The Best Online Doctorate in Information Technology Programs
The Best Online Doctorate in Information Technology Programs. An online Ph.D. in information technology prepares you for leadership roles in information technology with highly competitive salaries and exceptional job prospects. It can also open up an academic career path. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median computer and information systems manager over 106,900 new computer and information systems managers jobs will be created by 2033.
The Best Online Doctorate in Information Technology Programs
University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, KY- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The University of the Cumberlands offers a top-ranked online Ph.D. in information technology program. At the private university, degree-seekers engage in online classes to earn a doctorate. Doctoral students complete advanced research and benefit from support services.
Learners complete doctoral coursework in the online information technology program. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates propose a dissertation topic and conduct research in their specialty area. As the highest degree in information technology, the doctorate meets requirements for research, academic, and leadership roles.
Online doctoral students at the accredited institution qualify for several forms of financial aid. Prospective applicants can contact the program to learn more about research support, financial aid opportunities, and admission requirements.
University of the Cumberlands at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 15,449
Online Master's Programs: 25
Online Doctoral Programs: 4
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $5,670
- In-State$9,875
- Out-of-state$9,875
- In-State$5,670
- Out-of-state$5,670
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled16,966
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment91%
- AccreditationYes
Many schools offer online doctoral programs in information technology, so try to find a program with coursework that matches your professional goals.
An online Ph.D. program in information technology begins with foundational classes in subjects like principles of programming, enterprise database design and advanced software development. As you advance, you can specialize with electives like cloud computing, technology for mobile devices and project management. Some programs even offer formal specializations in areas like healthcare information technology and computer security.
To earn a Ph.D. in information technology online, you often must complete a research-based dissertation. To prepare for this graduation requirement, you would take courses in research design and advanced academic writing. You would also work closely with a faculty advisor who helps you choose a topic, collect data and interpret the results of your study. Once you finish writing your dissertation, you must defend your work before a faculty committee.
Some online Ph.D. in information technology programs feature a doctoral capstone project instead of a dissertation. Students in these programs apply research to practical problems in information technology, but they typically do not need to create this research themselves.
What Else Can I Expect from an Online Doctorate in Information Technology Program?
You can customize your online doctorate in information technology degree. While many programs offer similar foundational courses, you can specialize in a particular area by either choosing a formal concentration or selecting electives that align with your interests.
Online Doctoral Degree in Information Technology Concentrations
- 1
Network Administration and Security
You would learn to protect your organization’s computer networks and systems. You may study how to use firewalls and encryption programs to secure sensitive information or explore cloud computing’s vulnerabilities. You would also examine the latest security standards and best practices in order to stay at the forefront of your field.Concentration Careers: senior information security analyst, director of cyber security
- 2
Data Management
Data plays an increasingly critical role in every business’s success. As a result, information technology professionals with expertise in data warehousing, data mining and information retrieval often have strong job prospects. If you concentrate in this area, then you can develop the necessary skills and knowledge for serving your organization’s data needs.Concentration Careers: data engineer, director of data management
- 3
Healthcare Information Systems
If you pursue a career in the healthcare field, then you can benefit from understanding how information systems support medical treatment and research. In this concentration, you would take courses in healthcare informatics, data analysis and the ethics of patient data policies.Concentration Careers: director of clinical informatics, chief information officer
Curriculum for an Online Doctoral Degree in Information Technology
- Fundamentals of Information Systems: If you pursue your online doctorate in information technology, then you explore the principles of computer hardware, software and networks. You learn how to create algorithms, express data and use basic programming languages to realize designs.
- Computer Networking and Operating Systems: In this course, you would examine topics like file systems, configurations, administration, security, multitasking, interfacing and performance analysis. You would apply your theoretical learning by creating elements of information or communication infrastructure.
- Systems Analysis and Design: This class helps prepares you to develop large-scale software systems. First, you would learn to use structured and object-oriented approaches; this would help you better understand a given system’s functional requirements.
- Principles of Programming: Programming plays an indispensable role in information technology. In this course, you would gain practical experience with languages such as C++, Python and Java. You would also practice algorithmic thinking, precise coding and logical design.
- Applied Research Methods: This course prepares you for a research-based dissertation by introducing you to the fundamental elements of collecting, analyzing and interpreting both quantitative and qualitative data. Students with prior graduate-level education may immediately move on to more advanced statistical analysis courses.
Careers with a Doctorate in Information Technology Careers
After earning your doctorate in information technology online, you are qualified for a wide variety of careers. You may choose to work in cybersecurity where you would safeguard your company’s computer networks and intellectual property. You could pursue a career in the healthcare industry where you would apply your expertise in database architecture to help treat patients and unlock cures for chronic diseases. Or, you may want to pass along your knowledge to the next generation by serving as a college or university professor.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
