PhD in IT Management

The field of information technology deals with designing, developing and managing information systems as well as gathering, storing and transmitting information through various means. The use of Information Technology is all around us in various forms; from cell phones to cars to satellites, its use and importance is increasing day by day. It is no wonder then that we are said to be living in the ‘Information Age’.

Featured Programs

The field of IT management combines the fast growing IT sector with business management, and involves the effective and efficient implementation, maintenance and upgrading of information systems and other technologies in various organizations.

How to pursue a career in IT management ?

IT management professionals are both academically qualified and experienced to handle the daily challenges of informational technology and its applications in the field of business and management.
For entry-level positions, an associate or bachelor’s degree may suffice. For top management positions in the field, you may need a master’s degree but to pursue a career in IT management academia, you will need a PhD in IT management.

PhD in IT Management

A PhD in IT management is a research oriented advanced degree. Candidates and faculty are involved in research in various information technology management issues. Research areas may involve the core of IT management or related issues that interface with other functional areas in management, engineering, and economics.

The program is designed to facilitate working professionals with professional and social commitments. Therefore classes may be held in evenings or offered online.

Admission requirements

• Undergraduate and if applicable graduate degree transcripts
• Ability to handle advanced-level research
• Readiness for research-intensive graduate studies
• Letters of recommendation
• Essay
• Personal statement
• GRE or GMAT scores
• Resume

Curriculum and graduation requirements

A candidate may complete the degree in 4-5 years. Candidates are awarded the degree once they demonstrate the ability to undertake independent high quality academic work. This ability is demonstrated through successfully writing research papers, passing a comprehensive exam, passing annual student reviews, and successfully completing their PhD dissertation.

Courses

The degree starts off with general courses in computer systems management, application development, network design and administration, web development and internet-based business solutions. Other courses include:

• Multimedia
• Animation and 3D design
• Data management
• Quality assurance
• Security software development
• Operating system design

Financial assistance

An academic program which may last for 5 years is bound to be costly. However, to financially assist their PhD candidates so that they can concentrate on studies, universities offer stipends and other forms of financial assistance. Some universities may go a step further; in addition to stipends they may also waive the tuition.

Online PhD in Information Technology Management

Those who cannot make time for on campus classes may consider enrolling online. Some universities may offer their PhD degrees online while others may follow a hybrid format where some courses are offered online and others on campus.

Whatever the case may be, an accredited online doctor of philosophy degree in IT management may have the following learning outcomes.

• Demonstrate proficiency in academic research, writing and critical thinking skills
• Assess the effectiveness of business principles and systems theories to effect change in diverse environments
• Apply leadership techniques and theories in business management using advanced critical thinking, collaboration and communication skills
• Combine interdisciplinary ethical concepts and business knowledge to advance the theory and practice of global business management
• Undertake ethical scholarly research through traditional or innovative methods in business management

Admission requirements

Online admission requirements are less stringent as compared to traditional PhD in IT management admission requirements.

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• TOEFL/IELTS (for international applicants)

Financial assistance

Financial assistance in the form of scholarships and grants may be available to qualified online PhD candidates.

What are the future prospects?

A doctorate in IT management will primarily prepare you for a lifelong career in academia; teaching or conducting research. In addition you may also qualify to apply for various positions in:

• Corporate sector
• Nonprofit organizations
• Government – federal, state, local
• Consulting firms

Job titles

• Full-Time Faculty
• Adjunct or Part-Time Faculty
• Business Researcher
• Vice President of Information Technology
• Senior Information Technology Auditor
• IT Strategy and Management Consultant
• Chief Technology Officer
• Chief Information Officer

Salary and job outlook

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) postsecondary business teachers earned a median yearly salary of $73,660 in 2012. Their job numbers are expected to grow at the rate of 19% faster than the average job growth in all other sectors of the economy from 2012 to 2022. Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) earned a median yearly salary of $142,397 in 2014. Market research analysts, according to BLS statistics in 2012, earned between $33,280 and $113,500. With a median yearly salary of $60,300, their job numbers are expected to grow at the rate of 32% faster than the average job growth in all other sectors of the economy from 2012 to 2022.

How Long Does It Take to Complete a PhD in IT Management?

The doctoral degree in IT Management is typically designed for graduates with an MBA in IT Management degree. There are many top-notch universities in the U.S. such as the Georgia Tech University (Georgia Institute of Technology), the University of Illinois at Chicago, the Michigan State University and several other institutions that offer this degree. A PhD in IT Management generally takes 4 to 5 years to complete. It may take up to 7 years in case of an online degree.

What Are the Requirements of Completing a PhD in IT Management?

The requirements to complete a doctoral degree in IT Management may vary from one university to another. However, some subjects in the curriculum are common such as Data Structures & Operating Systems, Business Systems Analysis & Design, Business Database Design and so on. The graduation criteria may share a few similarities as well. For instance, the students may need to sit through lectures, pass comprehensive exams, write and defend an original thesis to graduate.

How Much Can I Make after Completing a PhD in IT Management?

Once students complete their PhD, they may work as Information Security Analysts, Software Developers, Computer Network Architects or Computer and Information Research Scientists. According to the data reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2018), people of the following professions earned: