Colleges and universities that offer accelerated online information technology doctorates enable working professionals to earn doctoral degrees in less time and, thus, take advantage of career advancement opportunities sooner. Since doctoral degrees are terminal degrees, professionals who have earned them are considered credible authorities on information technology.
The online doctorates in information technology programs featured here also include programs in information systems, systems engineering and management, and technology management. This is because these disciplines are under the umbrella of information technology, which refers to computer systems design, development, application, and management, networks and software in storing, retrieving, transmitting and processing information.
There are also three types of doctoral degrees featured here, namely:
There’s no right or wrong choice among these types of doctoral degrees. Instead, the best answer is the one that aligns with your personal and professional goals.
Regionally accredited colleges and universities offer the best accelerated online doctoral programs in information technology. Many of these programs also have programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), among other accreditation agencies.
Regional and programmatic accreditations guarantee compliance with standards of academic quality, transferability of credits, professional recognition by industries and employers, and access to federal financial aid.
The admissions requirements of DSc, DBA, and PhD in information technology programs are usually similar with common criteria including:
Key Point: Most postgraduate information technology degree programs have online application forms and non-refundable fee requirements. Interviews may also be conducted in highly selective online programs.
The best accelerated online programs offering information technology degrees emphasize academic excellence alongside advanced research, communication, critical thinking, and leadership skills. Such a challenging combination is possible through a rigorous curriculum of information technology-related and dissertation research courses.
While the coursework varies between online programs, common course topics include:
Every doctorate in information technology degree program has courses that tackle qualitative and quantitative research techniques related to the dissertation research and writing requirement.
The learning management system (LMS) used in every online information technology program also differs, but every LMS is intended as an online platform for learning activities. These can include access to learning materials, resources and references, interactions with peers and professors, and completion of academic requirements, including group assignments.
Online collaboration and research tools, such as Google Docs, online databases, and Zoom, are also commonly used.
Back to TopThe time-to-degree varies in every online doctoral program, but standard information technology programs can be completed in 6-7 years, usually with a 10-year maximum time-to-completion. With accelerated online degree programs in information technology, the average time-to-degree ranges from three to four years, including the dissertation phase. Note that this is on full-time matriculation with an accelerated program of study that demands 100% commitment in time, energy, and effort from students.
PhD programs that allow the transfer of credits for previous college credits earned or grant credits for professional work experience and professional certifications also allow for faster time to graduation. There’s more time that can be dedicated to dissertation research since less time is necessary for some of the didactic courses.
Students in online doctorate programs are also eligible for financial aid programs that reduce their total cost of attendance. With the average doctorate cost of $103,700 for an entire program, financial aid is a necessity for many students. Here are some possible sources of financial aid:
Accelerated online doctorate in information technology degree programs prepare students for leadership positions in information technology careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are many computer and information technology careers to choose from that have a median annual wage of $97,430 (May 2021) and a projected employment growth rate of 15% (2021-2031).
Among the leadership positions that professionals with a doctorate in information technology degree are eligible for include: (Amounts are average annual salaries)
Key Points: The best thing about earning a doctorate in information technology is versatility. Graduates are qualified for leadership positions in the public and private sectors, from government agencies like the National Security Agency to think tanks, colleges and universities, and businesses.
Even better, with the projected job growth rate and potential for a higher-than-average salary, an accelerated online doctorate in information technology is a great choice for many working professionals.
Students in information technology doctoral degree programs are strongly encouraged to consider active membership in professional organizations like:
These professional organizations provide information technology professionals with access to personal and professional development opportunities, industry information, and connections with the broader community.
The value of a doctoral degree in information technology depends on your perspective, meaning it may or may not be worth the time, energy, and money depending on whether you can leverage it for personal and professional advancement. But if your reasons for pursuing the information technology degree are to take advantage of career advancement opportunities, gain specialist skills and expertise, and access networking and collaboration opportunities, then it’s well worth it!
With many information technology online graduate programs, choosing the best one for you can be a challenge. But it can be easier when you keep these tips in mind.
Of course, it’s important to determine if you can afford the total cost of attendance and other expenses! You want to earn the doctoral degree, not be part of the ABD (All But the Dissertation) army.
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
76%
Student body
28K
Median SAT/ACT
1160/24
Iowa State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees: $9,634
Doctor of Philosophy in Information Systems and Business Analytics
Students in the PhD in Information Systems and Business Analytics program become excellent basic and applied researchers in highly specialized disciplines. Their dissertation research outputs must demonstrate their in-depth understanding of the current and emerging issues in information systems and business analytics in society and organizations.
The program’s excellent reputation is due to small class sizes, personalized mentorship from academic advisors, and outstanding research opportunities for PhD students. Half-time assistantships with a tuition waiver and a $30,000 annual stipend are also given to all admitted students.
Admission Requirements:
Required Credit Hours: 74 credits
Average Time-to-Degree: 4-5 years
Full-time Tuition per Semester: $7,038 (Resident); $15,710 (Non-resident)
Featured Courses:
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
70%
Student body
25K
Median SAT/ACT
1185/26
University of Arkansas’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees: $8,366
Doctor of Philosophy in Computer and Information Sciences
The emphasis on productive interdisciplinary collaborations is a distinguishing feature of the PhD in Computer and Information Sciences program. Students in the online PhD program become adept at the convergence of theory and applications of the computer and information sciences field, too.
Students choose from two concentrations: the Information Quality track and the Information Science option. Aside from being a selective program, it’s also a competitive program where students must complete the curriculum with at least a 3.0 GPA. Other degree requirements are completion of an oral qualifying exam, a dissertation and oral defense, and requirements in seminar and ethics.
Admission Requirements:
Required Credit Hours: 75 credit hours
Average Time-to-Degree: 4-5 years
Per Credit Tuition: $383
Featured Courses:
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
68%
Graduation
63%
Student body
36K
Median SAT/ACT
1155/24
Texas Tech University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees: $11,852
Doctor of Philosophy in Systems and Engineering Management
The online PhD in Systems and Engineering Management program includes online courses and two on-campus summer residency terms. Faster time-to-completion is possible with up to 30 transfer credits allowed.
The curriculum consists of STEM core courses, completion of a qualifying exam, and dissertation research with an oral defense. The online PhD program students develop their advanced knowledge and skills in five areas: Engineering Management, Ergonomics and Human Factors Engineering, Manufacturing and Quality Assurance, Operations Research, and Statistics and Quality Assurance.
Admission Requirements:
Required Credit Hours: 72 hours beyond the bachelor’s degree
Average Time-to-Degree: 3-4 years
Total Tuition per Academic Year: $19,523
Featured Courses:
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
79%
Graduation
62%
Student body
16K
Median SAT/ACT
1115/23
Bowling Green State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Bowling Green State University
Tuition + fees: $13,640
Doctor of Philosophy in Technology Management
The web-based PhD in Technology Management program is part of a five-university consortium that provides exceptional technology management education for working professionals. The diverse student and faculty body strengthen the interdisciplinary approach and emphasize innovation in the online PhD program.
Students choose from five specializations:
All students must complete the 12-credit general technology core courses and the 27-credit research core courses to earn the PhD.
Admission Requirements:
Required Credit Hours: 66 credits
Average Time-to-Degree: 3-4 years
Per Credit Tuition: $536 (Resident); $868.85 (Non-resident)
Featured Courses:
Tuition + fees
$23K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
62%
Student body
79K
Median SAT/ACT
1145/25
Liberty University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees: $24,870
Doctor of Business Administration in Information Systems
The 100% online DBA in Information Systems program is an excellent fit for business and technology professionals with ambitious plans for career advancement. There’s an equal emphasis on theoretical research and practical applications, as well as on the applications of the best principles and practices of information systems in business settings.
Students have higher chances of completing the online doctorate program because of affordable tuition, flexible schedules, and excellent student support services. Even the professors are supportive of the student’s personal and professional success!
Admission Requirements:
Required Credit Hours: 60 credits
Average Time-to-Degree: 3 years
Per Credit Tuition: $565
Featured Courses:
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
72%
Student body
19K
Median SAT/ACT
1120/22
Towson University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees: $10,818
Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology
Students in the PhD in Information Technology program develop their specialist knowledge and skills in data structures, project lifecycle management, and operating systems, among other areas. Their skills also include the professional ability to perform, present, and publish scholarly research that will impact the computer science, information technology, and information systems sectors.
Aside from the fairly selective admissions process, students must pass a qualifying exam and demonstrate their advanced research skills. The PhD in Information Technology program also offers students the opportunity to pursue the computer science track, a nine-credit program of study.
Admission Requirements:
Required Credit Hours: At least 42 credits
Average Time-to-Degree: N/A
Per Credit Tuition: $642
Featured Courses:
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
41%
Student body
9K
Indiana State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees: $9,732
Doctor of Philosophy in Technology Management
The online PhD in Technology Management program emphasizes innovation in technology management and general information technology. While the courses are delivered online, students must participate in two in-person, on-campus seminar courses.
Students can also choose from five concentrations:
The dissertation is the culminating requirement for all students regardless of their chosen concentration.
Admission Requirements:
Required Credit Hours: 66 credits
Average Time-to-Degree: N/A
Per Credit Tuition: $450 (Resident); $585 (Out-of-state and online learning)
Featured Courses:
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
44%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1025/19
University of Bridgeport’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees: $35,760
Doctor of Philosophy in Technology Management
The PhD in Technology Management emphasizes innovation, too, particularly in creating new technology ventures and developing current and emerging technologies. There’s also a balance of business management practices and information technology integration, with the desired results being new and improved products and services.
PhD students must also pass the preliminary courses and exams, the comprehensive oral and written exams, and the dissertation writing and defense exam. There are also requirements in teaching, publications, and seminars.
Admission Requirements:
Required Credit Hours: 45 credits
Average Time-to-Degree: 4-6 years
Per Credit Tuition: $780
Featured Courses:
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
61%
Student body
14K
Median SAT/ACT
1135/23
Nova Southeastern University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees: $35,560
Doctor of Philosophy in Information Systems
Students in the hybrid PhD in Information Systems program typically already have extensive work experience in information technology and its many sub-disciplines. Their diverse perspectives contribute to dynamic class discussions, group projects, and research topics.
Admission Requirements:
Required Credit Hours: 51 credits (with a master’s degree); 66 credits (with a bachelor’s degree)
Average Time-to-Degree: 3-4 years
Per Credit Tuition: $969 - $1,386
Featured Courses:
Tuition + fees
$12K
Student body
39K
Walden University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees: $12,180
Doctor of Information Technology
The online Doctor of Information Technology program prepares students for the challenging world of information technology, including cutting-edge research and development. Students choose from two concentrations: Applied Information Technology and Information Technology Leadership.
Admission Requirements:
Required Credit Hours: 69 credits
Average Time-to-Degree: 3-4 years
Per Credit Tuition: $660
Featured Courses: