Program Details
Minimum Degree Requirements
- Doctoral Writing Assessment (0 qtr. cr.)
- Foundation course (5 qtr. cr.)
- Technical Core courses (30 qtr. cr.)
- Research Sequence (14 qtr. cr.)
- Specialization Seminar/Leadership courses (20 qtr. cr.)
- Completion of Doctoral Study
- Doctoral mentoring course (0 qtr. cr.)
- Doctoral Companion courses (3 qtr. cr.)
- Doctoral study completion course (5 qtr. cr. each term for a minimum of 4 terms until completion)
- Two face-to-face academic residencies
View the COMPLETE CURRICULUM PLAN.
Admission Requirements
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.
Questions about the courses you will take?
A Program Designed to Build on Your Existing Experience
Walden’s Doctor of Information Technology degree program is designed for those who currently hold a master’s degree in:
- Information systems
- Information technology
- Computer science
- Management information systems
- Computer and information systems
- Cybersecurity
- Information assurance
- Information security
- Computer/software engineering
You are also eligible for this program if you hold a master’s degree in a nontechnical field combined with three or more years of relevant technical work experience.
A Personalized Guide to Completing Your Doctorate
Earning your Doctor of Information Technology requires commitment, perseverance, and hard work. You can do it, and Walden is here to help—with our Doctoral Degree Coach™.
- Map and Track Milestones: Break your research down into manageable, sequential steps. See where you are, what’s ahead, and what you’ve already accomplished, all in one place.
- Meet Weekly Targets: No more guesswork. Set prompts based on your to-do list and receive reminders and updates directly to your inbox.
- Connect With Faculty: Stay on the same page and keep your progress on track. With shared access to your dashboard, your chair can easily guide you through your checklists, goals, and timelines.
- Access Helpful Resources: Quickly find support from the right person at the right time. Our comprehensive resource guide points you in the right direction—no more frustrating searches.
Tuition and Fees
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Total * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 69 quarter credits | $660 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $45,540^ | |
| Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project | 23–118† quarter credits | $660 per quarter hour for doctoral study/project credits | $15,180–$77,880* | |
| Program Fee | $170 per quarter | $2,720–$5,440* | ||
| 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 | ||
| $66,280 | $131,900*+ | |||
| (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.
Paying for Your Education
Our Enrollment Specialists can help you outline a plan and find resources for funding your education.
Program Savings
Looking to reach your potential with a doctoral degree? We want to support you by making your goals more achievable. Receive up to a $5,000 grant if you start this program on November 27, 2023. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Program Outcomes
A Doctoral Degree for IT Visionaries
Tailored for full-time working professionals, our online Doctor of Information Technology program lays the groundwork for your future as a practitioner researcher. Build the CIO-level leadership skills you need to guide organizations through major innovation initiatives. Get the support and resources to conduct original, practical research in the evolving field of information technology.
Career Outlook
The field of information technology continues to grow at a rapid pace, with a high demand for skilled practitioners, leaders, and educators. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the computer and information technology sectors are expected to add 667,600 new jobs from 2020 to 2030.1
A Doctor of Information Technology degree can prepare you academically for senior technical and managerial positions as well as a faculty role in higher education settings. Apply theory to real challenges faced by IT leaders today and sharpen your decision-making skills. Build the poise and confidence you need to solve mission-critical problems and drive innovation for your organization.
A Doctor of Information Technology program can prepare you to pursue career options such as:2
- College professor / instructor
- Computer scientist / researcher
- Systems / technology director
A Doctor of Information Technology program can prepare you to work in settings such as:
- Government
- Public and private labs
- Universities and colleges
- Large private organizations (financial, retail, service industry, nonprofits)
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
Learning Outcomes
As a graduate of this Doctor of Information Technology 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
Testimonials
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FAQ About Walden’s Online Online Doctor of Information Technology (DIT)
Why do you need a Doctor of Information Technology?
According to Dr. Karlyn Barilovits, dean of Walden University’s College of Management and Human Potential, technical abilities are not enough to launch, 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. “There’s this old image of the IT person down in the basement, working in the dark. That’s not how it is anymore,” Dr. Barilovits says. Doctor of Information Technology programs seek to meet the advanced IT needs of today’s business world by preparing graduates with the strategic leadership and communication skills required to tackle everything from security breaches to advanced payroll systems.
What’s the difference between a PhD in Information Technology vs. Doctor of Information Technology?
While it’s tempting to refer to both of these degrees interchangeably, a PhD in Information Technology and a Doctor in Information Technology are not the same. A PhD in Information Technology focuses primarily on research and theory, with students choosing, then pursuing, one specific area of research. While a Doctor of Information Technology 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 can face.
What kind of jobs can you get with a Doctor of Information Technology?
A Doctor of Information Technology program can provide the educational background you need to pursue a range of high-level positions in both the public and private sectors—positions you wouldn’t necessarily be qualified to seek with only a master’s degree, according to Dr. Barilovits. “When you have a doctoral degree (in information technology), it opens many more doors than a master’s degree,” she says. From industry to academia, the right doctor of information technology program can prepare you for a rewarding high-tech career.
Potential career options may include:2
- Information security analyst
- Database administrator
- Computer network architect
- Higher education faculty member or administrator
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program..
Why should you earn your DIT online?
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 possible than you ever thought. Instead of having to take time off from your current job to attend classes on a campus, you can complete the majority of your coursework from home and on a flexible learning platform that enables you to fit studying around your other responsibilities.
Are IT professionals in demand?
Yes—demand for IT professionals is strong. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for computer information technology occupations is expected to increase 13% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the national average for all occupations.1 Demand for these workers will stem from greater emphasis on cloud computer, the collection and storage of big data, and information security.1
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1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 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.
2Source: O*Net Online. Summary Report for SOC Codes 11-3021.00, 15-1221.00, 15-1212.00, 15-1242.00, 15-1244.00, 15-1241.00, 25-1021.00, Computer and Information Systems Managers, Computer and Information Research Scientists, Information Security Analysts, Database Administrators, Network and Computer Systems Administrators, Computer Network Architects, Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary.