I’m only a few classes into my Post-Graduate Studies in Information Technology and I’m researching Online PhD Programs. There are only a few out there – some with strict entrance requirements and others not so affordable. There are on campus, hybrid, and a few online only with some in person seminar programs. The program duration is approximate 4 years and the cost is higher per credit than most Masters Programs.
With these four things in mind, I’ve compiled a list of requirements:
Online Only
Simple Entrance Processing
No GMAT or GRE
Affordable
A PhD is a little different than a Doctor of Technology, but most of the program requirements are the same. PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy.
Philosophy
Philosophy (from Greek: φιλοσοφία, philosophia, ‘love of wisdom’) is the study of general and fundamental questions, such as those about reason, existence, knowledge, values, mind, and language. Such questions are often posed as problems to be studied or resolved. The term was probably coined by Pythagoras (c. 570 – 495 BCE). Philosophical methods include questioning, critical discussion, rational argument, and systematic presentation.
Walden University clarifies their idea of the difference between the two degrees:
While it’s tempting to refer to both of these degrees interchangeably, a PhD in Information Technology and a Doctor in Information Technology are not one and the same.
A PhD in Information Technology focuses primarily on research and theory, with students choosing, then pursuing, one specific area of research.
A Doctor of Information Technology program also cultivates research skills, it is much broader, instructing students how to apply those research skills to organizations and the broad, organization-wide IT problems they can face.
Deciding between the two types of Programs is the first requirement. It seems any type of instruction designed to help you ‘apply’ the skills and research learned in a Doctorate Program is necessary if planning to be employed by Government or Industry, as long as the instruction doesn’t take away from the focus of the research and dissertation.
A Doctor of Computer Science is different – with a different focus and other requirements. There are other types of PhD’s that are more general or in other areas, such as the DBA – Doctor of Business Administration (requires an MBA), Organizational Management PhD., and Doctor of Psychology.
The title “Doctor” is no longer restricted for use by the Healthcare community only. They are titles gained from the achievement of 3 or more college degrees: Bachelor’s, Masters, and Doctorate, which is approximately 10 or more years of formal education.
The decision has been made to pursue either a PhD or Doctorate to obtain the degree. The Program, Major, Type, and Location have not been decided because each University offers different features for each program at different costs.
Online – No GMAT or GRE Requirement – Ph.D. Computer Science:
Georgia Tech on Campus – Computer Science PhD
University of Texas at Austin – Information Studies PhD
Northcentral University – Online PhD, Computer Science & Doctor of IT
University of Arizona Global – Online PhD, Org Dev & Leadership
Capella University – Online PhD – Technology Management & Doctor of IT
Capitol Technology University – PhD Technology
NSU Florida – PhD in Computer Science or Information Systems
Aspen University – Doctor of Computer Science
Walden University – PhD & Doctor of IT
Northwestern (Campus) PhD in Technology & Social Behavior
Each have different application processes and GPA requirements. Some require a set amount of relevant work experience and letters of recommendation, while some simply require a Masters Degree in a related field.
The next step is to compare Costs and Program Requirements in credits and coursework.