determined by career and personal goals. However, the degree brings about numerous benefits including:
But earning a doctorate degree in cybersecurity will only be worth it if and when it’s aligned with your personal and professional goals.
Rachel asks, “Can I transfer credits from a previous graduate program?”
Dr. James Barham’s answer: This is going to vary widely depending on what schools you are transferring credits to and from. Make sure to look into your school’s policies regarding this matter by looking online or calling the admissions office. You might also want to look into how relevant your previous coursework is to your doctorate program.
Cailey asks, “Is an online doctorate credible in the field of cybersecurity?”
Dr. Jed Macosko’s answer: Yes! It is important to make sure your school is accredited, and regionally accredited at that. Ever since the pandemic, online education has become more of a norm and more widely accepted in the workplace. An online education in this particular field might also help you learn various aspects of technology that you wouldn’t have otherwise.
Moises asks, “Does the program include practical experience?”
Dr. James Barham’s answer: Many programs will include practical experience of some kind. This might be in the form of projects, internships, or collaboration with companies in the field. Look into what companies your school is partnered with to see where you might be placed. It is also important to learn if you will have to find your own internship opportunities or if your university will help you with this endeavor.
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