Throughout your doctoral candidacy, you’ll work closely with a Walden faculty mentor who is aligned with your professional interests. They'll provide constructive feedback as they help you navigate the requirements of your online DIT program.
DOCTORAL DEGREE COACH™
The Walden Doctoral Degree Coach™ helps you find the right support when you need it and stay on track throughout your doctoral journey.
IT LEADERSHIP SIMULATORS
Build your decision-making muscle by delving into realistic learning scenarios based on challenges faced by IT executives.
NETWORK BUILDING
Connect with like-minded peers, with opportunities to compete in regional and national team activities or cyber competitions.
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
Walden’s online DIT program is designed to build on your IT experience and lay the groundwork for your future as a potential practitioner-researcher. Build the CIO-level leadership skills you need to guide organizations through major innovation initiatives.
Featured Online DIT Courses
Students in this doctoral seminar focus on the scholarly and practice-oriented literature related to IT systems, software, and management. Students explore major theoretical approaches and practices that define the discipline as well as strategic and organizational implications of IT systems, software, and management, such as system architecture, software development, and system management. During the majority of the seminar, students will work with colleagues, including faculty, to identify threads and tendencies for further reading and discussion in a true doctoral seminar format. Students have the opportunity to lead their colleagues as well as to participate in academic discourse.
Students in this doctoral seminar focus on the scholarly and practice-oriented literature related to project management of information technology (IT) projects. Students explore major theoretical approaches and practices that define the discipline and the strategic and organizational implications of project management of IT projects, such as knowledge management, requirements management, and current project management tools and techniques, all within an IT framework. During the majority of the seminar, students work with colleagues, including faculty members, to identify threads and tendencies for further reading and discussion in a true doctoral seminar format. They also have the opportunity to lead their colleagues as well as to participate in academic discourse.
In order to create a competitive advantage, organizations store and analyze information in a variety of different formats. This course covers key areas of database systems, such as requirements, design, implementation, security, performance, and scalability. Through a hands-on approach and practical projects, students have an opportunity to design and build database systems using the latest database technologies.
Students in this course are provided with a detailed understanding of how technology becomes an enabler for business. Students study how information technology (IT) strategies support organizational goals, and how IT strategies can help to create a sustained competitive advantage in business. Students evaluate IT strategies and how best to deploy such strategies in the context of systems or business applications.
Combatting cybercrime requires a deep understanding of the mechanisms and techniques that can be used to prevent or at least mitigate against it. In this course students consider the motivations for cybercrime and have the opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of the tools that can be used to prevent it, including the deployment of cybercrime prevention strategies. Students build an “ethical hacking” environment with which they can experiment. In addition, the course is directed at providing students with hands-on knowledge of cybercrime prevention for application in the workplace.
Admissions
You’ll work one-on-one with an Enrollment Specialist who’ll guide you through every step—from finding the right program to funding your education.
Streamlined Admissions Process
Once you decide to pursue your DIT degree at Walden, take the next step with Walden’s simple, straightforward admissions process. We’ve made it easy with:
No application fee
Easy credit transfer
No essay
To be considered for this doctoral program, you must have a technical master’s degree or at least three years of relevant professional experience in information technology and meet the general admission requirements. You are also required to submit a résumé. Proficiency in at least one modern programming language is highly recommended but not required. All applicants must submit a completed online application and transcripts.
More information for international applicants.
Doctoral Experience
How will I learn?
YOUR DOCTORAL JOURNEY
Earning a doctorate is no easy feat—it takes drive, dedication, and perseverance. Knowing what to expect can help you decide if it’s right for you.
DOCTORAL DEGREE COACH®
The Walden Doctoral Degree Coach® helps you find valuable support when you need it and stay on track throughout your online DIT journey.
SUPPORT TO FUEL SUCCESS
Our research and writing tools and robust support services help guide you toward the doctoral finish line.
Tuition Breakdown
We know tuition costs are a big consideration when you’re exploring online DIT programs. Walden offers several ways to reduce your overall costs through:
Experience-based credits
Special tuition savings
Grants
Program Savings
Program Savings
Receive up to a $5,000 grant when you start an eligible doctoral program.
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Total * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 69 quarter credits | $690 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $47,610^ | |
| Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project | 23–118† quarter credits | $690 per quarter hour for doctoral study/project credits | $15,870–$81,420* | |
| Program Fee | $180 per quarter | $2340–$5,760* | ||
| Residency Fee | Two Residencies | $1,420 (virtual) $1,520 each (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional) | $2,840–$3,040 | |
| Estimated Range: | 3.25-Year | 8-Year | ||
| $68,660 | $137,830*+ | |||
| (assuming completion in a 3.25-year time frame) | (assuming completion in a 8-year time frame) | |||
Effective 2/23/26
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Total * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 69 quarter credits | $760 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $52,440^ | |
| Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project | 23–118† quarter credits | $760 per quarter hour for doctoral study/project credits | $17,480–$89,680* | |
| Program Fee | $185 per quarter | $2,405–$5,920* | ||
| Residency Fee | Two Residencies | $1,420 (virtual) $1,520 each (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional) | $2,840–$3,040 | |
| Estimated Range: | 3.25-Year | 8-Year | ||
| $75,165 | $151,080*+ | |||
| (assuming completion in a 3.25-year time frame) | (assuming completion in a 8-year time frame) | |||
These are ranges of what a student can expect in terms of time and tuition cost to complete a degree. It does not include other fees, nor is it adjusted for tuition increases over time. Walden faculty has concluded that generally students who do not complete their program in eight years are unlikely to complete and only allow students to exceed that time frame when a student petitions for an extension and provides good reason for the delay and assurances that obstacles to completion can be overcome. Time is calculated using the time allowed for each quarter or unit that the student completes. Students are encouraged to work continuously during the program so as not to extend the time needed to complete the degree as work can become stale and students lose focus. Students who earn two grades of “Unsatisfactory,” who repeatedly drop a course before a quarter or unit has been completed, or are unable to complete in the eight-year time frame, should expect that they may be dismissed from the program. Walden believes that it is in the best interest of a student who is unable to complete the degree in the stated ranges to strongly consider withdrawal or obtaining a lesser degree.
Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. Factors may be programmatic or academic such as tuition and fee increases and/or the student’s transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; writing, research and editing skills; use of external data for their doctoral study/dissertation; individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations; care giving responsibilities or health issues; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; leaves of absence; or other personal circumstances.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included. Students may incur additional costs for remedial writing assistance, if necessary.
^This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt.
† Based on a 3.25-year minimum completion requirement and an 8-year maximum timeframe as outlined in Walden academic policy.
*Tuition and fees will be higher if students petition to extend the eight-year maximum time frame or choose to take more expensive elective courses.
+Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships, or other tuition reductions. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-768-0443.
Find Your Specialization
Build a Strong Foundation
A DIT degree from Walden can prepare you to lead bold change in a fast-growing field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the computer and information technology sectors are expected to add 377,500 new jobs each year, on average, from 2022 to 2032.1
Career Opportunities
Earning an online Doctor of Information Technology can empower you with the skills and credentials to pursue new professional paths.
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization.
Expected growth: 15%1
Estimated annual wage: $101,590–$214,0501
Information Security Analysts
Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures to protect computer networks and information.
Expected growth: 32%2
Estimated annual wage: $69,210–$153,5502
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Design innovative uses for new and existing technology; study and solve complex problems in computing.
Expected growth: 23%3
Estimated annual wage: $81,450–$185,1603
No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls in the (include applicable program) program will obtain a job or will earn the stated salaries. Wage estimates are based on the 10th - 75th percentile.
1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
2Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
3Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
Learning Outcomes
As a graduate of this online DIT program, you’ll be able to:
Critically evaluate current research and best practices in the area of IT methods in organizations.
Analyze best practices and research to determine appropriate design of integrated IT systems.
Recommend IT strategies that support enterprise mission and objectives following tenets of professional, social, and ethical responsibility.
Demonstrate IT leadership skills at the team and enterprise levels.
Demonstrate the ability to communicate technical and business concepts to a range of audiences.
Demonstrate the ability to formulate project management, compliance, and sourcing of IT within an organization.
Conduct original research that contributes to professional and actionable knowledge in an applied environment.
Meet Your Academic Team
Below are some of the distinguished DIT faculty members who bring diverse industry expertise and a passion for teaching to the Walden community.
You Might Also Be Interested In
Browse these other information technology degree programs at Walden.
Online DIT FAQ
According to Dr. Karlyn Barilovits, dean of Walden University’s College of Management and Human Potential, technical abilities are not enough to launch, and then sustain, a successful IT career at the senior level. What else is needed? Critical thinking, problem solving, and the ability to talk to technical and nontechnical colleagues alike. Online DIT degree programs prepare graduates with the strategic leadership and communication skills required to tackle everything from security breaches to advanced payroll systems.
While you may hear their names used interchangeably, a PhD in Information Technology and a Doctor of Information Technology are not the same degree. A PhD in Information Technology focuses primarily on research and theory, with students choosing, and then pursuing, one specific area of research. While a DIT degree program also cultivates research skills, it is much broader, instructing students how to apply those research skills to organizations and the broad range of IT problems they may face.
If you are already working full time in the information technology sector—or in any other career—you don’t have to drop everything to earn your DIT degree. That’s because an online university like Walden can make completing your IT degree more attainable. Instead of having to take time off from your current job to attend classes on a campus, you can complete most of your coursework from home on a flexible learning platform that lets you balance your studies with other commitments.
Yes—demand for IT professionals is strong. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the computer and information technology sectors are expected to add about 377,500 jobs annually through 2032—much faster than the national average for all occupations.1
¹Bureau of Labor Statistics | Computer and Information Technology Occupations. National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, do not guarantee actual job growth, and are subject to change.