Computer Science (Cybersecurity), PhD
Take the next step in your journey to becoming a leader, innovator, entrepreneur and educator in computer science.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
In the Doctor of Philosophy program in computer science with a concentration in cybersecurity, you conduct original research that advances the theory and practice of protecting computing systems and critical infrastructure.
This concentration in cybersecurity trains you to pursue fundamental and applied research in securing information systems. You develop advanced expertise in applied cryptography, system and network security, computer forensics, data and information assurance, and secure software and architectures.
The program emphasizes both theoretical depth and practical application, preparing you to design trustworthy, resilient and verifiable computing systems. Research opportunities include threat modeling, intrusion detection, privacy-preserving computation, and the design of protocols that ensure confidentiality, integrity, authentication, availability and nonrepudiation.
You are able to analyze, understand and apply key theories and algorithms used in the field of computer science. You also are able to generate and evaluate new theories, algorithms and software modules that can advance the field of computer science.
If you're a domestic student enrolled in the cybersecurity concentration, you're eligible for federal fellowship, such as the National Science Foundation CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service program.
The information assurance courseware at Arizona State University is certified to satisfy the standards for Information Systems Security Professionals (NSTISSI 4011) and Senior Systems Managers (CNSSI 4012).
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
Required Core Areas (9 credit hours) Concentration (9 credit hours) Research (18 credit hours) Electives and Additional Research (36 credit hours) Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Students must complete 18 credit hours of CSE 792 Research, and up to 54 credit hours are allowed on the plan of study. Students with more than 18 research credit hours may apply these additional hours toward electives and additional research. Electives include: When approved by the academic unit and the Graduate College, up to 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree can be used for this degree. A maximum of three credit hours of 400-level coursework may be applied on the plan of study.
applications (3)
foundations (3)
systems (3)
CSE 543 Information Assurance and Security (3)
Students choose two:
CSE 539 Applied Cryptography (3)
CSE 545 Software Security (3)
CSE 548 Advanced Computer Network Security (3)
CSE 792 Research (18)
CSE 799 Dissertation (12)
Courses that are used to satisfy the core area requirement cannot be used to satisfy electives or other requirements. A grade of "B" or higher is required for core courses.
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering or a closely related area. Most applicants should have earned a master's degree, but exceptional undergraduate applicants may be admitted directly to the doctoral program. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information Submission of GRE scores is optional and not required as part of the application. Applicants taking the GRE test should note that ASU does not accept the GRE General Test at home edition. Applicants must have two semesters or six credit hours of calculus, equivalent to Calculus I and II and discrete math with a grade of ''C'' or higher (scale if 4.00 = ''A'') prior to admission. Students assigned any additional coursework upon admission must complete those classes with a grade of "C" or higher (scale is 4.00 = "A") within two semesters of admission. Additional courses include: CSE 230 Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming The applicant's undergraduate GPA and depth of preparation in computer science and engineering are the primary factors affecting admission.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency by scoring at least 4.5 in the Internet-based TOEFL iBT® or a score of 90 if taken before January 21, 2026 in a testing center, 7 on the IELTS or 115 on the Duolingo English test.
CSE 310 Data Structures and Algorithms
CSE 330 Operating Systems
CSE 340 Principles of Programming Languages or CSE 355 Introduction to Theoretical Computer Science
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/31 | Priority* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 08/01 | Priority* |
*A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space-available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Admission Services.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in academia, government and advanced industry research, where they contribute transformative innovations in cybersecurity. They have a competitive advantage when it comes to securing employment.
Career examples include:
- computer science researcher
- computer science security professor
- data scientist engineer
- machine learning, AI or computer vision engineer
- machine learning, AI or computer vision scientist
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
Computer Science and Engineering Program
|
CTRPT 105
SCAI.Grad.Admission@asu.edu
480-965-3199
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
