Online Doctorate Degree Programs in Technical Management
A Ph.D. in information technology management blends technical and business skills to help students advance to leadership positions in the technology industry or to start a career in research and teaching.
Most technical management doctoral degrees are offered by business schools, and students can choose from two main degree types: a Ph.D. in technical management or a Doctor of Business Administration in technical management. While both degrees emphasize practical skills, a DBA is generally considered a professional degree while a Ph.D. offers a more traditional, academic approach for aspiring professors and researchers.
What to expect from a doctorate in technology management
At the doctoral level, students typically choose an area of specialization within the broader field of information technology management. Students pursue specialized coursework and research within the area of focus, which is generally tightly linked to career goals. Your area of expertise may be a particular industry such as construction or health care or it may be a theoretical or research problem within the field such as supply chain management, organizational learning or process improvement.
In addition, all students should expect to take general core courses, which vary by school. Topics can include general technology, research design, statistical analysis, economics and marketing.
Online technology management doctoral degree programs provide a more flexible format for students. In most online doctorate programs, students can move through coursework and dissertation writing at their own pace. Many schools, however, require students to attend short, intensive on-campus seminars throughout the program. These residencies may last anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks, allowing students the opportunity for face-to-face advising with faculty and collaboration with fellow classmates.
In addition, many programs require at least one internship. In some cases, this requirement can be met with full-time or part-time employment in a position that makes regular use of the skills and knowledge you are learning through the doctoral program.
Requirements to earn a doctorate in technical project management
Most programs require a master's degree for admission, but some accept a bachelor's degree in a technology-related field as well as significant work experience. Most schools have specific admissions criteria, which can include work experience, GRE scores, statement of purpose and recommendation letters. Check with prospective schools to confirm respective requirements.
A doctoral degree in technical management typically requires between four to six years to complete. The first two years focus on core courses and specialization. Some programs require a comprehensive exam after coursework to ensure that students are prepared to move into the next phase of the degree program. The final two to four years are reserved for dissertation research and writing.
The decision to earn a doctoral degree is a big one. You can start your search for the right program by requesting information from the schools below.
