The PhD program in computer science with a concentration in cybersecurity is designed for graduate students who want to pursue a thorough education in the area of cybersecurity and information assurance. The goal of this concentration is to provide students the knowledge and skills in science and engineering for cybersecurity, including applied cryptography, computer and network security, computer forensics, data and information security and software security. According to the National Security Agency, information assurance is defined as the set of measures intended to protect and defend information and information systems by ensuring their availability, integrity, authentication, confidentiality and nonrepudiation. This includes providing restoration of information systems by incorporating protection, detection and reaction capabilities' has been certified as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education and a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance - Research by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. Information assurance courseware at ASU has been certified by the Information Assurance Courseware Evaluation Program to satisfy the standards for Information Systems Security Professionals (NSTISSI 4011) and Senior Systems Managers (CNSSI 4012).

Career Opportunities

Graduates who complete the doctorate program in computer science are able to analyze, understand and apply key theories and algorithms used in the field of computer science. They are also able to generate and evaluate new theories, algorithms and software modules that can advance the field of computer science. Graduates have a competitive advantage when it comes to securing employment. Career examples include: computer science professor; computer science researcher; data scientist engineer; machine learning, AI or computer vision engineer; machine learning, AI or computer vision scientist