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 (General Computing Knowledge).
Apply fundamental principles and practices of advanced information technology and computing (IT & Computing Principles and Practice).
Apply critical and ethical thinking to solve problems in advanced information technology and computing (Critical and Ethical Thinking).
Evaluate data to inform decisions and solve problems in advanced information technology and computing (Quantitative Literacy).
Create the ability to develop and express ideas while applying a variety of delivery models, genres, and styles (Communication).
Collaborate effectively on diverse teams to accomplish a common goal (Collaboration).
Admission Requirements
In addition to City University of Seattle's graduate/doctoral admission requirements, found under Admissions in the catalog menu, applicants to the School of Technology and Computing doctoral programs must meet the requirements listed below:
- Hold a master's degree from an accredited or otherwise recognized institution.
- Preparatory courses may be required for applicants who do not have credentials in Programming, Operating Systems, Networking or Database.
- Provide a resume demonstrating two or more years of leadership or technology-related experience.
- Provide three references with name, title, email, and phone contact information for professional, academic, or other associates who can attest to the applicant's ability to be successful in a doctoral program. Note: Please inform them that they will be contacted.
- Submit a goal statement (450-600 words) related to your academic and career experience. It should include how an education from the DIT program supports your professional development goals.
- Complete an interview with a member of the program faculty. Note: Students will be contacted to schedule an interview once all of the application materials have been submitted.
Total Required Credits (90 Credits)
Preparatory Courses (20 Credits)
Preparatory courses may be required for students entering the DIT degree program without sufficient related experience. Please see the program admissions criteria in the City University of Seattle catalog for specific information.
Pre-Entry Requirement (0 Credit)
Students must take this course in the first quarter of enrollment. Students may take another program requirement concurrently.
| DIT 600 | DIT Orientation to Doctoral Program | 0 |
Core Requirements (24 Credits)
| DIT 605 | Information Technology Strategic Management * | 3 |
| DIT 610 | Information Technology Policy and Governance * | 3 |
| DIT 615 | Planning and Managing IT Projects * | 3 |
| DIT 620 | IT Innovation in Complex and Global Environments * | 3 |
| DIT 625 | Cybersecurity and Information Assurance * | 3 |
| DIT 630 | Data-Driven Decisions * | 3 |
| DIT 635 | Data and Business Analytics * | 3 |
| DIT 637 | Smart and Secure Systems * | 3 |
Depth of Study (24 Credits)
Computer Science
| CS 506 | Programming for Computing | 3 |
| CS 533 | Computer Architecture | 3 |
| CS 547 | Secure Systems and Programs | 3 |
| CS 622 | Discrete Math and Algorithms for Computing | 3 |
| CS 624 | Full-Stack Development I | 3 |
| CS 628 | Full-Stack Development II | 3 |
| DS 510 | Artificial Intelligence for Data Science | 3 |
| DS 620 | Machine Learning & Deep Learning | 3 |
Cybersecurity
Data Science
| CS 506 | Programming for Computing | 3 |
| CS 622 | Discrete Math and Algorithms for Computing | 3 |
| DS 510 | Artificial Intelligence for Data Science | 3 |
| DS 520 | Data Mining | 3 |
| DS 524 | Data Management and Governance | 3 |
| DS 620 | Machine Learning & Deep Learning | 3 |
| DS 623 | Math & Statistics for Data Science | 3 |
| DS 625 | Big Data Architectures and Systems | 3 |
Customized
The specialized depth of study must be approved by the program manager.
Research Core (15 Credits)
The DIT 680 Internship course is repeatable for credit. Each enrollment must be pre-approved by the Program Manager.
| RESR 619 | Quantitative Research Methods * | 3 |
| RESR 621 | Qualitative Research Methods * | 3 |
| RESR 650 | Creating Innovation in Technology * | 3 |
| Choose two courses from those listed below | |
| RESR 623 | Research Design * | 3 |
| RESR 625 | Advanced Research Topics * | 3 |
| DIT 680 | DIT Internship * | 3 |
Comprehensive Exam (6 credits)
Dissertation (18 Credits)
Doctoral Residency (3 Credits)