Online Doctor of Engineering in Cybersecurity Analytics

Applications for the January 2026 cohort are now open. The deadline to submit an application including official transcripts is November 30, 2025.

Program Description 

The Doctor of Engineering in Cybersecurity Analytics grants students extensive knowledge of cutting-edge cybersecurity techniques, tools, and their real-world applications. Graduates  are well-equipped to conduct research and lead cybersecurity projects and teams in various industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, and more. Graduates will be able to effectively communicate complex cybersecurity concepts to diverse audiences, making them well-suited for leadership positions and academic teaching roles.

GW is federally designated as a National Center of Excellence for Cyber Defense Research. The GW Cyber Security and Privacy Research Institute (CSPRI) is the home for major information assurance and cybersecurity scholarship programs. The CSPRI is funded by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Science Foundation.

Curriculum

The degree requires completion of six graduate-level courses (listed below) and a minimum of 24 credit hours of Praxis Research (SEAS 8188). During the research phase, the student writes and defends a research praxis on a topic related to Cybersecurity Analytics. The topic is selected by the student and approved by the research advising committee.

Learn More About the Courses

SEAS 8400 Challenges in Cybersecurity: Introduction to most common types of attacks, e.g., ransomware attacks, IoT attacks, cloud attacks, phishing attacks, blockchain and cryptocurrency attacks, software vulnerabilities, BYOD policies, and insider attacks, as well as analytical techniques of their mitigation. (4 credit hours)

SEAS 8405 Cybersecurity Architectures: Introduction to traditional network-centric cybersecurity (i.e., Defense in Depth) and emerging cybersecurity architecture models including DevSecOps, Cloud-native, and risk adaptive (Zero Trust Architecture) structures. Discussion of the benefits and challenges of these models, alignment with MITRE frameworks, and how they support the business/mission outcomes of an organization. (4 credit hours)

SEAS 8410 Security Data Analysis & Visualization: Visualization aspect of security data, including study of data analytics and scaling up information security, security metrics and security monitoring techniques focusing on industry applications. Tools for security data visualization and analytics. (4 credit hours)

SEAS 8414 Analytical Tools for Cyber Analytics: Survey of analytical tools for analyzing cybersecurity data with particular attention to the use of data analytics procedures in supporting appropriate cybersecurity policy decisions. (4 credit hours)

SEAS 8415 Applied Cryptography and Data Protection: Introduction to cryptographic techniques, case studies for real-life applications of modern crypto-graphic solutions, classical cryptographical algorithms (AES, RSA, RC4) and techniques (symmetric, asymmetric-public key cryptography, hash functions), digital signatures, key management, and distribution. Advanced topics such as zero-knowledge proofs and zero-trust architectures. (4 credit hours)

SEAS 8499 Praxis Development for Cybersecurity: Overview of research methods. Aims and purpose of the praxis. Development of praxis research strategies, formulation, and defense of a praxis proposal. Praxis proposal defense must be passed before the student is admitted to degree candidacy to undertake praxis work. (4 credit hours)

SEAS 8188 Praxis Research for Doctor of Engineering in Cyber Analytics: Independent applied research in cybersecurity culminating in the final praxis report and final examination for the degree of Doctor of Engineering. (24 credit hours)

Admissions Process

Review the Admissions Requirements

• Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering, applied science, business, computer science, information technology, or a related field from accredited institutions.
• Applicants with other majors are encouraged to apply. However, they may have to take EMSE 4197 as a prerequisite course if they have not completed two college-level calculus courses.
• A minimum graduate-level GPA of 3.2
• Capacity for original scholarship.
• TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE scores are required of all applicants who are not citizens of countries where English is the official language.  Check our International Students Page to learn about the SEAS English language requirements and exemption policy. Test scores may not be more than two years old.

Note: GRE and GMAT scores are not required.

Please note that our doctoral programs are highly selective; meeting minimum admissions requirements does not guarantee admission.  

Apply for Admission and Submit Supporting Documents

Apply for Admission

• Attach up-to-date Resume
• Attach Statement of Purpose – In an essay of 250 words or less, state your purpose in undertaking graduate study at The George Washington University. Describe your academic objectives, research interests, and career plans. Discuss your qualifications including collegiate, professional, and community activities, and any other substantial accomplishments not mentioned.
• Send Official Transcripts – Official transcripts are required from all institutions where a degree was earned. Transcripts should be sent electronically to cyberdoctorategwu [dot] edu (cyberdoctorate[at]gwu[dot]edu) or via mail to:

Online Engineering Programs
The George Washington University
PO Box 2717
Laguna Hills, CA 92654

Normally, all transcripts must be received before an admission decision is rendered for the Doctor of Engineering program. 

Remain Engaged in the Admissions Process

You will receive emails from us updating you as your application goes through the admissions process.