Most Affordable Online PhD in CompSci or Cybersecurity

[wiresandscreens]

I have been researching various online options and wanted to check if anyone had any input on what would be considered the most affordable online PhD program in Computer Science or ideally Cybersecurity. 

I'm planning on asking my job to cover the cost, so the more affordable the program the easier the conversation will be. I'll include some details below if anyone has input or suggestions. Thanks in advance!

Current Education: BS and MS in Cybersecurity from WGU

Certifications: CISM, CISA, CISSP, PENTEST+, CySA, CASP+

[Jonathan Whatley]

Dakota State University is 470.45 per sh for their PhD in Information Systems, 580.60 per sh for CSC courses which make up their PhD in Cyber Defense or PhD in Cyber Operations. University of the Cumberlands is 549 per sh for their PhD in in Information Technology with specializations including Cyber Engineering and Information Systems Security.

[wiresandscreens]

Dakota State University is 470.45 per sh for their PhD in Information Systems, 580.60 per sh for CSC courses which make up their PhD in Cyber Defense or PhD in Cyber Operations. University of the Cumberlands is 549 per sh for their PhD in in Information Technology with specializations including Cyber Engineering and Information Systems Security.

I haven't heard of some of those, thanks for the help! Now to check on their accreditation. 

Is it typical for a PhD program to take transfer credits or lower the needed credits for graduating if you already have a related MS?

[nomaduser]

Check Capitol Technology University's online PhD in CS:
https://www.captechu.edu/degrees-and-pro...cience-phd

[Jonathan Whatley]

PhD programs fall into two camps in this respect: Some programs define the number of credits they require as total graduate credits since bachelor's degree. Those typically do take "transfer" credit or lower the "needed" credits on the basis of a related master's. Other programs define the number of credits they require as PhD-level credits since master's degree. Those won't. But the outcomes will be about the same.

[wiresandscreens]

PhD programs fall into two camps in this respect: Some programs define the number of credits they require as total graduate credits since bachelor's degree. Those typically do take "transfer" credit or lower the "needed" credits on the basis of a related master's. Other programs define the number of credits they require as PhD-level credits since master's degree. Those won't. But the outcomes will be about the same.

Is there a good way to differentiate programs based on this? After looking at a few different programs, it doesn't appear to be apparent.

[Jonathan Whatley]

If the doctoral program is around 90 semester hours, it will typically accept "transfer" credits from a master's. (These will often accept students with just a bachelor's.) If the doctoral program is around 60 semester hours, it will typically not. (And these will usually require a master's to start.) It's a wash.

[wiresandscreens]

If the doctoral program is around 90 semester hours, it will typically accept "transfer" credits from a master's. (These will often accept students with just a bachelor's.) If the doctoral program is around 60 semester hours, it will typically not. (And these will usually require a master's to start.) It's a wash.

Good to know, that will make it much easier to differentiate. It seems most PhD options are at least 2-3 years of schooling, but I'm still holding out for an accelerated option that is self-paced without the requirements to meet at specific times.

[davewill]

PhD programs fall into two camps in this respect: Some programs define the number of credits they require as total graduate credits since bachelor's degree. Those typically do take "transfer" credit or lower the "needed" credits on the basis of a related master's. Other programs define the number of credits they require as PhD-level credits since master's degree. Those won't. But the outcomes will be about the same.

Is there a good way to differentiate programs based on this? After looking at a few different programs, it doesn't appear to be apparent.

Yes, engage with the admissions staff for the program. Grad program admissions are generally MUCH more responsive and informative than people may be used to in an undergrad setting.

[bjcheung77]

@wiresandscreens, you may be better helped if you provide more details from the addendum, such as your budget, commitments, study habits, and a timeline you want to get this completed, RA/NA or if international institutions are acceptable, etc... The more details, the better we can assist. Link: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...Area-works