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 innovative working professionals who wish to advance knowledge, skills, abilities, and tasks (KSATs) in Technology and Computing. Students can have the depth of studies in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Computer Science (CS), Cybersecurity (CY), Data Science (DS), Information Systems (IS), or Information Technology (IT), according to their professional career plans. 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 KSATs in IT innovation, the program will prepare students for leadership positions in a rapidly changing field. The program will examine methods to optimize performance and returns using current technologies and discuss the likely impacts of emerging technologies. These DIT courses are designed based on ACM CS/CY/DS/IS/IT Curricula and NSA/DHS Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) Knowledge Units. Through a broad review of the IT field, students will master the KSATs needed to work with technical and non-technical stakeholders to innovate and influence technology and computing advances.

DIT students will choose from one of four Depth of Study (DOS) areas that fit their educational goals – Artificial Intelligence, 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 are conducted online, and on-site courses are available in a hybrid format for all CS and most DS courses. Three in-person doctoral residencies are scheduled throughout the program to help students prepare for their dissertations in advance.

Program Overview
Students will take DIT 600 orientation course in their first quarter of study, either with preparatory courses or DIT core requirements. Students without a sufficient technical background must take preparatory courses before taking DIT core courses. They must take DOS courses after completing DIT core requirements. The Program Director's approval will be needed for a different arrangement.

Students will take three DIT 650 seminar courses, which can help students earn advanced technical skills for their dissertation, after taking RESR 601 Residency 1 but before DIT 682 Comprehensive Exam. Taking RESR 601 Residency 1 is recommended after completing four DIT core courses. They should finish all residency courses before taking DIT 682 Comprehensive Exam.

Program Outcomes

The Doctor in Information Technology will prepare students to:

Integrate a foundational knowledge of all areas of advanced information technology and computing (General IT & 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.
  • 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.

CS 132Computer Science I

5

CS 330Network Communications

5

CS 340Operating Systems

5

IS 360Database Technologies

5

Pre-Entry Requirement (0 Credit)

Students must take this course in the first quarter of enrollment. Students may take another program requirement concurrently.

DIT 600DIT Orientation to Doctoral Program

0

Core Requirements (24 Credits)

DIT 605Information Technology Strategic Management *

3

DIT 610Information Technology Policy and Governance *

3

DIT 615Planning and Managing IT Projects *

3

DIT 620IT Innovation in Complex and Global Environments *

3

DIT 625Cybersecurity and Information Assurance *

3

DIT 630Data-Driven Decisions *

3

DIT 635Data and Business Analytics *

3

DIT 637Smart and Secure Systems *

3

Depth of Study (24 Credits)

Students can choose one Depth of Study (DOS) from Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or Data Science. They can also design a customized DOS with the approval of the Program Director.

Artificial Intelligence

AI 510Artificial Intelligence in Cloud Computing

3

AI 610Agent Based Systems

3

AI 620Emerging Topics in Artificial Intelligence

3

CS 506Programming for Computing

3

CS 622Discrete Math and Algorithms for Computing

3

DS 510Artificial Intelligence for Data Science

3

DS 620Machine Learning & Deep Learning

3

DS 623Math & Statistics for Data Science

3

Computer Science

CS 506Programming for Computing

3

CS 533Computer Architecture

3

CS 547Secure Systems and Programs

3

CS 622Discrete Math and Algorithms for Computing

3

CS 624Full-Stack Development I

3

CS 628Full-Stack Development II

3

DS 510Artificial Intelligence for Data Science

3

DS 620Machine Learning & Deep Learning

3

Cybersecurity

CY 505Systems Security

3

CY 510Human and Organizational Security

3

CY 525Network and Wireless Security

3

CY 545Data Privacy and Security

3

CY 605Cybersecurity Auditing

3

CY 609Software Security

3

CY 628Components Integration Security

3

CY 640Software Reverse Engineering

3

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 524Data Management and Governance

3

DS 620Machine Learning & Deep Learning

3

DS 623Math & Statistics for Data Science

3

DS 625Big Data Architectures and Systems

3

Customized

The specialized depth of study must be approved by the program manager. 

Research Core (15 Credits)

Each enrollment must be pre-approved by the Program Director.

Students can take three DIT 650 seminar courses after taking RESR 601 Residency 1 but before DIT 682 Comprehensive Exam.

RESR 619Quantitative Research Methods *

3

RESR 621Qualitative Research Methods *

3

RESR 625Advanced Research Topics *

3

DIT 650ADoctoral Seminar I in Emerging Technology

1

DIT 650BDoctoral Seminar II in Emerging Technology *

1

DIT 650CDoctoral Seminar III in Emerging Technology *

1

Choose One Course

RESR 623Research Design *

3

DIT 680DIT Internship *

3

Comprehensive Exam (6 credits)

DIT 682DIT Comprehensive Exam *

6

Dissertation (18 Credits)

RESR 694ADissertation 1 *

3

RESR 694BDissertation 2 *

3

RESR 694CDissertation 3 *

3

RESR 694DDissertation 4 *

3

RESR 694EDissertation 5 *

3

RESR 694FDissertation 6 *

3

RESR 99 Continuing Dissertation Services - Optional Course used for continuing enrollment and services as needed beyond the provided Dissertation Services.

Doctoral Residency (3 Credits)

RESR 601Residency 1

1

RESR 602Residency 2

1

RESR 603Residency 3

1