Capitol College’s doctorate in information assurance program is currently accepting applications for its newest fall cohort, which will begin classes on August 26th. The application deadline is July 1 and the deposit deadline is July 15.
Dr. Helen Barker, dean of School of Business and Information Sciences, answered a few questions regarding Capitol College’s Doctorate in Information Assurance, and discusses some of the advantages to enrolling in the program.
For more information about Capitol College’s doctorate in information assurance, follow this link. To apply, click here.
What can a prospective student expect from one of the college’s virtual information sessions?
They can expect to get a thorough introduction to what it means to be a doctoral student at Capitol College. What the structure of the program is, in terms of courses. This is where we show the Capitol difference, in that we explain Capitol’s commitment to students finishing the dissertation. Not just becoming an ABD [all but dissertation] statistic.
We talk about the support that you will receive from the very first class, in terms of dissertation topics, its structure, expectations and things like that. The orientation speaks to all the administrative details. The many options for funding your doctoral degree. How various offices support the student in these processes from application to graduation, and everything in between. We speak to them about which offices are appropriate in their search for specific assistance or information.
Really what we’re doing is setting up a pathway of success for students. We believe if the student follows this process from application to graduation the experience will be as seamless as possible.
How has the doctorate grown since its inception in 2010?
We’re filling a cohort, with a waiting list, each semester. Curriculum wise, we pay attention to the field and add electives as appropriate for emerging topics in IA.
Who is the doctorate program tailored to?
For leaders in the field of information assurance and cybersecurity. It’s also good for academics – those that are teaching in the field or want to teach in the field. In general, all those that have professional or academic job categories linked to IA.
Why do you think IA education is so important today?
There are very few, if any, areas of our lives that security does not impact. Of particular importance are those areas that affect our national security. Our banking systems, our social systems, our military systems, our medical systems – those are just a few examples.
Why is the mostly online format advantageous to our students?
It’s an “anywhere” education for a field of professionals who have time and place constraints. They are busy doing their jobs to protect our government and industries, so we’re providing them the flexibility to not have to travel their respective beltways any longer than necessary – to be able to do [their classes], their job and still be able to spend time with their families during this process.
Why would you recommend Capitol’s doctorate in IA to someone who is interested but may be on the fence?
I have a lot of respect for other schools. The Capitol difference is the small class size, the personal service and the high level of direct interaction that students have with deans and faculty. Additionally, we’re one of the few that has a pure IA doctorate, rather than a doctorate with a concentration in IA. And our degree is more practical. While it does have theory, it is more practically based.