Dottorato in Cybersecurity

This degree program helps students to advance their careers as consultants or professional managers in the Information Security and Assurance fields. In this program, students undertake solution-oriented applied field research projects which address relevant industry problems and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the practice of Information Assurance.

This program fosters the development of students who:

• Are recognized as practitioners with expertise in a specialized field of study relevant to the cybersecurity community
• Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the analysis of information assurance issues
• Utilize an evidence-based approach to solution identification when addressing problems relevant to the cybersecurity community
• Demonstrate competence in conducting solution-focused field research relevant to information assurance practitioners
• Make continuing contributions to knowledge and practice in the field of cybersecurity

Program Objectives

Upon completion of this degree program, graduates will be able to:

• Analyze, assess and critique the applicability of best practices in addressing information assurance issues
• Demonstrate secondary research competencies in the investigation and identification of problems experienced by information assurance practitioners
• Develop evidence-based recommendations for solutions which address problems relevant to the cybersecurity community
• Empirically assess the feasibility of a proposed solution for a problem affecting the cybersecurity community
• Articulate a thorough understanding of a specialized field of study relevant to the cybersecurity community

Qualifying Exam

Doctoral students enrolled in the DIA program must pass the Qualifying Exam. This exam is used to evaluate mastery of the concepts and foundations of applied research and is administered concurrently in weeks 4-8 of the RM9100 course in a separate course shell called IA9130 (0 credits).

Credit Requirements

The Doctorate in Information Assurance consists of a mini 62-semester credit, including 48 credits of pre-dissertation courses (consisting of 30 credits of Information Security content is taken from core and specialization courses, 6 credits of research methods courses, 6 credits of research methodologies courses, 6 credits of research-preparation courses) and 14 credits of dissertation development courses.

To ensure that doctoral students make steady progress towards the completion of their dissertations, the University has developed the Dissertation Project Plan . This plan consists of a series of deliverables students produce in research methods courses and dissertation courses.

Finally, prior to conferral of the degree, the doctoral candidate must successfully defend the doctoral dissertation in an oral presentation before the Dissertation Committee.

More info: https://www.ufairfax.edu/doctorate/cybersecurity/information-assurance/learn-more/ https://www.ufairfax.edu/doctorate/cybersecurity/information-assurance/

The University of Fairfax Distinction

The University of Fairfax is an accredited, online graduate institution established to address the growing shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals in the public and private sectors.

Major employers (including Northrop Grumman, CSC, Lockheed Martin, Wells Fargo, CISCO, DHS, NSA, NRC and Veterans Affairs) hire and promote our students and alumni. Employers recognize that University of Fairfax students can immediately apply what they learn and make contributions at work because: (1) our practitioner-oriented cybersecurity graduate programs are taught by expert cybersecurity practitioners, and (2) all courses are focused on cybersecurity and require the completion of "real world" cybersecurity projects.

Who are our students?

The typical University of Fairfax student is cybersecurity or IT professional who wants to transition into cybersecurity or who wishes to advance in cybersecurity by attaining leadership or expert status. The average age of a University of Fairfax student is 46.

Why us?

Our students report that the University is unique and unmatched. Specifically, they selected the University of Fairfax because of the following:

• 100% cybersecurity focus
• Expert cybersecurity practitioner faculty
• Rigorous, project-driven, practitioner-oriented curricula
• Accessible online course delivery
• Student and alumni career successes
• Student and alumni satisfaction

Accreditation and Approvals

The University of Fairfax is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency, and is a Postsecondary member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Additional accreditations, approvals, and certifications include:

• Accrediting Commission of DEAC

The University of Fairfax is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). The Accrediting Commission of DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency and is a recognized member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). » http://www.deac.org » https://www.chea.org

Address and phone for DEAC: 1101 17th Street NW, Suite 808, Washington, DC 20036 P 202-234-5100 F 202-332-1386

Additionally, University of Fairfax holds state authorizations in several states and as an approved SARA (State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) institution is able to enrol students from all U.S. states except California and Massachusetts as well as international students.

• Virginia

The University of Fairfax is certified by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia in accordance with the provisions of Title 23, Chapter 21.1 of the Code of Virginia. The University of Fairfax has been granted the "Certificate to Operate an Institution of Postsecondary Education" authorizing the University of Fairfax to offer degrees, courses for degree credit, or programs of study leading to a degree or certificate in the Commonwealth of Virginia. » http://www.schev.edu

• Veterans Benefits

Veterans and eligible persons who qualify for educational benefits under the Post 911/GI Bill and other GI Bill Chapters may be eligible for educational benefits while enrolled in educational programs offered by the University of Fairfax. UoF is a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program. » http://www.va.gov

eLearning at the University of Fairfax

Secure your future and advance your cybersecurity career as you learn exclusively online at the University of Fairfax. eLearning is convenient for cybersecurity professionals who need to be mobile and responsive in a demanding and fast-paced field.

Accessibility Benefits

All our accredited, practitioner-oriented cybersecurity graduate programs are delivered through an accessible, interactive, online platform that provides you with the:

• Convenience of 24/7 access to your courses from any location
• Flexibility to better juggle your work, family and educational commitments
• Opportunity for one-on-one support
• Ability to collaborate and engage with faculty and fellow student professionals

Educational Benefits

Our expert practitioner faculty and practitioner-oriented curriculum will help you apply what you learn right away. Through rigorous, engaging, online cyber security courses you will:

• Learn current best practices from leading expert practitioner faculty
• Share your ideas and collaborate with fellow students and faculty
• Enhance your critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Improve your communication skills
• Complete real-world projects, which apply to your workplace

Career Benefits

Through its collaborative, interactive eLearning programs, you'll build your professional network as you complete your education. The practitioner faculty who teach your courses, as well as the cybersecurity colleagues with whom you collaborate online, will become an integral part of your professional network throughout your career as you:

• Increase your visibility with peers in the field
• Apply what you learn on the job and are recognized for your contributions
• Network with faculty and fellow students
• Find rewarding professional opportunities

A Unique Online School Learning Approach

We utilize a unique approach to online learning -- one that blends two types of online delivery methods to provide the most effective online learning experience for adult learners. To enhance learning, our online programs include opportunities for both real-time (synchronous) and asynchronous interaction.

Threaded Discussions

Asynchronous interaction occurs by participating in instructor-led "threaded discussions." Students participate at times that best fit their schedules.

Online Chat Rooms

Your instructor holds "office hours" at a prescribed time each week in the evening. These sessions are not required but are available to help support you. Each chat is automatically archived and can be viewed after the high-speed.

SyncSessions™

These sessions are scheduled every other week and provide a forum for collaborative learning by enabling real-time interaction between faculty and students. They are recorded and archived for student use.

Technology Requirements

Students must have personal access to a Windows-enabled computer with a minimum of 512 MB RAM, high-speed internet connectivity, and the appropriate office suite of software to support word-processing, presentation development and spreadsheet capabilities. In addition, a webcam and microphone/headset are required.

Support for Online Learning

The University of Fairfax online cyber security degree, certificate and certification programs provide you with the tools and support you need to succeed as you learn online. This online educational platform is both user-friendly and easy-to-navigate. To ensure that students have a productive and beneficial educational experience, all new students participate in orientation on how to utilize the online platform.

In addition, many support services enhance your online learning experience, including:

• Mobile access to courses through smartphone technology, such as Android, iPhone
• Twitter feeds for timely notice of important deadlines and announcements
• Help Desk for technical assistance available 24/7
• Electronic Library resources available for conducting secondary research 24/7
• Online Librarian
• Library Tutorials/Webinars on secondary research