Program Overview

Doctor of Technology Program Overview

Purdue University Northwest's Doctor of Technology is a professional degree that has "Professional Practice" at its core. Individuals who earn this degree will integrate theory and practice at a high level, helping them to stand out in the marketplace.

Program Description

Based on applied research, the DTech focuses on problems that industry encounters in practice…problems for which a solution is unknown and that require a higher level of knowledge and innovation.

Why Should You Get Your DTech

A DTech from Purdue University Northwest will prepare professionals to meet the needs of industry with leadership competence and advanced technology research-and-development skills.

Doctor of Technology Curriculum

The PNW Doctor of Technology plan of study builds on a master's degree in Technology or a related field from an accredited institution. Of the 90 credit hours required for the DTech degree, a maximum of 30 credit hours may be transferred from a master's degree.

• The other credit hours consist of:
  • Core curriculum
  • Electives offered by the College of Technology or other relevant units
  • Successfully proposing and completing an applied dissertation

Year One

Full-time students follow a three-year plan. In the first year, the primary focus is on core courses in the discipline.

• Sample Courses:
  • Enterprise System Design
  • Project and Process Development Optimization
  • Project Management in Industry and Technology

Year Two

Students will complete core DTech courses and begin taking specialization courses designed to meet their background and interests.

• Sample Courses:
  • Biometrics for Cybersecurity
  • Strategic Planning and Marketing for Technology
  • Enterprise Quality Planning and Analysis

Year Three

Students will focus on their dissertation project through independent research, supported by guidance from their Advisory Committee.

• Sample Courses:
  • Independent Study in Technology
  • Research DTech Thesis

Program Requirements

• Master's degree in Technology or related field from an accredited program
• Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 scale for master's-level work (or most recent graduate/professional degree)
• International students will need to provide proof of English proficiency
• Applicants will provide:
  • Transcripts from all institutions attended (baccalaureate and higher)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • A statement of purpose
  • A resume

Doctor of Technology Highlights

Graduates enter industry with real-world experience and vital skills under the guidance of expert faculty and industry professionals. Students will hone their ability to solve issues of real interest to the profession and implement best practices.

Doctor of Technology Outcomes

DTech graduates will be able to:

• Identify and conduct original research, scholarship or creative endeavors in an ethical and responsible manner
• Communicate effectively in their chosen field and think critically and creatively to solve problems
• Demonstrate attributes of professional development consistent with expectations in their field of study

Beyond the Classroom

The required dissertation will be an industry or profession-specific project for which a solution does not currently exist and innovative solutions are needed.

Doctor of Technology Assistantships

The College of Technology offers a number of graduate assistantships to full-time DTech students.

Meet the Faculty

• Lash Mapa, Ph.D., Professor, Mechanical Engineering Technology
• Ricardo A. Calix, Ph.D., Professor, Computer Information Technology
• Maged Mikhail, Ph.D., Department Chair, Engineering Technology

Related Programs

• Technology: Technology Leadership and Management, MS
• Technology: Computer Information Technology, MS
• Technology: Industrial Engineering Technology, MS