Cybersecurity
Doctor of Philosophy
Defend the digital world
The future of cybersecurity needs sharp, strategic minds ready to decode the dark side of the digital age and protect data from cybercrime. University of Idaho has led the Northwest in cybersecurity education for more than 30 years. Now with Idaho’s only doctorate in cybersecurity, you can advance your career and lead the fight against online threats. Gain the expertise to tackle complex security challenges, strengthen privacy protections and safeguard the digital infrastructures critical to our state, nation and society. You can even teach cybersecurity.
As the world grows more connected, so does the risk. Guarding computer systems, networks and data against abuse and misuse is a rapidly growing, dynamic field that requires deep analysis, advanced theory and the ability to anticipate adversarial behavior. Explore complex theories, algorithms and methodologies while engaging in hands-on research. You’ll investigate and help innovate new solutions in cryptography, network defense, IoT and threat intelligence.
Covering advanced topics from ethical hacking to digital forensics to artificial intelligence in security, this cybersecurity Ph.D. empowers you to step into the future of digital defense.
Overview
Related Topics
Outsmart cybercrime
Application information
Applicants for the Ph.D. in cybersecurity program must meet the following admission requirements:
- Education level: Bachelor's
- GPA: 3.0
- GRE: No
- TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo: 79/6.5/115 (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language)
- Number of references: Three
- Other requirements: No
Program availability
- Semester intake: Fall, Spring
- Not eligible for international students who require F-1 or J-1 visa status
- Deadlines: General application deadlines
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.
Contact information
Computer Science contact: Hasan Jamil; jamil@uidaho.edu
Graduate Admissions contact: graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu, 208-885-4001
Costs, funding and research
Graduate funding opportunities through the College of Engineering
Faculty provide funding through a variety of external agencies and industry partners. Contact our faculty to learn more about these funding opportunities or explore graduate fellowship programs.
To learn how you can fund your graduate degree, check out the Graduate Funding page.
Visit Financial Aid to find detailed information about the cost of attendance.
Degree fit
This doctorate degree could be a good fit if you:
- Are intellectually curious, analytical and passionate about solving complex problems
- Possess a strong foundation in computer science, mathematics and information security
- Are a critical thinker, creative and have a deep understanding of emerging technologies
- Are self-motivated and able to conduct independent research
- Have effective communication skills
- Have a collaborative mindset and the ability to contribute to interdisciplinary projects
Clubs and organizations
Our college offers 20+ clubs and organizations tied to international and national engineering organizations, including national competition teams.
Learn about clubs related to your major:
- Cyber Defense Club
- CyberForce Competition Team
- Graduate & Professional Student Association (GPSA)
- Humanitarian Engineering Corps (HEC)
- Polymorphic Games Studio
- National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
- Robotics Club
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
- Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
Career outcomes
Current job openings
2,360 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Information Technology Project Managers • Information Security Engineers
$116,707 - Computer Network Architects • Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
$140,211 - Network and Computer Systems Administrators
$100,154 - Security Management Specialists
$85,722 - Database Architects • Data Warehousing Specialists
$140,178
* Career data provided by Lightcast.