Best Online Doctorate in Information Technology Programs
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Are you ready to push the boundaries of human knowledge in the information technology space? An online Ph.D. program in information technology can shape your research, prepare you for a leadership role, or qualify you to teach information technology at the university level.
Earning a doctorate in information technology is challenging, but choosing the right school and planning for your post-graduation career can make all the difference.
Popular Doctorates in Information Technology Degrees
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
You can pursue an IT Ph.D. or other doctorate in information technology in person or through online learning. This degree builds on the work you've done in your undergraduate and master's programs.
What Is an Online Ph.D. in Information Technology Program?
An online doctorate in information technology offers advanced studies in technology theory, research, and practice. Participants can expect rigorous coursework, virtual seminars, and independent research, culminating in a doctoral project or dissertation.
Flexible scheduling often suits working professionals, while students can access faculty guidance remotely. Graduates gain a deep understanding of IT concepts and their applications, giving them the expertise for leadership roles in academia or research, or for high-level industry positions.
Featured Online Information Technology Degrees
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Online Doctorate in Information Technology Programs of 2023
How We Rank Schools
In order to create our directory list of doctorate in education programs, the BestColleges Rankings Team sourced the most recent data available from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Navigator, both of which are hosted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
These programs are listed alphabetically by school and not weighed against each other in our methodology. We identified five schools that qualify for our alphabetical list based on the following criteria:
*Each school must be an accredited public or private nonprofit institution.
*Each school must offer a doctoral degree program in the given subject.
*Each school must submit an annual report to NCES.
Review our Editorial Policy and Standards to learn more about the standards we uphold.
The following alphabetized list discusses popular 2023 online doctorate in information technology programs. The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) provides the data used in our rankings and each program has received accreditation from an accreditation body.
These rankings were compiled by our
BestColleges Ranking Team
and include
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Capitol Technology University
Laurel, MD - 4 years
- Online + Campus
- Ph.D. in Technology
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC)
- Delivery Format: 100% online
- View Program
City University of Seattle
Seattle, WA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
- Doctor of Information Technology (DIT)
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Delivery Format: 100% online, asynchronous
- View Program
University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, KY - 4 years
- Online
- Ph.D. in Information Technology
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Delivery Format: 100% online, asynchronous
- View Program
Courses in Information Technology
To complete a 60-credit doctorate in three years, students should plan to enroll in 5-12 credits per semester. Most courses are worth three credits, although dissertation hours may be structured differently. Courses may include the options listed below:
Emerging Threats and Countermeasures
This course covers emerging security threats and best-practice efforts to stop them. Students look at security across several applicable domains and identify the role that cybersecurity plays in the larger global, corporate, and technological landscapes.
Advanced Database Systems
Data management is key to understanding modern information technology. In this course, learners explore the systems companies use to organize, store, and analyze information. Topics include the latest database technologies and systems, their design, performance, scalability, and security.
Qualitative and Case Study Research for Strategic Analysis
Prior to commencing their dissertation phase, doctoral students take this course to understand how to perform and analyze qualitative research in the field. Learners expand their skills while also learning to think like consultants and create actionable plans from raw qualitative data.
Human-Computer Interaction and Emerging Technologies
Enrollees explore emerging trends across the discipline, using forecasting and modeling to create futuristic scenarios. The course also explores human characteristics and how they impact the future development of technology. Students leave with a foundation in computer systems design.
Systems Analysis, Modeling, and Design
This course covers the systems development life cycle, agile development, prototyping, rapid application development, and visual development and the human computer interface. As students learn design processes and computer systems modeling, they also discover how to create information systems that align with an organization-wide strategy.
In addition to coursework, doctoral students complete an applied research project or dissertation.
Featured Online Information Technology Degrees
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Admission Requirements for an Online Ph.D. in Information Technology Program
Most online Ph.D. programs in information technology require applicants to hold a master's degree from an accredited college or university. Some schools may expect the degree to be in a related field. You may also need to meet the minimum GPA requirement, often a 3.0 on a four-point scale.
If you earned your previous degrees from a school outside the U.S., you may also need to submit proof of English proficiency. Admissions requirements also typically include a resume, references, and application fee.
Career and Salary Outlook for Information Technology
Earning your Ph.D. can be a step toward a research, teaching, or leadership role in information technology. After graduation, you may work for a university, corporation, government agency, or healthcare provider.
A doctorate in information technology can be a versatile degree that opens up a variety of careers beyond those listed below. Some careers require further study or certifications. However, this list presents a few options to get you started.
| Information Technology Career | Median Annual Wage (2022) |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | $136,620 |
| Computer Network Architects | $126,900 |
| Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers | $124,200 |
| Information Security Analysts | $112,000 |
| Database Administrators and Architects | $112,120 |
Once you decide on a field, you can accelerate your career growth by joining a professional association.
Joining a Professional Organization
Joining an information technology professional organization can provide you with opportunities to publish research, speak at conferences, compete for grant opportunities, and expand your professional network. Doctoral students, in particular, can benefit from an association's tuition assistance options and professional networking events.
Top information technology associations include:
- Association for Computing Machinery
- Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence
- Advanced Scientific Computing Research
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Choosing a top organization to invest in, learn from, and network with can significantly advance your research and career options.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Earning an online doctorate requires a significant financial investment. You do not always have to make that investment alone, however. Schools provide scholarships, grants, loans, and discounts to doctoral students. In addition, many employers offer full or partial reimbursements for employees seeking higher education.
Consider these financial aid options:
- Loans
- Federal Grants
- Private Grants
- Scholarships
- Employer Reimbursements
Frequently Asked Questions About a Doctorate in Information Technology Degree
How long will it take to get a Ph.D. in information technology?
Most Ph.D. programs require six years of study after earning a bachelor's degree. Often, that breaks down into two years for a master's degree, 2-3 years of doctoral coursework, and 1-2 years of researching and writing a dissertation. If you already hold a master's degree, you may shave off some time from your doctoral study. And if you are pursuing a professional doctorate, your time to completion may be shorter than if you're hoping to earn a Ph.D.
Is it worth it to get a Ph.D. in information technology?
The answer depends entirely on your career goals. Do you want to be a computer science researcher or university professor? You need a doctorate. If you want to be a chief information security officer or chief information technology officer, you may also benefit from holding a doctorate. If, however, you are content with entry-level or mid-level positions, earning certifications or taking other graduate courses may be more helpful than a Ph.D. in information technology.
Do you need a Master’s or Ph.D. to become an information technologist?
If you want to become a computer science researcher or postsecondary teacher, you must hold a master's degree or doctorate. In many companies, you may also need a master's degree or higher to secure a leadership position. To work in the field of computer science, however, you may hold one of many degrees or no degree at all, depending on your specific profession. Some IT pros start their careers by enrolling in a bootcamp or by pursuing professional certifications.
Will a Ph.D. in information technology pay more?
In general, the more education you have, the more money you make. A doctorate can open up lucrative and rewarding jobs in research, leadership, or postsecondary teaching. Consider that as of September 2023, Payscale reports that people with a Ph.D. in information technology earn an average base salary of $140,000. Compare that to the $98,000 average master's degree holders bring in or the $74,000 average pay someone with a bachelor's degree earns.
