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General Information Technology
Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology
Get ready to lead information technology efforts with an online PhD in Information Technology from Capella University. This degree program can prepare you to influence IT practice, apply ethical leadership strategies to integrate best practices and tools, and expand your communication, research, writing, and critical-thinking skills. Choose dissertation topics or an area of study in information security or network architecture and design, or focus on IT within a specific industry.
Classes start January 10
Use the code WINTER to waive the $50 application fee.
At a Glance
- Online research seminars
- 12 Core courses
- 4 Elective courses
- 3 Virtual Residencies
- Comprehensive exam
- Dissertation
- 75 coursework credits
Reduce your tuition by $5,000
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $5K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree. Eligibility rules apply. Connect with us for details.
Applicants must provide the following information for admission to Capella programs and specializations:
- A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International Student Requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
GuidedPath
A more structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–2 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
$965 per credit, $5,000 quarterly tuition max, 75 coursework credits, 12 transfer credits
Tuition breakdown
Program Phases
Comprehensive exam
$2,895 Per quarter
Comprehensive exam
$2,895
Per quarter
Dissertation
$2,895 Per quarter
Dissertation
$2,895
Per quarter
Fees
Resource kit fee
$175 Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Resource kit fee
$175
Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Application fee
$50 One-time fee
Application fee
$50
One-time fee
Tuition and program length are unique to you
Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors:
- The program specialization you choose
- Scholarships and finances
- Prior coursework
- Transfer credits
- Employer and/or military benefits
- Number of quarters spent working on dissertation
- Complexity of your dissertation
- Academic performance
- School/work/life balance
- Unexpected life events
About cost scenarios
The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2021–22 Capella tuition rates, and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing information is current as of January 1, 2021. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price.
To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.
Cost scenarios
Completes dissertation in 8 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the fastest 25% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $965/credit 13 quarters |
$57,019.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,895.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,895/quarter 8 quarters |
$23,160.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$83,074.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-5,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$78,074.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 13 quarters |
$2,275.00 |
| Application fee: $50 one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total with Scholarship Savings* 22 quarters |
$80,399.00 |
Completes dissertation in 11 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the median 50% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $965/credit 13 quarters |
$57,019.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,895.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,895/quarter 11 quarters |
$31,845.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$91,759.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-5,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$86,759.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 13 quarters |
$2,275.00 |
| Application fee one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total with Scholarship Savings* 25 quarters |
$89,084.00 |
Completes dissertation in 15 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the slowest 75% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $965/credit 13 quarters |
$57,019.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,895.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,895/quarter 15 quarters |
$43,425.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$103,339.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-5,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$98,339.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 13 quarters |
$2,275.00 |
| Application fee one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total with Scholarship Savings* 29 quarters |
$100,664.00 |
*Eligibility rules apply. Connect with us for details.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Your education is an investment in your future that’s within your reach. There are more ways to save than you might think.
In the PhD in Information Technology, General Information Technology program, you will work on your dissertation promptly—selecting a topic that incorporates credit-bearing, face-to-face dissertation research seminars, and coursework.
| BMGT8212 |
Leading Information Technology Strategic Planning in Complex and Global Environments
In this course, learners examine processes by which senior information technology leadership must evaluate different IT governance models from a global perspective, including decision models, management structures, business engagement processes, leadership theories, and risk assessment processes. Learners evaluate methods of performance measurement and control, and assess the relevance and effect of social responsibility issues and strategic partnering on IT strategic planning. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| BMGT8214 |
Guiding the Implementation of Information Technology Policies and Processes
This course presents key issues related to the implementation of information technology policies and processes as day-to-day operations, including consideration of ethical, cultural, and global issues, and potential effects on internal and external stakeholder needs. Learners evaluate strategies for implementing different governance models and assess the ways in which those models relate to change management processes and organizational innovation. |
4 quarter credits |
| BMGT8216 |
Innovating Information Technology Life Cycle Management Processes in a Changing Environment
In this course, learners evaluate evolving theories and practices that inform decisions related to the information technology system development life cycle. Learners assess different development models and examine the IT leader’s role in IT enterprise portfolio management against the backdrop of changing workforce considerations, including offshore, contract, multicultural, and multigenerational workers in global enterprises. |
4 quarter credits |
| BMGT8218 * |
Advancing Research in Information Technology Management
Learners investigate emerging research trends in information technology management. Learners develop independent research skills while constructing research questions, synthesizing literature, and selecting appropriate methodologies. For PhD in Business Management, PhD in Information Technology, and PhD in Organization and Management learners only. Prerequisite(s): PhD in Business Management learners must have completed BMGT8210, BMGT8212, BMGT8214. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
Learning outcomes
Our PhD in Information Technology, General Information Technology offers a terminal degree option for IT professionals who want to lead, consult, or teach at the top of their field. This degree program gives you an opportunity to design a doctoral program to meet your specific interests and career goals.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Conduct scholarly research
- Develop professional skills in a chosen field or discipline
- Formulate new theoretical constructs to advance knowledge in the area of IT
- Communicate effectively
- Create new applications for improving practice
- Think critically about IT problems and solutions
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. Here are some of the jobs and employment settings to consider with a PhD in Information Technology, General IT.
Related job titles to explore*
- Full-time faculty of IT courses
- Adjunct or part-time faculty of IT courses
- Senior consultant
- Lead systems analyst
- Systems administrator
- Director of IT
- Senior IT manager
- Vice president of IT
- Chief information officer
Employment settings to explore
- Corporation
- Healthcare organization
- Technology firm
- IT consulting firm
- Government—local, state, federal
- Land-based or online college or university
- Community college
- Aerospace company
- Defense contractor
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Support to reach the finish line
We designed our programs to meet the unique needs of doctoral students. Our programs help you reach your goals, with support from faculty, staff, and online resources along the way.
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