PhD in Cybersecurity Admissions
The PhD in Cybersecurity at Old Dominion University prepares students to become advanced researchers, faculty members, innovators, and technical leaders in the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity. The program emphasizes rigorous research, interdisciplinary collaboration, ethical and societal implications of emerging technologies, and hands-on experience in advanced cyber operations and defense.
Admission to the program is competitive and based on a holistic review of each applicant’s academic preparation, research potential, professional accomplishments, and alignment with the program’s research mission.
Minimum Admission Requirements
Applicants must satisfy all Graduate School admission requirements and hold either a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (or equivalent international institution).
Degrees should normally be in:
- Cybersecurity
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Data Science
- Information Systems
- Engineering
- Other closely related STEM disciplines
Applicants from non-STEM disciplines may be considered on an individual basis if they demonstrate sufficient preparation for doctoral-level cybersecurity research.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate preparation in:
- Cybersecurity fundamentals
- Programming
- Computer networks
- Operating systems
- Information assurance
- Mathematics relevant to cybersecurity research
- Students lacking sufficient preparation in foundational areas may be required to complete prerequisite or leveling coursework that does not count toward the degree requirements.
Minimum Academic Qualifications
Applicants must have:
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) in the last 60 credit hours of a bachelor’s degree program; or
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (on a 4.00 scale) in an applicable master’s degree program.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.
Application Materials
Applicants must submit:
- Online graduate application
- Nonrefundable application fee
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Two letters of recommendation
- GRE scores or an approved GRE waiver
- English proficiency documentation (for international applicants)
Additional materials may be requested by the Admissions Committee.
The Statement of Purpose should address:
- Research interests and research experience
- Motivation for pursuing a PhD in Cybersecurity
- Academic and professional background
- Career goals
- Alignment with faculty research expertise
- Long-term research objectives
- Applicants are encouraged to identify faculty members whose research interests align with their own.
Applicants must submit GRE scores as part of their application. Qualified applicants may request a GRE waiver.
GRE waiver eligibility may be available for applicants who:
- Hold a STEM master’s degree with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.50; or
- Hold a STEM bachelor’s degree with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.75; or
- Are current or former full-time faculty members in a STEM discipline and hold at least a master’s degree in a STEM-related field; or
- Applicants with significant research accomplishments, peer-reviewed publications, funded research experience, patents, or exceptional professional achievements.
Once you have submitted your application, if you would like to request a GRE waiver, please email gradadvising@odu.edu. Please ensure your application has been submitted prior to requesting the waiver.
Faculty Advisors
Applicants are encouraged to review faculty research interests and identify potential advisors in their application materials.
Upon admission, each student is assigned a faculty advisor who provides guidance on coursework, research preparation, and academic planning. Students are expected to identify a dissertation advisor as they progress through the program and refine their research interests.
Contacting faculty before applying is encouraged but not required.
Admissions Review Process
Applications are evaluated holistically by the Admissions Committee based on:
- Academic preparation
- Relevant coursework and technical skills
- Research potential
- Publications and research experience
- Statement of Purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Professional experience
- Alignment with faculty expertise and research priorities
Each application is independently reviewed by multiple committee members.
Admission Decisions
Applicants may receive one of the following decisions:
The applicant has demonstrated sufficient academic preparation and research potential for doctoral study.
The applicant is admissible but must satisfy specified academic conditions or prerequisite requirements.
The applicant is academically qualified, but immediate admission is not available due to program capacity or other constraints.
The application does not demonstrate sufficient preparation, research potential, or overall fit for doctoral study.
The applicant has demonstrated sufficient academic preparation and research potential for doctoral study.
The applicant is admissible but must satisfy specified academic conditions or prerequisite requirements.
The applicant is academically qualified, but immediate admission is not available due to program capacity or other constraints.
The application does not demonstrate sufficient preparation, research potential, or overall fit for doctoral study.
Application Deadlines
| Admission Term | International Deadline | Domestic Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | April 15 | July 1 |
| Spring | October 1 | November 1 |
| Summer | February 1 | March 1 |
Applicants seeking assistantship support are strongly encouraged to apply for Fall admission and submit applications as early as possible.
Full-Time & Part-Time Study
The PhD in Cybersecurity is offered in both full-time and part-time formats.
Students entering with a bachelor’s degree are expected to enroll full-time. Part-time enrollment is generally intended for students entering with a master’s degree and must still satisfy all program milestones, research expectations, and degree requirements.