PhD in Cyber Security at University of Tulsa

University of Tulsa

United States of America, Tulsa

University Rank:#1001

The Cyber Security at University of Tulsa is a PhD program designed for students who want to build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field. Delivered on campus at the university's main campus in Tulsa, United States of America, the program is taught in English and takes 4 years to complete. Students study in a Full Time environment while preparing for future professional opportunities. The next intake starts on August 22, 2026.

About PhD in Cyber Security

The interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Cyber Studies draws on faculty expertise across the University of Tulsa (TU) to conduct cutting-edge research at the interface between cyber and many disciplines. The program seeks high-achieving students who want to pursue independent scholarly research.

Students in the Ph.D. in Cyber Studies program will:

Demonstrate expertise and proficiency in the discipline's areas including cyber security, networking, data analysis, and a disciplinary specialization relevant to cyber studies.
Create and advance the body of knowledge in cyber topics by and submitting scholarly papers to peer-reviewed conference proceedings and journals.
Demonstrate research skills and professional behavior consistent with the scholarly cyber scientific community.

A wide range of disciplinary perspectives are valuable when researching cyber topics. The Ph.D. in Cyber Studies is designed to accommodate many such perspectives while ensuring that students acquire core knowledge from relevant disciplines to become effective, independent researchers in cyber-related domains. As such, students entering the program come from disciplinary backgrounds that reflect the composition of the School of Cyber Studies Faculty â€“ computer science, engineering, business, and the humanities.

The Ph.D. in Cyber Studies is open to both full-time and part-time students, local or remote. The full curriculum is described in the University Bulletin.

Full-time Ph.D. in Cyber Studies students who are selected for merit-based assistantships will receive full tuition remission and an annual living stipend of approximately $30,000. Awards are renewable annually subject to satisfactory performance and progression towards degree completion as described in the Bulletin. To receive support, full-time Ph.D. students are required to work through research or teaching assistantships. Students supported by assistantships are expected to relocate to Tulsa.

Applications for Spring and Fall 2022 are now open. The priority deadline for Fall 2022 is February 1, 2022. Early applications are strongly encouraged, as decisions for assistantships are made at the time of admission and there is a limited number available.

We also welcome applications from independent, highly motivated part-time students who currently work in cyber and have completed a master's degree.

If you have questions, please first review the FAQ below. If you still have questions, please reach out to Dr. Sal Aurigemma, Graduate Program Advisor for the Ph.D. in Cyber Studies, or Dr. Tyler Moore, Chair, School of Cyber Studies.

Ph.D. in Cyber Studies Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of assistantships are available?

Research assistantships are typically supported by external research funding. In recent years, faculty have received awards from the US National Science Foundation, Department of Defense, Department of Energy and Department of Homeland Security. TU also hosts the innovative TU-Team8 Cyber Fellows program, which supports students who conduct research on projects with high commercialization potential. Students funded by teaching assistantships support courses offered through the School of Cyber Studies.

I am interested in the TU-Team8 Cyber Fellows program, but I'm not sure. What should I do?

On your application, please check the box indicating your interest in that program. Checking that box does not preclude you from being considered for other assistantship opportunities.

I'm interested in the TU-Team8 Cyber Fellows program. Do I have to do a Ph.D. in Cyber Studies?

No. Any Ph.D. program offered by the College of Engineering and Natural Sciences is eligible for the program. Of course, we do anticipate that many of the students in that program will want to pursue a Ph.D. in Cyber Studies.

What should I write for my statement of purpose?

The statement of purpose should explain why you want to pursue a Ph.D. in general and in cyber studies in particular. Explain how your professional and educational background have prepared you for this program. Indicate which faculty you are interested in working with, as well as the topics that interest you. If you have already communicated with a faculty member about a Ph.D. topic, please say so. If you have not, consider reaching out to some faculty before you apply.

What faculty can I work with on the Ph.D.?

A dissertation must be advised by a faculty member in Cyber Studies. Please visit this page for the most up-to-date list. If there is a TU faculty member you'd like to work with who is not a faculty member in Cyber Studies, please let us know. The School is new and is adding new members regularly.

Can I complete the program as a part-time student?

Yes. Note that completing a Ph.D. takes a lot of time and effort, and is traditionally a full-time job. Nonetheless, for highly-motivated individuals with domain expertise from their day job and a Master's degree already completed, part-time study may work. You will need to indicate that this is your plan on the statement of purpose, and find an advisor who is willing to supervise you.

Can I complete the program remotely?

Yes. Full-time students supported by assistantships will typically need to reside in Tulsa. For students not supported by assistantships, the program can be completed remotely. Once again, the caveat is that you must find an advisor who is willing to supervise remote students. Note that not all courses will be offered both online and in-person. Required doctoral courses (e.g., CYB 7083 and CYB 8003) will be offered in a hybrid fashion as required. Elective courses and those in the disciplinary specialization may or may not be offered online.

Are international students eligible for the program?

Yes. Note that some assistantships have citizenship restrictions depending on the funding source. But there are no restrictions on who is eligible for the PhD program.

Can I qualify for an assistantship and tuition scholarship if I work full-time in another job?

No. Doing a Ph.D., while also carrying out the duties of an assistantship and working in a different full-time job, is not feasible.

Where do alumni go after completing the program?

The Ph.D. in Cyber Studies is brand new. Nonetheless, there have been many successful Ph.D. graduates from TU whose research focus has been in cyber studies. In recent years, TU Ph.D. graduates have gone onto faculty positions at University College London, Wake Forest and Ole Miss, for example. Many Ph.D. graduates pursue careers in industry or government, having gone on to work at places such as NVIDIA, General Motors, and the National Security Agency.

I'm unsure if I should pursue a Ph.D. in Cyber Studies or a more traditional degree program. What's your advice?

This is a personal decision. If the faculty member you work with works in a department offering Ph.D. study (e.g., computer science, psychology), consider reaching out to that faculty member for their thoughts. There is no right answer. You should also look at the degree requirements. One advantage of the Ph.D. in Cyber Studies is that it is designed to facilitate interdisciplinary study. You can take courses in multiple disciplines that align more closely to your research area. Many of the most fruitful areas for impactful research lies at the interface between disciplines, which the Ph.D. in Cyber Studies actively cultivates. You'll also be part of a community of scholars with varied disciplinary backgrounds. Through regular research seminars, you will be exposed to many new ways to approach problems, which can be intellectually invigorating.

Cyber Security Ranked #23 nationally by U.S. News Best Undergraduate Cybersecurity Programs, TU offers an undergraduate minor, a B.S. and M.S. in Cyber Security, as well as a Ph.D in Cyber Studies. Graduates are equipped to meet employer demands and serve in intellectually stimulating and personally rewarding roles that strengthen national and global security, filling one of the more than one million open cyber security jobs. Students gain experience in the theory, concepts and techniques of information assurance and network defense in real-world settings. Courses are designed to be hands-on and project-based, emphasizing experiential learning and partnerships with employers. In addition to computer science, the program draws on faculty expertise from engineering, business, social sciences and the humanities to cultivate broader perspectives that match how cyber pervades modern life. As such, the curriculum emphasizes both technical and non-technical skills required for today's cyber workforce. TU's cyber program is certified by the NSA and US Department of Homeland Security as a Center of Excellence in Information Assurance Education, Research, and Cyber Operations. We plan to seek accreditation for the B.S. in Cyber Security from ABET, the accreditor who certifies TU's BS degrees in engineering and computer science. The B.S. and M.S. in Cyber Security degrees also align with NIST's National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE), which articulates cyber workforce competencies.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for PhD in Cyber Security at University of Tulsa

Entry Requirements

Who is Eligible to Apply?

If you have completed your undergraduate degree (bachelor's or equivalent) or will have completed it prior to your intended matriculation date at Yale, you may apply to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS).

A master's degree is not required to apply for a Ph.D. at Yale, although some programs give preference to applicants with post-baccalaureate training. Consult your program of interest directly for information on how it evaluates applications.

We value diversity of all kinds at the Graduate School, and we encourage students from all backgrounds to apply if Yale is a good fit for your intellectual and professional goals. All are welcome to apply, without regard to citizenship or immigration status, socioeconomic level, race, religion, gender identification, sexual orientation, disability, etc.

Requirements for All Ph.D. and Master's Degree Applicants

You will need to provide the following with your application for admission:

A statement of academic purpose. You will find the prompt for the statement of purpose in our Application Question FAQs.
A list of all the prior colleges or universities you have attended, accompanied by unofficial transcripts from each school. Unofficial transcripts should be uploaded with your application. Official or paper transcripts are not needed at this time.
Three letters of recommendation. Enter the names of your recommenders directly in the application, and they will receive a link to upload a letter on your behalf.
$105 application fee or fee waiver.
Standardized tests. GRE requirements vary by program. TOEFL or IELTS are necessary for most non-native English speakers.
Resume/CV.
Some programs have additional requirements, such as a writing sample. You can find information about any specific requirements on the program's website.

Where Do I Begin?

You will need to provide the following with your application for admission:

A statement of academic purpose. You will find the prompt for the statement of purpose in our Application Question FAQs.
A list of all the prior colleges or universities you have attended, accompanied by unofficial transcripts from each school. Unofficial transcripts should be uploaded with your application. Official or paper transcripts are not needed at this time.
Three letters of recommendation. Enter the names of your recommenders directly in the application, and they will receive a link to upload a letter on your behalf.
$105 application fee or fee waiver.
Standardized tests. GRE requirements vary by program. TOEFL or IELTS are necessary for most non-native English speakers.
Resume/CV.
Some programs have additional requirements, such as a writing sample. You can find information about any specific requirements on the program's website.

English Requirements

IELTSMin 7.5
TOEFLMin 100

English Program Requirements

TOEFL or IELTS is required of most applicants whose native language is not English.

If you have received (or will receive) an undergraduate degree from a college or university where English is the primary language of instruction, and if you have studied in residence at that institution for at least three years, you are exempt from the English Language Test requirement and are not required to submit the TOEFL or IELTS.

No exemptions are made on the basis of an advanced degree (e.g. M.A./M.S. or Ph.D.) from any institution.

When you complete your application, you will answer questions about your native language and the primary language of instruction at your baccalaureate institution. If either was English, you will not be required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores when you submit your application. No separate documentation is necessary.

Although the Graduate School does not have set test minimums for admission, individual departments use these test scores as part of their holistic review of your application. Please check with the department to which you are applying to see if they have a minimum requirement. The Graduate School does require incoming doctoral students who received a score of 25 or below on the TOEFL Speaking section or a 7.5 or below on IELTS Speaking section to participate in a Summer English Language program at Yale in August prior to matriculation. These students are required to demonstrate English proficiency before they are permitted to teach.

Fee Information

Application Fee 105

How to Apply

Identify the program and degree you want.

Decide if you will apply for a Ph.D. or a terminal Master’s (M.S., M.A., M.A.S.) in one of the programs available at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. (Note that you will earn one or more Master's degrees en route to a Ph.D.) Learn about the program: its faculty, course offerings, and resources. Read the faculty's research publications. If you can identify and articulate why the program is a good fit for you and show how your preparation and interests align well with it, you will have a strong application.

A note to students applying to one of Yale’s professional schools or programs:

If you are applying for a Ph.D. in Architecture, Environment, Investigative Medicine, Law, Management, Music, Nursing, or Public Health, or for an M.S. in Public Health, or an M.A. in Music, be sure to use the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Ph.D./Master's application.

If you are applying for any other degree at one of the University’s professional schools (Art, Architecture, Divinity, Drama, Environment, Law, Management, Medicine, Music, Nursing, and Public Health), visit that school’s website for further instructions. Those programs have separate admissions policies and processes that are administered by the professional schools, not GSAS.

Verify the application deadline for your program.

Application deadlines vary by program, so please see Dates and Deadlines for information about your program of interest. All new students enroll in the fall, and the admissions process begins nearly a year in advance of matriculation.

Determine what standardized tests you need to take. Register early.

Some Ph.D. and Master’s degree programs require Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. Check your program's standardized testing requirement before you apply. In addition, applicants whose native language is not English may need to take an English Language test (TOEFL or IELTS).

Complete your application.

Cyber Security

University of Tulsa

United States of America, Tulsa