Cybersecurity
Doctor of Philosophy
Overview
- In-state: $11,796
- Out-of-state: $31,272
Related Topics
Defend the digital world
University of Idaho’s Ph.D. in cybersecurity prepares researchers, educators and cybersecurity leaders to solve complex challenges in digital security. As Idaho’s only doctorate in cybersecurity, the program builds advanced expertise in cybersecurity theory, research and practice through rigorous coursework and hands-on research.
With more than 30 years of cybersecurity education leadership in the Northwest, University of Idaho equips you to analyze emerging threats, protect critical infrastructure and develop innovative security solutions. You will explore advanced topics including cryptography, network defense, threat intelligence, ethical hacking, digital forensics, artificial intelligence in security and Internet of Things (IoT) security.
Coursework combines advanced theory, technical specialization and original research to prepare you for leadership in the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity. You'll study subjects such as secure software design, applied cryptography, network security, machine learning, digital forensics, cyber defense, cyber-physical systems, artificial intelligence and the protection of critical infrastructure. As you progress through the cybersecurity Ph.D. program, you'll design experiments, analyze complex data, evaluate emerging threats and develop innovative approaches to protecting digital environments. Through close collaboration with faculty mentors, you'll conduct original research that contributes new knowledge to the field while developing expertise in a specialized area of cybersecurity.
Your doctoral research will position you to influence the future of cybersecurity through discovery, innovation and leadership. Graduates of the program pursue careers as university faculty members, principal investigators, cybersecurity architects, research scientists, security consultants and technical leaders in government agencies, national laboratories, technology companies and defense organizations. Along the way, you'll develop the technical depth, analytical rigor and interdisciplinary perspective needed to address increasingly sophisticated threats while helping build more secure and resilient digital systems.
This doctorate degree could be a good fit if you:
- Want to advance cybersecurity research and develop solutions to complex security challenges.
- Are interested in pursuing careers in cybersecurity research, higher education, industry or government.
- Have a strong foundation in computer science, cybersecurity or a related technical field and want to deepen your expertise.
- Enjoy analyzing emerging threats, developing security innovations and exploring advanced cybersecurity concepts.
- Want to contribute to areas such as cryptography, network defense, threat intelligence, digital forensics, artificial intelligence and IoT security.
- Aspire to teach cybersecurity and help prepare the next generation of security professionals.
Outsmart cybercrime
Curriculum
The Ph.D. in cybersecurity at U of I is a 78-credit program designed to prepare students for leadership roles in research, innovation and technology development. Through advanced coursework, independent research and faculty mentorship, you will develop the expertise to solve complex challenges at the intersection of engineering and cybersecurity. The program equips you to advance solutions in secure computing, threat intelligence, privacy protection and digital infrastructure resilience.
Explore program courses in the University Catalog
Learning outcomes
In the Ph.D. in cybersecurity program, you will develop the ability to identify, formulate and solve complex cybersecurity problems using principles from cybersecurity, mathematics, computer science and the scientific method. You will analyze sophisticated cyber threats, develop innovative detection and mitigation strategies and design secure systems that meet real-world requirements. Graduates will communicate effectively, pursue lifelong learning, contribute to the cybersecurity profession and engage with communities through professional and civic activities.
Program format
The Ph.D. in cybersecurity program requires advanced coursework, research and dissertation study. You’ll build a strong foundation in cybersecurity theory, applications and research methods while developing the skills needed to address emerging challenges in the field. Through graduate courses, electives, seminars and doctoral research, you will investigate critical cybersecurity issues, develop solutions to complex problems and communicate research findings effectively through written and oral presentations.
Faculty expertise
Work alongside faculty with expertise in:
- Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)
- Deep learning and neural networks
- Data science and predictive analytics
- Natural language processing (NLP)
- Intelligent systems and AI engineering
- Trustworthy, ethical and secure AI
- Adversarial machine learning
- Computer vision and pattern recognition
- Evolutionary computation and optimization
- Robotics and intelligent industrial automation
- High-performance and large-scale computing
Career outcomes
Current job openings
2,240 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Information Technology Project Managers • Information Security Engineers
$116,986 - Computer Network Architects • Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
$149,433 - Network and Computer Systems Administrators
$100,890 - Security Management Specialists
$92,049 - Database Architects • Data Warehousing Specialists
$128,788
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Costs and funding
University of Idaho is committed to making graduate education accessible and helping students navigate the cost of earning an advanced degree. In addition to financial aid and scholarship opportunities, many graduate students receive funding through assistantships, research opportunities and other forms of academic support.
Here are a few key resources to help you understand graduate tuition, funding opportunities and available financial support:
- Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important first step in accessing federal financial aid and certain institutional funding opportunities.
- Estimate your cost of attendance: Visit U of I’s cost of attendance page to explore estimated tuition, fees and living expenses associated with your graduate program.
- View a breakdown of tuition and fees: Visit the Student Accounts page to explore current tuition rates, fees and detailed cost information based on your program, residency status and enrollment level.
- Explore scholarships and graduate funding opportunities: Graduate students may qualify for scholarships, fellowships and other funding opportunities based on academic achievement, area of study and professional experience.
- Learn about assistantships: Many graduate programs offer Research Assistantships (RAs), Teaching Assistantships (TAs) or Graduate Assistantships (GAs), which may provide tuition support, stipends and valuable professional experience. Assistantship availability and funding levels vary by program and department.
- Connect with your program: Funding is competitive and faculty may provide graduate 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.
- CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service - The U of I Center for Secure and Dependable Systems has maintained its status as a National Science Foundation CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service Program participant for over 20 years, securing more than $20 million in total funding to train students to work at the highest levels of government
If you have questions about financial aid, scholarships or graduate funding, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors and graduate program staff can help you explore options and make informed financial decisions throughout the admissions process.
Recognized STEM Program
This program is recognized as a STEM program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may be eligible for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension for international students.
Contact information
For questions related to admissions, application materials, transcripts or enrollment steps, contact Graduate Admissions:
Computer Science contact:
Hasan Jamil
jamil@uidaho.edu
Graduate Admissions contact:
graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu
208-885-4001
Interested in research areas or finding a faculty mentor? Explore faculty expertise, research interests and advising opportunities on the department’s faculty page.
Application information
Applicants for the Ph.D. in cybersecurity must meet the following admission requirements:
Program availability
- Semester intake: Fall or Spring
- Open to international applicants, including those requiring F-1 or J-1 visa status
- Deadlines: General application deadlines
- Start dates:
University requirements
- Education level: Bachelor's degree in a similar or closely related field
- Transcripts for all post-secondary education will be required. Unofficial transcripts may be used for initial admission review. View more information on the Graduate Admissions page.
- GPA: 3.0 (Applicants with a lower undergraduate GPA who have relevant professional experience in the field, have already earned a graduate degree, or have completed graduate-level credits may still be considered for admission with approval from the academic program.)
- GRE: Not required
- Letters of recommendation: Three
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Valid picture ID (required to verify students’ identity and will be kept confidential)
- English proficiency (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language).
- Accepted tests: TOEFL: 4.5, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 115, PTE-A: 58. Learn what qualifies as proof of English proficiency.
- Application Fee: $50
Application and admission process
Applications are submitted online and are specific to the program and term selected. Applicants seeking admission to multiple programs must submit a separate application for each program.
Before submitting an application, applicants must provide personal and academic information from all post-secondary institutions attended, recommender information, required program-specific materials, and their intended program and start term.
Applicants seeking admission to a Ph.D. are encouraged to identify and contact a potential faculty advisor or major professor during the application process. Early identification of an advisor can help ensure that a faculty member in the applicant’s area of interest has capacity to supervise the student and appropriate research opportunities are available. Applicants should consult the College of Engineering website to identify faculty whose research aligns with their academic and research interests.
Applications are reviewed for admission by the academic program. Only complete applications, including required letters of recommendation and payment of the application fee, will be forwarded for evaluation and admission decision. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their applications early to allow sufficient time for a thorough review.
International students seeking F-1 or J-1 visas must provide financial documentation demonstrating their ability to cover the cost of attendance. This documentation is required only after admission.
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.
Overview
- In-state: $11,796
- Out-of-state: $31,272
Related Topics
Have questions?
Have questions about the program? Connect with our program director or request more information to learn about curriculum, faculty advisors, research opportunities, graduate funding and career outcomes.
Hasan Jamil
Cybersecurity graduate scholarships available
CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service provides funded opportunities for cybersecurity students to gain expertise and prepare for careers protecting government systems.