Information Technology, Ph.D.

Requirements: 60 Credit Hours

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The Doctorate of Philosophy in Information Technology at University of the Cumberlands focuses on the advanced practice role of the use of predictive analytics to identify cyber threats, employ big data analytics to improving healthcare, and empower smart cities in making data-driven policy changes critical for societal well-being. This program is designed to meet the aggressive demand for qualified data scientists in virtually every sector of the economy, with classes in computer science, data intelligence, analytics, security, strategic planning, governance and global economy.

Students can earn the PhD, Information Technology in either a fully online format or an executive format combining online and on-site study. The Executive format program requires attendance at weekend residency classes. Further, the Executive PhD, Information Technology Program meets the needs of international graduate business students. This program provides both in-seat and online coursework. Graduate students joining the Executive PhD, Information Technology program will be employed or conduct projects in business-related positions and participate in Applied Learning Practicum, in which students apply what they are learning in their program to the real world via work or internship experiences.

Program Study

The Doctorate of Philosophy in Information Technology is comprised of the following eighteen (18) hours of core required credit hours, at least twenty-four (24) hours of professional research courses, and eighteen (18) hours in a content specialty.

Program Emphasis Choices

• Artificial Intelligence Emphasis
• Blockchain Emphasis
• Computer Science Emphasis
• Cyber Engineering Emphasis
• Data Science Emphasis 
• Digital Forensics Emphasis
• Information Securities Emphasis
• Information Technology Emphasis

Program Sensitivity

While the program’s schedule requires considerable independent learning and preparation on the part of the candidate prior to each session, the schedule nevertheless enables in-depth, active learning based on critical and reflective thinking. The format allows assignments to be handled comfortably, while candidates maintain their continuing professional responsibilities. The program is designed with an applied learning component that is an integral (essential) part of the established curriculum. This allows students the opportunity to apply their studies to their place of employment.

PhD IT Program Requirements

Research

Students will formally identify a dissertation topic and write the review of the literature in fulfillment of the requirements for DSRT 736 - Dissertation Seminar . The remaining sections of the first three chapters of the dissertation will be written while enrolled in DSRT 839 - Advanced Research Methods . Candidates will carry out their research to complete the dissertation.

Comprehensive Exam

Candidates sit for the Comprehensive Examination prior to enrolling DSRT 930 . The specific content, structure, and scheduling of this examination is determined by the Program Director. Tailored to each student’s program of study, questions on the Comprehensive Examination are generated by the program’s four content-related goals:

1. Expand information sciences through advanced study.
2. Promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills to include leadership at the organizational and system level and the ability to evaluate and improve the quality and safety of Information Sciences.
3. Afford structured and supervised research experiences so that students develop the technical, conceptual and communication skills that are required to conduct high quality, independent research.
4. Provide training in basic and advanced information systems theory and practice so that students master the technical and conceptual tools needed for conducting high quality research.
5. Instill ethical leadership, service, and values.

The Comprehensive Examination is proctored and graded by contributing members of program faculty, with passing marks required on all sections of the examination before the student may register for DSRT 930.

The Dissertation

The dissertation is the capstone experience in the PhD program of Information Technology. A dissertation is a research- based project that may use a wide-range of statistical, quantitative, and qualitative methods. However, in the University’s practitioner-focused program, the dissertation is conceived as a reality-based project in which the candidate engages in authentic professional problem-solving to extend best practices in the field. Specific details on dissertation requirements are included in the Dissertation Handbook.

All program features highlighted above combine to make the doctoral program at University of the Cumberlands a rigorous academic experience focused on strengthening the skills of information technology professionals.