About this Program
¹ú²úÂ×Àí offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Cybersecurity. The Cybersecurity PhD program prepares students to become researchers, faculty members, government scientists, and technical leaders who address today's most pressing cybersecurity challenges. Through interdisciplinary research, advanced coursework, and close collaboration with nationally recognized faculty, students develop the expertise needed to advance knowledge and shape the future of cybersecurity.
The program emphasizes rigorous research, ethical and societal considerations, and hands-on experience in advanced cyber operations, defense, and emerging technologies.
As one of the nation's leading cybersecurity institutions, ¹ú²úÂ×Àí offers students opportunities to conduct impactful research while working alongside faculty with expertise across a wide range of cybersecurity disciplines.
Visit the department website for additional program info â–¶
Program Highlights
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48-credit hours required for program completion. Students without a master's degree in cybersecurity or related field must complete an additional 30 credit hours (for a total of 78 credit hours of graduate coursework).
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Affiliated with the ¹ú²úÂ×Àí School of Cybersecurity - one of the most established cybersecurity-focused academic units in Virginia.
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Coursework spans cybersecurity principles, leadership and management, ethical hacking and penetration testing, plus electives in cryptography, network security, and AI/ML in cybersecurity.
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Hands-on lab environments and applied research opportunities with faculty in real-world cybersecurity problem domains.
Featured Courses
Requirements
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Applicants must submit:
Online graduate application
Nonrefundable application fee
Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
Statement of Purpose
Two letters of recommendation
GRE scores or an approved GRE waiver
English proficiency documentation (for international applicants)
Additional materials may be requested by the Admissions Committee.
Careers and Outcomes
Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing professional fields in the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 33% employment growth for information security analysts through 2033 - far above the average for all occupations, with median annual wages of $112,000 and a median entry-level wage of $99,690.
¹ú²úÂ×Àí graduates work across federal, defense, and private sectors. Named alumni employers include the National Security Agency, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Sentara. The Hampton Roads region's concentration of federal facilities, naval installations, and defense contractors provides direct employment access for graduates.
Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to implement and improve computer systems. Analyze user requirements, procedures, and problems to automate or improve existing systems and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and scheduling limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.
Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.
Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.
Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.
Cost of Attendance
Tuition is charged per credit hour. Amounts shown are tuition only and do not include mandatory fees, technology-delivered course fees, course-specific fees, books, housing, meal plans, or other costs. Campus-based students may take technology-delivered or online courses. Tuition is based on student classification. Fees for technology-delivered courses and other costs are listed on the ¹ú²úÂ×Àí tuition and fees page.
Ways to Fund Your Degree
There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ¹ú²úÂ×Àí, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. For more details about financial aid at Old Dominion, visit the Financial Aid Office page.
Financial Support for PhD Students
Financial support is awarded competitively based on academic achievement, research potential, faculty recommendations, program needs, and the availability of funding.
Admission to the PhD program does not guarantee financial support.
The School of Cybersecurity periodically offers Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs) to qualified doctoral students.
For the inaugural cohort, the School of Cybersecurity currently has five funded GTA positions available.
Additionally, faculty members may support doctoral students through externally funded research grants.
Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs) provide students with opportunities to participate in cutting-edge cybersecurity research while receiving financial support.
Frequently Asked Questions
The program is currently offered in-person only.
Tuition costs vary by program and are subject to change. Visit the Current Tuition Rates page for the most up-to-date tuition information. Financial support is awarded competitively based on academic achievement, research potential, faculty recommendations, program needs, and the availability of funding.
*Admission to the PhD program does not guarantee financial support.
¹ú²úÂ×Àí is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and is classified as an R1 doctoral research institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
Take the Next Step
Contact
2160 HAMPTON HALL
NORFOLK, VA 23529
