online phd in digital forensics

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Ph.D. in Digital and Cyber Forensic Science

The Doctor of Philosophy in Digital and Cyber Forensic Science is designed to produce students of the digital forensics and cyber-security realms with the technical skills, critical thinking ability, problem-solving skills, and advanced, discipline-specific knowledge to allow them to advance into leadership positions in business and industry as well as academia. This is accomplished by demonstrating the ability to perform independent and collaborative original research, the successful completion of academic coursework, hands-on experience in the laboratory, and collaboration with digital forensics and cyber-security agencies, institutes, and partners. The program will provide students with the theoretical, conceptual, methodological, and computational skills needed to understand the role of digital and cyber forensic science in post technological societies. The program will allow students to explore the potential for forensically sound digital data capture and analysis and to develop new tools and methods for handling digital and cyber forensic evidence. In doing so, this program has, as its primary focus, research into the computational and scientific basis for forensic and cyber technologies. 

Additional information : Reference the Program Landing Page for additional information, such as cost, delivery format, contact information, or to schedule a visit.

The Ph.D. in Digital and Cyber Forensic Science is a full-time, on campus program.  Admission to the program requires devoting a significant amount of time to the program. Students are admitted as part of an annual cohort and have a fixed program of study in the first two years of the program.  

Applicants seeking admission to the doctoral program in forensic science must submit the following directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions :

• Graduate Admissions Application
• Application Fee
• Bachelor's degree conferred by a regionally accredited institution in computer science, digital forensics, or a closely related field
• Official transcript(s) from degree granting institution(s)
• Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
• GPA of 3.5 or higher
• Program Application
• Personal statement , not to exceed 1000 words
• Three letters of recommendation. A minimum of two letters must be from faculty who are sufficiently acquainted with the student to comment on potential for success in the doctoral program
• Current resume or vita
• In some instances, a personal interview may be requested.

The program requires the completion of a minimum of eighty-five hours of graduate credit, as prescribed in the degree plan.

Students must register full-time and maintain a 3.0 grade point average in all courses. In order to advance to candidacy, students must have successfully completed forty-six graduate credit hours of coursework and internship, submit a portfolio for review, and pass Comprehensive Examinations. Once the doctoral program committee determines that the portfolio, proposal, and comprehensive examinations are satisfactory, the student may enroll in dissertation credits.

A minimum of fifteen hours of dissertation credits are required, and students must maintain continuous enrollment in DFSC 8370 Dissertation until they graduate. Students must complete and defend a doctoral dissertation, which is the product of original scholarly research and is of sufficient publishable quality to represent a meaningful contribution to knowledge in the field of digital and cyber forensic science.

The Ph.D. in Digital and Cyber Forensic Science requires the completion of 85 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree. Students complete:

​The curriculum is designed to deliver an essential core curriculum in digital and cyber forensic science, together with specialized electives and intensive research in the area of interest. Students are expected to fulfill the requirements during four to five years of full-time study.

  DFSC 7106 must be taken for a total of four credit hours.

Once enrolled in DFSC 8370 , students must enroll in this course every semester until graduation.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state’s 60x30TX plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers.  Marketable skills are those skills valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.

The Ph.D. in Digital and Cyber Forensic Science is designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills:

• Solve complex cybersecurity-related problems.
• Apply theoretical principles to the development of digital forensics tools and techniques.
• Post-secondary teaching capability.
• Technical communication ability.
• Strong research-oriented capabilities.
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Purdue Polytechnic Institute

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Specialization in Cyber Forensics

The Purdue Polytechnic offers a Ph.D. in Technology with a specialization in cyber forensics. All details about the degree including the admission procedures, course structure, faculty and other resources can be found  here . Additional details of the Ph.D. specific to the cyber forensics area of specialization are mentioned below.

Curriculum requirements for the cyber forensics specialization includes all the  requirements of the Ph.D. in Technology degree with the added constraint that students need to complete 15 credit hours in core cyber forensics courses. The requirements are explained below.

Core Courses

CNIT 55600 - Basic Computer Forensics - 13485 Covers the fundamentals of the maturing discipline of computer forensics. The focus of the course is on gaining a broad understanding of the field of study and how technology and law interact to form this forensic science. Emerging standards and current and future issues related to the field are also explored. Examines law and public policy, the computer forensic methodology, report presentation, and expert witness testimony, as well as anti-forensic techniques that can be used to obfuscate evidence. Students are exposed to theory and practice with lab exercises, thought and term papers, and a practical, as well as written, final exam.

CNIT 55700 - Advanced Research Topics In Cyber Forensics - 45535 Provides students at the advanced degree level the opportunity to expand their knowledge of cyber forensics. Students are expected to have fundamental understanding of cyber forensics and digital forensic science. The emphasis is on directed learning and scholarly inquiry. Possible research topics range from law and public policy to software and/or hardware development. Permission of instructor required.

CNIT 58100 - Cyber Frn Cloud/Virtual Enviro - 69894 There are various architectures of virtual and cloud technology environments placing different emphasis on storage, transmission, and processing of information. The student will develop skills and abilities in evaluating the patterns of evidence within this domain. This course examines the identification and acquisition of digital evidence, residing on hosts or in transmission between hosts, from different network topologies, and protocols. This course will also examine the techniques or processes by which information can be hidden, exposed, examined, and processed in a forensics manner. The fundamental principles of forensics are applied to virtual operating environment and networks.

CNIT 58100 - Cyber Forensics Of File Sys - 69783 The plethora of strategies to store information in different formats continues to expand. This course examines the various media and strategies of storing information and the processes of documenting the collection, imaging, and processing of forensic evidence. Topics include file formats, file systems, hardware, and software involved in forensic investigation. The overall pattern of forensic evidence in file systems will be examine along with the acquisition, analysis, and reporting of evidence artifacts found in file systems. Permission of instructor or graduate standing required.

CNIT 58100 - Cyberforensics Of Malware - 69893 Consumer technologies are rapidly moving forward with items integrating processing, storage, and transmission into their base functionality. The enterprise issues with bring your own device has rapidly expanded requirements on forensics investigators to address a plethora of mobile device types. Whether it is the automobile black box or a home thermostat there are various elements of interesting evidence possible to be gained. As a simplistic example the wireless home thermostat tracks when there is activity in a house. The forensic possibilities of being able to attribute presence via the thermostat or geo-location by a cellphone are of interest to forensics investigators. This is a classic example of a device as a witness. The embedded and consumer device pantheon is developing as an important area of forensic science.

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Forensic Cyberpsychology

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Starting Summer 2023

Earn a Ph.D. in Forensic Cyberpsychology and learn all about the psychology of cybercriminal behavior.

Forensic cyberpsychology is a cutting-edge emerging discipline which presents students with an exciting opportunity to engage with this new scientific frontier and help to develop new scientific theories and protocols, or adapt existing psychological and criminological theories with a view to staging cybercrime intervention and/or prevention.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Forensic Cyberpsychology degree is a unique online program designed to broaden scientific investigation, and one of the first at a Doctoral level worldwide.  Scholars from computer science to the social and behavioral sciences who join the new field of Forensic Cyberpsychology will undoubtedly contribute to crystallizing new ideas and conquering an emerging scientific frontier.

Cybercrime describes crimes carried out by both individuals and groups against computing devices, operational technology systems, or networks, as well as traditional crimes facilitated by the use of the Internet and/or information technology. Cyberpsychology focuses on the study of the impact of technology on human behavior. Cyberpsychologists study Internet psychology, virtual environments, artificial intelligence, intelligence amplification, gaming, digital convergence, social media, mobile and networking devices.   

The emerging subdiscipline of Forensic Cyberpsychology focuses on the study of criminal behavior online and was first highlighted by Professor Mary Aiken almost a decade ago in the Europol 'Internet Organised Crime Threat Assessment Report' , in an appendix titled "the Cyberpsychology of Internet Facilitated Organised Crime" she outlined "the critical task for cyberpsychology as a discipline is to build up a body of established findings of how human beings experience technology, the critical task in forensic cyberpsychology is to focus on how criminal populations present in cyber environments". 

In Forensic Cyberpsychology, the focus is on human factors behind cybercrime, studying offender profiling, behaviors, and what motivates criminals to act as they do, along with gaining insights and understanding into cyber deviancy, juvenile cyber delinquency, risk-taking/harmful behaviors online, and online victimology, as well as developing methods for online investigative procedures that help to mitigate and/or prevent cybercrime. 

Capitol Tech has the unique resources and partnerships for students to progress in this field. In addition to learning from the world-leading expert in Cyberpsychology, Dr. Mary Aiken and other award-winning faculty, students may have opportunities for research collaborations with the National Security Agency (NSA), the Department of Defense (DoD) and other related agencies and organizations. The university’s proximity to the nation’s technology hub of Washington, D.C. and the DMV ensures prospective students will find many internships and job opportunities available to them with leaders of the industry.  

The Ph.D. in Forensic Cyberpsychology program is structured for experienced professionals in this field with an appropriate graduate degree. Within the program, students will conduct original research in an approved area of Forensic Cyberpsychology.  

As your Ph.D. progresses, you will move through a series of progression points and review stages by your academic supervisor. This ensures that you are engaged in research that will lead to the production of a high-quality thesis and/or publications, and that you are on track to complete this in the time available. Following submission of your Ph.D. Thesis or accepted three academic journal articles, you will have an oral presentation assessed by an external expert in your field. 

Why Capitol?

Expert guidance in doctoral research

Capitol’s doctoral programs are supervised by faculty with extensive experience in chairing doctoral dissertations and mentoring students as they launch their academic careers. You’ll receive the guidance you need to successfully complete your doctoral research project and build knowledge in the field.  

Proven academic excellence

Study at a university that specializes in industry-focused education in cyber and technology-based fields, nationally recognized for our academic excellence in our programs.

Program is 100% online

Our PhD in Forensic Cyberpsychology is offered 100% online.

Key Faculty

Vice President

Dissertation Chair

Career Opportunities

A degree in a cutting-edge, emerging discipline

Graduates will contribute significantly to the emerging Forensic Cyberpsychology field through the creation of new knowledge and ideas. Get the necessary credentials to take on a leadership role; work in industry, become a researcher, advisor or trusted expert.

Resources and Partnerships

Capitol Tech has the unique resources and partnerships for students to progress in this field and provides opportunities for finding internships and employment with leaders of relevant industries.

Degree Details

This program may be completed with a minimum of 60 credit hours, but may require additional credit hours, depending on the time required to complete the dissertation/publication research. Students who are not prepared to defend after completion of the 60 credits will be required to enroll in RSC-899, a one-credit, eight-week continuation course. Students are required to be continuously enrolled/registered in the RSC-899 course until they successfully complete their dissertation defense/exegesis.

The student will produce, present, and defend a doctoral dissertation after receiving the required approvals from the student’s Committee and the PhD Review Boards.

Prior Achieved Credits May Be Accepted 

Doctor of Philosophy in Forensic Cyberpsychology Courses Total Credits: 60 

FORENSIC CYBERPSYCHOLOGY DOCTORAL CORE: 30 CREDITS 

FORENSIC CYBERPSYCHOLOGY DOCTORAL RESEARCH AND WRITING: 30 CREDITS 

Educational Objectives:  

1. Students will evaluate the need for Forensic Cyberpsychology. 

2. Students will demonstrate advanced knowledge and competencies needed for the future in the human aspects of Forensic Cyberpsychology. 

3. Students will analyze theories, tools, and frameworks used in Forensic Cyberpsychology. 

4. Students will execute a plan to complete a significant piece of scholarly work. 

5. Students will develop skills to implement theories into practice. 

Learning Outcomes: 

Upon graduation... 

1. Graduates will incorporate the theoretical basis and practical applications of Forensic Cyberpsychology into their professional work.  

2. Graduates will demonstrate the highest mastery the needs of Forensic Cyberpsychology. 

3. Graduates will evaluate complex problems, synthesize divergent, alternative, and contradictory perspectives and ideas fully, and develop advanced solutions to Forensic Cyberpsychology challenges. 

4. Graduates will contribute to the body of knowledge in the study of Forensic Cyberpsychology. 

Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates are subject to change.

The following rates are in effect for the 2024-2025 academic year, beginning in Fall 2024 and continuing through Summer 2025:

• The application fee is $100
• The per-credit charge for doctorate courses is $950. This is the same for in-state and out-of-state students.
• Retired military receive a $50 per credit hour tuition discount
• Active duty military receive a $100 per credit hour tuition discount for doctorate level coursework.
• Information technology fee $40 per credit hour.
• High School and Community College full-time faculty and full-time staff receive a 20% discount on tuition for doctoral programs.

Find additional information for 2024-2025 doctorate tuition and fees.

Need more info, or ready to apply?

Cybersecurity Guide

Research with impact: Find online cybersecurity PhD programs

In this guide

• 2024 rankings
• Steps to get an online PhD
• Financial assistance
• Career paths
• School listings

The digital landscape is changing, and so is higher education. Online PhD programs in cybersecurity are not just trending, they’re revolutionizing the way we cultivate experts in the field.

Whether you’re a student eyeing advanced studies or an institution looking to expand your curriculum, discover why an online PhD in cybersecurity degree is becoming the go-to option for next-level learning and expertise.

Programs to make the public aware of the problem and attract bright young minds to the profession are becoming more widespread and are starting to have an effect.

With the ranks of willing candidates beginning to swell, certificate, training and education programs are in great demand. The number of available degree programs offered by colleges in particular is gaining momentum .

Bachelor’s degrees have become a near necessity for new cybersecurity professionals in recent years. And higher-level positions like chief information security officers (CISOs) often require a master’s degree . 

At present, though, the need for doctorate degrees in cybersecurity is becoming evident.

High-level management positions, higher-education faculty posts, and advanced research initiatives are all growing in demand much more quickly than the numbers of candidates to fill them.

Generally speaking, most doctoral candidates will fill the rapidly expanding and critical roles of educators, consultants, and researchers.

PhD’s (doctor of philosophy degrees) and DSc’s (doctor of science degrees) are designed for these roles.

PhD’s tend to focus on theory and research, while DSc’s study research and technical expertise. With more focus on technical knowledge, DSc’s sometimes continue working directly in practical applications within the field.

On the other hand, DPS’s (doctor of professional studies degrees) are almost entirely devoted to the highest levels of training in hands-on practical knowledge and skills instead of theory and research. 

All three types of doctoral programs are now available to those wishing to advance their careers to the pinnacle of the cybersecurity field.

However, PhD is by far the most commonly offered doctoral cybersecurity degree at present, followed by DSc’s and DPS’s.

The world has a critical need for infosec practitioners, but there is also an equally essential need to expand the capacity of our educational institutions to teach new practitioners.

We also are in dire need of advanced, innovative, strategic thinkers to conduct research in the science of cybersecurity.

Best online cybersecurity PhD programs for 2024

Capitol technology university, nova southeastern university, the george washington university, mississippi state university, marymount university.

These rankings were compiled from data accessed in November 2023 from Integrated Post-Secondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Navigator (both services National Center for Education Statistics). Tuition data was pulled from individual university websites and is current as of November 2023.

Obtaining an online cybersecurity PhD 

Six steps for choosing an online phd cybersecurity program.

So with all of these options available, as well as a growing number of colleges offering these programs, how can one best decide which direction is right for you? Here is a quick six-step process to help.

1. Self-appraisal : Those looking to expand their knowledge and background in cybersecurity with a PhD have already succeeded in attaining lesser degrees and certifications, and likely have several years of work experience as well.

That education, and exposure to practical applications provide an excellent overall view of the infosec world. All that experience will be critical in deciding exactly which direction to explore in the next phase of a career. The biggest decisions are of two types. 

• Are online PhD programs the right way to go, or would real-time college be a better choice? 
• Is a future in research, education or consulting the right path? Or is work in a real-world application a better fit? Picking the correct answer to both questions will take a good bit of introspective research. And the decisions shouldn’t be made without a thorough self-inspection.

2. Admission requirements : As with any college degree, each individual institution offering it will have its own views of what a desirable PhD candidate should look like.

All require at least a BS degree, some require an MS. But there are often loose specifications as to what discipline the degrees must be in, like STEM or computer science. Other demands may include a minimum GPA threshold, usually 3.0 or higher, and GRE test scores. 

Waivers are for the GRE tests are often granted for candidates with strong academic or professional backgrounds. The rest is normally just paperwork, like a personal goal statement, personal and work references, a current resume, and college transcripts.

The primary point here is to pay attention to the requirements of each school under consideration, and whether it will necessitate more time, classwork, certifications, etc. to comply with these demands.

3. Tuition and scholarships : Unless an early career left a PhD candidate with an abundance of cash, money will always be a concern.

Obviously, tuition is the first number to check. But don’t stop with that. There are almost always alternatives for financial assistance available from the school, private scholarship sources, and sometimes government agencies attempting to increase the cybersecurity workforce.

And, of course, government-sponsored and private education loans exist .                                                                                                                            

4. School reputation, course quality and availability : To get the most return out of an investment of time and money in education, it’s always best to choose from schools with the best reputation among cybersecurity professionals.

Specific courses and available concentrations vary from one school to another. Students must therefore make sure a particular school’s special course offerings match their needs and desires. 

5. Centers for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense : US government intelligence agencies are perhaps the organizations most interested in developing the science and resources needed to conduct the most extensive, advanced and complete cybersecurity operations anywhere.

The National Security Agency ( NSA ) and the Department of Homeland Security ( DHS ) jointly sponsor a program to promote cybersecurity education called National Centers for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense ( CAE-CD ). NSA conducts extensive reviews and audits of colleges offering cybersecurity college degrees and designates a select few with CAE approval .

Choosing an institution approved by the NSA provides a high level of certainty that the program offered is of the highest quality. It will also give graduates a leg up on securing a career with federal government intelligence agencies. NSA recently published a fact sheet showing 272 CAE-CD approved institutions across the country. 

6. Dissertation research options and faculty : A critical part of any masters or doctoral degree is the dissertation. The exact topic and focus do not need to be determined at the outset of entering the program.

However, it should be possible to know that faculty members and other available resources provide the greatest knowledge, technology and other means of support for the student’s specialty. 

What to look for in an online PhD cybersecurity program

For any given doctoral candidate, enrolling in an online program offering the best and most numerous courses within the cybersecurity specialty desired may be top on the list of criteria.

One should also research the infosec faculty members at the school to determine which and how many have expertise within that students focus.

If possible, a chance to meet these faculty members may be very illuminating. Requesting the opportunity to audit one or more classes will also provide invaluable insight into how courses are structured and how close a fit the tutorial style may be.

Opting to attend a PhD program with the best possible reputation among cybersecurity professionals will help open doors when it comes time to find a post-doctoral job. 

An institution that cultivates an innovative environment and offers the latest in technological capabilities will help maximize the educational experience. It will also be of great educational benefit to attend a college that fosters consultative communications among students and faculty.

Probably the easiest variables to determine are tuition costs and the availability of school offered financial assistance, especially scholarships, grants, other offsets to student expenses.

Online PhD cybersecurity program timeline

Typically, obtaining a doctorate in cybersecurity will require between three and seven years of dedication.

The specific timeline will depend upon the individual college and the level of testing and qualification required for each student to be accepted into a program.

Coursework can take up to three years, depending in part depending upon credits earned and transferred before entering the program. Once courses have been completed, the next step is to design a research project for the dissertation. 

With a well thought out idea in hand, have a chosen faculty mentor assist with fine-tuning the scope, and then approving the research outline.

The rest is extensive research and then writing the dissertation, while all along consulting with a faculty mentor. This phase can take two or more years, sometimes in excess of five years. 

The length of time devoted to completing a dissertation will depend in part on the amount of time the candidate is able to devote to the research required.

Once the dissertation is complete, student will schedule a board review and present their research to faculty members to attain the final award of their doctoral degree.

Online PhD cybersecurity tuition and scholarships

Don’t be scared off by tuition rates at any school.

Pick the best academic environments for the degree and specialty desired first, then see what can be done to mitigate the cost.

Tuition rates

The Cybersecurity Guide team recently took a look at the 14 programs in the US that offer an online cybersecurity PhD program in order to get a better sense of what tuition looks like at these programs. All figures below are based on out-of-state tuition rates.

$32,940 is the most affordable online PhD program and its available at the University of Cumberlands.

$56,004 is the average cost of the 14 online cybersecurity PhD programs.

$85,248 is the highest tuition and is at the University of North Texas.

There are almost always several options to consider. Some schools have work-study options where students can take classes for a semester or two, then work in the industry for a time. This provides a balance of academics and practical experience, and also income to offset tuition costs.

Of course, those already working and going to school would not be able to utilize this option. 

Most frequently, scholarships, grants and fellowships will be the most accessible financial assistance vehicles.

At present, it seems most scholarships are being directed to undergraduate and graduate students, with less now available for PhD’s.

This is likely to change in coming years as demand for PhD’s is set to expand rapidly. The bulk of scholarships available for PhD candidates at present are provided through individual schools, corporate sponsors, of government agencies. 

Cybersecurity PhD career path

The very nature of doctor of philosophy degree programs means those who complete a PhD will be best suited to academic or theoretical applications of their cybersecurity expertise.

However, other times there are really interesting industry jobs available to PhD holders, especially in research-oriented companies. 

 Typically, these professionals will hold the highest of infosec management positions, such as CISO, information security director, information security manager, or the like.

But many will be destined for advanced investigative research into the cutting edge ideas and technologies being discussed and discovered in the cybersecurity world.

Others will opt for academic posts in higher education. And still others will be employed as consultants to large corporations and/or high leverage government agencies that often have not been able to hire enough cybersecurity employees to adequately satisfy their own needs, or just don’t possess the advanced capabilities that a PhD offers.

Frequently asked questions

An online PhD in cybersecurity is an advanced academic program that allows you to earn your doctorate remotely, focusing on research and expertise in cybersecurity.

Online programs offer flexibility, making it easier for working professionals to balance studies with other commitments. Plus, you can access top-tier faculty and resources from anywhere.

The duration varies but expect to spend 3-7 years, depending on the program and your pace of study.

Graduates often pursue roles in academia, research, or high-level positions in corporate cybersecurity departments.

Yes, most employers consider an online PhD in cybersecurity as valuable as an on-campus degree, provided it’s from an accredited institution.

While convenient, online programs may lack some networking opportunities and face-to-face interactions found in traditional settings.

School listings for online PhD in cybersecurity

As is any course of study, attending school through an online college affords maximum flexibility for students with demanding lives. Whether the limiting factor is work, family, health restrictions or other reasons, a flexible online doctoral program permits PhD candidates to work toward a goal on their own time. 

Below is a complete list of schools offering online PhD programs that features current and comprehensive information for an easy side-by-side comparison.

Colorado Technical University

Dakota state university, marymount university, school of technology and innovation, national university, naval postgraduate school, nova southeastern university, college of computing & engineering, the university of fairfax, the university of the cumberlands, university of north texas, university of tulsa.

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Digital and Cyber Forensic Science , Doctorate of Philosophy

Available: On Campus

This Ph.D. program is intended for students with a bachelor’s degree in computing science, computer engineering, or digital forensics and provides the theoretical, conceptual, methodological, and computational skills needed to understand the role of digital and cyber forensic science in post-technological societies. This degree is designed to produce graduates with the technical and leadership skills needed for leadership positions in business and industry, federal and state security agencies, and academia. 

Students seeking their Ph.D. in digital and cyber forensic science must complete 85 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree. Previously completed master’s level coursework is evaluated on an individual basis. For advancement to candidacy, you must be enrolled full-time, maintain a 3.0 grade point average, complete 46 graduate credit hours of coursework and internship, submit a portfolio for review, and pass Comprehensive Examinations.

Students who advance to doctoral candidacy must complete and defend a doctoral dissertation, and a minimum of 15 credit hours of dissertation with continuous enrollment in the dissertation course until graduation are required.

Program Breakdown

Application Deadlines

• Fall: August 1

Please note that application deadlines will occasionally change. Please contact the program director (listed in the contact section) for confirmation on application deadlines.

Contact Info

Office of admissions.

• Graduate Admissions Website
• 936.294.1971
• [email protected]

Program Advisor

• Dr. Narasimha K. Shashidhar
• 936.294.1591
• [email protected]

Online PhD in Cyber Security Degrees

Cybersecurity Degrees » Online Cybersecurity Degree Programs » Online PhD in Cyber Security Degrees

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Doctorate-level degrees in cybersecurity provide advanced knowledge and valuable research opportunities to professionals that are looking at some of the highest positions in their industry. This type of education is also extremely valuable to professors and researchers that are looking to continue their studies even after the completion of this program. These further studies will lead to academic research papers and innovation in the field of cybersecurity.

Why consider a doctorate level cyber degree?

Obtaining a Doctor of Philosophy, or PhD, gives working professionals the skills needed to research and develop new security measures and the expertise to maintain the information technology sector of an organization.

Having the ability to do this online is convenient for those that are looking to gain an education while continuing their career path, but there are many programs that require on-campus residencies to prepare students or to present their final dissertations. Various degrees will emphasize either practical solutions to cybersecurity issues or finding new innovations through theory and historical development of protecting vital information.

What Can You Do With a PhD in Cyber Security?

Receiving the high-level graduate degree within cybersecurity opens up the entire information technology industry. There is a significant need for experts that can fend off data breaches and internet attacks to a company's network and retrieve sensitive information, such as personal client medical records or consumer transactions with exposed payment methods.

Ensuring that communication is secure has only become more important as people continue to rely on the transfer of information on various devices and apps constantly every day.

There are variations of the doctorate that students can study to receive specific education, and it revolves around the solution to industry problems within the cybersecurity. Those receiving the discipline directly will typically apply practical solutions directly to the company they represent. A Doctor of Philosophy, or PhD, may explore specific topics in network security or computer science, and education revolves around theory and how to find solutions to issues like cyber attacks through research and development.

After completion of a doctoral program, graduates should be able to solve complex issues within the company or organization they represent. They have gained the advanced and expertise knowledge in a particular sector and should be able to deal with any cybersecurity issues that arise. Ultimately, their goal is to improve cybersecurity systems and to help them protect organizations more efficiently on a national and/or global scale.

Online PhD in Cyber Security Degree Availability

Many online-based institutions that offer programs within computer science and cybersecurity also feature accredited doctorate degrees. Students can expect to find disciplines directly in cybersecurity or in a similar field, such as information assurance or security in information technology. Even though the curriculum may be fully available online, each institution has their own unique requirements when it comes to presenting final dissertations or holding on-campus residencies.

When reviewing online programs, it is important to consider institutions that have been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency. This shows that the program has been reviewed alongside a rigid criteria to ensure that students are fully prepared to enter into the field of cybersecurity. Programs hold accreditation in specific categories, such as cyber defense education, cyber defense research, and cyber operations.

What to look for in a Doctorate program

There are very few programs available online where students can fully complete a PhD within cybersecurity. Many programs require the student to complete on-campus residencies that will give them the opportunity to meet faculty members and students. During these times, they may also work on their dissertation, and they must complete a defense of their dissertation in front of faculty members to show their expertise on the particular topic.

Choose a research discipline

While there are a limited amount of programs that specifically have a discipline in data science, this can often be found as a specialization within disciplines such as Computer Science or Computer Engineering. Other similar concentrations include Information Assurance, Information Systems Security, and Digital Forensics. Information Assurance focuses on the validation and authenticity of data within an organization, and Digital Forensics focuses on the investigative process to solve digital-based crimes in a court of law.

Be prepared for some online courses but on-campus requirements

Students should prepare for online coursework that blends with on-campus requirements if they are considering a doctorate degree with an online format. An alternative to this process is finding an online Master's degree in a similar discipline that can be used to count toward the PhD. There is plenty of overlap in these programs, and this flexibility may allow for students to switch over from a Master's degree to a PhD with high academic merit.

Online Requirements and Expectations

Most PhD programs will require the student to meet on-campus at certain times of the program, such as once per year, but these are not lengthy requirements to satisfy. Residencies will typically last from a weekend to a full week and mostly consist of the student working on their dissertation. Any lab sessions or courses that require application of what is learned can generally be accomplished in a virtual setting or at the professional's place of work if applicable.

In order to complete online courses, students will need to verify that they have the proper setup to run the learning management system used by the university. This typically requires a Windows or Mac operating system that runs on a desktop or laptop computer. For some course materials, this can be accessed by a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, but not all work can be completed in this format.

Additional technical requirements include having access to high-speed internet in order to download or stream on-demand lectures. A webcam and microphone may be required for courses that require students to attend lectures on a live basis. Other applications, such as Microsoft Office, web browsers such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, anti-virus software, and Adobe Acrobat Reader may be needed depending on the university.

What Are the Steps to Getting This Degree?

Doctorate degrees for cybersecurity generally require anywhere from 60 to 80 credit hours to complete, which can span from three to five years. Most of the program is dedicated to core courses and a concentration in cybersecurity if available. There may be some credit hours needed for electives that may either be part of the discipline being pursued or free electives to customize the program to fit an industry or particular career needs.

Around a third of most PhD programs will feature dissertation requirements. A dissertation is a research project with a specific focus on a topic in cybersecurity, such as a problem that is plaguing a certain industry. Once a topic is suggested and approved by a program faculty member, students are able to pursue the writing project and they will have to defend their dissertation at the end of the program.

In addition to the dissertation, multiple exams may also be needed to further expand on all the skills and concepts learned in the program. A qualifying exam will ensure that students are able to continue on with the PhD and begin their process with the dissertation. The comprehensive exam tests all the skills and concepts that the student has learned, which is usually completed at a separate time than the dissertation defense.

It is not a requirement to have a Master's degree for many computer science-based doctorate programs. Students can typically transfer over their credit from a Master's program if they choose to pursue a doctorate degree at a later date. This can cut the doctorate program nearly in half for students, decreasing the time commitment required and academic costs.

To gain the PhD degree at the end of the program, students will need to pass all examinations and successfully defend their dissertation. Many programs require that the student also maintains at least a 3.0 GPA during their studies. With many courses providing advanced topics, students must maintain a high level of academic achievement in order to successfully complete the program.

Admission Requirements

Getting into a doctorate program requires the completion of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with high academic marks. Typical requirements for a Master's degree are holding a 3.0 cumulative GPA in their undergraduate studies, or this was achieved in the final 60 credit hours of their studies. For a PhD, this can jump to a GPA requirement of 3.3 or 3.5 overall.

Prospective students are not limited to this GPA requirement, but they may only receive conditional admittance into the program. This means they will need to achieve high marks in the first portion of the program in order to continue pursuing the degree. A slightly lower GPA than the requirement can be offset by higher Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores or additional professional experience in cybersecurity.

Typical Document Requirements for Submission

Depending on the university, applicants will need to send their unofficial or official transcripts that showcase their accomplishments in higher education. If unofficial transcripts are only needed with the application, sending official transcripts are usually required once the student has been admitted into the program. This includes all academic work at various levels, including any certifications that have been earned.

Applicants should send their most updated resume to the university that showcases all of their prior work history and internship experience gained in other programs. Some programs may require a certain amount of work hours to get into the program, or students may need to complete this prior to graduating from the doctorate program. Resumes should include any accomplishments or

Multiple letters of recommendation are typically needed to verify that the student has high levels of accomplishment in this field. They may require some of the letters to be from an academic professor, but another source can be prior supervisors or managers in a professional work place. Applicants should review what specific requirements are needed with the letters of recommendation as they vary based on institution.

Personal essays are a common requirement in the application process, with potential candidates listing out why they have chosen a particular institution for their studies and what career goals they have in the cybersecurity field. These essays may also go into detail about any accomplishments within an industry that the individual has achieved.

Full-Time Versus Part-Time Enrollment for a PhD Degree

Doctorate degrees are often at least twice the length of a Master's degree program, meaning that students typically need between three to five years to complete their studies on a full-time basis. It is recommended by many schools that students pursue these graduate studies on a full-time basis due to the complexity of course content and the amount of time it takes to complete the dissertation and various assignments.

Many PhD degrees are geared for full-time study and may have some complications for those that are looking to pursue the program on a part-time basis. It may be difficult to focus on research projects without full concentration and may impact the quality of the research accomplished. Even on a part-time basis, there may be too much to balance when accomplishing high-level studies and continuing as a working professional.

Instead of completing the PhD along with a part-time job, students may consider looking at graduate assistantships or other positions within the university. This allows individuals to pursue their degree while completing various tasks for professors for a certain amount of hours per week. By accomplishing this, students will receive part or all of their tuition expenses cut and a stipend to pay for other needs.

Part-time study may be accepted at the institution, but students will have to consider the length of time it will take to complete their studies. This will increase the overall costs of the program with additional fees given out for extra years pursuing their degree. There is also a time limit at most universities, requiring students to complete the doctorate program in seven or eight years on average.

Other problems can emerge with completing the program on a part-time basis. In addition to the difficult coursework that requires plenty of focus, it may be a problem to balance struggles that exist in current employment and trying to complete advanced coursework at the same time. There are also limitations in communicating with other faculty members and students for additional help or working on group projects.

Examples of Doctorate Degrees

It is also important to determine that the program has been verified as an accredited institution and the university has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) from the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This means that the curriculum has met rigorous requirements under different security topics, such as cyber defense and cyber operations.

Regional accreditation is based on where the university is located and remains a standard when institutions are looking at students for their graduate programs. The six states based in the New England region are accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools reviews a number of places in the Southeast and along the East Coast, including the states of Florida , North Carolina , Texas , and Virginia .

Online PhD Degrees for Cyber Security

Northcentral university.

This online college based in San Diego, California, has a number of doctorate programs available in technology, including the Doctor of Philosophy in Technology and Innovation Management. Within the doctorate program, there are six specializations to consider, including Cybersecurity. Students should expect to complete the program in the span of 50 months.

A total of 60 credit hours are needed to fulfill degree requirements, and with most courses being worth three credit hours, 20 courses will be taken in the program. 48 credit hours must be completed at the university, which allows for 12 total credit hours to be transferred into the program. Students must complete all courses while maintaining a 3.0 cumulative GPA.

Courses that students can explore in the main program include Computer Networks and Mobile Computing, Statistics with Technology Applications, and Technology Policy and Strategy. The latter course focuses on legal analysis in network security and gives students case study to review and policies that organizations must follow based on federal guidelines. 18 total credit hours are needed for the Cybersecurity specialization, with courses such as Cyber Forensics and Advanced Risk Management.

One of the unique student services the university offers is the Dissertation Completion Pathway, which gives those that were not able to complete their dissertation elsewhere to do so at their institution. This is a shorter program that requires at least 23 credit hours.

Capitol Technology University

Gaining a Doctorate degree in Cybersecurity through the technology institution prepares students for executive roles within the private sector and any government level. There are various electives that can customize the program and give specialty skills and knowledge within the security of health care, information assurance, cybersecurity software development, and strategic management for intrusion detection and eliminating vulnerabilities.

Up to 66 credit hours are needed to complete the curriculum at Capitol Tech, which is based in the Greater Washington DC area and is also available online. Along with dissertation preparation, some courses include Information Assurance Consulting, Advanced Mixed Methods Research, and Special Topics in Human Resource Management. There is a 16-week course that prepares students for the doctoral degree with specialized research for the career path they are pursuing.

Prospective students can apply for the doctorate degree in cybersecurity for the fall and spring semesters. An essay of at least 1,000 words that covers what the student plans to do within the cybersecurity field. Applicants must submit the essay with the application form and a fee, official transcripts, updated resume, and multiple letters of recommendation. More information may be necessary based on the college’s review.

Nova Southeastern University

The College of Computing and Engineering provide a PhD in Cybersecurity Management, which requires 67 credits to complete and is offered in a hybrid format. This means students will be mostly completing coursework and generally interacting with students and faculty members online, but they will have physical meetings once per term at the Fort Lauderdale campus. These are required meetings for students.

Examples of core courses that students will complete include Information Security Risk Management, Secure Systems Analysis and Design, and Human-Computer Interaction. 24 credits are reserved for dissertation studies, and students will also need to complete two doctoral research studies within information assurance. Some of the goals the university has for their graduates are to gain advanced knowledge within cybersecurity and to be prepared to lead and manage cybersecurity teams with strong communication skills and being fully competent of the ethics required.

Students looking for a fellowship opportunity to satisfy financial needs and gain additional experience may be eligible for one of six positions offered by the school. Applicants must submit a reference letter, hold at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA, and are going into a career that involves teaching or research. Recipients are not able to hold a job so they can commit their time to education and research, but the award provides tuition assistance for the duration of the program.

Dakota State University

The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences offers the Doctor of Philosophy in Cyber Operations, which focuses on advanced topics in cybersecurity. Graduates from the program have gone on to work at organizations such as the Central Intelligence Agency, US Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM), and Carnegie Mellon’s Software Engineering Institute.

Along with the core curriculum and research-driven courses that account for 24 total credit hours, students will need to complete three credit hours of on-campus research seminars. Meeting faculty members, determining a dissertation topic, and finishing dissertation defense is accomplished in this requirement. 25 credit hours are geared toward the dissertation itself, and the remaining nine credit hours are for customizable electives.

Some courses are only available at certain times of the year. For example, dissertation work is available all year long, but Dissertation Preparation is only available in the spring on an annual basis. All students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA, and no more than two C grades are allowed in the entire curriculum or the student will be put on academic probation and eventual dismissal if the grades do not improve.

In order to get into the program, students must hold a Master’s degree from an accredited institution with a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher. GRE scores are required in the admission process, but these are waived if the student has accomplished a 3.25 cumulative GPA in their Bachelor’s degree. Entry is only available for the fall semester into this program, so applications must be received by May 1st each year.

Colorado Technical University

Students can pursue the Doctorate of Computer Science with an emphasis in Big Data Analytics or Cybersecurity and Information Assurance. This is a program with an expected time of at least three years to complete. There are multiple start times throughout the year providing flexibility for students to enter into the program.

While the curriculum is fully available, there are in-person residencies that are required – two residencies are needed for this program and they are held quarterly in the Denver area. This gives students an ability to meet with other peers in their classes and faculty members one-on-one and there are various events that will aid in dissertations required for the student to complete. Students can maintain their schedule and join discussions with the CTU Symposium mobile app.

The 100-credit hour curriculum consists of the residencies, many levels of Doctoral and Dissertation Research, and various advanced topics within cybersecurity, such as Foundations of Digital Systems Security, Enterprise Security Architecture, and Principles of Research Methods and Design. At the conclusion of the program, students will be presenting their final dissertation and must be approved by a faculty supervisor.

Capella University

An online Doctor of Information Technology (DIT) with emphasis in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity can be obtained through the Minnesota-based institution. Students can also elect to take courses at the Minneapolis campus or pursue a combination of both. The curriculum is divided up into eight core courses and four specialization courses, along with various dissertations and three residency requirements, all requiring four days of attendance.

Two different IT degrees

Capella offers two versions of information technology degrees at this education level – the DIT and the Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology. The DIT prepares students to solve business problems and to apply what they have learned directly into their career. Having a philosophical approach in the other program explores new theories that can be used to solve these issues instead. While both programs have a difference in solution, there is overlap in the specialization of assurance and cybersecurity.

DIT specialized on cybersecurity

The Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology features a specialization in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity, giving students the capability to learn advanced knowledge in the field. In addition to five specialization courses, students complete a comprehensive exam that reviews all of the material they have learned, a dissertation spanning a large portion of their studies, and three on-campus residencies.

Typical courses you may take

Courses in the specialization include Enterprise Security Risk Management, Network Security Advances, and System and Application Security Advances. These topics cover the advancement of security and how this has impacted their implementation into company networks. Students do not have the availability to transfer in these courses for the specialization and must be taken through the school. Some specialization courses must be completed through this campus, including System and Application Security Advances and Enterprise Security Risk Management. The latter course has students review academic research and professional reports on risk modeling that impacts managerial decisions. Security advancement courses focuses on improvements in the field and the advantages of improving these processes with new available technology.

What each program is like at Capella

All three on-campus residencies focus on dissertation research, which first begins through an overview in an online course and the student builds upon their research when they meet faculty members and other students. The goal of the dissertation is to build critical thinking skills and the ability to communicate with others to help improve the dissertation, which requires significant research after determining a topic.

GuidedPath is a unique resource available to students that helps them get through the doctorate degree in a more focused process online. They will take between one to three courses during each of the four quarter terms available, which requires 10 weeks to complete. Based on availability and schedule, students will take the courses they have time for and only pay for what they are pursuing.

University of Rhode Island

The College of Arts and Sciences offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science, which can utilize the graduate certifications available in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics. All courses are available online, with lectures streamed on demand for students to learn at any time of the day, and all lab sessions are completed through the cloud-based infrastructure.

Examples of courses that can be completed and applied to the doctorate degree include Advanced Topics in Network and Systems Security, Advanced Incident Response, and Penetration Testing. Many courses will only be available at certain times of the year, and courses must be followed along a certain path in order to meet prerequisites for the more advanced courses.

Coursework is typically distributed each Friday, meaning students will have a week to complete their assignments and submit them by each Friday, and new coursework will be available on that day. Students have the capability of studying on their own time as long as they continue to meet deadlines.

Applications are accepted for these programs throughout the first half of the year to get admission for the fall, which is required for graduate certification in Cyber Security. Students must have a Bachelor’s degree with an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. There is no requirement to submit GRE scores, but other additional needs include two letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose.

On-Campus PhD Degrees for Cyber Security

University of tennessee.

The Tickle College of Engineering offers a few options for cybersecurity studies at the Knoxville campus location. One of the advanced programs is a Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Engineering, with a concentration in Cybersecurity. The amount of credit hours needed depends on if the student has taken a Master’s degree or hold prior academic work in the same discipline or related, such as computer science.

At least 72 credit hours are needed for students that only have a Bachelor’s degree or simultaneously completing a Master’s degree in a similar field through the university. This truncates to 48 total credit hours if they already have a Master’s degree. At least 24 credit hours are earned through taking dissertation courses and completing the research and writing requirements.

The comprehensive exam features both a written and oral segment, which connects with the dissertation, but may have additional writing requirements. Students must have a strong understanding of the topic they have studied and can thoroughly explain many aspects of it while demonstrating competency in communication and critical thinking. At least six months need to separate the comprehensive exam and defense of the dissertation.

Admission requires outstanding work in a Bachelor’s degree for students to be able to jump from the undergraduate program to the PhD program. GRE scores are needed for the admission process and should have been obtained in the last three years. For students that have a Master’s degree, up to six credit hours from courses that match the 400-level and above can be transferred into the program.

Arizona State University

Through the School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems Engineering, students can complete the Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science with a concentration in Cybersecurity. Students will complete five core courses that explore different aspects of computer science, and there is no ability to transfer credit for those courses unless they have already taken the courses at Arizona State University. Students do not have the capability to duplicate credit between the concentration focus and the core curriculum.

Nine total credit hours will count toward the Cybersecurity specialization. There is an overview of Information Assurance, then students will pick two of the following three courses: Advanced Computer Network Security, Applied Cryptography, or Software Security. 24 total credit hours will go toward both the research and dissertation portion of the curriculum.

Admission requirements include submitting a personal statement that details professional goals and why they are choosing this particular program. It should also feature any research experience that the individual has accomplished personally. In addition, there should be three letters of recommendation validating these accomplishments, from prior professors or professionals in the industry the individual has worked in.

Other needs to get into the program include holding a minimum cumulative 3.5 GPA or higher in the last 60 credit hours of work from the Bachelor’s degree, and this should be similar to the Master’s degree overall if they hold one. Up to 30 credit hours within a different graduate program, such as a Master’s degree, can be used to account for some credit if approved by the program.

Sam Houston State University

A Doctor of Philosophy in Digital and Cyber Forensic Science is available exclusively on campus for students that are looking at cybersecurity careers at the executive level or academic research at an institution. Topics include understanding network and mobile device forensics, ethical and legal issues in cybersecurity, and the basic principles of this field. 85 total credit hours are needed to complete the program for students that only hold a Bachelor’s degree.

Breaking the curriculum down, 52 credit hours are part of the core academic curriculum, 15 credit hours are gained through the dissertation, and the remaining 18 credit hours are for the internship and customizable electives. Examples of elective opportunities include Cloud Computing Forensics, Cryptography and Steganography, and Social Network Forensics.

Counting for six total credit hours, the internship will require 10 weeks of full-time commitment. This is another process to apply what the student has learned to real-time situations, giving them an additional opportunity and potential to network with an organization for improving job potential.

In order to gain admittance into the program, applicants must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in a similar field from an accredited university, and they must have obtained a 3.5 cumulative GPA or higher. Three letters of recommendation are needed for verification, with at least two of them from faculty members. Other needs include a personal statement with a maximum of 1,000 words, updated resume, GRE scores, and a potential interview may be conducted.

University of Colorado-Colorado Springs

The College of Engineering and Applied Science offers the Doctor of Philosophy in Security, which has been verified by the NSA and DHS as a CAE in Information Assurance Education. In graduating the program, individuals will become an expert in the topic they decide to develop a dissertation on, and they have been able to improve upon their communication skills when presenting findings or working with others collaboratively.

60 total credit hours are needed to complete this program, and half of that credit must be completed with courses that are at the 5000 level or higher. There is an opportunity to transfer in 24 credit hours if the student has completed the Master’s degree previously. Half of the curriculum is dedicated to dissertation development and presentation.

Applicants should have at least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with at least a 3.3 GPA, and those entering the program with the completion of the Homeland Defense graduate certificate must also have the same GPA requirement. Additional admission materials include having three letters of recommendation, latest resume, and will need GRE scores if they did not complete their education at an accredited university.

Courses that students can choose in this program include Applied Cryptography, Advanced System Security Design, and System Administration and Security. At least three months of cyber operations must be completed in the form of training, internship, or already established professional work. This can be substituted with the completion of a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification.

Typical Coursework for a PhD Degree

Principles of cyber security.

Explores the basics of cybersecurity features at the executive and management level of an organization, including the latest innovations in the field and various security measures that can be added into information systems. In some cases, students that have already completed a Master’s degree in the cybersecurity field may be able to skip this course as it is also frequent at that education level.

Advanced Risk Management

Analysis of theory when defending information systems in a more complex environment, and what practices are used when implementing these solutions in an organization. Students may learn how to audit these security measures to determine their accuracy and what needs to be improved upon to avoid certain attacks. This can help in preparing recommendations and consider different strategies in established cybersecurity practices.

Security Software Development

Having security measures in place on network servers and database management systems are key to preventing intrusions, but software can also be manipulated and compromised without security. This course looks into the different ways of implementing this type of protection in the software development process. Students may also learn how to identify rogue activities within software to identify potential threats.

Critical Infrastructure

A national government-focused course that emphasizes security measures that are taken to protect the United States’ critical infrastructure. This includes the important industries of public health, transportation, telecommunication, agriculture, electricity, and more. Topics may include the strengths and weaknesses of prior security implementation and how future innovations will change these procedures.

Quantitative and Qualitative Research

Common research methods when analyzing reports and writing the dissertation includes using quantitative and qualitative information. Students will understand the differences between these analysis methods and where to best apply them in their reports. Quantitative data focuses on specific numbers and measurements, while qualitative data focuses on more subjective information that explains these figures.

Intrusion Detection

Professionals must be able to react quickly when an attack occurs on an organization’s network, mitigating disaster and sensitive information that could be compromised. Popular topics in these courses include the various tools that are used in scoping out problems and eliminating them, how to detect vulnerabilities earlier to prevent these situations, and disaster recovery processes once the damage occurs.

Penetration Testing

One of the most popular and impactful ways to determine if a strong security system has been implemented is to mimic similar attacks in a controlled environment. Penetration testing, which can be a position on its own within a cybersecurity team, oversees this event and determines the effectiveness of security that is protecting valuable information.

Cyber Operations

Institutions designated as a CAE and holding an emphasis in cyber operations will often have courses that provide a general overview of the measures taken by security-driven organizations. Topics in these courses can range from the evolution of these processes, such as how to eliminate security threats on mobile devices and cloud-based computing, and the legal and ethical policies that can be implemented.

Dissertation Research

Many doctorate degrees will have courses that prepare students for dissertations, focusing on various studying methods, sources to consider, and helping them pick topics for a proposal that they will be able to defend when presented. These courses may go into creating an outline or framework for the dissertation and look at other example proposals to gain different perspectives or to criticize. Frequently, preparation courses will serve as the platform for students to submit their proposal.

Dissertation Preparation

Many PhD programs will emphasize the dissertation, allocating around one-third or a quarter of the curriculum to the dedication of preparing students for their dissertation writing. These courses may include how to find a topic that works for the researching project and an official process to send this idea in to faculty members, They may also be able to work with professionals in the industry that can help them further their analysis in the topic selected.

Dissertation Presentation

Immediately prior to graduation, students may have the requirement to meet in front of select faculty members to present or defend their dissertation. This process tests the vulnerabilities of the writing where the student should successfully defend what they have gathered. Any preparation classes for the presentation may focus on improving presentation material and studying further information to prepare for questions.

Information Assurance

This is the specific term used when managing and securing sensitive data within the organization’s network and system. Assurance of the information means that it remains confidential and can only be accessed by authorized parties. Many degrees will have this term within the discipline, and these courses can serve as an overview of information security and to become exposed to real-world situations.

Software Assurance

Doctorate studies will focus on the development and stability of cybersecurity software, with uses of identifying potential threat and analyzing risk. Students typically assess the performance of security software, measuring their stability and how well they protect systems from attacks, and various ways that it can be implemented into networks.

Applied Research Methods

Explores various research methods and how to perform them to help students with research for their dissertation and other studies. Topics may consist of how to read complicated information, creating visualizations from raw data or cleaning it for easier organization, surveying and interviewing subjects to gain perspective, and how to use software tools for researching. Coursework typically consists of researching and report writing to demonstrate proficiency in these skills.

Network Security

Courses covering network security at the doctorate level will have an in-depth look into history and various theories involving the revolutionary technology. Topics include the advancement of network security in the industry and how this impacts various organizational networks, the benefits and disadvantages of sending sensitive information online, and encryption methods to ensure that data is kept secure when being transferred from one place to the other.

Careers and Associations

Having a doctorate in cybersecurity means that a professional has explored theories and case studies within cybersecurity, giving them expert knowledge in the field that they customized their degree toward. This makes them beneficial as information security consultants in the organization they work for. They help review the network for any vulnerabilities and they will provide information on the latest technological innovations and how to implement them for a seamless transition.

In general, IT consultants help the organization gain perspective on the strengths and limitations of the department and aids in the improvement of management and supervising team members. They may recommend technological needs based on employee and client feedback, or creating reports based off performance data and expected outcomes should the organization improve these areas.

Higher education can also give graduates with professional experience an edge in becoming a director of information technology. One of the frequent requirements when managing the entire technology infrastructure of a company is to ensure that the network security is free from vulnerabilities and that there is a protocol in place in case intrusions take place. Directors will often make the final decisions in hardware and software additions and the coordination of teams and managers.

IT directors fall under the position of computer and information systems management through the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Average salary for this position is is approximately $142,530 , with those working within finance and computer systems design receiving above the average. The top 10 percent receives over the $200,000 mark while the lowest 10 percent sees $85,380 when salaries are reviewed across the nation.

Tuition Costs for a PhD Degree in Cyber Security

Tuition rates will range widely based on the institution that a student selects to study their cybersecurity education, and if they are a resident in the state of the university. Smaller institutions or online-based colleges will generally be cheaper than more established institutions. When adding up full tuition for a full academic year, along with various student fees, full costs can be between $20,000 up to $50,000 per year.

For example, at Capella University, tuition for the PhD in Information Technology is $965 per credit, or $5,000 total in each quarter. The comprehensive exam and dissertation sessions are $2,895 per quarter. Unlike some programs, there is no capability to transfer credits into this program, so students will have to pay for the full tuition, which is 90 quarter credit hours.

Adding up the number of years it can take to complete a PhD program, it can be very costly to pursue this type of education. Luckily, there are many ways to bring these costs down in what essentially is an investment into a job opportunity that pays more than typical positions while just holding a Bachelor’s degree.

Ways to Lower PhD Costs for Students

If pursuing the program on a full-time basis, students can consider federal student loan options if they qualify and have any remaining funds from their prior education. Part-time education is generally not acceptable for federal student loans as this requires full-time enrollment and pursuing a certain number of credit hours in a given term. Personal loans provide another option to receive funding for school, but this may have considerably higher interest rates.

In some cases, an employer may pay for the employee to receive their PhD degree in cybersecurity. This requires a commitment from the individual to stick with the company for an extended period of time, and they will likely see an upgraded role in the organization if they successfully complete the program. If the individual leaves shortly after receiving the degree, they may be responsible for paying some of this tuition.

Assistantships are frequently the best opportunity for students to receive tuition aid for their education. These are competitive positions that can pay for some or all of a student’s tuition expenses, and provide additional stipends on a monthly basis, or in each term. Assistantships will require a certain amount of hours for students to complete tasks for faculty members in addition to their studies.

Scholarship Options for a PhD Degree

For students that have excelled in their prior academics, there may be an option to apply for a scholarship to cut down on costs. While there are few scholarships that pay for full tuition, this can provide some relief for students in multiple years of their education. In addition to rewarding those with solid academics, scholarships are also available for those in difficult financial situations or are part of an underrepresented demographic.

Some graduate college-based scholarships provide automatic entry for students that are administered into the program. Select students will receive an award simply based on being admitted into a high-level program. These are typically smaller awards that lower tuition rates and there are no restrictions for these opportunities.

For the majority of scholarships that are distributed by the school or an association that is promoting cybersecurity, students will need to submit a writeup that details why they are the best candidate for the scholarship and/or list the achievements that they have accomplished so far in their career. They must also submit proof of the criteria needed to receive the scholarship award.

Examples of Cyber Security Scholarships

The National Science Foundation has a Graduate Research Fellowship Program that is geared toward students that are going after graduate-level programs within the sectors of science, technology, engineering, and management – also known as the STEM field. A total of $46,000 is awarded to an individual, which provides a $34,000 three-year stipend and $12,000 deduction in tuition that is given to the institution.

The National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship Program also provides aid for students that are pursuing a STEM field. Students can receive up to three years of educational aid, and it covers the tuition and provides a stipend. One requirement that students must uphold is working at a laboratory session with the Department of Defense, and they need to be able to accept the full awards.

Both of these scholarships not only require students to be in the STEM field, but they must be United States citizens or nationals to be eligible. They must show proof of citizenship when applying for these awards, and they must hold strong academic standing. Eligibility for the latter program opens up in the final year of undergraduate studies.

What Can You Do With a PhD Degree in Cyber Security?

When considering the pursuit of a doctorate degree, students must determine if it is worth the time and money for their cybersecurity career opportunity. Entry-level positions only require the completion of an undergraduate degree in this discipline, or a similar discipline such as computer science or information assurance. Advanced and senior positions can be obtained with a PhD, along with more research-focused positions in academia.

PhD degrees are geared for individuals that are looking at managerial and executive positions at industries that are looking to implement or improve their cybersecurity practices. They must understand advanced processes and be able to determine what they should do for their existing systems, or what is compatible with their information systems if they are moving to cloud-based solutions in the future.

Director positions review the analysis of network and computer security practices and make significant decisions on how the company should continue forward. They must follow the latest innovations in security measures that are being improved upon in order to keep their systems secure. It is important to keep the information technology sector updated with the latest security measures and to stay ahead of the latest hacking attacks.

Academic positions will offer more researching opportunities beyond completing the dissertation at the end of the PhD degree program. Further reports can help improve the entire field of cybersecurity when published in academic journals, or these can provide a specific focus within an industry, such as health care or the finance sector. They can also use this knowledge as a professor in a technology or engineering course within cybersecurity.

Career Opportunities

Looking at specific jobs in cybersecurity while holding a PhD degree, being a security engineer is a popular position to consider with the advanced knowledge needed in developing the architecture of an information system and making sure it is secure. These are more for advanced or senior positions that require numerous years of professional experience or hold advanced certification, like the CISSP, which is geared more toward individuals looking at management positions.

Another popular position is chief information security officer , which the job title can be slightly alternative based on the organization they are working at. Bigger enterprises will have specific designations for a CISO, but some smaller companies may only have a chief technology officer that deals with the security measures that are implemented into the organization.

When disaster strikes at an organization, the CISO is usually responsible for working with federal government or legal workers in order to determine what the next steps are needed after a data breach occurs. They are also responsible for moving forward with disaster recovery measures and working with any clients or employees that are affected. In addition, they are usually responsible for making final decisions on new implementations in the information system security processes.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics , information security analyst make a mean annual wage of $104,210 across the United States. This is slightly higher for those working directly in computer systems design, which is geared for those with more experience in computer engineering and architecture.

At the higher spectrum of estimated wages in this position, workers are making an average of $158,860 among the top 10 percent. Some of the top states to consider when looking at the highest wages are New York, Virginia, and California. The highest state overall is New York with over 7,000 workers represented and over $121,750 being made on an annual basis.

In addition to the state of Virginia having the most employment opportunity in any state with over 15,000 employed, the annual estimated wage across the state is at $114,760. For the District of Columbia alone, there are 2,000 workers represented and estimated $119,160 made annually. This also makes the largest metropolitan area in terms of employment when adding in the cities of Arlington and Alexandria with Washington DC.

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Online Master's Degree

Digital forensics & cyber investigation, degree at a glance.

• Transfer up to 12 credits
• All courses available online
• Select hybrid courses available

TUITION RATES

• $694 per credit (in-state)
• $694 per credit (out-of-state)
• $336 per credit (military)
• Other fees may apply

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Develop the cutting-edge skills and knowledge you need to become a digital forensics expert..

The online master’s degree in digital forensics and cyber investigation from University of Maryland Global Campus is designed to prepare you to meet the growing demand for investigative, leadership, and executive skills in analyzing and mitigating cyber crime. Learn how to determine whether a digital system has been attacked or compromised, and master reliable methods to identify, preserve, analyze, and present evidence for legal prosecution and administrative proceedings.

• Requirements

Total Credits Required: 30

Core courses  .

Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation Foundations (3 Credits, DFCS 605)

Collection and Examination of Digital Evidence (3 Credits, DFCS 615)

Windows Forensics and Security (3 Credits, DFCS 625)

Linux Forensics and Security (3 Credits, DFCS 635) 

Cloud and Network Forensics (3 Credits, DFCS 645)

Elective Courses

Take four 3-credit elective courses (outlined under Select Digital Forensics Elective Courses ) for a total of 12 credits .

Capstone Course

Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation Capstone (3 Credits, DFCS 690)

This program requires a total of  12 elective credits . To fulfill this requirement, you'll need to take four of the courses listed below.

• Where specified, if you take four courses from a topic area, you may be able to earn a graduate certificate.
• You may also choose to mix and match these credits to retain a more general focus.

Advanced Log Analysis (3 Credits, DFCS 655)

Network Intrusions (3 Credits, DFCS 660)

Digital Forensics Case Management and Reporting (3 Credits, DFCS 665)

Legal, Ethical, and Regulatory Requirements for Digital Forensics (3 Credits, DFCS 685)

Workplace Learning in Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation (3 Credits, DFCS 686)

Cybersecurity Management & Policy

Complete these four courses to earn a graduate certificate in cybersecurity management and policy :

Foundations of Cybersecurity Management (3 Credits, CMAP 605)

Cybersecurity Defense Strategies (3 Credits, CMAP 615)

Cybersecurity Risk Management (3 Credits, CMAP 625)

Cybersecurity Governance (3 Credits, CMAP 635)

Cybersecurity Technology

Complete these four courses to earn a graduate certificate in cybersecurity technology :

Introduction to Cybersecurity (3 Credits, CTCH 605)

Cybersecurity Threats and Analysis (3 Credits, CTCH 615)

Cybersecurity for Systems and Networks (3 Credits, CTCH 625)

Cybersecurity Attack Prevention Strategies (3 Credits, CTCH 635)

Data Analytics

Complete these four courses to earn a graduate certificate in business analytics :

Decision Analytics (3 Credits, DATA 605)

AI Ethics (3 Credits, DATA 615)

Data Visualization (3 Credits, DATA 625)

Data Management (3 Credits, DATA 635)

General Master's Degree Requirements

• You must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher at all times.
• All degree requirements must be fulfilled within five consecutive years.
• Any transfer credits must have been earned within the above five-year time frame to be applied toward a graduate degree.
• Please review the  overall master’s degree requirements  for additional considerations.

Accelerated Pathway

If you completed your undergraduate degree at UMGC with a major in cybersecurity technology, an  accelerated pathway between UMGC's graduate and undergraduate degree programs in this field may allow you to reduce your total coursework for this program by up to 9 credits .

Explore the MARS Program in Your Courses

Some of UMGC's online cyber graduate courses utilize the Multi-Dimensional Applied Relevant System (MARS), an AI-driven virtual learning platform that allows students to demonstrate their abilities and apply their cyber skills in a practical, immersive environment.

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These requirements are for students who enroll in the  2024–2025 academic year . For prior year requirements, visit our catalog archive.

Master’s Degree Requirements

Program highlights.

Develop skills and gain knowledge through coursework that draws from the expertise and experience of our respected faculty.

Industry Snapshot

This program is designed to help prepare you for work in government organizations, the private sector, and law enforcement agencies in the areas of computer and digital crime.

You might be interested in similar programs

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Industry Certification Exams

This program is designed to help prepare you for the following certification exams:

• EC-Council Certified Incident Handler
• EnCase Certified Examiner (EnCE)
• GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA)
• GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner (GCFE)
• GIAC Network Forensic Analyst (GNFA)

Additional Program Information

• Experience Recommended for Success
• Technology Requirements
• Student Organizations

We recommend having a background in computing and programming for this program. Strong writing skills are also encouraged.

For some of the upper-level cybersecurity and IT courses in this program, you will need equipment that meets the following specifications. Courses in graphics- or computing-intensive disciplines may require a higher processing speed, more RAM, and/or better screen resolution.

Hardware Requirements

• 64-bit processor, Intel Core i5 (7th generation or higher), or equivalent (e.g., AMD, M1) 
• Processor speed: 1.5 GHz or higher (2 GHz recommended) 
• Storage: At least 250 GB (SSD [preferred] or HD), with at least 30 percent free space 
• RAM: At least 4 GB (8 GB recommended) 
• Display/monitor: Minimum 13” 
• Screen resolution: Minimum 1280 px x 1024 px 
• Keyboard and mouse/trackpad 
• High-speed Internet connection (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) 
• 32-bit video card

Operating System

Choose one of the following:

• Windows 10 (recommended; version 1909 or higher required for any course using Adobe Creative Cloud) 
• Mac OS X 10.15 or higher 
• Ubuntu 18.04+ (or other Linux LTS) 
• Microsoft Office 2019 or later (Office 365 Education is available for free with your student email address.) 
• Most recent version/update of a web browser (Firefox, Safari, or Chrome) 
• Antivirus software 
• Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader 

Additional Recommendations

• Built-in camera (or USB port for a webcam)
• Built-in microphone and speakers (or USB ports for external audio devices)

Computing Club

The Computing Club provides a dynamic environment where members can work collaboratively, share innovative ideas, enhance their career-readiness, and gain marketable experience in their respective fields. It is available to graduate or undergraduate students, alumni, faculty, and staff members. Students and alumni can join the Computing Club group on CareerQuest .

Cyber Competition Team

The Cyber Competition Team represents UMGC at various cybersecurity events and tournaments nationwide. Being a member of the team gives students an opportunity to develop their cybersecurity skills and network with other students. The team is open to undergraduate and graduate students and alumni through a tryout process. Email jesse.varsalone@umgc.edu or visit the team webpage to learn more.

Upsilon Pi Epsilon (Computing & Technology Disciplines)

Upsilon Pi Epsilon, the international honor society for the computing and IT disciplines, is designed to promote the computing and information sciences and to encourage the enhancement of knowledge in the field. Upsilon Pi Epsilon is open to both undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing a degree in the computing and information science disciplines. Membership is by invitation only.

Undergraduate membership is open to students majoring in one of the computing disciplines who have completed at least 45 credit hours towards their degree, including 30 or more credits at UMGC (in graded coursework) and at least 15 credits from information technology and computer science courses. Undergraduate students need to have a cumulative GPA of a 3.5 or higher and a GPA of 3.5 or higher in all coursework taken from the information technology and computer science courses.

Graduate student membership is open to students pursuing a master's degree in cloud computing systems, cyber operations, cybersecurity management and policy, cybersecurity technology, data analytics, or digital forensics and cyber investigation; a master's degree in information technology with a concentration in database systems technology, informatics, information assurance, software engineering, or systems engineering; or a legacy master's degree in cybersecurity. Graduate students must have completed at least 18 resident credits towards their degree at UMGC, with a cumulative GPA of a 3.5 or higher.

For more information, please email upe@umgc.edu .

What is a master's in digital forensics and cyber investigation?

A master's in digital forensics and cyber investigation is a graduate-level program that focuses on the identification, preservation, analysis, and presentation of digital evidence in a legal context. UMGC's online Master of Science in Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation degree is a 30-credit program that covers topics like forensic examination tools and technologies, best practices in forensic examinations, artifact reconstruction and recovery, evidentiary volume and encryption, and more. Graduates of the program are prepared for careers as digital forensic analysts, forensic examiners, forensic consultants, and information security managers.

Is a master's degree in digital forensics and cyber investigation worth it?

At UMGC, we want you to be happy with the investment you make in your education, and we work hard to keep our programs affordable . When you choose to pursue your master's in digital forensics and cyber investigation at UMGC, you can rest assured that the quality of our curriculum is backed by the reputation of an accredited state university and a member institution of the University System of Maryland . Deciding whether an online master's degree in digital forensics and cyber investigation is worth it for you ultimately depends on your individual needs and goals. If you're not sure whether this is the right program for you or need help figuring out how to fit the program into your life, don't hesitate to reach out to us —our advisors and success coaches are happy to help.

How long does it take to get a master's in digital forensics and cyber investigation?

UMGC's online master's degree in digital forensics and cyber investigation is a 30-credit program with courses offered year-round. If you take two courses per term, you can finish the program in as little as 18 months. If you recently completed an undergraduate degree in cybersecurity technology at UMGC, you may be able to apply 6 credits toward your graduate degree and shorten your time to completion by one term.

How much does a master's in digital forensics and cyber investigation cost?

UMGC is committed to keeping our tuition and fees as affordable as possible. The master's degree in digital forensics and cyber investigation follows the specialty graduate program tuition rates, which appear at the top of this webpage. We also offer scholarships , an interest-free monthly payment plan , and no-cost digital materials in place of most textbooks to help make your education more affordable.

What background do I need to get a master's in digital forensics and cyber investigation?

You don't need to have majored in any specific area to be successful in the master's in digital forensics and cyber investigation at UMGC. However, we do recommend you have a background in computing and programming. Strong writing skills are also encouraged.

Whom is the Master of Science in Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation geared toward?

This program is designed for those who want to develop skills and competencies in the analysis of digital evidence. This may lead to positions tracking cyber intruders or digital evidence within government and private organizations as well as law enforcement.

What will I get from the Master of Science in digital forensics and cyber investigation?

This program focuses on the investigation area of a cyber attack and collecting evidence from digital assets of other specific activity. It will help you develop your competencies in finding, accessing and analyzing digital evidence left on a variety of devices from computers to smartphones and tablets. The program will require that you become adept with network, computer, and digital analysis technologies at an intermediate level.

Suzan L., Guam MS in Digital Forensics & Cyber Investigation

Our helpful admissions advisors can help you choose an academic program to fit your career goals, estimate your transfer credits, and develop a plan for your education costs that fits your budget. If you’re a current UMGC student, please visit the Help Center .

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How to Get a PhD in Forensic Science

Forensic scientists work hand-in-hand with law enforcement, using advanced scientific techniques to analyze and interpret criminal evidence. The National Center for Forensic Science (NCFS) defines forensics as “science exercised in the service of law.” Common applications of forensic science in crime scene investigation include fingerprint analysis, ballistics, body identification, DNA profiling, and toxicology.

Leaders in forensic science research typically come to the field with a PhD in law and criminal justice and related scientific field. Chemistry, biochemistry, and computer science are the most common contexts of advanced forensics education. A growing number of science PhD programs offer a concentration in forensic analysis. Several programs have also developed a dedicated PhD in forensic science.

Achieving the highest degree in forensics takes vision and dedication. Whether you choose to pursue a PhD in analytical chemistry, computer forensics, or forensic science, you can expect a rigorous four to six years of graduate education culminating in original scholarship. This guide helps you prepare for a successful academic journey, from defining your research interests to submitting your PhD applications.

A Guide to the PhD in Forensic Science

Forensic science practices date back centuries. The development of forensics as an academic discipline, however, is a more recent phenomenon. Forensic science entered the academy in 1902, with the establishment of a forensic photography department at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland. By mid-century, forensics gained recognition as a criminal justice discipline. The American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS) was formed in 1950, and several years later the influential guide Crime Investigation offered a comprehensive account of forensics theory and practice.

Forensic science has gained momentum in the past decades, in response to advances in chemical and digital analytics. As the field grows more and more technically advanced, demand is increasing for forensics experts trained in advanced scientific methods. To learn more about forensics, visit WorldWideLearn.com’s Guide to Majors, where you’ll find a specific section devoted to crime scene investigation.

Doctoral Degree Options in Forensic Science

Despite the growing demand for forensic scientists, PhD programs in forensic science remain scarce. Advanced scholars and practitioners typically come to the field with an advanced degree in a related science–chemistry, biology, or computer science. Some programs in these sciences offer a forensic science concentration or a joint master’s-PhD degree. Sample degree titles include: “PhD in Analytical Chemistry and Master of Forensic Science,” “PhD in Chemistry and Forensic Science,” and “PhD in Computer Science with a concentration in Digital Forensics.”

Other sciences that may be combined with a forensic science master’s degree include: entomology, geology, anthropology, psychology, pathology, dentistry, and archaeology.

Specializations

Forensic science specializations generally fall into one of three categories: biological evidence, physical evidence, and digital evidence. Biological and physical forensics doctorates are typically available in the context of an analytical chemistry or biochemistry department. Digital forensics is a computer science specialty.

Biological Evidence

The biological evidence field draws on biochemistry and molecular biology knowledge to analyze biological specimens such as blood, hair, semen, and genetic material. Research specialties in biological forensics include:

• Messenger RNA profiling
• DNA analysis
• Mass disaster genetics
• Genome amplification
• Y-Chromosome analysis

Physical Evidence

Physical forensics applies chemistry and physics knowledge to the analysis of non-biological trace evidence such as ignitable liquids, explosives, fiber specimens, and glass.

Research specialties include:

• Explosives and accelerant analysis
• Textile and fiber dye analysis
• Fire debris analysis
• Glass and paint analysis
• Polymer Science
• Controlled biological systems for evidence detection

Technologies used in physical forensics include liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) for explosives and fiber analysis, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for explosives, scanning electron microscopy, capillary electrophoresis (CE), ion mobility spectrometry (IMS), laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for glass, and advanced computational methods.

Digital Evidence

Digital forensics is the analysis of “information of probative value that is stored or transmitted in a binary form”–that is, data collected from electronic or digital media such as computers and portable hard drives.

Specialties in digital forensics include:

• Intrusion forensics
• Network forensics
• Device-based specialties (game console, Mac OS, portable electronic devices)
• Digital evidence markup language (modeling digital evidence to facilitate data sharing among law enforcement agencies)

Developing a specific vision of your research interests will help you seek out a program with the resources–faculty, lab equipment, and funding–to support research in your chosen forensic science specialty. Since most forensic science graduate students pursue their PhD in the context of a general science department, the availability of forensics research support cannot be taken for granted.

Career Track

A PhD in forensic science typically leads to an academic or public-sector career. The academic career path emphasizes university teaching and research. Professional career opportunities emphasize research, consulting, and lab director positions at government agencies. County and state law enforcement, the FBI, and the Department of Homeland Security employ top forensic specialists. Doctoral graduates may also pursue senior scientist and director positions in private research laboratories.

The doctoral degree qualifies you for job titles such as:

• University professor
• Crime lab director
• Crime scene examiner
• Forensic engineer
• Senior forensic scientist

It’s important to have a general idea of your career ambitions before you apply to the PhD program. An academic career goal, for example, will lead you to a campus program with a strong faculty mentorship and graduate student teaching program. Professional career ambitions, by contrast, are better served in a campus or online PhD program with strong industry ties.

Plan for a PhD in Crime Scene and Forensics

Once you’ve clarified your research interests and career goals, you’re in a good position to research doctoral program options in forensic science. This guide takes you through the logistics of preparing for graduate school, from finding a program to completing and submitting your applications.

Step One: Find the Right Graduate Forensic Science Program

Your forensic science PhD is likely to be a custom program created in the context of a general science field. It’s important, therefore, to find a university that not only offers a forensic science concentration, but also supports your research goals with forensics faculty, labs, and funding.

1. List Accredited PhD Programs

Begin by listing all accredited institutions that offer a doctoral degree or degree concentration in forensic science. Accreditation is an important criterion for your search–it ensures the value of your degree and factors into your eligibility for federal funding. Independent accreditation agencies define educational standards and conduct regular program reviews. The U.S. Department of Education maintains a list of approved national and regional accreditation agencies.

The American Academy of Forensic Sciences features a comprehensive list of college and universities that offer graduate forensic science programs. Search this list for campus or online doctoral programs in forensic science. The site also includes a list of programs accredited by the AAFS Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission.

WorldWideLearn.com represents a selection of accredited programs in forensics and related sciences. Search Degrees by Subject to find an online or campus PhD program in forensic science or a related field.

2. Choose Campus or Online Format

The logistics of getting a PhD can be daunting, especially for mid-career professionals who don’t have the flexibility to attend a four- to six-year full-time campus program. Fortunately, many universities offer both online and campus degree formats. Format options include the traditional campus PhD, campus programs with online course options, online programs with temporary campus residencies, and all-online programs.

Campus PhD programs remain a great option for students with academic career ambitions. Students have full access to campus research facilities and develop close working relationships with faculty mentors and peers. In addition, the campus PhD offers academic apprenticeships in the form of graduate student teaching opportunities and research assistant positions.

Online PhD programs in forensic science can work well for students pursuing a professional career. Graduate students already working in the forensics field may have access to research facilities through their job. Many online programs encourage students to develop a dissertation project in the context of their professional practice.

Find doctoral programs with your chosen delivery format at WorldWideLearn.com’s Online Degree Programs and Campus Education pages. The Degrees by Location search tool helps you identify campus programs near you.

3. Explore Academic Programs

This is the heart of your quest for the perfect forensic PhD: finding an academic program that fits your research and career goals.

Some of the factors to consider as you investigate individual academic programs include:

• Forensic science degree options (full PhD, joint PhD, or PhD research concentration)
• Faculty research areas
• Labs equipped with forensic research tools
• Curriculum and course requirements
• Relationships with private- and public-sector R&D laboratories
• Research funding
• Forensic science publications, associations, conferences, etc.

You can streamline the research process by focusing on the presence of resident forensic science faculty. If you can find a mentor in your forensics specialty, the other resources are likely to follow.

WorldWideLearn.com can put you in touch with science PhD programs that meet your basic criteria. Fill out an online form indicating your program interests, and the system automatically links you with matching schools. A school representative or admissions counselor will contact you by phone or email to discuss forensic science program options and resources.

School Web sites can help you identify which science PhD programs support a forensic science specialty degree. You’ll find links to professor CVs and publications, student dissertation titles, partnerships with crime labs or forensics associations, and other pertinent information.

Academic journals offer a means of identifying potential faculty mentors who share your research interests. You can also get a sense of which universities support research in your field. Major journals include the Journal of Forensic Sciences and Forensic Science International .

4. Evaluate Program Quality

Finally, rank your programs based on quality and reputation. Factors that indicate the potential value of your educational investment include:

• Selectivity
• Job Placement Statistics
• Student Body Profile
• Student-Teacher Ratio
• Research Funding Awards

Rankings offer a quick means of gauging a PhD program’s reputation and selectivity. Since the PhD in forensic science is rare, you’re unlikely to find a specific ranking for the field. Instead, look for rankings in criminal justice and relevant science disciplines. Examples include:

• U.S. News & World Report , Chemistry Specialty Rankings: Analytical
• The National Research Council , Assessment of Research Doctorate Programs. Relevant sub-fields include: Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Numerical Analysis/Scientific Computing, Pathology, Polymer Science, Biological Anthropology, Criminology and Criminal Justice.
• The Center for Measuring University Performance , The Top American Research Universities, 2008 Annual Report

Departmental data sheets include statistics on selectivity (average GPA and test scores of admitted applicants), career placement, tenure, average post-graduate salary, and more. This document is usually available from the admissions department upon request.

Campus visits offer a firsthand look at a program’s forensic science resources. Tour forensics labs, meet with faculty in your field, talk with graduate students, and visit a forensic science course.

Step Two: Apply to PhD Programs in Forensic Science

With your list of campus or online PhD programs in hand, you’re ready to prepare your forensic science doctorate applications. Requirements for each program will be different, but in general you can expect to encounter the following:

1. Doctoral Eligibility Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in forensic science or a related field. If necessary, you can supplement your background with undergraduate courses in forensics or basic science before applying.
• Standardized tests . Most programs require the GRE for all applicants and the TOEFL for international students.
• Work experience. Some programs prefer work experience in forensic science or crime scene investigation.

2. Application Requirements

• Academic transcripts
• Test scores
• Two or three letters of recommendation from faculty or professional colleagues
• Personal statement of research interests
• Financial statements, if you’re applying for financial aid

3. Financial Aid Requirements

Universities typically attach a financial aid package to the admissions offer. Funding may include fellowships, teaching and research assistantships, tuition support, and federal student loans. To supplement the school’s funding package, pursue additional sources of financial aid. Options to consider include:

• Employer tuition assistance
• Private scholarships
• Student loans
• Research grants

WorldWideLearn.com’s Education Resources Guide offers information on test preparation, online learning, prerequisite courses, and financial aid.

Step Three: Join the Academic Community

The period between the application deadline and the first day of the program doesn’t have to be an extended waiting game. Take advantage of academic networking opportunities to start building relationships with your new peers. Resources available to you now include:

1. Academic and Professional Forensic Science Associations

Join forensic science organizations to meet other scholars who share your interests. Major associations include:

• American Academy of Forensic Sciences
• National Center for Forensic Sciences
• National Forensic Association
• American College of Forensic Examiners

There are also many specialized forensics associations, such as the Scientific Working Group on Digital Evidence and the Technical Working Group on Fire and Explosives.

2. Academic Research Publications

Subscribe to and read academic and professional journals to get a sense of trends and leading researchers in your field.

3. Conferences and Networking Events

Most national associations have local chapters that sponsor networking events. Or attend a national conference for an overview of current research.

Forensic scientists are continually developing new ways of applying scientific research methods to the analysis of criminal evidence. A PhD takes you to the top of the forensic science field, where you’ll advance the practice of crime scene investigation for the next generation. By planning your educational journey now, you’re setting yourself up for a successful career as a forensic science leader.

• American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS).
• Assessment of Research Doctorate Programs, National Research Council.
• Chemistry PhD, Forensic Science Concentration, University of Central Florida.
• Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs, U.S. Department of Education.
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) with Forensic Science Emphasis, Florida International University.
• Forensic Science, University of Central Florida.
• Joint PhD Opportunities in Forensic Science, Michigan State University.
• National Center for Forensic Science (NCFS).
• Programs in Law, The Sloan Consortium.
• Scientific Working Group on Digital Evidence (SWGDE).
• The Top American Research Universities, 2008 Annual Report , The Center for Measuring University Performance.  
• Top Criminology Graduate Programs, U.S. News & World Report (2009).
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Zk-cloud forensics: privacy-aware and tamper-proof cloud forensics using a public key trust infrastructure, phd research project.

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Online Doctoral Programs (PhD) in Forensic Science

When human life is lost, law enforcement officers and forensic science specialists must determine the motivation for a crime and the cause of death. As simple as this formula seems, humans alone cannot be trusted to provide witness testimony. Enter the work of experienced forensic scientists who prove or determine probable fault using laboratory-based and carefully constructed questions when interviewing witnesses.

Leading forensic scientists and psychologists can practice their craft with a bachelor’s or master’s degree, but to delve into the nuanced areas of forensics and leadership, some senior-level positions require a doctoral degree in forensic science.

When two witnesses point fingers at each other, saying the other is guilty, forensic science takes a multidisciplinary approach to provide essential information to bring criminals to justice. A case report involving the murder of a 55-year-old man illustrates the need for a multidisciplinary approach. The man accused of killing his neighbor admits he killed him in self-defense, but relatives of the murder victim say that there were other motivations not being admitted.

To provide more details, a forensic scientist can serve as a medical examiner, a forensic chemist can do ballistics analysis, and a forensic psychologist can conduct interviews to determine the mental health state of the accused murderer so that justice can be served with accuracy.

Forensic scientists and psychologists working in the field can pursue doctoral degree options to bolster their expertise. Read on to learn more about online doctoral programs in forensic science.

Featured Online PhDs Related to Forensic Science

At present, there are no online doctoral programs in forensic science that can be completed 100 percent online. Because forensic science is a laboratory-based discipline, most programs require students to be on campus at least part-time for research and clinical work.

However, there are PhD programs that fall under the umbrella of forensic science, such as forensic biology, chemistry, and psychology. Applicants interested in these programs are strongly encouraged to learn about the accreditation status of these programs, which is discussed in detail below.

Walden University (Related Program)

Walden University in Minneapolis, Minnesota is unique because it offers the only online PhD program in forensic psychology. Students in this program can choose from a regular or fast-track option which enables students to waive up to six courses or 53 credits from the master’s degree in forensic psychology. The program also has optional four-day intensives focused on key topics.

Students in this doctoral program can also choose from seven unique specializations to focus their studies on a specific field of forensic psychology: general, criminal justice (self-designed), crisis leadership management, crisis response, legal issues in forensic psychology, self-designed program, and victimology. This program also provides two tracks: one for students with a master’s degree in forensic psychology and one for those with a GPA of 3.0 on their bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree in another discipline.

Some of the courses in the curriculum include themes and theories of psychology; abnormal behavior; criminal behavior; understanding violence, risk, and threat assessment; advanced issues in forensic psychology; treatment of forensic populations; psychology in the courts; police psychology; and consulting for organizational change.

• Location: Minneapolis, MN
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Expected Time to Completion: Four to eight years
• Estimated Tuition: Tracks 1 & 2 ($600 per quarter-hour); fast track ($6,970 per term)

Fielding Graduate University (Related Program)

Fielding Graduate University offers a doctoral program in clinical psychology with an optional concentration in forensic psychology and is accredited by the American Psychological Association.

Blending in-person learning opportunities with digital formats, this PhD program includes in-person and online seminars, meetings with faculty members and other students, weeklong residential sessions, and clinical and research training experiences. The program includes a clinical practicum as well as a clinical doctoral internship. Apart from these, the program also includes two additional in-person residency requirements.

Admission requirements to the program include a bachelor’s degree, a minimum GPA of 3.0, an online application form, a curriculum vitae (CV), a statement of purpose, a critical thinking writing sample, three letters of recommendation, and official transcripts. GRE scores are not required for admission.

The curriculum includes core courses in developmental bases of behavior; history and systems of psychology; social bases of behavior; cognitive and affective bases of behavior; psychopathology; multicultural psychology. Courses in the forensic psychology concentration include forensic psychology; ethics in forensic psychology; forensic assessment in civil court; malingering and deception; evaluations for the immigration courts; forensic assessment in criminal cases; and forensic psychology lab.

• Location: Santa Barbara, CA
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC); American Psychological Association (APA)
• Expected Time to Completion: Five to six years
• Estimated Tuition: $9,700 per term

University of Arizona Global Campus (Related Program)

The University of Arizona Global Campus offers an online doctor of psychology (PsyD) program that helps students in building their knowledge base in the systems and history of psychology, and then students will be able to focus their PsyD degree by selecting a concentration that aligns with their specific research and career interests.

With the criminology and justice studies specialization, students will develop their expertise in criminal behavior and the corrections systems and criminal justice. Students in this specialization will be prepared to use psychological principles to solve complex real-world issues regarding justice and crime.

The PsyD includes ten core courses, seven specialization courses, and a capstone seminar. Students will then complete an applied doctoral project, which includes two planning courses and five units of the applied doctoral project.

Comprising 62 credits, the curriculum includes courses such as contemporary criminological theory; types & characteristics of crime; advanced analysis of criminal justice processes; juvenile justice; mental health & crime; drugs, addiction, & crime; and evaluating criminal justice interventions.

• Location: Chandler, AZ
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
• Expected Time to Completion: Four years
• Estimated Tuition: $1,082 per credit

On-Campus Doctoral Programs in Forensic Science

As previously mentioned, no fully online doctoral programs lead to a PhD in forensic science, but there are forensic science doctoral programs in related subfields.

Here are on-campus doctoral programs in forensic chemistry, forensic mental health counseling, forensic science, and forensic psychology.

West Virginia University

West Virginia University’s PhD in forensic science program is unique in that it is only the second such program in the United States. Students in this PhD will be prepared to work as professionals in government laboratories, private industries, or academia as laboratory specialists. Students in this program must successfully complete a minimum of 71 credits. The program also includes a dissertation proposal presentation, an oral defense of the dissertation, and an oral qualifying examination.

In this research-intensive program, students study the foundations of criminalistics using research design, qualitative methods, statistical analysis, and communication skills in scientific writing and presenting. All students take a common core of advanced forensic science courses and other courses determined by their dissertation committees.

• Location: Morgantown, WV
• Accreditation: Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC); Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Estimated Tuition: Resident ($513 per credit); non-resident ($1,449)

Florida International University

Florida International University offers a doctor of philosophy (PhD) in chemistry with a forensic science track. This track prepares graduates for research in environmental and biogeochemistry with an emphasis on forensic science applications. This track has two tracks to choose from: an analytical chemistry/trace concentration and a biochemistry/DNA analysis concentration.

Students in this program benefit from collaborative agreements with local, state, national, and international agencies and learn about detecting trace amounts of evidence at crime scenes, DNA typing in mass disasters, and canine screening for explosives.

Research projects are coordinated by the International Forensic Research Institute, and graduates from this program go to work in government laboratories with the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, Secret Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

• Location: Miami, FL
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Estimated Tuition: In-state ($4,101 per semester); out-of-state ($9,015 per semester)

Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University offers a doctor of philosophy in forensic science program providing students with problem-solving skills; advanced, discipline-specific knowledge; and critical thinking ability allowing them to advance into leadership positions. To achieve this, students will develop the ability to perform independent research, complete multidisciplinary academic coursework, gain hands-on experience in laboratories, and collaborate with accredited forensic laboratories, partners, and institutes.

Consisting of 86 credits beyond the bachelor’s degree, students will complete 43 credits of core coursework, a minimum of 15 credits of dissertation research, and an additional 28 credits of electives. Sample some of the courses in the curriculum: forensic instrumental analysis; controlled substances; pattern and physical evidence concepts; forensic biology; forensic toxicology; law and forensic sciences; and quality assurance and ethical conduct in forensic science.

• Location: Huntsville, TX
• Expected Time to Completion: Five years
• Estimated Tuition: Texas resident ($320.25 per credit); out-of-state ($728.25 per credit)

Other Online Forensic Science Programs to Consider

Bachelor’s degree holders who want to begin graduate studies in forensic science and related fields can consider two-year master’s degree programs. This degree option offers clinical and research-based rigor to prepare students for future doctoral studies.

Here are three online master’s programs in forensic science and psychology and one hybrid (online and on-campus) forensic science program which can prepare graduates for doctoral-level coursework in forensic science or psychology.

Oklahoma State University (MS in Forensic Science)

Oklahoma State University offers a hybrid master of science in forensic science with several concentration options (two of them are FEPAC-accredited). These concentrations include arson and explosives investigation; forensic investigative sciences; forensic biology/DNA (accredited by FEPAC); forensic chemistry/toxicology (accredited by FEPAC); and forensic psychology.

The concentration in forensic biology/DNA is a 36-credit FEPAC-accredited program that can be completed part- or full-time and features a death scene investigation track for those who have taken forensic science or biology, genetics, or molecular biology courses at the undergraduate level.

In the first year of the program, students can choose to take courses on-campus or online and the second year includes laboratory and research courses that must be taken on campus. Students have seven years to complete the requirements and must maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout their time in the program.

The curriculum includes courses such as the survey of forensic sciences; molecular biology; population genetics; forensic bioscience; ethical research and scientific writing; quality assurance in forensic science; methods in forensic sciences; criminalistics and evidence analysis; advanced criminalistics; and forensic statistics.

• Location: Tulsa, OK
• Expected Time to Completion: Oklahoma residents ($233.80 per credit); non-residents ($879.75 per credit); non-residents – online only ($364 per credit)

University of North Dakota (MA in Forensic Psychology)

The University of North Dakota offers an online master of arts in forensic psychology that prepares graduates for civil and criminal justice systems work. This 30-credit program is offered fully online and part-time to meet the needs of working students.

The curriculum includes courses such as psychology and law; research methods in forensic psychology; advanced social psychology; behavior pathology; readings in psychology; cognitive psychology; diversity psychology; eyewitness testimony memory; and supervised fieldwork.

Graduates from this program are prepared to conduct focus groups in legal settings for jury selection, select and use appropriate assessment tools, evaluate programs using research-based methods, and assist in addressing forensic issues in legal settings.

• Location: Grand Forks, ND
• Expected Time to Completion: 1.5 to two years
• Estimated Tuition: $588.65 per credit

Walden University (MS in Forensic Psychology)

Walden University offers a 48-credit online master’s of science (MS) in forensic psychology. As mentioned above, students in this master’s program have the option of applying up to half of their master’s coursework towards an online PhD in forensic psychology which saves students time and money and enables them to earn MS and PhD degrees on a faster timeline.

The master’s program offers eleven specializations related to forensic psychology and other sub-fields of forensic science: criminal justice self-designed; cybercrimes; family violence; legal issues in forensic psychology; military; police psychology; self-designed learning; sex offender behavior; terrorism; victimology; and general program.

Some of the topics students will explore include foundations of graduate studies in psychology; abnormal behavior; criminal behavior; understanding forensic psychology research; understanding violence, risk, and threat assessment; psychological aspects of violent crime; victimology; and criminal investigative analysis and profiling.

• Expected Time to Completion: 18 to 24 months
• Estimated Tuition: $548 per quarter hour

Arizona State University (Master’s in Forensic Science)

Arizona State University’s online professional science master’s in forensic science (PSM) program allows currently working forensic science professionals to consider career advancement in sectors such as law enforcement, forensic science, medicolegal, and other closely related fields.

To be considered for admission, applicants must have earned a bachelor of science or bachelor of arts degree in a related field with a minimum GPA of 2.75. Additionally, applicants must complete an online application and submit official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and an up-to-date resume. Proof of English language proficiency is required of applicants whose native language is not English.

The program comprises 30 credits, including coursework in forensic science and governance; ethics in forensic science; laboratory leadership, policy, and practice; advanced forensic psychology; advanced topics in human forensic DNA; applied biostatistics in medicine and informatics; biostatistics and data management; criminal procedure of investigations for social and forensic scientists; and forensic toxicology; among others.

• Location: Phoenix, AZ
• Expected Time to Completion: Two years
• Estimated Tuition: $847 per credit

Forensic Science PhD Admission Requirements

To be admitted into a forensic science PhD program, applicants must meet certain academic requirements. Here’s a list of documents commonly requested when applying for a doctoral program in forensic science:

• A personal statement (typically 1,000 words or less)
• Application fee
• A resume with one to two years of professional experience in forensic science
• A background check (especially for competitive internships for program credit)
• Competitive Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
• GRE Subject Test scores (generally optional)
• Interview (in-person, phone, or web-based)
• Letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts from all undergraduate (and/or graduate) institutions with a stellar GPA (e.g., >3.5)
• Proof of having completed specific coursework in a relevant major (e.g., forensic science, natural science, chemistry, biology)
• Proof of professional publications (recommended, but not always required)
• TOEFL scores (for non-native speakers of English only)

Common Courses & Requirements for Forensic Science PhD Programs

Each forensic science or psychology doctoral program has its own unique requirements for students to meet to be considered for admission and graduate from the program. Here is a list of common degree requirements and course titles.

Credit Requirements for Forensic Science Programs

• Foundational courses (3-6 credits)
• Advanced coursework (24-30 credits)
• Research methods (9-12 credits)
• Specialization courses (12-15 credits)
• Dissertation writing (3-6 credits)
• Residencies, internships, clinical practicums (timelines vary)

Common Courses for Forensic Science and Psychology Programs

• Research methods and statistics in psychology
• Psychological research and biblical worldview
• Theories and research in industrial/organizational psychology
• Teaching of psychology
• Criminal investigative analysis and profiling
• Field experience
• Vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue
• Doctoral writing assessment
• Qualitative and quantitative reasoning and analysis
• Clinical practicum
• Clinical psychopharmacology
• Dissertation writing
• Eyewitness testimony and memory
• Ethics in forensic leadership
• The chemistry of pyrotechnics and explosives
• Fire dynamics in forensic investigations
• Computer fire modeling
• Molecular biology for the forensic scientist
• Forensic pathology and medicine
• Forensic microbiology
• Forensic toxicology
• Criminalistics and evidence analysis

Online Forensic Science PhD Residencies, Internships, or Practicums

As previously discussed, the nature of forensic science or forensic psychology involves on-campus or in-person research in laboratory or clinical settings and there are few to no online opportunities for residencies, internships, or practicums.

For illustration, Walden University requires students in its PhD in clinical psychology program to spend an Academic Year in Residence (AYR) in addition to four four-day PhD residencies. The AYR earns students 40 credits and numerous opportunities to develop skills and knowledge needed for a career as a forensic psychologist.

West Virginia University also partners with several governmental and private organizations that offer forensic science internships in federal laboratories and the Department of Homeland Security for students to gain hands-on experience during summer-only experiential learning.

Forensic Science Programmatic & Institutional Accreditation

When researching educational programs, accreditation is an essential factor to consider. Accreditation is granted to programs or institutions by national, regional, or programmatic accreditation organizations tasked with ensuring that high standards of educational quality are met.

Why is it important to verify a program or institution’s accreditation? First, accreditation validates the educational quality. Future employers look for graduates from accredited programs to ensure that their professional programs and clients receive the highest level of professionalism. And most importantly, accreditation is a requirement for state or national licensure for some careers, including forensic psychology. Sometimes, candidates can only sit for licensure exams if they have completed an accredited academic program.

Programmatic Accreditation

The Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) grants the gold standard in forensic science program accreditation. Forensic psychology programs are granted accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA). To earn programmatic accreditation requires adhering to rigorously high standards in specialized areas.

Institutional Accreditation

If any institution does not hold programmatic accreditation, then a prospective student is advised to research a school’s institutional accreditation. The United States Department of Education’s Council for Higher Education (CHEA) recognizes the following regional accrediting organizations:

• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
• Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Rachel Drummond, MEd

Rachel Drummond has given her writing expertise to ForensicsColleges.com since 2019, where she provides a unique perspective on the intersection of education, mindfulness, and the forensic sciences. Her work encourages those in the field to consider the role of mental and physical well-being in their professional success.

Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog , inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.

• Online Bachelor's in Biochemistry
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• Online Post-Master's Certificates in Forensic Nursing
• Online Doctorate (PhD) in Forensic Psychology
• Online PhD Programs in Criminal Justice
• Online PhD Programs in Cybersecurity
• Online PsyD in Forensic Psychology

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Digital Forensics Graduate Certificate

Program at a glance.

• Online, On Campus, and Blended
• Part-Time Study
• 8–12 Months to Completion
• 17 Core Faculty
• No GRE/GMAT
• Tuition & Fees—Part-Time Study*: $15,720

*Based on 2024–2025 Boston University tuition and fees.

Become a Skilled Digital Crime Investigator

Available on campus, online, and in a blended format, the Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics at Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) is designed to develop proficiency in digital crime scene investigation.

The fundamental role of digital systems in business—from computers and networks to all manner of smart devices—brings serious security challenges. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), more than $10 billion in losses have been reported since 2015, much of that as a result of hackers, criminals, and other “bad actors” attacking organizations through schemes such as business email compromise (BEC), ransomware, phishing, extortion, and personal data breaches (to name just a few).

To mitigate such risks to valuable information, it is important for IT specialists to obtain a comprehensive overview of digital forensics. The specialized BU MET certificate program in Digital Forensics provides you with a comprehensive knowledge of digital crime scene investigation and introduces topics such as forensic analysis policy and procedures, forensic analysis tools, data recovery, and investigation, among others.

#8, Best Online Master's in Computer Information Technology Programs

MET’s online master’s degrees in computer information technology are ranked #8 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for 2024.

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Computer Science Career Outlook

Top computer science careers in data science, software development, and other popular areas of IT.

Explore Careers in Digital Forensics

Why bu should be your top choice for computer science graduate study.

• Recognized & Certified: Boston University is recognized by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security as a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense and Research . BU MET’s information security programs are certified by the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS).
• Active Learning Environment: BU MET’s computer science courses ensure you get the attention you need, while introducing case studies and real-world projects that emphasize technical and theoretical knowledge—combining in-depth, practical experience with the critical skills needed to remain on the forefront of the information technology field. In addition, BU’s Center for Reliable Information Systems and Cyber Security (RISCS) offers opportunities to collaborate and participate in research on system reliability and information security.
• Engaged Faculty: In BU MET’s computer science graduate programs, you benefit from working closely with highly qualified faculty and seasoned industry leaders in a wide range of technology fields who are committed to teaching the latest technologies within the framework of ideas, concepts, and methods that drive innovation.
• Extensive Network: Study alongside peers and professionals with solid IT experience, learn from faculty who have valuable contacts across several sectors, and benefit from an alumni community with strong professional connections.
• 15:1 Class Ratio: Enjoy an exceptional student-to-instructor ratio, ensuring close interaction with faculty and access to support.
• Valuable Resources: Make use of Boston University’s extensive resources, including the Center for Career Development , Educational Resource Center , Fitness & Recreation Center , IT Help Centers , Mugar Memorial Library , Center for Antiracist Research , Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground , George Sherman Union , Rafik B. Hariri Institute for Computing and Computational Science & Engineering , and many others.
• Flexible Options: Study at the pace that works for you, evenings on campus, fully online, or in the blended format that combines on-campus and online learning. Courses begin fall, spring, and summer; online courses have two starts per term.
• Track Record: Learn from the best—BU MET’s Department of Computer Science was established in 1979 and is the longest-running computer science department at BU. Over its four decades, the department has played an important role in the emergence of IT at the University and throughout the region.

Prepare for the Future of Technology with BU MET

The four-course Digital Forensics graduate certificate is part of BU MET’s portfolio of computer science and IT graduate programs. For over forty years, the Department of Computer Science at Metropolitan College has prepared students to tackle contemporary challenges in the field. Our programs are uniquely flexible—we offer courses evenings on campus, fully online, or in a blended format that combines online study with occasional campus visits—so you can balance graduate school with your career, family, and other obligations. We take pride in providing training in critical specialization areas and emphasizing practical, insightful, and adaptable knowledge that can be immediately applied on the job while informing your career growth for years to come. We also offer extensive advising to help you identify the subjects you’ll need to achieve your career goals.

Our degree programs are certified by the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS)—the MS in Computer Information Systems has additional accreditation from the Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs ( GAC ) and the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education ( CAHIIM ). Boston University is designated a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense and Research by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security.

Gain Expertise in Digital Forensics

Metropolitan College’s Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics will equip you with:

• Advanced knowledge of the computer and mobile forensics tools necessary to launch a complete and successful digital forensics investigation in civil, criminal, or administrative cases.
• Proficiency in conducting network forensics analysis, including determining how a perpetrator or an attacker gained access to a network and transmitted felonious digital data.
• Competence sufficient to conduct a comprehensive “digital crime scene investigation” and mastery of skills pertaining to acquisition of digital evidence, conducting analysis, presenting a report, and being an expert witness in a court.

Certificate-to-Degree Pathway

Digital Forensics Graduate Certificate Curriculum

Met cs 625 business data communication and networks.

Undergraduate Prerequisites: On Campus Prerequisites: MET CS 200 Fundamentals of Information Techno logy. Or instructor^s consent. ; Undergraduate Corequisites: Restrictions: MS CIS only. This course may not be taken in conjunction with CS 425 (undergraduate) or CS 535. Only CS 535 or CS 625 can be c ounted towards degree requirements. - This course presents the foundations of data communications and takes a bottom-up approach to computer networks. The course concludes with an overview of basic network security and management concepts. Prereq: MET CS 200, or instructor's consent. This course may not be taken in conjunction with MET CS 425 (undergraduate) or MET CS 535. Only one of these courses can be counted towards degree requirements.  [ 4 cr. ]

MET CS 693 Digital Forensics and Investigations

Provides a comprehensive understanding of digital forensics and investigation tools and techniques. Learn what computer forensics and investigation is as a profession and gain an understanding of the overall investigative process. Operating system architectures and disk structures are discussed. Studies how to set up an investigator's office and laboratory, as well as what computer forensic hardware and software tools are available. Other topics covered include importance of digital evidence controls and how to process crime and incident scenes, details of data acquisition, computer forensic analysis, e-mail investigations, image file recovery, investigative report writing, and expert witness requirements. Provides a range of laboratory and hands-on assignments either in solo or in teams. With rapid growth of computer systems and digital data this area has grown in importance. Prereq: Working knowledge of windows computers, including installing and removing software. Access to a PC meeting the minimum system requirements defined in the course syllabus.  [ 4 cr. ]

MET CS 694 Mobile Forensics and Security

Overview of mobile forensics investigation techniques and tools. Topics include mobile forensics procedures and principles, related legal issues, mobile platform internals, bypassing passcode, rooting or jailbreaking process, logical and physical acquisition, data recovery and analysis, and reporting. Provides in-depth coverage of both iOS and Android platforms. Laboratory and hands-on exercises using current tools are provided and required.  [ 4 cr. ]

And one of the following:

MET CS 690 Network Security

Undergraduate Prerequisites: (METCS535 OR METCS625) or instructor's consent. - This course will cover advanced network security issues and solutions. The main focus on the first part of the course will be on Security basics, i.e. security services, access controls, vulnerabilities, threats and risk, network architectures and attacks. In the second part of the course, particular focus and emphasis will be given to network security capabilities and mechanisms (Access Control on wire-line and wireless networks), IPsec, Firewalls, Deep Packet Inspection and Transport security. The final portion of the course will address Network Application security (Email, Ad-hoc, XML/SAML and Services Oriented Architecture security. As part of our course review we will explore a number of Network Use Cases. Prereq: MET CS 535 or MET CS 625; Familiarity with OSI and TCP/IP protocol stack; Background-familiarity with binary numbers, prime numbers, binary- hexadecimal-decimal conversions, etc; Familiarity with computer programming concepts; or instructor's consent.  [ 4 cr. ]

MET CS 695 Cybersecurity

Undergraduate Prerequisites: (METCS625) or instructor's consent - This course introduces fundamental concepts, principles of cybersecurity and their use in the development of security mechanisms and policies. Topics include basic risk assessment and management; basic legal and ethics issues, various cyber attacks, defense methods and tools; security principles, models and components; different crypto protocols, techniques and tools, including symmetric and asymmetric encryption algorithms, hashing, public key infrastructure, and how they can be used; security threats and defense to hardware, operating systems, networks and applications in modern computing environments. Hands-on labs using current tools are provided and required. Prerequisite: METCS535 or METCS625 or instructor's consent.  [ 4 cr. ]

Computer Science Faculty

Guanglan Zhang

Associate Professor Chair, Computer Science

Scott Arena

Master Lecturer, Computer Science

Eric Braude

Associate Professor Director of Digital Learning, Computer Science

View All Faculty

Lou Chitkushev

Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Associate Professor, Computer Science Director, Health Informatics & Health Sciences

Suresh Kalathur

Assistant Professor, Computer Science Director, Analytics

Vijay Kanabar

Associate Professor, Computer Science and Administrative Sciences Director, Project Management

Jae Young Lee

Assistant Professor, Computer Science Coordinator, Databases

Eugene Pinsky

Associate Professor of the Practice, Computer Science Coordinator, Software Development

Reza Rawassizadeh

Associate Professor, Computer Science

Robert Schudy

Associate Professor Emeritus, Computer Science

Victor Shtern

Anatoly Temkin

Assistant Professor Emeritus, Computer Science

Shengzhi Zhang

Associate Professor Associate Chair, Computer Science

Yuting Zhang

Assistant Professor, Computer Science Director, Cybersecurity

Tanya Zlateva

Dean, Metropolitan College & Extended Education Professor of the Practice, Computer Science and Education Education Director, Information Security, Center for Reliable Information Systems & Cyber Security

Learn more about the Department of Computer Science

Tuition & Financial Assistance

Competitive tuition, comprehensive financial assistance, how much does this program cost.

BU MET programs offer the flexibility of part-time study, either on campus or online. Tuition, fees, and total program cost are determined by enrollment status. Course enrollment in this certificate program is 1–2 courses (4–8 credits) in a semester, and tuition is charged the part-time per-credit rate .

Digital Forensics Graduate Certificate (Online and On Campus)

* Based on 2024-2025 Boston University tuition & fee rates. ** Cost per credit is determined by course number (100–599 = $550/credit, 600–999 = $975/credit).

Questions? Please contact us to hear from an Admissions Advisor who can help you determine the best enrollment pathway. For information regarding financial aid, visit BU MET’s Financial Aid page .

Get Started

Please visit the BU MET admissions page for details on how to apply, financial assistance, tuition and fees, requirements for international students, and more.

What to Read Next: MET Computer Science & IT Knowledge Center

• How Long Does a Master’s in Computer Science Take to Complete—and What is the Cost?
• Why Get a Master’s Degree in Computer Science at BU MET?
• What Do My Career Options Look Like with a Master’s in Computer Science from BU’s Metropolitan College?
• Are There Different Computer Science Graduate Programs or Specializations at BU?

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February 7th, 2024 in: Academics , BU Today Features , Business & Management , Computer Science and Information Technology , Criminal Justice , MET News

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