DBA in Cybersecurity & Digital Governance
Golden Gate University, San Francisco (USA)
"Command the boardroom on cyber risk with doctoral-level research authority"
- 3 phases · 17 modules · 2.5 Years programme
- Earn the internationally recognised "Dr." title
- Dissertation on a live business challenge in your organisation
- Cohort of up to 18 senior executives from 25+ countries
Duration
2.5 Years
Phases
3
Modules
17
Cohort
Up to 18
Credential
DBA
Delivery
Online
About This Programme
The DBA in Cybersecurity & Digital Governance is built for CISOs, cyber risk directors, and technology governance leaders who want doctoral-level research credentials to elevate their board-level influence. You will produce original research on AI-driven threat modelling, cyber risk quantification, and digital governance frameworks.
The programme combines technical cyber risk science with executive governance and research methods — producing leaders who can advise boards, regulators, and government agencies using evidence, not instinct.
Learning Outcomes
Eligibility & Admission
- Masters, MBA, MSc in Cybersecurity / IS / Engineering, or equivalent
- 10+ years professional experience
- 5+ years in cybersecurity, information security, or digital risk leadership
- CISSP, CISM, or CISA certification preferred
- Research interest statement on a cyber governance topic
Programme Structure
3 phases · 17 modules · 2.5 Years
Cyber Research Foundations
Specialist Cyber Electives
Doctoral Dissertation
Career Outcomes
Where our DBA graduates lead
Chief Information Security Officer
₹ 60L – 2Cr PA
Cyber Risk Director
₹ 40L – 1Cr PA
Cybersecurity Policy Researcher
₹ 30L – 70L PA
92%
Executive Promotion Rate
2×
Avg. Salary Multiplier
18 mo
Avg. Time to Next Role
Programme Faculty
Dr. Aditya Kumar
Programme Director · PhD MIT CSAIL · Ex-ISRO Cyber Security Head · CERT-In Advisor
Prof. Sarah Mitchell
Digital Governance Lead · DBA Warwick · Ex-GCHQ Cyber Strategy · NIS2 Implementation Advisor
Candidate Reviews
Programme Rating
Total reviews
The DBA transformed how I engage with my board. I now bring evidence, not just intuition, to every strategic discussion. The dissertation process was challenging but incredibly rewarding.
Worth every rupee. The faculty are genuinely at the top of their field. My supervisor pushed me in ways that made the research genuinely original. Got promoted to Group CEO three months after defending.
Demanding programme — but that's the point. The cohort of fellow executives is itself worth the investment. The network I've built across 18 countries is invaluable.
Doctor of Business Administration
DBA
Corporate Academy
Awarded on successful defence
Earn the "Dr." Title
Upon successful defence of your dissertation, you are awarded the Doctor of Business Administration — a credential recognised by leading corporations, academic institutions, and regulatory bodies worldwide. Add it to your LinkedIn, email signature, and board profile.
- Globally recognised 'Dr.' title
- Alumni network of 5,000+ doctoral graduates
- Eligible for academic appointments at leading B-schools
- Verified by partner accreditation bodies
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a computer science or cybersecurity background?
Yes — applicants should have hands-on experience in cybersecurity, information security, or digital risk. A formal CS degree is not required but 5+ years of technical/leadership cyber experience is essential.
Will my research require access to threat data?
Many dissertations use industry threat intelligence feeds, organisational incident data, or publicly available breach datasets. We guide you through data access agreements and anonymisation protocols.
Is this programme aligned with CISO career development frameworks?
Yes — the programme maps to NCSC's Cyber Essentials, ISACA CISM, and NIST CSF, and is recognised by leading cybersecurity professional bodies.
Talk to a DBA Counsellor
Get a personalised admissions roadmap — free of charge.
Upcoming Intakes
October 2026
Next Batch
7 seats left
January 2027
Upcoming
12 seats left
April 2027
Later
15 seats left
Sponsoring Executives?
Custom cohorts, invoiced billing, and group discounts for 3+ sponsored candidates from the same organisation.
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