Now Accepting Applications for Fall 2026
Apply by July 1, 2026, for Fall 2026 admission consideration.
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Cybersecurity at Old Dominion University prepares students to become researchers, educators, innovators, and technical leaders addressing today's most complex cybersecurity challenges. Through rigorous research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and hands-on investigation of emerging technologies, students develop the expertise needed to advance the cybersecurity field and contribute meaningful solutions to national and global security challenges.
As part of ODU's School of Cybersecurity, the program leverages the university's strengths as an R1 Research Institution and a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research (CAE-R). Students work closely with faculty mentors while conducting original research that advances cybersecurity knowledge and practice.
Research Opportunities
PhD students may pursue research in areas including:
- AI Security & Trustworthy AI
- Generative AI Security
- Cyber Defense & Intrusion Detection
- Digital Forensics
- Privacy & Data Protection
- Critical Infrastructure Security
- Human-Centered Cybersecurity
- Supply Chain Security
- Cyber-Physical Systems
- Secure Machine Learning
Why Pursue a PhD in Cybersecurity at ODU?
- Conduct impactful, faculty-mentored research.
- Collaborate across disciplines and research centers.
- Access advanced cybersecurity laboratories and infrastructure.
- Engage with industry, government, and national security partners.
- Prepare for careers in academia, research, government, and industry leadership.
- Contribute to the next generation of cybersecurity innovation.
Advance the Future of Cybersecurity
Join a growing community of researchers working to secure emerging technologies, protect critical systems, and address the cybersecurity challenges of tomorrow.
Applications are now being accepted for Fall 2026. Apply by July 1, 2026, for admission consideration.