Getting an IT PhD Online
Wondering what you can do with an online PhD in information technology? This expert degree might just land you your dream IT job. Computer and information technology managers, often referred to as IT specialists or IT project managers, coordinate, direct, and manage computer-related activities within a company or organization. They work in both small and large companies, managing small in-house projects to large corporate computer networks.
Explore these promoted online degree programs.
These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online graduate degree programs. Figuring out where to apply? Consider one of these online Master's or PhD programs.
Most jobs in IT require degrees. The more education, the more potential you have for career advancement. Low level management positions may only require a few years of experience and a master's degree in information technology, but by earning an information technology doctorate online, career opportunities increase. And, by earning a cheap online information technology PhD, your return on investment also grows. We created a list of the 10 most affordable doctorate in information technology online programs to help you with your research. These schools and PhD programs offer accreditation and the convenience of learning online.
Ranking Low Cost Online Information Technology PhD Programs
To determine our ranking of the ten most affordable online PhD in information technology degree programs, we looked at approximately 15 online information technology PhD or related programs. We selected colleges or universities that had received accreditation, either regional or national, and at least one ranking from a major publication like U.S. News and World Report. School and program rankings were considered. We then gathered in-state graduate tuition and fees from the National Center for Education Statistics (College Navigator) and ranked the top 10 schools according to raw affordability.
The sources we used to determine our list of ten information technology PhD online programs are listed below:
The National Center for Education Statistics – College Navigator, for tuition information.
The Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the United States Department of Labor – Bureau of Labor Statistics, for earnings potential and projected job outlook.
U.S. News and World Report for school and/or program rankings.
Sources were used to verify information, compile data, and examine tuition costs. The most affordable online information technology PhD programs include:
Explore these promoted online degree programs.
These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online graduate degree programs. Figuring out where to apply? Consider one of these online Master's or PhD programs.
Concordia University
PhD in Computer Science
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $20,910
University of Florida
Online EdD in Curriculum and Instruction – Technology
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,737
Old Dominion University
Online PhD in Education – Technology
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,480
Indiana University
Online EdD in Instructional Systems Technology
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,996
Boise State University
Online EdD in Educational Technology
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,440
Career Options for Individuals With An Online Information Technology PhDThere are several career paths for individuals with information technology online PhD degrees. IT security managers and directors often work alongside top executives to plan security measures, promote information security, or manage projects within the organization. Earning a cheap online information technology PhD can open doors in senior leadership roles, making the return on investment extremely valuable.
With experience and armed with a PhD in IT, you may be able to work your way up to a chief technology officer (CTO) role. A CTO in any organization evaluates new technology and determines how it can improve the company. Another important leadership role of an organization is the chief information officer, or CIO. A CIO determines the information goals of an organization and oversees the implementation of the technology to meet these goals. Both CTOs and CIOs should be educated and offer years of experience. These jobs are possible with an information technology online PhD.
Earning Potential with An information Technology Online PhDThe earning potential for an individual with an information technology online PhD is statistically higher than an individual with a master's degree, although several factors must be considered. Experience level, industry setting, and type of job will all impact the level of pay.
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the United States Department of Labor – Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for computer and information systems managers was $135,800 in May 2016. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $82,400 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $208,000.
The top industries in which the highest paid IT managers work include information, computer systems design and related services, finance and insurance, manufacturing, and management of companies and other enterprises. Most computer and information managers work full time and more than 40 hours per week. In 2016, BLS reports that one in three full-time IT managers worked more than 40 hours per week.
The Importance of AccreditationAccreditation is a critical component of your education, especially for online information technology PhD programs. Accreditation is not just college jargon but also a facet of your education that could impact your future. So what does accreditation mean and how is it important?
Accreditation is a voluntary evaluation and assessment that colleges and universities undergo in order to maintain stringent standards of educational quality that is agreed upon by a governing body. These careful assessments may include evaluations by representatives of peer institutions who belong to the same accrediting body. The most widely recognized accrediting agencies for colleges and universities include:
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)North Central Association (NCA)Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
When a school is not accredited, red flags abound. Employers may look at your unaccredited degree and question its validity. You should only pursue education from a college or university that has received accreditation from a governing body listed by the Department of Education.
The Job Outlook for Computer and IT ManagersThe United States Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the job outlook for computer and information systems managers is projected to grow 12 percent from 2016 to 2026. This means that individuals with an online information technology PhD from an accredited college or university should fare well in their job search or career advancement. This rate of growth is five percent faster on average than all occupations. Demand for computer and IT specialists will increase as firms and organizations expand their business to digital platforms. An increase in employment opportunities means earning an information technology online PhD could be a strategic move.
Employment growth will also result in areas of business looking to improve and bolster cybersecurity. Recent cyber attacks have caused alarm, and businesses are looking to hire specialists who can prevent a disruption in operations. This means that IT specialists and experts with a cybersecurity background will be in demand.
Employers are always on the lookout for experts in a chosen field. Earning a PhD in information technology showcases your expertise. And if you can earn your degree while continuing to work in the industry, you will offer your employer, or potential employer, education and experience.
