Most Affordable Doctorate in Computer Information Systems Security Degrees Online

doctorate in information security

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), careers in computer information systems security are in high demand due to the increase in cyberattacks. Businesses around the country have a pressing need to hire professionals with the skills to keep their information safe and protect their privacy online.

If you have both a knack for technology and a desire to protect others, then you may have the winning combination for a successful career in cybersecurity. You can rise to the very top of this field with an affordable online doctorate in computer information systems security. Read on to discover more about the low-cost terminal degree programs in this growing field.

#4—Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Online PhD in Information Assurance

Website
Graduate Enrollment: 20,576

Most Affordable Doctorate in Computer Information Systems Security Degrees Online

The affordable online doctor of computer information systems and security from Nova Southeastern University’s College of Engineering and Computing is a 64-credit hour multidisciplinary online PhD offering in Information Assurance. The program is technically considered a blended program as there are extended weekend residencies required each quarter. The curriculum consists of core courses such as Network Security and Cryptography, Security Management, and a Research Seminar in Information Assurance as well as security electives like Information Security Risk Management, Secure Systems Analysis and Design, and Information Privacy. Students will also take general doctoral electives, including titles like Human-Computer Interaction and Knowledge Management, for instance. The program prepares graduates for careers as chief information security officers, information security consultants, college or university professors, and vice presidents of information security among related positions. Nova Southeastern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and U.S. News & World Report has ranked its online graduate business programs as among the top 175 in the nation. This low-cost doctor of computer information systems and security is recognized by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.
In-State Tuition: $32,110

#3—Capella University

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Online Doctor of Information Technology: Information Assurance and Cybersecurity

Website
Graduate Enrollment: 37,859

Most Affordable Doctorate in Computer Information Systems Security Degrees Online

Capella University offers a 82-credit low-cost online doctorate in computer information systems and security from its distinguished School of Business and Technology. The broad curriculum for the program covers topics such as security governance and management, assurance controls and compliance, and system and application security, for instance. Enrolled students will take core courses such as Information Technology Leaders As Partners in Organizational Strategic Planning, Guiding the Implementation of Information Technology Policies and Processes, and Innovating Information Technology Life Cycle Management Processes in a Changing Environment. They will also take specialization classes such as Assurance Controls and Compliance Management, Enterprise Security Risk Management, and Network Security Advances. A doctoral dissertation is also required for completion of the program, and each student is assigned designated dissertation mentors to aid in this highly involved process. Coursework for this affordable online computer information systems security doctoral degree can be completed mostly online, but three residencies are required. After earning their degrees, graduates of the program are prepared for positions as information security consultants, directors of information security, chief technology officers, vice presidents of information security, senior IT auditors, and chief information officers, for example. Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and its doctoral program in information security is recognized by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
In-State Tuition: $14,540

#2—Colorado Technical University

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Online Doctor of Computer Science: Cybersecurity and Information Assurance

Website
Graduate Enrollment: 27,232

Most Affordable Doctorate in Computer Information Systems Security Degrees Online

The comprehensive, low-cost online doctorate computer information systems and security offering from Colorado Tech is a Doctor of Computer Science program with a concentration in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance. The curriculum is prescribed regarding both content and course sequence, and it emphasizes foundational knowledge in computer science and information systems, knowledge acquisition, and leadership and advancement in the field. Sample course titles include Foundations of Digital Systems Security, Security Management, Current Topics in Computer Science and Information Systems, and Enterprise Security Architecture. Students will also take research courses leading up to the required doctoral dissertation. These classes will include Principles of Research Methods and Design, Dissertation Research Process, and Quantitative Research Methods. As a result of the program, CTU has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance and Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The university is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, and U.S. News & World Report has recognized its online graduate business programs as being among the top 125 nationwide. Affordable online computer information systems and security students may be eligible for grants and scholarships to pay for their degrees.
In-State Tuition: $12,529

#1—Dakota State University

Madison, South Dakota

Online PhD in Information Systems: Cybersecurity and Information Assurance

Website
Graduate Enrollment: 3,268

Most Affordable Doctorate in Computer Information Systems Security Degrees Online

Dakota State University offers a flexible and affordable online doctor of computer and information systems and security degree program that can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. Technically a PhD in Information Systems with a concentration in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, the program features core courses such as Principles of Information Assurance, Information Assurance/ Computer Security Research, and Managing Security Risks. Enrolled students will also take specialty classes like Decision Support Systems, Data Privacy, Computer Forensics, and Knowledge Management. In addition to coursework, students must also complete a comprehensive exam, portfolio, and doctoral dissertation before receiving their degrees. Students who enroll full-time can complete their low-cost computer and information systems and security online program within three years. Graduates will go on to work as professors, researchers, information systems directors, and information systems managers, for instance. Dakota State University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the top 50 public schools in the nation.
In-State Tuition: $5,536

Ranking the Top Low-Cost Doctor of Computer Information Systems Security Programs
Due to the limited number of terminal programs in this field that are available via a distance learning format, we’ve ranked the following doctor of computer information systems security online programs based solely on affordability.

Frequently-Asked Questions About Low-Cost Computer Information Systems and Security Doctoral Programs

Q: Is financial aid available for affordable doctorates in computer and information systems and security online programs?
A: Yes, depending on the program. Loans, grants, and scholarships are often available to help you fund your computer and information systems and security degree.

Q: What is the best affordable online doctor of computer information systems and security degree program?
A: There is no one “best” affordable online doctorate computer and information systems security program that will meet the needs of every prospective student. Choosing a school and a program is a highly personal decision, and you’ll need to do some digging to find the ideal degree for you. Consider factors such as scheduling options, content customizations, cost, and student support services.

Q: Do I need a master’s degree for admission to a cheap online doctorate in computer systems and security?
A: Most likely. Typically, a master’s degree in computer science, business, or a related field is required for entry into these types of programs. Occasionally, a college or university may admit you into an online doctorate computer information systems and security program without this credential provided you agree to take foundational and/or prerequisite classes to fill the gap. Since admissions requirements vary from program to program, it’s best to speak with an admissions counselor at the school you’re interested in attending.

Q: Can I complete a low-cost online computer information systems security degree entirely online?
A: Yes. While some affordable online computer information systems and security doctoral programs require on-campus residencies, others can be completed 100% online. Consider the flexibility of your schedule and your learning style when choosing a blended or entirely online format.

Q: Is a dissertation required for affordable online doctor of computer information systems security degrees?
A: Yes. As an online doctorate computer information systems and security degree candidate, you will be asked to prepare and defend a formal doctoral dissertation. This is a complex and involved process that requires many hours of scholarly research and writing. Students who do not successfully complete this requirement will not be awarded a doctor of computer information systems security degree. If you’re concerned about the rigor of this doctoral requirement, consider a program that offers dissertation support. Capella University, for instance, assigns each doctoral student a mentor to help them complete their dissertation.

Q: How long does it take to complete a low-cost computer systems and security doctorate online?
A: The completion time for affordable doctorates in computer systems and security online programs will vary from school to school, but the average length of these programs is approximately three years. Some schools allow up to seven years to complete the degree since these programs are designed for busy professionals. Other scheduling options may be available too, such as part-time and full-time options.

Q: What will I study in an affordable online doctor of computer information systems and security program?
A: The curricula for low-cost online doctorate computer information systems and security degrees will vary from program to program, but they should cover similar topics. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), employers in information security are looking for professionals with skills in cyber incident response, networks and systems engineering, software assurance, vulnerability detection and assessment, intelligence and investigation, digital forensics and forensic analysis, and cyber risk and strategic analysis. Quality online doctor of computer and information systems and security programs will address most, if not all, of these subjects.

Career Questions for Cheap Online Doctorates in Computer Information Systems and Security

Q: What career opportunities will I have with an affordable online computer and information systems and security degree?
A: A wide variety of job opportunities are available to professionals with an online doctorate in computer information systems and security. Some of these roles include information security analysts, chief information security officers, senior IT auditors, information systems managers, computer and information research scientists, information security consultants, chief technology officers, and more.

Q: What will my salary be with a low-cost doctorate computer systems and security online degree?
A: It’s difficult to predict what your exact salary will be with an online computer systems and security doctorate since many factors are involved including your employer and specific job title. Below, you will find a short list of occupations sometimes associated with doctorates in information security alongside their mean annual wages, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

  • Information Security Analysts: $95,510
  • Computer and Information Research Scientists: $114,520
  • Computer and Information Systems Managers: $139,220
  • Chief Executives: $183,270

Q: What is the employment outlook for individuals with an online doctorate in computer and information systems and security?
A: Jobs in information security are growing at a break-neck pace. The Department of Homeland Security reports that skilled professionals in cybersecurity are needed now more than ever. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), opportunities for information security analysts are growing much faster than average and are expanded to increase by 28% in the decade between 2016 and 2026. Other positions in computer information systems and security are also on the rise.

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