Pursuing or advancing a career in the tech industry can be highly rewarding and lucrative. This dynamic field stands at the cutting edge of innovation and boasts abundant job opportunities spanning diverse sectors, such as healthcare, education, finance, banking, consulting, automotive, and the government and public sector.
Information technology (IT) encompasses activities related to the use and management of information processing and communication. IT enables businesses and organizations to leverage technology for improved efficiency, competitiveness and innovation. Professionals in this field might pursue a doctorate in information technology to expand their knowledge, expertise and career opportunities.
Earning an online doctorate in information technology can equip you for advanced research positions, including university-level teaching roles and leadership jobs. This article overviews the only two schools that meet our ranking criteria and offer online doctoral degrees in IT. We overview stand-out facts about each program, such as costs, course offerings and other notable considerations.
Information Technology Doctorate Online Options
University of the Cumberlands
At the University of the Cumberlands, based in Williamsburg, Kentucky, you can pursue a Ph.D. in information technology online. The curriculum comprises research, content specialty coursework on predictive analytics and a dissertation.
In this degree program, you’ll explore data science, information governance, big data, cybersecurity, enterprise risk management and technology for a global economy. This program offers seven content specializations, allowing learners to tailor their studies toward their professional interests and goals.
UC’s information technology Ph.D. program costs $549 per credit.
At a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Application Fee: $30
- Degree Credit Requirements: 60 credits
- Program Enrollment Options: Part-time, full-time
- Notable Major-Specific Courses: Information technology importance in strategic planning, data science and big data analytics
- Concentrations Available: Artificial intelligence, blockchain specialization, cyber engineering, data science, digital forensics, information systems security, information technology
- In-Person Requirements: No
Middle Georgia State University
Middle Georgia State University, based in Macon, Georgia, offers an online Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) in information technology. The interdisciplinary curriculum comprises doctoral seminars and technology research, leadership and management courses, and focused topics coursework. Specific course offerings include contemporary IT issues, organizational cybersecurity management strategy and statistical analysis for decision making.
Students engage in an applied research project that encourages them to find solutions to complex IT challenges. While all classes take place online, learners must complete brief residences at the beginning and end of the program.
This program costs $255 per credit.
At a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Application Fee: $30
- Degree Credit Requirements: 54 credits
- Program Enrollment Options: Full-time
- Notable Major-Specific Courses: Leading disruptive technology in organizations, design thinking and innovation
- Concentrations Available: N/A
- In-Person Requirements: Yes, brief residences at the beginning and end of the program
How To Find the Right Online Doctorate in Information Technology for You
Here’s how to choose the best doctoral program for your IT career goals.
Consider Your Future Goals
Before enrolling in an information technology doctoral program, determine your desired learning outcomes and how they align with your career goals. Generally, doctoral programs cater to individuals interested in pursuing advanced research, leadership roles or careers in academia.
Doctoral programs feature targeted, specialized curriculums comprising core research coursework, specialized electives and a dissertation or applied research component that allows students to explore specific areas within the field in depth.
Look into each prospective program’s curriculum, course offerings and specializations to ensure the degree aligns with your academic and professional interests and goals.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
The cost of earning an online doctorate in information technology can vary drastically from school to school. At the University of the Cumberlands, this degree costs around $33,000 in total tuition; at Middle Georgia State University, it costs around $13,800.
Several financing options exist for students at the doctoral level, including:
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Research assistantships
- Teaching assistantships
- Fellowships
- Employee sponsorships
You can also look into federal student aid. Submitting the FAFSA® is a great way to determine your eligibility for federal aid, including loans, scholarships and work-study programs.
Should You Enroll in an Online IT Doctoral Program?
Earning a degree online boasts several advantages, such as accessibility, flexible scheduling options and lower total costs. Still, the unique characteristics and challenges of online education prompt careful consideration. Factors to consider before enrolling in an online IT doctoral program include flexibility, learning style and research opportunities.
Flexibility
Ph.D. programs often demand a significant time commitment. Consider whether you can allocate sufficient time to your studies and meet your prospective program’s expectations. Some programs have residency requirements that require on-campus visits. Degree credit requirements, the scope of your research and the program format can impact the time commitment needed until completion.
Learning Style
Online programs vary in their delivery formats. Asynchronous programs enable students to study at their own pace. Self-directed learners with strong time management and organizational skills might benefit from this format. Students who prefer more structured learning and real-time engagement might benefit from a hybrid or synchronous learning environment.
Research Opportunities
At the doctoral level, it’s common to have a research focus, such as robotics, machine learning, cloud computing, programming, information security or network technologies. A program’s research opportunities, including faculty expertise, ongoing research projects, collaborative projects and research resources, directly impact the quality of your education.
Familiarize yourself with each prospective program’s faculty and their research interests, as well as its research focuses, to find a school that aligns with your professional and academic goals and interests.
Budget
The cost of earning an online doctorate in IT can vary significantly. For example, the tuition rates at the two programs on our list highlight the difference in overall costs between public and private institutions. Determining your budget can help you assess the affordability of prospective programs, plan for potential expenses and make informed financial decisions about your education.
Accreditation for Information Technology Doctorates Online
Accreditation is a critical factor to consider when selecting an academic program. Two basic levels of college accreditation exist: institutional and programmatic.
Institutional accreditation is the process by which colleges and universities undergo rigorous review and evaluation to ensure they meet specific quality standards set by third-party organizations. A school’s program offerings, curriculums, faculty qualifications, resources, support services and student outcomes factor into its accreditation status. Use the Council for Higher Education Accreditation’s directory to see if an institution is accredited.
Programmatic accreditation evaluates specific programs or schools within an institution. The criteria for this level of accreditation depends on the field of study or discipline to ensure they meet industry standards and prepare graduates for careers in their field. Programmatic accreditation is uncommon for IT programs at the doctoral level.
Our Methodology
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Doctorates in Information Technology
Is a Ph.D. in information technology worth it?
Earning a Ph.D. in information technology can be worth it, depending on your experience, specialization and career goals. Typically, research-heavy jobs, leadership roles and positions in academia require a Ph.D. in IT.
How long does it take to get a Ph.D. in information technology?
It generally takes between two and five years to complete a Ph.D. in information technology. Several factors can impact the time it takes, such as whether you enroll on a full-time or part-time basis.
Is it possible to get a Ph.D. online?
Yes, it’s possible to earn a Ph.D. online. Many schools have expanded their online offerings, making it possible to pursue a Ph.D. through distance learning. Both programs featured on our list can be completed online.
