Online Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Critical Infrastructure
Pending MHEC Approval
Earn an Online Master of Philosophy in Critical Infrastructure and innovate the future of cybersecurity system industries.
Most modern infrastructure systems are complex networks controlled by computers and hosted online, making them vulnerable to hackers. These include facilities necessary for communication, transportation, financial transactions, and emergency services, as well as the production and delivery of energy and clean water. Our national security and public safety depend on protecting our 16 sectors of critical infrastructure from cyberattacks, which can disrupt and damage anything from banking to electricity.
The Online MPhil in Critical Infrastructure is a research-intensive program designed for professionals with experience in relevant fields to enhance their skills and expertise in infrastructure and cybersecurity. Graduates will be poised to become the leaders in critical infrastructure responsible for supporting, expanding, and advancing innovation that is crucial to our society’s safety and success.
Under the guidance of a designated thesis chair, you’ll conduct original research in an area of critical infrastructure and cybersecurity that interests you and graduate having successfully produced and defended your dissertation and contributed new knowledge to the field.
What you’ll gain with an MPhil in Critical Infrastructure:
- In-depth knowledge of key critical infrastructure areas, including relevant policies and guidance, risk management frameworks, and the responsibilities of the federal government, state and local authorities, and private companies
- Comprehensive understanding of the principles of cybersecurity and the quantitative and qualitative methodologies within critical infrastructure
- Exposure to the academic publishing process and practical research experience
- Specialized expertise in your area of interest that enables you to serve as a top leader in your field
- Hands-on experience applying the theoretical principles of critical infrastructure to practical solutions
- In-demand workplace skills, such as critical thinking, attention to detail, resilience, and the ability to work under pressure
- Insight into global perspectives, environmental considerations, and economic solutions to critical infrastructure issues
- The opportunity to contribute new knowledge and ideas to an evolving area
- Enhanced career prospects as a subject matter expert
- The mindset for continuous learning in growing areas of infrastructure and cybersecurity
With an MPhil in Critical Infrastructure, you’ll develop a unique combination of skills that positions you at the forefront of the field and opens the doors to roles within the cybersecurity industry and beyond. The MPhil in Critical Infrastructure offers a platform to make a meaningful impact through fulfilling and dynamic careers.
An MPhil in Critical Infrastructure prepares you to lead in these roles:
- Critical Infrastructure Design Engineer
- Critical Infrastructure Owner
- Critical Infrastructure Operator
- Critical Infrastructure Stakeholder
- Critical Infrastructure Practitioner
- Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Planner
- Director, Corporate Planning and Analysis
- Principal Advisor for Critical Infrastructure Protection
- Intelligence Analyst – Critical Infrastructure Protection Security Researcher
- Research Scientist
- Resilient Systems Director
- Systems Architect
Graduates apply their expertise as subject matter experts for private companies, as well as local, state, and federal government agencies to support our nation’s defense and position as a world leader in cybersecurity. The demand for this skillset will continue to grow as technology integrates into more areas of our daily lives. Our graduates also expand upon their research in competitive PhD programs at top institutions, including Capitol Tech’s PhD in Critical Infrastructure.
Characteristics of an MPhil
The MPhil is a research-intensive degree designed for experienced professionals who want to explore research studies to acquire highly specialized knowledge and skills before starting a PhD program, or to conduct original research in a field specific to their work to advance their careers.
Students pursue an MPhil degree to:
- Gain practical research skills and experience
- Develop advanced expertise in a specific area
- Become familiar with the academic publishing process
- Quickly engage in research, without the length of a PhD program
- Build their credibility by conducting and publishing original research
- Advance their careers with specific expertise and in-demand skills
- Prepare for a PhD program and other advanced research opportunities
- Contribute new knowledge to emerging fields
The Online Master of Philosophy in Critical Infrastructure program offers a deeper look at the crossroads of infrastructure and cybersecurity through interdisciplinary methodology, and cutting-edge courses. The research degree enables you to quickly engage in research, publishing, and leadership with an opportunity to conduct extensive and sustained, original research in a specific area of critical infrastructure that interests you. The program's flexibility allows you to balance your studies with your career and design your thesis in a way that meets your specific goals, as well as contribute significantly to the field of critical infrastructure.
Why Capitol?
Expert faculty guidance in master’s research
Capitol Tech’s Online MPhil in Critical Infrastructure is supervised by faculty who are experts in the field – and since many of our faculty currently work in cybersecurity, you’ll learn the latest strategies and best practices, and have the world’s top practitioners guiding you through your research.
Collaborate with our industry-leading partners
You’ll have access to top companies and government agencies as resources for your research, as well as opportunities to collaborate with our unique partners, including NASA, Parson Corporation, Leidos, Patton Electronics, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, the Cyber Security Forum Initiative, the Internal Revenue Service, and the National Cryptologic University.
Our location is a center for cyber
Learn in the heart of the DMV and Washington, D.C. metropolitan area — home to 350% more cybersecurity professionals than the rest of the US combined and one of the largest concentrations of high-tech companies, from government agencies to defense contractors and other commercial enterprises.
Proven expertise and academic excellence
Capitol Tech has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (NCAE-CD) by the National Security Agency and offers the best in cyber education, from our award-winning cyber programs and expert faculty to our alumni, who are among the most sought-after innovators and tech leaders.
Program is 100% online
Our MPhil in Critical Infrastructure is offered 100% online, with no on-campus classes or residencies required, allowing you the flexibility needed to balance your studies and career.
Career Opportunities
Market Demand for Critical Infrastructure Expertise
Electric grids, public utilities, and communication systems are all examples of critical infrastructure, or the systems, networks, and public works the government deems essential to functioning and protecting its citizens..
61% of all reported cyberattacks in Q2 of 2023 targeted critical infrastructure areas, including utilities, energy, water, and telecommunications.
Malicious actors are increasingly targeting areas of critical infrastructure with cyberattacks, from ransomware gangs trying to extort money to advanced persistent threat groups attempting to disrupt another country's operations.
These attacks on critical infrastructure pose one of the most significant strategic risks facing the United States and threaten national security, economic prosperity, public health and safety, as well as the individual health and well-being of all Americans.
An MPhil in Critical Infrastructure can position you for high-demand roles as subject matter experts, technicians, and leaders who support our national and individual security and protect these essential systems from harm.
Degree Details
The M.Phil. in Critical Infrastructure program is designed for students with an appropriate degree and experience. During the program, students will conduct original research in an approved area of study. Successful completion of the program culminates in the award of the Master of Research (M.Phil.) in Critical Infrastructure degree. The completion of the M.Phil. in Critical Infrastructure program results from successfully producing and defending a dissertation.
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 per credit charge for all other masters courses is $630 per credit hour.
- The active duty military tuition rate is $350 per credit.
- The retired military tuition rate is $530 per credit.
- The information technology fee is $40 per credit hour.
- High School and Community College full-time faculty and full-time staff receive a 20% discount on tuition for master programs.
Find additional information for 2024-2025 masters tuition and fees.