phd of information technology

Register for Classes

Get started with classes at Cumberlands during our second bi-term of the fall semester. Last day to register for classes is October 29.

• Admission & Aid
• Student Life

Online Ph.D. in Information Technology

Applying IT research to real-world situations and expanding the IT field’s existing body of knowledge.

Programs & Requirements

Mission & goals.

• Career Outcomes
• Request Info

As technology advances at a rapid pace, you need to stay ahead of the curve.

As an experienced IT professional, you have a wealth of knowledge and skills under your belt. But the field of IT never stands still; as it evolves, you need to evolve with it. A PhD in information technology could be what you need to ensure that you stay ahead.

More than a pathway to earning the highest credential in your field, a doctorate program offers the chance to take a deep dive into the IT industry’s challenges and opportunities. That could mean gaining deep knowledge of how machine learning solves business problems, using analytics to plan for growing IT needs, responding to evolving cyber security threats, and much more. Pursuing your PhD in information technology offers the license to follow your scholarly interests and make discoveries that could potentially change the industry — and the world.

By the Numbers

Online doctorate in information technology.

The PhD in information technology online degree program from University of the Cumberlands is designed to help you take your IT career to new heights. The program is comprised of 60 required credit hours, which include professional research courses, content specialty courses, and a dissertation.

Our fully online curriculum focuses on predictive analytics, enhancing your credentials and giving you the tools you need to be your company’s IT expert in cybercrime security, big data, and smart technology. You’ll explore information governance, technology for a global economy, enterprise risk management, data science, big data, and more. You’ll also gain a comprehensive understanding of emerging threats to IT infrastructure and systems, plus identify countermeasures to keep cyberattacks at bay. 

Course Requirements

• ITS 831 - Information Technology Importance in Strategic Planning  
• ITS 832 - Information Technology in a Global Economy  
• ITS 833 - Information Governance  
• ITS 834 - Emerging Threats and Countermeasures  
• ITS 835 - Enterprise Risk Management  
• ITS 836 - Data Science and Big Data Analytics  
• DSRT 734 - Inferential Statistics in Decision-making  
• DSRT 736 - Dissertation Seminar  
• DSRT 837 - Professional Writing and Proposal Development  
• DSRT 839 - Advanced Research Methods  
• DSRT 850 - Qualitative Research Methods  
• DSRT 930 - Dissertation  
• DSRT 931 - Dissertation *
• DSRT 834 - Advanced Statistical Applications  

* If the dissertation is not completed at the end of DSRT 931 , the candidate repeats DSRT 931  as needed, for three (3) credit hours each term, until the dissertation is completed and successfully defended.

A content specialty area of at least eighteen hours (18) must be earned in one of several disciplines:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Science
• Cyber Engineering
• Data Science
• Digital Forensics
• Information Systems Security
• Information Technology

Courses in the following UC Master's programs will matriculate as the Doctoral specialty if the courses are completed beyond the first Master’s degree:

• MS Digital Forensics
• MS Information Technology
• MS Information Systems Security
• MS Cyber Engineering
• MS Blockchain

In the event a learner needs more classes, other related discipline courses could be considered with the discretion of the Department Chair and Program Director under the direction of the Dean of the School.

For a full list of course offerings or more program specific information, visit our Academic Catalog . 

Take the Next Step

• Schedule a Visit

Request Information

The mission of the online IT PhD program at Cumberlands is to teach practitioners the theories, strategies, and tactics necessary to lead in today’s global technology management field. Through this program, you will strengthen your skills in:

Information Technology Careers & Outcomes

*All statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics

Computer and Information Research Scientist: $136,620

Computer and information research scientists design innovative uses for new and existing computing technology.

Computer Network Architect: $126,900

Computer network architects design and build data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Intranets.

Data Scientist: $103,500

Data scientists use analytical tools and techniques to extract meaningful insights from data.

Information Security Analyst: $112,000

Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems.

Database Administrator/Architect: $112,120

Database administrators and architects create or organize systems to store and secure data.

Computer and Information Systems Manager: $164,070

Computer and information systems managers plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization.

Common Questions

PhD and DIT programs have more similarities than differences. Either a PhD or a DIT could prepare you to conduct research, teach, or help businesses achieve their IT goals. Which program is right for you? At University of the Cumberlands, you don’t have to make that choice. Our PhD in Information Technology program blends the best of both a DIT and PhD. Our practitioner-aimed PhD program blends research with reality-based problem-solving.  

When you earn your PhD at University of the Cumberlands, you could prepare to advance your career, pursue IT leadership roles, or teach the next generation of IT professionals in an academic setting. Whether you’re interested in diving into big data, optimizing business networks, enhancing security with blockchain technology, or something else entirely, earning your PhD could propel you to the next level.

In 2021, doctorate degree-holders earned about $18,205 more in annual median wages than those with a master’s degree. They also earned about $30,680 more than those with a bachelor’s degree. In short, earning your PhD could pay off.

You don't have to leave your current job to earn your doctorate! The PhD in Information Technology degree program at University of the Cumberlands can be completed online and on your own schedule. So, you can advance your career goals in a convenient format that fits your life.

Some areas of research or work you could go into include:

• Programming 
• Machine learning
• Cloud computing
• Network technology
• Information security

All programs at University of the Cumberlands are offered at some of the lowest rates in the nation. For more information on how affordable this program would be for you, visit our Financial Aid page.

Faculty Experts

Learn more about the professors you will interact with in the Department of Information Technology

Learn more about all that Cumberlands has to offer.

MIT Sloan is the leader in research and teaching in AI. Dive in to discover why.

Which program is right for you?

Through intellectual rigor and experiential learning, this full-time, two-year MBA program develops leaders who make a difference in the world.

Earn your MBA and SM in engineering with this transformative two-year program.

A rigorous, hands-on program that prepares adaptive problem solvers for premier finance careers.

A 12-month program focused on applying the tools of modern data science, optimization and machine learning to solve real-world business problems.

Combine an international MBA with a deep dive into management science. A special opportunity for partner and affiliate schools only.

A doctoral program that produces outstanding scholars who are leading in their fields of research.

Bring a business perspective to your technical and quantitative expertise with a bachelor’s degree in management, business analytics, or finance.

Apply now and work for two to five years. We'll save you a seat in our MBA class when you're ready to come back to campus for your degree.

Executive Programs

The 20-month program teaches the science of management to mid-career leaders who want to move from success to significance.

A full-time MBA program for mid-career leaders eager to dedicate one year of discovery for a lifetime of impact.

A joint program for mid-career professionals that integrates engineering and systems thinking. Earn your master’s degree in engineering and management.

Non-degree programs for senior executives and high-potential managers.

A non-degree, customizable program for mid-career professionals.

Information Technology

MIT Sloan’s Information Technology PhD group fosters cutting-edge research on the economic, business, and organizational impacts of digital technologies. Students are expected to master information technologies and information theory principles, exploring their organizational and economic implications. The group addresses research questions related to the digital economy, organizational transformation, and new business models, leveraging the interdisciplinary expertise of faculty from economics, management science, computer science, organizational behavior, and psychology.  Notable faculty include John Horton , who focuses on labor markets and digital platforms; Manish Raghavan , who examines the societal impacts of computational tools; and Thomas Malone , who studies collective intelligence and organizational design. 

Research from Information Technology Faculty

Download: Insights for success in AI-driven organizations

Zach Church

From MIT Sloan experts, innovative ideas for using artificial intelligence to solve critical business problems and deliver on strategy.

5 new cybersecurity regulations to know about

Kristin Burnham

Company leaders need to be on top of best practices and legal requirements for data protection, including mandatory incident reporting and bans on ransomware payments.

MIT Sloan’s new courses focus on AI, analytics, climate

Tracy Mayor

MIT Sloan students have the opportunity to study generative AI management, analytics for digital platforms, and global energy economies in 2024 – 2025.

New MIT CISR research reports leading “real-time” businesses had 62% higher revenue and 97% higher profit margins

MIT Sloan Office of Communications

The MIT Center for Information Systems Research (CISR) has published a new report identifying four capabilities that companies described as “real-time” businesses.

Select Information Technology Faculty

Full-time faculty.

Abdullah Almaatouq

Douglas drane career development assistant professor in information technology and management.

Abdullah Almaatouq is a computational social scientist and the Douglas Drane Career Development Assistant Professor in Information Technology and Management at the MIT Sloan School of Management. Abdullah’s research focuses on improving cooperation,…

David Austin Professor of Management

Sinan Aral is a global authority on business analytics; award-winning researcher; entrepreneur, and venture capitalist who is ranked among the top 50 management scholars in the world and was rated the World’s “Top Digital Thinker” in 2021. He is the…

John J. Horton

Associate professor, information technology.

John Horton is an Associate Professor of Information Technologies at the MIT Sloan School of Management.Horton's research focuses on the intersection of labor economics, market design, and information systems. He is particularly interested in…

See All Information Technology Faculty

Example PhD Thesis Topics

Alex moehring (2024).

“Essays on Online Platforms and Human-Algorithm Interactions ”

Sebastian Steffen (2022)

“Essays on Information Technology, Human Capital, and the Future of Work ”

David Holtz (2021)

“Essays on the Design of Online Marketplaces and Platforms”

• UC Berkeley
• Sign Up to Volunteer
• I School Slack
• Alumni News
• Alumni Events
• Alumni Accounts
• Career Support
• Academic Mission
• Diversity & Inclusion Resources
• DEIBJ Leadership
• Featured Faculty
• Featured Alumni
• Work at the I School
• Subscribe to Email Announcements
• Logos & Style Guide
• Directions & Parking

The School of Information is UC Berkeley’s newest professional school. Located in the center of campus, the I School is a graduate research and education community committed to expanding access to information and to improving its usability, reliability, and credibility while preserving security and privacy.

• Career Outcomes
• Degree Requirements
• Paths Through the MIMS Degree
• Final Project
• Funding Your Education
• Admissions Events
• Request Information
• Capstone Project
• Jack Larson Data for Good Fellowship
• Tuition & Fees
• Women in MIDS
• MIDS Curriculum News
• MICS Student News
• Dissertations
• Applied Data Science Certificate
• ICTD Certificate
• Cybersecurity Clinic

The School of Information offers four degrees:

The Master of Information Management and Systems (MIMS) program educates information professionals to provide leadership for an information-driven world.

The Master of Information and Data Science (MIDS) is an online degree preparing data science professionals to solve real-world problems. The 5th Year MIDS program is a streamlined path to a MIDS degree for Cal undergraduates.

The Master of Information and Cybersecurity (MICS) is an online degree preparing cybersecurity leaders for complex cybersecurity challenges.

Our Ph.D. in Information Science is a research program for next-generation scholars of the information age.

• Fall 2024 Course Schedule
• Spring 2025 Course Schedule

The School of Information's courses bridge the disciplines of information and computer science, design, social sciences, management, law, and policy. We welcome interest in our graduate-level Information classes from current UC Berkeley graduate and undergraduate students and community members.  More information about signing up for classes.

• Ladder & Adjunct Faculty
• MIMS Students
• MIDS Students
• 5th Year MIDS Students
• MICS Students
• Ph.D. Students

• Publications
• Centers & Labs
• Computer-mediated Communication
• Data Science
• Entrepreneurship
• Human-computer Interaction (HCI)
• Information Economics
• Information Organization
• Information Policy
• Information Retrieval & Search
• Information Visualization
• Social & Cultural Studies
• Technology for Developing Regions
• User Experience Research

Research by faculty members and doctoral students keeps the I School on the vanguard of contemporary information needs and solutions.

The I School is also home to several active centers and labs, including the Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity (CLTC) , the Center for Technology, Society & Policy , and the BioSENSE Lab .

• Why Hire I School?
• Request a Resume Book
• For Nonprofit and Government Employers
• Leadership Development Program
• Mailing List
• Jobscan & Applicant Tracking Systems
• Resume & LinkedIn Review

I School graduate students and alumni have expertise in data science, user experience design & research, product management, engineering, information policy, cybersecurity, and more — learn more about hiring I School students and alumni .

• Press Coverage
• I School Voices

• Distinguished Lecture Series
• I School Lectures
• Information Access Seminars
• CLTC Events
• Women in MIDS Events

Ph.D. in Information Science

Ph.d. community.

Ph.D. students are knowledge architects and respected contributors to our information society, with a vision of expanding access to quality information, an appreciation for diverse perspectives, and the spirit of collaboration.

You Belong at Berkeley

The I School is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds, nations, cultures, and experiences.

The doctoral program is a research-oriented program in which the student chooses specific fields of specialization, prepares sufficiently in the literature and the research of those fields to pass a qualifying examination, and completes original research culminating in the written dissertation. The degree of Doctor of Philosophy is conferred in recognition of a candidate's grasp of a broad field of learning and distinguished accomplishment in that field through contribution of an original piece of research revealing high critical ability and powers of imagination and synthesis.

The Ideal Place for Breakthrough Thinking

School of Information offers an ideal environment for information scholars , on the campus of a preeminent, forward-thinking research institution .

Dedicated to cross-disciplinary research, breakthrough thinking, and creative collaboration, the I School actively shapes the information frontier and has a track record of scholarly ideas, solutions, and policy counsel that make information more accessible, manageable, and useful.

Rigorous academics instill the theoretical and research capabilities required to advance diverse interests — from information design, architecture, and assurance, to human-computer interaction and the social, economic, and public policy implications of information. Ph.D. students work closely with faculty recognized as information pioneers.

Interdisciplinary thinking and partnership are central to the I School approach, so doctoral research often engages exceptional UC Berkeley schools and departments beyond the I School, from journalism, business, and law to computing, engineering, humanities, and social sciences.

On average, I School students complete the Ph.D. degree in 6 years.

• Semester 1–4 : Breadth, major, & minor coursework
• Semester 4–5 : Prelim research paper & exam
• Semester 6–8 : Qualifying exam
• Semester 10–12 : Complete & present dissertation

Detailed degree requirements & timeline

Areas of Study

Major and minor areas include:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Information Economics and Policy
• Information Law and Policy
• Information Organization and Retrieval
• Information Systems Design
• Social Aspects of Information
• Information and Communication Technologies and Development

Your Career

I School Ph.D. graduates go on to careers in academia, industry, or the public sector.

Recent Ph.D. graduates hold tenure-track faculty positions at the world’s leading universities, as well as leading research positions in industry, academia, and public-interest organizations.

More about Ph.D. career outcomes

“I think we can do a better job of using the Internet to tap into how people are doing, how they’re feeling, and what matters to them — online democracy, in a way, but minus the hype.”

—Galen Panger Ph.D. 2017

Download printable flier

Study Shows Election Data Visualization Design Can Be a Powerful Persuasion Tool

Speakers Celebrate Moments of Persistence, Resilience, and Camaraderie at 2024 Commencement

New Research Aims to Curb Illegal Sand Mining with Data-Driven Mapping Tools