Instead of waiting to start your capstone, Walden’s online DIT embeds elements of the capstone throughout your program. With this structured approach built into every course, you’ll make progress every term—with plenty of support along the way.
ONE-ON-ONE MENTORING
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.
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
Through practical, cutting-edge coursework in Walden's online IT doctoral program, you’ll stay ahead of current trends and gain CIO-level skills you can put to use immediately.
Featured Online DIT Courses
This course introduces students to Walden University and the requirements for successful participation in an online curriculum. Students work toward building a foundation for academic and professional success as scholar-practitioners and social change agents. They develop presentation and written communications skills geared toward developing a high level of competence in professional communication with colleagues, clients, novices, and IT experts. Students are introduced to the Doctoral Degree Coach®, helpful capstone resources, time management strategies, and potential doctoral study topics relevant to their field of study. Students also examine exemplar capstones to understand the journey they will be undertaking. Students learn how to use the library, develop doctoral-level writing strategies, and write a literature review. Additionally, students engage in course assignments focused on the practical application of professional writing, critical thinking skills, and the promotion of professional and academic excellence. They also have the opportunity to prepare their Professional Development Plan and program of study.
Students in this course are provided with insight into how predictive analytics can be used within organizations. In completing this course, students have the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of how results from predictive analytics can be used by organizations to grow their customer base and run operations more efficiently. This course is oriented toward the practical applications of predictive analytics.
Threats to information security (IS) are becoming more sophisticated. Laws and regulations impose strict (cyber) security risk management requirements on all enterprises to prevent, or at least limit, the potential of cyberattacks. Course content is directed at providing a deep understanding of the mechanisms and techniques that can be used to identify and mitigate against security risk. Students in this course are provided with the theoretical and practical knowledge to deliver a formal, systematic, and in-depth approach to the application of the concepts, techniques, methods, approaches, and processes of (cyber) security risk management in a pragmatic manner and in the context of enterprises of all kinds.
Students in this course are provided with a comprehensive understanding of change models and the impact of change related to technology innovation, adoption, and implementation. Students are presented with both the theoretical and practical perspectives required to manage the design and use of technology to foster growth, innovation, and change within organizations. Course content focuses on how innovation can act as a change enabler and the importance of building readiness for change within organizations.
In Information Technology Research Project Stage 1 Students will use the work done in DITC 8101 and DITC 8102 to write their Proposal and receive IRB approval in preparation for collecting data. Once IRB is approved, they will perform a primary and secondary industry data analysis by implementing their method and the design of their study. They will add to their Information Technology Research Project by detailing the activities they used to collect and organize their data; the techniques used to analyze their data; and how the data supports the research question.
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 test scores or essay required
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.
Walden’s online Doctor of Information Technology 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 engeneering
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.
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:
Transfer of credit opportunities
Scholarship and federal/state grants
Alumni tuition savings
Stay Inspired. Stay on Track. Save Money.
Discover progress-based savings that inspire you to stay on track to graduation.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 46 quarter credits | $760 per quarter credit | $34,960 |
| Tuition-Doctoral Capstone | 15 quarter credits | $760 per quarter credit | $11,400 |
| Virtual Residencies | 2 | $1,420 each | $2,840 |
| Program Fee | $185 per quarter | $1,665 | |
| $50,865* | |||
| Believe & Achieve Scholarship® | $3,800 | ||
| Your Tuition | $47,065† |
*This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt and reflects the minimum time to completion. Tuition and time to completion vary by student and 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.
†Represents Doctor of Information Technology minimum time to completion and Believe & Achieve® Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe & Achieve Scholarship® based on current tuition. See Grants and Scholarships for more information.
Find Your Specialization
Career Opportunities
Earning an online doctorate in 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%
Estimated annual wage: $104,450–$216,220
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage
Information Security Analysts
Plan and implement security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems.
Expected growth: 29%
Estimated annual wage: $69,660–$159,600
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Design innovative uses for new and existing technology; study and solve complex problems in computing.
Expected growth: 20%
Estimated annual wage: $80,670–$181,210
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage
Disclaimer:
Bureau of Labor Statistics (as of May 2024). Percentile wage estimates are based on the 10th–75th percentiles. The 10th percentile figure reasonably represents entry-level wages. BLS wages are national estimates and are not specific to graduates of Walden University. Wages may vary by state or region. No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls at Walden will obtain a job or earn the estimated salaries.
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 Degree 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 these are both doctoral degrees, a PhD in Information Technology and a Doctor of Information Technology are not the same. A PhD in Information Technology program focuses primarily on research and theory, with students choosing, and then pursuing, one specific area of research with the goal of contributing new knowledge to the field. A DIT degree program also cultivates research skills, but the goal is to use research for practical application, developing solutions for wide range of real-world IT problems that organizations can put into practice.
If you are 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 manageable. The ability to access most of your coursework online allows you to 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 317,700 jobs annually through 2034—much faster than the national average for all occupations.1 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.