Are you interested in advancing your education in the field of IT (information technology). Today, many colleges are starting to offer PhD programs for IT students, which provides you with some of the most advanced training in the world. With a PhD in IT, you can focus on practice, teaching, or research, and after graduation, you’ll qualify for some of the top-paying positions in this IT industry. And, with the help of scholarships and grants, you could actually go to school for free, so there’s no reason not to consider entering a PhD program.

Scholarships versus Grants

Scholarships and grants are both “free” sources of money for college – after being awarded either, you don’t have to repay the money like you would with a student loan. Scholarships are typically gave based on merit and are most commonly available for undergrad students (though some are also available for more advanced students). More commonly, PhD students are offered fellowships, which is like a scholarship (given to the best of the best), but may come attached to responsibilities such as being a teaching assistant at your college. Grants are available to students at all educational levels and can be used for tuition or to fund specific research projects. Unlike scholarships, you typically have to show financial need to be eligible for grants and they’re sometimes available for larger amounts.

IT Scholarships

If you’re looking for scholarships or fellowships to earn your PhD in IT, you can start your search with IBM, the National Academies, Google, and Microsoft. Scholarships and fellowships are also often offered directly from colleges to attract the best and brightest students. These funds are typically extremely competitive, and you may need to meet certain criteria to apply (for example, some are available specifically for minorities).

IT Grants

Grants are also extremely competitive at the PhD level. While grant applications are typically longer and you have to have a detailed plan for the money, the amount of money given as a grant is usually much higher. Some grants are given specifically for PhD students studying in the IT field, while others are available to all PhD-level students regardless of academic field of study.

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.
See all schools that offer IT degrees ...