Information Technology, Doctor

Information Technology (IT) is the study of systemic approaches to select, develop, apply, integrate, and administer secure computing technologies to enable users to accomplish their personal, organizational, and societal goals. The Doctor of Information Technology (DIT) program is interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, and designed for inventive working professionals who wish to advance knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) in Technology and Computing with the depth of studies in Computer Science (CS), Cybersecurity (CY), and Data Science (DS). The program allows students to develop critical and innovative capabilities useful in IT private and public sectors, including industry, government, consulting, and higher education.

With a focus on developing advanced KSAs in IT innovation, the program will prepare students for senior-level positions in a rapidly changing field.  The program will examine methods to optimize performance and returns using current technologies but will also discuss the likely impacts of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data science. These DIT courses are designed based on ACM CS/CY/DS Curricula and NSA/DHS Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) Knowledge Units. Through a broad review of the IT field, students will master the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to work with technical and non-technical stakeholders to innovate and influence advances in Technology and Computing.

DIT students will choose from one of three Depth of Study (DOS) areas that fit their educational goals - Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or Data Science. Besides, the students can build their own DOS area with the approval of the Program Director. This customized DOS should have at least 12 credits from the DIT DOS areas.

In this multidisciplinary program, students will receive high quality and relevant learning experiences through a flexible format that meets the student's career objectives.  All classes will be conducted in both mixed-mode and hybrid format, except for three in-person doctoral seminars that are scheduled throughout the program.

Program Outcomes

The Doctor in Information Technology will prepare students to:

Integrate foundational knowledge of all areas of advanced information technology and computing.

Apply fundamental principles and practices of advanced information technology and computing.

Apply critical and ethical thinking to solve problems in advanced information technology and computing.

Evaluate data to inform decisions and solve problems in advanced information technology and computing.

Create the ability to develop and express ideas while applying a variety of delivery models, genres, and styles.

Collaborate effectively on diverse teams to accomplish a common goal.

Admission Requirements

In addition to City University of Seattle's graduate/doctoral admission requirements, found under Admissions in the catalog menu, students enrolling in the School of Technology and Computing doctoral programs must meet the requirements listed below:

  • An earned Master of Arts or a Master of Science degree in Information Technology or Computing-related majors such as Computer Systems, Computer Science, Information Systems, Information Technology, Cybersecurity; OR
  • An earned Master's degree in another field and evidence of completion of undergraduate courses or their equivalent in:
    • Equivalency of 5-quarter hour credits at the intermediate level in at least one computer programming language; and
    • Equivalency of 5-quarter hour credits in networking (TCP/IP from physical through applications layers); and
    • Equivalency of 5-quarter credits of data management including basic database design and SOL/NoSQL Queries; and
    • Equivalency of 5-quarter credits of operating systems including OS theory, process management, and memory management; OR
  • An earned Master's degree in another field and successful completion of CityU’s Undergraduate Certificate in Foundations of Systems Development.

Total Required Credits (91 Credits)

Preparatory Courses (20 Credits)

*Preparatory courses listed below may be required for students entering the DIT degree program without sufficient related experience. 

CS 132Computer Science I

5

CS 330Network Communications

5

IS 340Operating Systems

5

IS 360Database Technologies

5

Pre-Entry Requirement 1 Credit

DIT 600DIT Orientation to Doctoral Program

0

Information Technology Core (24 Credits)

DIT 605Information Technology Strategic Management

3

DIT 610Information Technology Policy and Governance

3

DIT 615Planning and Managing IT Projects

3

DIT 625Cybersecurity and Information Assurance

3

DIT 630Data-Driven Decisions

3

DIT 635Data and Business Analytics

3

Depth of Study Block (24 Credits)

Choose one block from the choices below. 

Depth of Study - Computer Science

CS 533Computer Architecture

3

CS 547Secure Systems and Programs

3

CS 506Programming for Computing

3

DS 510Artificial Intelligence for Data Science

3

CS 622Discrete Math and Algorithms for Computing

3

CS 624Full-Stack Development I

3

CS 628Full-Stack Development II

3

DS 620Machine Learning & Deep Learning

3

Depth of Study - Cybersecurity

ISEC 505Systems Security

3

ISEC 510Human and Organization Security

3

ISEC 545Data Privacy and Security

3

ISEC 525Network and Wireless Security

3

ISEC 605Cybersecurity Auditing

3

ISEC 612Software Security

3

ISEC 628Components Integration Security

3

ISEC 640Software Reverse Engineering

3

Depth of Study - Data Science

CS 506Programming for Computing

3

CS 622Discrete Math and Algorithms for Computing

3

DS 510Artificial Intelligence for Data Science

3

DS 520Data Mining

3

DS 620Machine Learning & Deep Learning

3

DS 623Math & Statistics for Data Science

3

DS 625Big Data Architectures and Systems

3

Depth of Study - Specialized

Choose 24 credits with approval of the Program Manager.

Research Core (15 Credits)

RESR 619Quantitative Research Methods

3

RESR 621Qualitative Research Methods

3

Creating Innovation in Technology

3

Choose two courses from those listed below

RESR 623Research Design

3

RESR 625Advanced Research Topics

3

DIT 680DIT Internship

3

Comprehensive Exam (6 credits)

DIT 682DIT Comprehensive Exam

6

Dissertation (18 Credits)

RESR 694BDissertation 2

3

RESR 694CDissertation 3

3

RESR 694DDissertation 4

3

RESR 694EDissertation 5

3

RESR 694FDissertation 6

3

Residencies (3 Credits)

RESR 601Residency 1

1

RESR 602Residency 2

1

RESR 603Residency 3

1