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
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
- 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
* If the dissertation is not completed at the end of DSRT 931, the candidate repeats DSRT 931 as needed, for three (3) credit hours each term, until the dissertation is completed and successfully defended.
A content specialty area of at least eighteen hours (18) must be earned in one of several disciplines:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Blockchain
- Cyber Engineering
- Data Science
- Digital Forensics
- Information Systems Security
- Information Technology
Courses in the following UC Master's programs will matriculate as the Doctoral specialty if the courses are completed beyond the first Master’s degree:
- MS Digital Forensics
- MS Information Technology
- MS Information Systems Security
- MS Cyber Engineering
- MS Blockchain
In the event a learner needs more classes, other related discipline courses could be considered with the discretion of the Department Chair and Program Director under the direction of the Dean of the School.
For a full list of course offerings or more program specific information, visit our Academic Catalog.
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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:
Information Technology Careers & Outcomes
*All statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics
Computer and Information Research Scientist: $136,620
Computer and Information Research Scientist: $136,620
Computer and information research scientists design innovative uses for new and existing computing technology.
Computer Network Architect: $126,900
Computer Network Architect: $126,900
Computer network architects design and build data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Intranets.
Data Scientist: $103,500
Data Scientist: $103,500
Data scientists use analytical tools and techniques to extract meaningful insights from data.
Information Security Analyst: $112,000
Information Security Analyst: $112,000
Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems.
Database Administrator/Architect: $112,120
Database Administrator/Architect: $112,120
Database administrators and architects create or organize systems to store and secure data.
Computer and Information Systems Manager: $164,070
Computer and Information Systems Manager: $164,070
Computer and information systems managers plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization.
Common Questions
PhD and DIT programs have more similarities than differences. Either a PhD or a DIT could prepare you to conduct research, teach, or help businesses achieve their IT goals. Which program is right for you? At University of the Cumberlands, you don’t have to make that choice. Our PhD in Information Technology program blends the best of both a DIT and PhD. Our practitioner-aimed PhD program blends research with reality-based problem-solving.
When you earn your PhD at University of the Cumberlands, you could prepare to advance your career, pursue IT leadership roles, or teach the next generation of IT professionals in an academic setting. Whether you’re interested in diving into big data, optimizing business networks, enhancing security with blockchain technology, or something else entirely, earning your PhD could propel you to the next level.
In 2021, doctorate degree-holders earned about $18,205 more in annual median wages than those with a master’s degree. They also earned about $30,680 more than those with a bachelor’s degree. In short, earning your PhD could pay off.
You don't have to leave your current job to earn your doctorate! The PhD in Information Technology degree program at University of the Cumberlands can be completed online and on your own schedule. So, you can advance your career goals in a convenient format that fits your life.
Some areas of research or work you could go into include:
- Robotics
- Programming
- Machine learning
- Cloud computing
- Network technology
- Information security
All programs at University of the Cumberlands are offered at some of the lowest rates in the nation. For more information on how affordable this program would be for you, visit our Financial Aid page.
Faculty Experts
Learn more about the professors you will interact with in the Department of Information Technology
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