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As graduates of online doctorate programs in information assurance and security, individuals implement risk management strategies to ensure the defense of computers, technological systems and corporate governance. Not simply a computer science discipline, the field has far-reaching impact across an array of industries, e.g., finance, criminal justice, government and communications. As front-line respondents to complexities that arise in data privacy, business continuity and compliance issues, individuals who possess an online PhD in information assurance and security help to safeguard organizations from threats against safety breaches that would otherwise impair, if not disable, their productivity and efficiency.

Online PhD in Information Assurance and Security Requirements

Individuals who pursue online PhD degrees in information assurance and security employ problem-solving techniques to prevent threats of intrusion and to protect the integrity of organizations. The expertise of those who hold accredited online doctoral degrees in information assurance and security positions them as leaders in securing the global data infrastructure that drives not only the activities of business and industry, but also those of individuals in their everyday lives.
Online doctoral programs in information assurance and security require a Master’s degree from an accredited institution in coursework in which individuals maintained a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0. This degree may be in disciplines such as:

• information assurance;
• information technology management; and
• computer science

Admission to online PhD information assurance and security programs may require relevant professional experience, e.g., in either administrative, scientific research or computer science-related positions, to demonstrate acumen in the field and an understanding of the subject matter that will be covered in the program.

Online PhD in Information Assurance and Management Education

Coursework for the online information assurance and management doctorate prepares learners to protect the operational security of organizations through the design of systems, procedures and protocols that align with legal regulations and policies. Classes facilitate their understanding of concepts such information confidentiality, intellectual property and data preservation so that are well able to thwart security threats and to strengthen technological vulnerabilities to avoid exploitation of perceived weaknesses. Students enrolled in online PhD programs in information assurance and management must complete a dissertation on a research topic chosen in consultation with their advisor. They may also be required to attend brief residential colloquia to complement their online studies.

Information on Information Assurance and Management Courses

The best online doctoral programs in information assurance and management help students to understand and to apply theories of security management to ensure a safe computing environment within the workplace. Acquisition of communication, critical thinking and technological skills helps them to analyze data and to devise solutions through applied research that contributes to the efficacy of the field.
Individuals enrolled in online information assurance and security PhD programs have coursework on the theory, principles and practices of information systems. For example, classes might include:

• Organizations Corporate Computer and Network Security
  This course explores the security threats and security management issues in corporations, including access control, site security and disaster response. Students also study how hackers attack organizations and strategies for preventing intrusion.
• Fundamental to Computer Network Auditing
  Candidates for online doctorate degrees in information assurance and security study the foundation of information technology audit and control, as well as the control of new and existing systems. They also assess security and privacy matters.
• Information Security and Outsourcing Computer Systems
  Individuals evaluate the risks of information technology outsourcing to understand how best to recognize and to manage such dangers. This course heightens awareness of the various issues that organizations must identify, quantify and analyze to make informed outsourcing decisions that are cost efficient from tangible and intangible perspectives.
• Disaster Recovery and Contingency Planning for the Security Professional
  This course provides instruction in disaster prevention and recovery capabilities within organizations. Students learn the principles of disaster recovery planning for physical security consideration, host applications and network security measures.
• Advanced Risk Management in Information Assurance and Security
  Students enrolled in online information assurance and security PhD studies explore the challenges of evaluating and implementing computer security. They deepen their understanding of the nature of risk and how to use this knowledge to counter potential threats and complications.

Specializations and Concentrations

Students who wish to specialize in the online PhD in information assurance and security can concentrate in a specialized area to position themselves as authorities within the field. Individuals may refine their online doctoral programs in information assurance and technology to hone particular expertise within areas such as:

• Information Assurance and Security Technological Contexts, including critical infrastructure, network security, systems security and database security.
• Industry Contexts, including health information assurance, military defense system security, information policy and risk analysis.
• Information Assurance Practices, including computer forensics, change management, confidentiality and cryptography.

Careers in Information Assurance and Security

The best online PhD programs in information assurance and security prepare individuals for a range of careers that rely heavily on the skills that they acquire through their coursework and dissertation research. Those who earn an online doctorate in information assurance and security are able to assume leadership roles within professions in business, research, the academy and government agencies like the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Graduates of online PhD information assurance and security programs can transition into occupations such as:

• Computer Software Engineer—Applications
  These professionals develop and refine computer applications software in accordance with user needs. They implement software solutions to ensure operational security and efficiency, and they may also design databases within an application area. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual income for applications computer software engineers is $90,170.
• Computer Software Engineer—Systems Software
  Individuals who hold an online doctorate in information assurance and security can research, design and launch operating systems-level software and network distribution software for an array of industries, e.g., aerospace, military, business and general computing purposes, to ensure data protection with limited risk. This career pays an average of $96,620.
• Computer and Information Scientist
  Professionals in this career act as theorists, designers and inventors to solve hardware and software challenges, including vulnerabilities that may create exposure to technological threats. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual income for computer and information scientists is $105,370 with states in the nation’s beltway—Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC—among the top five with the highest concentration of professionals in this field.
• Computer and Information Systems Manager
  These professionals coordinate activities in fields such as data processing and computer programming that help to develop and to sustain technological integrity. On average, individuals in this career earn $120,640 annually.
• College/University Professor
  Graduates may decide to teach information assurance and security courses as professors who also engage in field-related research. On average, professors of computer science/technology earn $75,860 annually.

The best information assurance and security PhD online programs equip graduates to play a pivotal in a field that continues to rapidly evolve as people and communications become increasingly more global, thereby necessitating measures that will protect data. An online doctorate in information assurance and security allows individuals to understand and to mitigate the technological risks that organizations encounter so that threats are proactively addressed and safety measures are appropriately enacted.