[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning an online doctorate information systems security degree prepares managers and executives for the ever-evolving challenges of protecting data and sensitive information from cybercriminals. A study from the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.otalliance.org/system/files/files/initiative/documents/ota_cyber_incident_trends_report_jan2018.pdf/”]Online Trust Alliance[/hen-ui-link] found that the rate of business-related cyberattacks doubled from 2016 to 2017; over 159,000 attacks were reported. Most of these attacks could have been prevented with better information security policies and employee training.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Professionals in computer information systems management earn a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm/”]median salary of $139,220[/hen-ui-link]. As companies store more sensitive information in connected databases and cloud servers, the need for executives who understand how to protect that information continues to grow. The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm/”]anticipates a 12% growth[/hen-ui-link] in employment through 2026.[/hen-ui-text] For more degree and career information, jump to: [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”#choice/”]Choosing an Online Doctorate in Information Systems Security Program[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”#what-to-expect/”]What Else Can I Expect From an Online Doctorate in Information Systems Security Program?[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”#careers/”]Careers With a Doctorate in Information Systems Security[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Online Doctorates in Information Systems Security Degrees Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How We Chose These Schools”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At TheBestSchools, we use trusted data from the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate schools without bias. Our ranking methodology helps prospective students from various backgrounds find the best fit. We consider key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability so every type of student can find the best fit for them.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This list was updated in 2023. Learn more about how our formula works on [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/ranking-methodology/”]our ranking methodology page[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”choice”]Choosing an Online Doctorate in Information Systems Security Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-card title=”50 Best Online Colleges & Universities” href=”/rankings/online-colleges/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An information security systems degree integrates technical skills with policy creation and organizational leadership. Many schools require applicants to complete a graduate entrance exam (such as the GRE) and demonstrate professional experience in computer programming or information systems management. Most schools also require applicants to have a master’s degree; however, some schools do offer integrated master’s and doctoral programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Ph.D. curriculum focuses on applied research in data security, which provides practical solutions to real-world problems. Students study advanced computer programming fieldwork, data analytics, and both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Many schools offer concentrations for specific careers, like healthcare information, human-computer interaction design and information assurance. One should expect to spend three to seven years completing upwards of 60 credits (this varies by program). Online programs often offer flexibility for working professionals, though some require on-campus or fieldwork components.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The dissertation provides a comprehensive evaluation of what students have learned and their ability to apply independent research to organizational challenges. Students often work with a team of mentors to develop a topic in their area of interest as well as conduct research and data analysis. It can take several terms to complete the dissertation, which is typically capped by an oral defense of a student’s research methodology, conclusions and communication skills.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”what-to-expect”]What Else Can I Expect From an Online Doctorate in Information Systems Security Program?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While exact course requirements vary, earning an information systems security degree online builds upon one’s prior training in computer science and programming. Expect to study theoretical principles and demonstrate the practical application of those principles through projects, a dissertation and an oral defense.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”curriculum”]Curriculum for an Online Doctoral Degree in Information Systems Security[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Governance, Quality, Compliance, and Ethics: Students study information security regulations and the impact these regulations have on organizational processes. This course also delves into how organizations govern the use of their data, how they recognize when individuals undermine those policies an ethical issues of trust and privacy.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cryptography: In this course, students learn about encryption protocols and the mathematical foundations of modern cryptography. Students also learn to build secure encryption protocols from cryptographic primitives.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Information Retrieval: Students in this class study the technology that powers internet search engines, which includes text analysis, ranking algorithms and data retrieval. They learn to establish metrics to determine effectiveness, classification and data clustering.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list]