There are many jobs available in information technology, including some very high-paying positions. One of the best jobs you can get in the field is as an applications architect. Other in-demand jobs range from IT consulting to information systems security management to data science; the possibilities are endless.
When working in information technology, there is great variation in salaries depending on your job title, credentials, education and experience. It is not uncommon to find jobs paying a six-figure salary, but as with any other field, your education and experience greatly reflect your pay so a PhD in Information Technology can really boost your career.
Information technology is also a field that will inevitably keep growing. The tech industry is booming right now and there is a job slot for IT professionals at nearly every company in any sector as the world becomes more tech-reliant. IT professionals will forever be some of the most needed and appreciated workers in any industry.
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MORE ON IT CAREERS: Find Your Path: The Top Careers in Information Technology
Why You Should Earn a PhD in Information Technology
Earning a PhD, or any other doctorate, can be a very intimidating prospect for most people. But, in the field of IT, getting a PhD is completely worth it.
Having such a high level of education opens up a whole new world of career opportunities within the field, most of them in management or leadership positions. Without your PhD, you will likely not be considered for these upper-level positions which guarantee a higher salary.
Furthermore, having any sort of doctorate is a great way to display your inherent ability to work hard. It shows employers you are dedicated, motivated, organized and able to efficiently manage your time. A graduate-level degree is already impressive, so just imagine the impact you would have by listing a PhD on your resume.
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Why Earn Your IT PhD Online
If you are considering going to school for a PhD in Information Technology, there are a lot of factors to consider before making a final decision, including the most important factor of time.
You are likely already working a full-time job and have a busy schedule, so attending on-campus classes may not be possible as they just won’t fit into your weekly schedule. This is where pursuing your PhD in Information Technology online comes in handy.
Earning your doctorate online provides you with the same level of education as attending an on-campus program and you will get to learn at your own pace and around your own schedule.
Top 7 Online Colleges for a PhD in Information Technology in the US
University of the Cumberlands
The University of the Cumberlands offers a great, online PhD program in information technology. You can work at your own pace through this program. To apply here, students are required to have earned a master’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Capella University
Capella University’s PhD program focuses on IT management, making it a good option for anyone looking to work specifically in leadership positions. Students in this program will be required to take speciality courses in that area. To earn a doctorate through this school, students must write a dissertation.
Walden University
Walden University caters to the needs of all students, whether they have just earned their undergrad degree or are already professionals in the IT field. Its PhD information technology program offers two paths for students. The path made for those who have earned a master’s degree requires 64 credit hours split between coursework and doctoral study, while the second option is for more unique cases and requires 76 credit hours. Both paths involve a dissertation and academic residencies.
California Intercontinental University
At the California Intercontinental University, a DBA program in information systems is offered. This program is designed to be faster-paced than your average college degree program, with the average graduate student completing it in just 2 years. Like the other programs, there is a dissertation required to earn the degree.
Indiana State University
Indiana State University offers something a bit different, but just as useful for those wanting to break into the IT field: a PhD in technology management. For this program, students choose an area of specialization and rather than a dissertation, will complete an academic residency.
Northcentral University
If you choose to attend Northcentral University, you will complete a PhD in technology and innovation management. This doctorate is designed more for those already in the field of IT who are looking to further their careers by developing their skills. The program includes coursework and a lot of opportunities for hands-on experience.
Bowling Green State University
Finally, we have Bowling Green State University. The online program offered through this university is a PhD in technology management. The unique aspect of this program is that the school works alongside other universities to create the best possible coursework for their students, as well as the ability to choose between many different areas of specialization.
Attending any of the above schools to get your PhD in Information Technology would be a great career move. By completing everything in an online setting, you display your time management and organization skills, as well as your dedication, to potential employers; in fact, many employers are now more impressed by online degrees than on-campus degrees, especially when it comes to doctorates.
MORE ON IT RESUMES: Resume for Fresh Information Technology (IT) Graduates
Conclusion
All in all, pursuing an online PhD in Information Technology can be intimidating, but it will help advance your career. Once you begin online classes and get into the groove of working at your own pace, you will likely find that you enjoy online college and will be happy you made the decision.
With a PhD in IT under your belt, you are guaranteed almost any related job you apply for with a great salary. The online universities listed above are all great places to apply, and once you get accepted, you’ll earn your doctorate quicker than you ever expected!
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