Get your Ph.D. in Cybersecurity at RIT

2 students in a computer lab

Are you passionate about tackling novel problems in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence? Are you ready to make an impact that resonates globally?

At RIT, our Ph.D. in Computing and Information Sciences and Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering programs bring together researchers from across the world and across disciplines to make breakthroughs in areas that include secure software architecture, deepfakes, and protecting vehicle-to-vehicle communications from quantum attacks. Our Ph.D. Program is ranked 56th by CSRankings.org.

Why Choose Our Ph.D. Program?

Join a vibrant community of renowned researchers, esteemed professors, and industry experts who are at the forefront of cybersecurity advancements, and become a leader in academia or industry.

The Institute’s research agenda is powered by nearly forty faculty across multiple colleges at RIT informing cybersecurity research with perspectives from computing, engineering, psychology, public policy, and more. With a recent $20 million gift to help support cybersecurity our research agenda is growing, as faculty and students collaborate on fields that include:

  • systems and embedded security
  • wireless and IoT security
  • generative artificial intelligence and machine learning for cyber ops
  • misinformation/disinformation
  • cryptography/homomorphic encryption
  • threat hunting
  • hardware security
  • cybersecurity education

Industry Collaboration: Forge connections with industry leaders, startups, and government agencies through internships, collaborations, and networking events. We help our Ph.D. students get co-ops with companies like Apple and agencies like the Department of Defense, and prepare them to hit the ground running in industry or academia.  RIT is recognized as a Center of Excellence in Cybersecurity Research by the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security.

State-of-the-Art Facilities: Opened in 2020, the ESL Global Cybersecurity Institute is a dedicated facility for cybersecurity and AI research, and features specialized labs like our Wireless and IoT Lab and Airgap Lab, as well as a state-of-the-art Cyber Range, that allows us to create realistic threat scenarios on a scale that mirrors massive global businesses, with a focus on healthcare, energy, and finance.

Professional Development: Enhance your presentation, communication, and leadership skills to effectively share your research findings. Our Ph.D. students present at top conferences in cybersecurity and AI, like AAAI, and publish in top publications, from research journals to the cover of the New York Times.

Mentorship and Guidance: Receive personalized mentorship from decorated researchers that include multiple NSF CAREER Award winners.

Learn More About Your New Research Community

Get a feel for our inclusive community in this new video featuring current Ph.D. students from around the world, discussing their experience at RIT, and their research.

Meet our Researchers

Learn more about some of our research community members and their work:

Join us in revolutionizing the cybersecurity landscape. Our Ph.D. program offers more than education – it's a journey of exploration, innovation, and impact. Apply today to embark on a transformative adventure that will shape your future and the future of cybersecurity.

Apply now to jumpstart your research career