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 executive PhD in information technology offers the license to follow your scholarly interests and make discoveries that could potentially change the industry — and the world.

Anchor: Stats

By the Numbers

$136,620

Average Salary

23%

Industry Growth

$10.4K

Average Financial Aid

30

Max Class Size
Anchor: Programs & Requirements
Programs & Requirements

Programs & Requirements

Doctorate in Information Technology

The executive PhD in information technology hybrid 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 required residencies.

The hybrid format executive PhD in Information Technology program is a variation of our fully online program that includes a residency component, ideal for working professionals who want a program that fits into their busy schedules but isn't completely online. The hybrid format also works well for international students with visas who have a CPT/OPT component to their degree. The executive PhD in Information Technology program includes one mandatory residency weekend per semester, followed by 60 credit-hours of advanced leadership and practical technical strategies in everything from information governance to emerging threats and their countermeasures.

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
  • DSRT 736 Dissertation Seminar
  • DSRT 837 Professional Writing and Proposal Development 
  • DSRT 839 Advanced Research Methods
  • DSRT 850 Qualitative Research 
  • DSRT 930 Dissertation
  • DSRT 931 Dissertation
  • DSRT 834 Advanced Statistical Applications OR INTR 799/899 - Applied Learning Practicum

*Note – For executive format students, the applied learning component (internship/practicum) is established as an integral (essential) part of the established curriculum. Due to this applied learning component required for the executive format students, they must enroll in INTR 799/899 Applied Learning Practicum every term of enrollment.  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 credit hours must be earned in one of the following disciplines:

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Blockchain
  • Cyber Engineering
  • Data Science
  • Digital Forensics
  • Information Systems Security
  • Information Technology
Anchor: Executive Student Resources
Executive students walking toward graduation ceremony

Executive Student Resources

UC's Department of International Graduate Services enjoys providing support resources for our international students. Find tutorials and information regarding offices and policies for the International Graduate Students and programs.

Executive Program Format

Our Executive Programs include hybrid course days designed for international graduate students studying in the U.S., or domestic students seeking a hybrid-format program.  We strive to incorporate professional experience and real-world application of course curriculum into our programs to enhance the learning experience.  Practical Training is an integral part of program coursework and available to all students.  At the University of the Cumberlands our degree programs focus on quality education at an affordable price.

Executive Program students take three (3) courses per semester.  The program semester is based on the existing UC semester calendar, with three (3) annual semesters: fall, spring, and summer.  Two of the courses each semester focus on the specific program content.  Additionally, students will be required to attend an intensive residency weekend as part of their course enrollment each term.  The third class includes an Applied Learning Practicum, in which students apply what they are learning in their other two courses to the real world via work or internship experiences.

Residency FAQs

Residency Session dates are determined by the course that you are registered for. It is very important that you make note of the class you registered for, as well as the designated residency weekend for that course as each course will only meet one weekend for the duration of the semester.

Even though we will only be meeting one weekend per semester, we will have the same number of contact hours with you. This will enable the instructors to make residency weekends much more valuable. This change will allow us to have meaningful projects on residency weekends.

You can view your semester schedule in your self-service portal in your Student Profile. Once you log into your MyUC account, click on Academics, then click on Current Schedule. Your schedule details will indicate the date and location of your residency weekend.

You can find information on the residency site locations on our website.

Yes, all three days are mandatory, and requests to arrive late or leave early will not be approved. Should you not be in attendance for the full session, you will be counted absent for the entire session. Please plan travel accordingly!

Attendance to each executive residency class session is mandatory. Students may make up no more than one (1) residency session throughout the duration of their academic program. Missing a second residency will result in the student being dismissed from the university.

A missed session will result in the student attending a make-up session, and paying a $300 residency make-up fee. In addition, the student may be asked for documentation from the program department providing an explanation as to why the scheduled residency session was missed. Make-up sessions must be completed prior to the end of the term. Noncompliance with this policy will result in dismissal from the executive program.

Make-up residency sessions will be held at our campus in Williamsburg, KY. You will be contacted with the time and dates after your absence is reported. There will only be one (1) residency make-up session offered each semester. Failure to attend all days of the makeup session will result in receiving a failing grade for the course, as well as potential dismissal from the University, and SEVIS termination. 

If you cannot be in attendance for all three days then you will be counted absent for the entire residency weekend and be required to attend the make-up residency and pay the $300 make-up fee.

The Department of International Graduate Services will contact you via your UC student email as registration for the next term approaches. Please remember that you are required to register for (one) main class, (one) online class, and Applied Learning Practicum each semester in order to maintain your F1 status – late registration will not be accepted and can result in the termination of your student status. 

Once you register for a class you will want to make note of the residency weekend that your class is scheduled, as that is the only session for that class that will be scheduled for the semester. You will need to be sure to plan your travel accordingly to ensure that you are in attendance for the full residency session.

Registration is done on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once a course is full, there will not be additional seats added, as we cannot exceed classroom seating capacity; therefore, it is advised that you register for classes as much in advance as possible. As a reminder, students cannot register for future semesters until their current tuition balance is paid in full.

*Please note all times are in local time zone*

Friday

Facility will open at 4:00 p.m.

Saturday

Facility will open at 7:00 a.m.

Sunday

Facility will open at 7:00 a.m.

We ask that you please take note of the above-mentioned times and schedule your travel accordingly.

*These dates have been set; however, if any changes are made, they will be made prior to registration for that semester. Not all dates are available at each residency location.

Fall 2023 (August 28 – December 15)

  • September 29 – October 1
  • October 6 – 8
  • October 13 – 15
  • October 20 – 22
  • November 3 – 5
  • November 10 – 12
  • November 17 – 19

Spring 2024 (January 8th – April 26th)

  • February 9 – 11
  • February 16 – 18
  • February 23 – 25
  • March 1 – 3
  • March 8 – 10
  • March 15 – 17
  • March 22 – 24
  • April 5 – 7

Summer 2024 (May 6th – August 23rd)

  • May 31 – June 2
  • June 7 – 9
  • June 14 – 16
  • June 21 – 23
  • June 28 – 30
  • July 12 – 14
  • July 19 – 21
  • July 26 – 28
  • August 2 – 4

Fall 2024 (August 26th – December 13th)

  • September 27 – 29
  • October 4 – 6
  • October 11 – 13
  • October 18 – 20
  • October 25 – 27
  • November 1 – 3
  • November 8 – 10
  • November 15 – 17
  • November 22 – 24 
Anchor: Mission & Goals

Mission & Goals

The mission of the executive 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:

Using predictive analytics to identify cyber threats and make policy changes
Employing big data analytics
Empowering smart cities
Making data-driven decisions
Improving connectivity
Anchor: Career Outcomes

Information Technology Careers & Outcomes

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

Computer and Information Research Scientist: $136,620

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 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 Scientist: $103,500

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

Information Security Analyst: $112,000

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 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 Manager: $164,070

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

Anchor: FAQs

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 executive 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 executive PhD in information technology degree program at University of the Cumberlands can be completed online and on your own schedule, provided you attend the necessary residency weekends. 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:

  • Robotics
  • 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.

A group of Graduate students entering during the processional at Commencement.

Executive Program Admission Requirements

All students in our executive programs are required to meet a standard set of admissions requirements for graduate students.

Anchor: Faculty

Faculty Experts

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

Dr. Hartford Dawson

Adjunct Professor
School of Computer Information Sciences

Dr. Hartford Dawson

Contact Information

hartford.dawson [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote

Dr. Bernard Sharum

Adjunct Professor
School of Computer Information Sciences

Dr. Bernard Sharum

Contact Information

bernard.sharum [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote

Dr. Patrick Haney

Adjunct Professor
School of Computer Information Sciences

Dr. Patrick Haney

Contact Information

patrick.haney [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote

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