Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Space Cybersecurity
Earn a doctoral degree in space cybersecurity, defend this new cyber battleground
Space has become the latest cyber battleground. Many satellites in orbit were not designed with cybersecurity protection. In October 2020, the Wilson Center held an event, "Seeking Strategic Advantage: How Geopolitical Competition and Cooperation are Playing Out in Space," to highlight growing threat and the need for advancement in Space Cybersecurity.
Much of the world's critical infrastructure is heavily dependent on space, specifically space-based assets, for its daily functioning. Essential systems—such as communications, air transport, maritime trade, financial services, weather monitoring and defense—all rely heavily on space infrastructure, including satellites, ground stations and data links at the national, regional and international level. This dependence poses a serious, and yet frequently under-recognized, security dilemma—especially cyber threats—for critical infrastructure providers and policymakers alike.
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Space Cybersecurity degree is a unique program designed to meet the evolving needs of today's Space Cybersecurity in an ever-changing world of conflict. This program provides students with the opportunity to conduct extensive and sustained, original research at the highest level in this field of Space Cybersecurity. It is designed to meet the demands of the highest-skilled professionals to assist them in becoming leaders who will be involved in the advancement, expansion, and support of Space Cybersecurity on a national and international level. The PhD in Space Cybersecurity is for current professionals in the field who desire to elevate their skills to the highest level and to contribute to the body of knowledge in Space Cybersecurity.
Graduates with the Ph.D. in Space Cybersecurity degree will be expected to fill technical executive and senior-level positions in commercial companies as well as local, state, and federal government with a variety of titles such as:
- Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Space Cybersecurity Company
- Chief Space Cybersecurity Operations Officer
- Chief Cybersecurity Officer, Space Vehicles
- Senior Director, Space Cybersecurity
- Cybersecurity Officer, U.S. Space Force
- Senior Scientist, Space Cybersecurity
- Senior Vice President, Space Cybersecurity
- Senior Penetration Chief, Space Cybersecurity Division
- Senior Director, Red Team, Space Cybersecurity
Graduates from the proposed Ph.D. in Space Cybersecurity will possess the highest knowledge in Space Cybersecurity with the ability to serve as top leaders in their field. Graduates will also possess the required knowledge in Space Cybersecurity to serve as a subject matter expert and form their own private company.
Why Capitol?
Our comprehensive cybersecurity center
The Center for Cybersecurity Research and Analysis serves as the university hub for training, research, analysis, and programming in all things cybersecurity. Learn to defeat simulated cyberattacks, land an internship where you can put your skills to work and prepare for the workforce, publish a scholarly article addressing an existing challenge in the field, and much more. Students–both on-ground and online–faculty, alumni, and community partners alike are welcome.
1st in the Nation
Capitol Technology University was awarded the 2020 title of the Best Cybersecurity Program in the nation and was selected by the NSA as the National Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) Northeast Regional Hub.
Learn around your busy schedule
Our low residency requirement takes in consideration the time commitment of your established career.
Our classes are taught by working professionals
The Baltimore/Washington D.C. area has one of the largest concentrations of high-tech companies, defense contractors, and government agencies in the United States, making it easier to find internships and high-paying jobs.
Career Opportunities
Market demand for cybersecurity
Get the necessary credentials to become a senior leader, program developer or policy maker in federal agencies and the private sector.
A degree that is relevant to any and every organization
Graduates will contribute significantly to their fields in cybersecurity through the creation of new knowledge and ideas.
Degree Details
This program may be completed with a minimum of 60 credit hours, but may require additional credit hours, depending on the time required to complete the dissertation/publication research. Students who are not prepared to defend after completion of the 60 credits will be required to enroll in RSC-899, a one-credit, eight-week continuation course. Students are required to be continuously enrolled/registered in the RSC-899 course until they successfully complete their dissertation defense/exegesis.
The Doctorate degree in Cybersecurity is a total of 60 credits, which covers a literature review, professional research and theory, professional ethics and leadership, dissertation preparation, and other topics. Students can select from several electives based on their personal focus.
The PhD program offers 2-degree completion requirement options:
- Dissertation Option: the student will produce, present, and defend a doctoral dissertation (thesis) after receiving the required approvals from the student’s Committee and the PhD Review Boards.
- Publication Option: the student will produce, present, and defend doctoral research that is published as articles (3 required) in peer reviewed journals identified by the university and the student’s Committee. Students must receive the required approvals from the student’s Committee and the PhD Review Board prior to publication.
Prior achieved credits may be accepted, pending approval
Tuition & Fees
Tuition rates are subject to change.
The following rates are in effect for the 2024-2025 academic year, beginning in Fall 2024 and continuing through Summer 2025:
- The application fee is $100
- The per-credit charge for doctorate courses is $950. This is the same for in-state and out-of-state students.
- Retired military receive a $50 per credit hour tuition discount
- Active duty military receive a $100 per credit hour tuition discount for doctorate level coursework.
- Information technology fee $40 per credit hour.
- High School and Community College full-time faculty and full-time staff receive a 20% discount on tuition for doctoral programs.
Find additional information for 2024-2025 doctorate tuition and fees.
The National Security Agency and Department of Defense have designated Capitol Technology University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. We were honored to have a communications team from the NSA come to campus and produce this video explaining the benefits of our award-winning program.