OpenFieldPh.D. in Cyber Operations and Offensive Security Research
One of America's few technical doctoral programs in cyber operations, focusing on reverse engineering, kernel vulnerability exploitation, malware analysis, and industrial control systems security.
Application checklist & requirements
These requirements reflect published university guidelines available at the last review. Review official department guidelines before submission.
- Academic degree / Prerequisites
- Master's degree in Computer Science, Cyber Operations, or Electrical Engineering with 3.25+ GPA.
- English language proficiency
- TOEFL iBT 80 or IELTS 6.5.
- Standardized testing (GRE/GMAT)
- GRE recommended.
- Thesis / Research statement
- Detailed statement of purpose, technical writing sample or code repository, and transcripts.
- Recommendation letters
- Three letters of recommendation from computing researchers.
How much will it cost? How much funding is available?
- Financial support / stipend
- Full graduate assistantship with $25,000 annual stipend plus 100% tuition waiver
- Application fee
- $35 USD application fee
- Tuition / joining costs
- $0 with graduate assistantship ($480/credit regular tuition)
Dates and verification
- Application deadline
- February 1, 2027
- Last source review
- 2026-10-15
Important verification note
Facts reflect official Dakota State University documentation reviewed 2026-10-15. Admissions, funding allocations, and eligibility thresholds are evaluated by the university.
Reviewed 2026-10-15 · Editorial standards · Report an issue