Ph.D. in Information Technology

Program Overview

Online Ph.D. in Information Technology

Applying IT research to real-world situations and expanding the IT field’s existing body of knowledge.

Types

• Doctoral

Location

• Online

Credits

• 60

Cost

• $549/credit hour

Overview

As technology advances at a rapid pace, you need to stay ahead of the curve. As an experienced IT professional, you have a wealth of knowledge and skills under your belt. But the field of IT never stands still; as it evolves, you need to evolve with it. A PhD in information technology could be what you need to ensure that you stay ahead.

More than a pathway to earning the highest credential in your field, a doctorate program offers the chance to take a deep dive into the IT industry’s challenges and opportunities. That could mean gaining deep knowledge of how machine learning solves business problems, using analytics to plan for growing IT needs, responding to evolving cyber security threats, and much more. Pursuing your PhD in information technology offers the license to follow your scholarly interests and make discoveries that could potentially change the industry — and the world.

By the Numbers

$136,620

• Average Salary

23%

• Industry Growth

$10.4K

• Average Financial Aid

30

• Max Class Size

Programs & Requirements

Online Doctorate in Information Technology

The PhD in information technology online degree program from University of the Cumberlands is designed to help you take your IT career to new heights. The program is comprised of 60 required credit hours, which include professional research courses, content specialty courses, and a dissertation.

Our fully online curriculum focuses on predictive analytics, enhancing your credentials and giving you the tools you need to be your company’s IT expert in cybercrime security, big data, and smart technology. You’ll explore information governance, technology for a global economy, enterprise risk management, data science, big data, and more. You’ll also gain a comprehensive understanding of emerging threats to IT infrastructure and systems, plus identify countermeasures to keep cyberattacks at bay.

Course Requirements

• Core Requirements (18 hours)
  • ITS 831 - Information Technology Importance in Strategic Planning
  • ITS 832 - Information Technology in a Global Economy
  • ITS 833 - Information Governance
  • ITS 834 - Emerging Threats and Countermeasures
  • ITS 835 - Enterprise Risk Management
  • ITS 836 - Data Science and Big Data Analytics
• Professional Research (24 hours)
  • DSRT 734 - Inferential Statistics in Decision-making
  • DSRT 736 - Dissertation Seminar
  • DSRT 837 - Professional Writing and Proposal Development
  • DSRT 839 - Advanced Research Methods
  • DSRT 850 - Qualitative Research Methods
  • DSRT 930 - Dissertation
  • DSRT 931 - Dissertation *
  • DSRT 834 - Advanced Statistical Applications
• Content Specialty Area (18 hours)
  • A content specialty area of at least eighteen hours (18) must be earned in one of several disciplines:
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Blockchain
    • Computer Science
    • Cyber Engineering
    • Data Science
    • Information Systems Security
    • Information Technology

Mission & Goals

The mission of the online IT PhD program at Cumberlands is to teach practitioners the theories, strategies, and tactics necessary to lead in today’s global technology management field. Through this program, you will strengthen your skills in:

• Using predictive analytics to identify cyber threats and make policy changes
• Employing big data analytics
• Empowering smart cities
• Making data-driven decisions
• Improving connectivity

Information Technology Careers & Outcomes

• Computer and Information Research Scientist: $136,620
• Computer Network Architect: $126,900
• Data Scientist: $103,500
• Information Security Analyst: $112,000
• Database Administrator/Architect: $112,120
• Computer and Information Systems Manager: $164,070

Common Questions

• What is a Ph.D. in Information Technology?
  • A Ph.D. in Information Technology is a doctoral-level degree that focuses on advanced research and scholarly exploration within the field of IT. It emphasizes developing expertise in IT theory, research methodologies, and contributing to the knowledge base through original research.
• How long does a Ph.D. in Information Technology take?
  • The duration of a Ph.D. in Information Technology typically ranges from 3 to 5 years of full-time study. Part-time programs may take longer to complete.
• Can I get a Ph.D. in Information Technology online?
  • Yes, many universities offer Ph.D. programs in Information Technology online. These programs are designed to accommodate working professionals and offer flexibility in completing coursework and research requirements remotely.
• Is a Ph.D. in Information Technology worth it?
  • Earning a Ph.D. in Information Technology can be worth it for those interested in pursuing careers in academia, research, or advanced leadership positions in IT. It enhances career opportunities, potentially increases earning potential, and allows for deep specialization in a chosen area of IT.
• What can I do with a Ph.D. in Information Technology?
  • Graduates with a Ph.D. in Information Technology can pursue careers as computer and information research scientists, IT managers, data scientists, information security analysts, and more. They often work in research institutions, academia, government agencies, or in senior-level positions within corporations.
• How to get a Ph.D. in Information Technology?
  • To obtain a Ph.D. in Information Technology, you typically need to complete coursework, pass comprehensive exams, conduct original research, and write and defend a dissertation. Admission requirements often include a master's degree in a related field, relevant work experience, and strong academic qualifications.
• Is there a Ph.D. for Information Technology?
  • Yes, the Ph.D. in Information Technology is a recognized doctoral degree that prepares individuals for advanced research and leadership roles in the IT field.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The University of the Cumberlands' online PhD in Information Technology program focuses on applying IT research to real-world situations and advancing the IT field's body of knowledge. Its objectives include:

• Providing in-depth knowledge of cutting-edge technologies like machine learning, analytics, and cybersecurity
• Allowing students to pursue their scholarly interests and make potentially industry-changing discoveries

Outline:

The 60-credit program comprises:

• Core Requirements (18 hours):
Emphasizing strategic planning, IT in a global economy, information governance, emerging threats, and countermeasures, enterprise risk management, and data science and big data analytics.
• Professional Research (24 hours):
Covering inferential statistics, research methods, professional writing and proposal development, and qualitative research, culminating in a dissertation (DSRT 850 and DSRT 930-931).
• Content Specialty Area (18 hours):
Tailored to the student's interest, with options in:
• Artificial Intelligence (MSAI)
• Blockchain (BLCN)
• Cyber Engineering (MSCE)
• Data Science (MSDS)
• Digital Forensics (MSDF)
• Information Systems Security (ISOL)

Careers:

Completing the program may lead to opportunities in various fields, including:

• Computer and information research scientists
• Computer network architects
• Data scientists
• Information security analysts
• Database administrators/architects
• Computer and information systems managers