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IT Project Management
Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology
Prepare to lead or teach with an online PhD in Information Technology, IT Project Management from Capella University. Discover how you can become a key strategic advisor or consultant with advanced skills in IT, management, and business development.
This doctoral specialization provides coursework designed to help you develop solid research skills, focusing what you learn on your goal: completing a dissertation that advances the study and practice of project management.
Classes start January 10
Use the code WINTER to waive the $50 application fee.
At a Glance
- Online & in-person
- 11 Core courses
- 4 Specialization courses
- 3 Virtual Residencies
- Comprehensive exam
- Dissertation
- 75 coursework credits
Reduce your tuition by $5,000
nroll 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.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 max 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
- 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.
Expand your knowledge of project and program management, risk management, and project governance.
| BMGT8430 |
Advanced Concepts of Project Management Methodologies
In this course, learners research literature to identify best practices and evaluate appropriate methodologies leading to successful outcomes for projects and programs ranging from simple to complex. The course emphasizes appropriate methods, tools, and techniques for the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Initiating and Planning processes based on organizational environments, cultural diversity, and global influences. Learners also evaluate expected project outcomes to assure alignment with strategic goals and objectives. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| BMGT8432 |
Projects as Complex Adaptive Systems
Learners in this course examine both seminal and current literature, such as complexity theory, to evaluate the successes and failures of projects and programs in complex and ambiguous environments. This course emphasizes Executing, Monitoring, and Controlling projects and programs based on multidisciplinary theories and applications as defined by the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide). Learners develop their professional, consultative, and leadership skills for successful project and program outcomes. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
| BMGT8434 |
Advanced Risk Management Systems and Research
In this course, learners evaluate and synthesize the use of multidisciplinary theories based on the research and practice of project and program risk management. Learners explore emerging trends, concepts, and methods of project and program risk management systems and research. Topics include evaluating integrated approaches to identifying, analyzing, mitigating, and managing project risks, and identifying strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in project risk management research. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
| BMGT8436 |
Dynamics of Program and Portfolio Management
Learners in this course examine emerging trends, concepts, and methods for evaluating and applying program integration and portfolio management techniques and methods used to optimize their overall value. Topics include ethical approaches to program and portfolio management in alignment with business strategic goals and objectives within a global context. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
Learning outcomes
The PhD in Information Technology, IT Project Management program is designed for IT project management professionals and IT professionals with a master’s degree in computer science or a related field. Specialization topics include project and program management, risk management, project governance, and portfolio optimization.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Critically analyze multi-disciplinary theories that inform and shape the practice of Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling and Closing the project
- Evaluate functional and cross functional management approaches appropriate for project, programs and portfolios ranging from operational to strategic, small to complex, and local to global
- Synthesize project management research and practice leading to the development of new knowledge for improved practices
- Apply appropriate and ethical leadership practices to achieve expected outcomes
- Exhibit proficiency in communication, research, writing, and critical thinking skills applicable to professional and academic endeavors
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, IT Project Management.
Related job titles to explore*
- Lead project manager
- Senior consultant
- Director of project management
- Adjunct or part-time faculty of information technology courses
- Full-time faculty of information technology courses
- Senior IT project manager
- VP of project management
- IT program manager
- IT program director
Employment settings to explore
- Construction
- Nonprofit organization
- Military
- Government—local, state, federal
- Land-based or online college or university
- Community college
- Corporation
- Consulting firms
- Manufacturing
- Aerospace and defense automation systems
*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.
Going Above and Beyond: 5 Soft Skills for Every Project Manager
Five soft skills project managers need to be competitive in the field.
Doctoral Guide
Wondering about the differences between PhDs and professional doctorates? What are the unique features of online and traditional doctoral programs? Read on to learn more and find the right program for you.
What’s It Like to Be a Doctoral Student?
What does it take to earn a doctoral degree? Learn more about the experience and explore each step of the journey.