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 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. 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
Outsmart cybercrime
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
Career outcomes
Current job openings
2,413 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and starting salaries
- Security Management Specialists
$55,170 - Postsecondary Engineering Teachers
$48,689 - Computer and Information Systems Managers
$120,119 - Information Security Engineers • Information Technology Project Managers
$61,877 - Network and Computer Systems Administrators
$64,595
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Financial aid
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but U of I’s Financial Aid Office is here to help. Our experienced financial aid counselors can assist you in exploring financial aid options, making informed financial decisions and addressing common concerns.
To maximize aid and scholarship possibilities, be sure to complete your FAFSA. For information on FAFSA deadlines and answers to common questions, visit the University of Idaho FAFSA website.
Plan ahead — estimate your cost of attendance with U of I’s Cost Calculator.
Graduate funding opportunities
- CyberCorps®: Scholarship for Service — Graduate recipients receive a $34,000 stipend. All tuition and degree-related fees are paid through this National Science Foundation grant open to computer science and computer engineering students.
- Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Graduate Fellowship Program — Recipients of this competitive fellowship receive full tuition and fees by U of I during their first three years of graduate school. INL covers tuition, fees, and a $60,000 annual salary during the final two years of their doctoral research, to be conducted at INL.
- National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Graduate Fellowship Program — These year-long salaried assignments offer hands-on experience in nuclear security and nonproliferation. Administered by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and open to all engineering disciplines.
- NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium (ISGC) — $25,000 fellowship programs that contribute to NASA’s mission of exploration and discovery. Open to full-time graduate and doctoral students.
- National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) — For outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines who are pursuing research-based master's and doctoral degrees.
- National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship — Three-year fellowship with full coverage of tuition and all mandatory fees, including a monthly stipend and up to $1,000 a year in medical insurance.
- DAAD Research Internships in Science and Engineering (RISE Professional) Programs — RISE Professional offers summer research internships in Germany to Master’s and Ph.D. students at companies and non-university research institutions with strong relations to industry.
- Faculty provide funding through a variety of external agencies and industry partners. Contact our faculty to learn more about these funding opportunities.
For more funding options, visit the College of Graduate Studies’ funding website.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
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)
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: 79/6.5
- Number of references: 3
- Other requirements: No
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.