Description and Outcomes

The objective of the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Information Technology program is to help you pursue leadership positions in competitive Information Technology environments and in the academic world. The curriculum is designed to address this through a portfolio of scientific skills that satisfy your intellectual curiosity and help build the knowledge, and abilities to make sound technology and scientific decisions. Beyond these skills, the program is also designed to foster thought leadership, innovation, and corporate social responsibility in a global academic context. The program includes original research, comprehensive examinations, field experiences, and a dissertation. Our Ph.D. program is designed to help you build your skills as a researcher through coursework, academic workshops, comprehensive exams, and dissertation. With a Ph.D. you will distinguish yourself as a leader in technology, influence education and shape the processes that will make information technology more competitive in the marketplace.

A Doctor of Philosophy degree (Ph.D.) is a research-oriented degree requiring a minimum of 42 months of full-time graduate education or the equivalent in part-time study. Such a doctoral program shall include substantial instruction in both theory and research at an advanced level in a designated field and specialty, and may only be awarded to a student who has completed a program of study that includes research methodology and demonstrated learning achievement through original research directly attributable to the student. A Doctor of Philosophy degree shall involve preparation for scholarship and systematic inquiry.

If you have a Master of Science in information technology, computer science, information systems, management of information systems, or a similar field of study, the Ph.D. in Information Technology could help you take the next step in your career. The objective of the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program is to help you pursue leadership positions in the academic world. The curriculum is designed to address this through a portfolio of scientific skills that satisfy your intellectual curiosity and help build the knowledge, and abilities to make sound business and scientific decisions. The program includes original research, comprehensive examinations, field experiences, and a dissertation. Our Ph.D. program are designed to help you build your skills as a researcher: coursework, academic workshops, comprehensive exam, and dissertation.

Program Length

The Ph.D. in Information Technology program requires a total of 90 quarter credits. The credits are allocated as follows: 63 quarter credits consist of 10 courses of 6 quarter credits each and one course of 3 quarter credits and 27 quarter credits for dissertation courses.

Program Outcomes

• Prepare highly experienced professionals for teaching and research positions or for advanced research positions in consulting, government or IT industry.
• Apply knowledge related to fundamental business processes to make effective business decisions in a global context.
• Integrate technology knowledge to take well-reasoned action in diverse situations.
• Innovate to address business issues and opportunities in dynamic environments.
• Demonstrate the leadership necessary to accomplish business goals and maximize organizational performance.
• Evaluate the ethical and social implications of business decisions in a global context.

Admissions Requirements

You must meet the below admissions requirements in addition to TUA’s general requirements.
Ph.D. programs are open to those who have earned an equivalent of a Master’s Degree in an IT discipline from accredited universities and whose graduate academic records, scores on the required standardized examination, and prior work experience indicate that they have the capability to complete the program. Admission is reviewed by the Ph.D. Admissions Committee. The Ph.D. Admissions Committee reviews all applications. The required and preferred criteria are:

• 1. Equivalent of a Master’s Degree in an IT discipline from an accredited university.
• 2. A minimum of five years of professional IT experience preferred, including significant management experience.
• 3. A $50 nonrefundable application fee.
• 4. Selection is based on high promise of success in graduate study in IT, as indicated by a combination of:

• Prior academic performance;
• Prior work experience;
• 2 letters of recommendation from employers or professors;
• A current résumé
• Evidence of leadership