10 Most Affordable PhD in Information Technology Online Programs

Aspen University's doctorate in computer science may appeal to those individuals interested in online PhD in information technology programs. This online degree is highly affordable, accredited, and aimed to benefit students from a variety of disciplines by offering curriculum that focuses on the practical applications of computer science and information technology. Courses are delivered online and include computer ethics, concurrent and distributed systems, systems metrics and risk management, techniques and interpretation for advanced statistical research, and technology and innovation management. A dissertation must also be completed and defended. Admission to the PhD information technology online degree program at Aspen requires an earned master's degree with an overall GPA of 3.0 or better and computer science experience. Aspen offers one of the most affordable online PhD in information technology or computer science programs on our list.

Capella University's PhD information technology online degree program, offered through the School of Business, is designed to provide IT professionals with a flexible and convenient doctoral pathway. Graduate students design their own schedule and choose dissertation topics in information security, network architecture and design, or focus on IT within a specific industry. The degree may be tailored to meet specific career goals and personal interests. Classes are delivered entirely online and include advancing research in information technology management, innovating information technology life cycle management processes in a changing environment, and management theory creation. Online students receive a dissertation mentor to help them navigate and fulfill graduation requirements. Also, enrollment counselors assist students in navigating the admission procedures. Capella is accredited to offer PhD programs online and has received recognition from major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a best national institution. It offers one of the most affordable online PhD in information technology programs on our list.

Colorado State University's PhD information technology online program focuses on systems engineering and the technological advances in any industry. This 72-credit hour program explores topics in engineering risk analysis, information technology and project management, simulation modeling and experimentation, and systems engineering architecture and processes. The program is designed to be completed mostly online, although select courses have in-person attendance options. The program can be completed at your convenience, based on the intensity of study and previous transferrable coursework. A dissertation requirement must also be met and may require a campus visit. Colorado State University is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 124th best national university and the 138th best value school. Also, the online graduate IT programs are ranked #30, and the online graduate engineering programs are ranked #31 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs. Colorado State offers a cheap online information technology PhD with the working student in mind.

One of the most affordable information technology PhD online programs on our list is the computer science doctorate from Colorado Technical University. This entirely online program consists of 96 credits and offers online courses that cover a wide range of information systems and IT topics. Some of the courses offered include advanced topics in database systems, business intelligence, current topics in computer science and information systems, futuring and innovation, and principles of research methods and design. Graduates of the program must offer a research proposal to be approved by the student's committee. A dissertation must also be approved and defended. Colorado Tech is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the West. Also, the online graduate computer information technology programs at Colorado Tech rank #38 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs. The school offers a cheap online information technology PhD with a favorable return on investment.

Some schools like the prestigious Columbia University offer a computer science doctorate that may appeal to individuals interested in earning an online PhD in information technology. The 30-credit, partially online program is for existing Columbia computer science MS students only. The program is highly research-based and upholds strict admission requirements. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.3 and satisfactory GRE scores. Courses expand on topics taught in a PhD information technology online program as well as scholarly areas of interest. These areas include robotics, software engineering, and vision. Columbia is certainly not the most affordable school on our list in terms of graduate tuition, but offers an excellent return on investment. The school is ranked #5 among best national institutions and considered a top 10 best value university.

One of the top information technology PhD online programs on our list in terms of affordability is the online information systems doctorate from Dakota State University. This uniquely designed online degree is for working professionals who want to pursue careers as professors, researchers for government or private companies, or IS and IT directors in various industries. Three specialization options are also available so that students may tailor their degree toward areas of interest. These specializations include analytics and decision support, healthcare information systems, and information assurance and computer security. To apply to the information technology doctorate online program, students need an earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and satisfactory GRE scores on a test taken in the last five years. Dakota State is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the Midwest and the 34th best top public school.

Liberty University offers an online DBA in information systems that may appeal to those interested in an information technology doctorate online program. This uniquely designed 60-credit hour degree is 100% online and serves as preparation for careers in data administration, data networking, or systems integration. Students learn basic platforms of business that focus on design, ethics, security and strategy. Admission to the program requires an earned master's from an accredited college or university with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or better. The master's must be in business administration (MBA), accounting (MSA), information systems, or management information systems (MIS). Liberty is a private Christian institution that has been in operation since the 70s. The school has earned accreditation and rankings from major publications like U.S. News and World Report. The online DBA program is recognized and ranked as a top 200 program.

Northcentral University offers an accredited information technology PhD online program designed for working students. This program has six available specializations, including computer science, cybersecurity, data science, engineering management, information systems, and IT project management. The IT project management specialization and PhD takes 50 months to complete, and consists of 20 courses. These classes can be taken online and include introduction to research design and methodology for technology leaders, qualitative research design and methodology for technology leaders, and technology policy and strategy. Northcentral is accredited and offers one of the more affordable information technology doctorate online programs on our list.

University of the Cumberlands offers an online PhD in information technology that can be completed in the comfort of your own home and without attending traditional classes. The program consists of online courses and professional research. Some of the courses include data science and big data analytics, enterprise risk management, information governance, information technology importance in strategic planning, and information technology in a global economy. Professional research includes advanced research methods, a dissertation, and an inferential statistics course. Admission to the online PhD program requires an earned master's from an accredited college or university with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. The institution is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national university and offers the most affordable online PhD in information technology program on our list.

Walden University offers an accredited online PhD in information technology program designed for working IT professionals. The program prepares students for key IT and leadership positions within various organizations as well as for roles in academia. After successfully completing required courses, students may be eligible to receive an MS in Information Technology while working toward the doctorate degree. While most classes are delivered online, residencies are required. Residency programs allow students to network face to face with small groups of students who share research interests while enhancing analytical and critical writing skills. In some cases, residencies may be completed online. Walden is accredited and has been recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education. Also, major publications like U.S. News and World Report ranks Walden as a top national university.