You can get started working in information technology (IT) with little more than on-the-job-training, but increasingly, employers are looking for people who have formal education in this field. Tech schools offer associate’s degree programs, and the best jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in IT. Today, many colleges even offer doctorate degree programs for students who want the highest-level positions in this field.

PhD in IT Job Responsibilities

If you earn a PhD in IT, you can choose from one of three career paths – practice, teaching, or research. Many PhD programs are multidisciplinary, giving students a unique education that prepares them for some of the most important positions in the IT field. Many of these positions put you in a leadership role where you’ll work with a team of lower-level IT workers to complete projects, often on a short deadline. Teachers and researchers in this field are also important, as they pioneer some of the world most cutting-edge networking capabilities and technologies. Many PhD programs allow you to concentrate your education on a specific niche in the IT world, which allows you to take on specialized jobs. Specific positions you could take in the IT world include project manager, information systems manager, chief technology officer, director of technology, and network manager. After graduation, you can also work as a consultant in the field, where you’ll work with a number of clients on a variety of challenging IT projects.

IT Career Outlook

IT is one of the fastest-growing fields in the United States and world-wide, and by 2018, this field is expected to grow by 18 percent. With a PhD in IT, you’ll be eligible for the best and highest-paying jobs, and these positions are found throughout the country. On average, computer and information systems managers earn between $88,240 and $141,890 annually, and with an advanced degree you can expect to earn even more.

PhD in IT Education

PhD programs in IT build upon the information you’ve learned in bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, as well as require you to have real-world experience in the field. Classes are often tailored specifically to fit your interests, and at many colleges you’ll do work independently on research projects that are important to you. You’ll also be prepared to go through certification classes after completing your classes.

According to the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA), information technology is "the study, design, development, application, implementation, support or management of computer-based information systems, particularly software applications and computer hardware." The Internet Security (IS) and Computer Science fields are closely related to the IT industry. The PhD in IT is the highest degree awarded in this subject, and readies graduates for positions teaching in academia or doing research within the field. Below are the best accredited online colleges that offer PhD in IT and related degrees, including IS and Computer Science.

PhD in I.S. Mgmt DBA in I.S. Mgmt	Walden University -- Walden University's PhD in Information Systems Management and the DBA in Information Systems Management help students manage information, get the most value from investments in organizational systems, learn about e-commerce, security management and risk assessment, and system design. Students also learn to manage people effectively to create a positive and energetic working environment.
PhD in IT PhD in IT Mgmt PhD in IT Education PhD in IT Project Mgmt	Capella University -- Capella University's PhD programs in IT, IT Management, IT Education, and IT Project Management teach current IT workers all the skills they need to effectively lead and manage their IT departments. Students learn to lead IT employee development classes, manage projects, and create new programs and policies that will allow their IT departments and the larger organizations to function at a higher capacity.
DBA in Computer Sci.	Northcentral University -- Northcentral University's DBA in Applied Computer Science prepares students to take on executive roles in information technology through advanced education in the information technology field. Coursework combines leadership principles with the latest technology, and emphasizes the intersection of management principles with emerging media, as well as database management and troubleshooting.
Doctor of Computer Sci.	Colorado Technical University -- The Colorado Technical University's Doctor of Computer Science program prepares students to evaluate and analyze digital systems using theoretical knowledge and research. The program offers a concentration in digital systems security which is increasingly important to large organizations. The Doctor of Computer Science focuses on training students to predict future trends and act strategically in their areas of technical expertise.
PhD in C.I.S. PhD in I.S.	Nova Southeastern University -- The Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences at Nova Southeastern University offers high level programs for IT professionals who need advanced degrees to further their careers. The PhD programs in computer information systems and information systems both focus on the leadership component of Information Technology, as well as information security.
DBA in I.S.	California InterContinental University -- California InterContinental University's DBA in information systems & enterprise resource management helps students improve their analytical ability and strategic thinking, preparing them for careers in Information Systems management and consulting. Information security is emphasized, as are leadership skills, and systems evaluation and optimization, allowing graduates to jump into any organization's IT department and implement positive and effective change.
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