Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Critical Infrastructure

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Earn a doctorate degree in critical infrastructure, advance scholarly research and your career

From hospitals to power plants, dams, water facilities, and transportation systems, critical infrastructure supports every aspect of our lives. The Department of Homeland Security has identified 16 critical infrastructure sectors whose assets, systems, and networks are so vital that incapacitation or destruction would debilitate the nation’s security, economy, public health, and safety.

While protecting these assets from physical threats has long been a concern, attention has only recently turned to the risk of a virtual attack. As security experts grapple with the implications of today’s Internet of Things, an urgent need exists for new research and ideas in the field. Through our doctoral program in critical infrastructure, you can contribute to solving one of the greatest technical challenges of the 21st century – how to create a robust and sustainable infrastructure that is resilient against multiple threats and hazards.

This is a research based doctorate PhD degree where you will be assigned an academic supervisor almost immediately to guide you through your program and is based on mostly independent study through the entire program. It typically takes a minimum of two years but typically three years to complete if a student works closely with their assigned academic advisor. Under the guidance of your academic supervisor, you will conduct unique research in your chosen field before submitting a Thesis.

As your PhD progresses, you move through a series of progression points and review stages by your academic supervisor. This ensures that you are engaged in a process of research that will lead to the production of a high-quality Thesis and/or publications and that you are on track to complete this in the time available. Following submission of your PhD Thesis or accepted three academic journal articles, you have an oral presentation assessed by an external expert in your field.

Why Capitol?

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Expert guidance in doctoral research

Capitol’s doctoral programs are supervised by faculty with extensive experience in chairing doctoral dissertations and mentoring students as they launch their academic careers. You’ll receive the guidance you need to successfully complete your doctoral research project and build credentials in the field. 

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Proven academic excellence

Study at a university that specializes in industry-focused education in technology fields, with a faculty that includes many industrial and academic experts.

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Program is 100% Online

Our Ph.D. in Critical Infrastructure is offered 100% online. Once you are accepted, all you need is an internet connection and you can attend class. 

Key Faculty

Career Opportunities

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Market demand for critical infrastructure expertise

Get the necessary credentials to take on a leadership role; become a researcher, speaker, author, or trusted expert; or enter higher education as a teaching professional.

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A degree that is relevant to any and every organization

Graduates will contribute significantly to the critical infrastructure field through the creation of new knowledge and ideas.

The 16 Sectors of Critical Infrastructure

Why has the U.S. government designated 16 sectors of critical infrastructure? Because these sectors need cybersecurity, and other forms of protection, so we can maintain our lives.

Read More

Degree Details


This program may be completed with a minimum of 60 credit hours, but may require additional credit hours, depending on the time required to complete the dissertation/publication research. Students who are not prepared to defend after completion of the 60 credits will be required to enroll in RSC-899, a one-credit, eight-week continuation course. Students are required to be continuously enrolled/registered in the RSC-899 course until they successfully complete their dissertation defense/exegesis.

The student will produce, present, and defend a doctoral dissertation after receiving the required approvals from the student’s Committee and the PhD Review Boards.


Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates are subject to change.

The following rates are in effect for the 2024-2025 academic year, beginning in Fall 2024 and continuing through Summer 2025:

  • The application fee is $100
  • The per-credit charge for doctorate courses is $950. This is the same for in-state and out-of-state students.
  • Retired military receive a $50 per credit hour tuition discount
  • Active duty military receive a $100 per credit hour tuition discount for doctorate level coursework.
  • Information technology fee $40 per credit hour.
  • High School and Community College full-time faculty and full-time staff receive a 20% discount on tuition for doctoral programs.

Find additional information for 2024-2025 doctorate tuition and fees.


Capitol Tech's Critical Infrastructure PhD program is the best fit for me that I could have found.The format is very close to what I had done for my master's. I am truly excited to start my journey here.

-Lisa A Jenkins
PhD in Critical Infrastructure


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