If you are high up in the information technology (IT) or computer science field and looking for a new challenge, you may want to consider enrolling in a computer science PhD program.

Capella University

Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).

Capella University offers accelerated classes: 10 week online classes.

Capella offers quality education for working adults who want to advance in their careers. Learn more about our online doctoral, master’s, MBA, undergraduate, and certificate programs

Online Doctoral Programs are also available in a wide-range of fields including:

• PhD – Accounting
• PhD – Counselor Education and Supervision
• PhD – Criminal Justice
• PhD – Curriculum and Instruction
• PhD – Educational Psychology
• PhD – Emergency Management
• PhD – General Advanced Studies in Human Behavior
• PhD – Business
• PhD – Human Services
• PhD – Information Technology
• PhD – Organization and Management
• PhD – Psychology
• PhD – Health Care Administration
• PhD – Human Resource Management
• PhD – Industrial/Organizational Psychology
• PhD – Information Security
• PhD – Information Technology Management
• PhD – Information Technology Project Management
• PhD – Instructional Design for Online Learning
• PhD – IT Education
• PhD – K-12 Studies in Education
• PhD – Leadership
• PhD – Leadership for Higher Education
• PhD – Leadership in Educational Administration
• PhD – Management Education
• PhD – Nonprofit Management and Leadership
• PhD – Nursing Education
• PhD – Post-secondary and Adult Education
• PhD – Professional Studies in Education
• PhD – Project Management
• PhD – Public Safety Leadership
• PhD – Social and Community Services
• PhD – Special Education Leadership
• PhD – Training and Performance Improvement
• DBA – Business Intelligence
• DBA – Global Operations and Supply Chain Management
• DBA – Strategy and Innovation
• DHA – General Health Administration
• DHA – Health Care Leadership
• DHA – Health Policy and Advocacy
• DPA – General Public Administration
• DrPH – Epidemiology
• DrPH – Health Advocacy and Leadership
• DSW – General Social Work
• EdD – Educational Leadership and Management
• EdD – Reading and Literacy
• EdS – Curriculum and Instruction
• EdS – Leadership in Educational Administration

Read more or get a program guide from Capella University.

Computer Science PhD

What is computer science?

Many people have a vague notion of what computer science is. It is actually the study of the foundations of information and computation used by computers.  Computer scientists are responsible for generating code that translates, creates, and transforms information into something useful. Computer science differs from IT, however. IT relates more to the software and hardware of a computer system. Computer scientists look at what a computer needs to do in order to run that software or hardware. The line between the two professions has become blurred in recent times.

What to Expect

Like most PhD programs in other disciplines, a PhD in computer science will require much dedication and determination. Programs can take 5-8 years to complete depending on the university requirements, concentration chosen, and the student’s time constraints.

Students will first be required to take a series of courses. This can take 2-3 years depending on if the student is full or part time. The specifics will vary by university. However, courses may include JAVA programming, computer architecture, operating systems engineering, programming language theory, and mobile computing, just to name a few.

In addition, students will also be required to write a dissertation. This will consist of findings determined by performing an original research project. Most of the work will be done at the student’s pace but will likely have a definitive deadline. Many universities will require that students complete all requirements within a certain amount of time, perhaps 8-10 years.

Summary

A PhD in computer science can take you to the top of the professional computing world. You will be looked at as an expert in your particular field.

Earning your PhD in computer science will make you an expert in your field. You will be looked to not only teach future graduates but as someone that makes advances in the field as well. If the time commitment has kept you from going back to school for your doctorate, rest assured. Many top named universities are now offering online PhD degrees in computer science.

Online PhD Degree in Computer Science

Currently, Nova Southeastern University is the top university offering an accredited Online PhD in Computer Science. Review Nova Southeastern University below to see if the university may match your professional goals and interests:

Nova Southeastern University – Online PhD in Computer Science

Nova Southeastern University is regionally accredited, the highest level of accreditation possible in the United States.

• Nova Southeastern University is the nation’s seventh largest, not-for-profit, independent university
• Nova Southeastern University is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on a 300 acre campus
• NSU online offers associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees
• Regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Online PhD in Computer Science
NSU’s Computer Science program offers a course of study leading to the degree of doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in Computer Science from Nova Southeastern University’s Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences. The program is especially well suited to those in industry, education, or government who are involved with one of the many areas of computer science. It provides research-oriented professionals with knowledge in the major areas of computer science and the ability to develop creative solutions to substantive real-world problems. Each student must complete eight core courses, two research project courses, and a dissertation.

• Online PhD in Computer Science
• Online PhD in Computer Information Systems
• Online PhD in Information Systems

The admissions requirements will vary depending on the college or university you choose. Some will require that you have a master’s degree in computer science from an accredited institution. Others will allow you to enroll with a master’s in another discipline. However, you may need to take additional courses in order to complete your degree.

An online PhD closely mirrors its traditional, campus based counterpart. There are specific courses that you must take. These will be 100 percent online and will vary depending on the specialty you choose, such as information security, computer forensics, or database administration. Most programs will include core, foundation, specialty, and research related classes.

You will also have perform a research project and write a dissertation. This portion can take a few years to complete depending on the student. Upon completion, the findings will most often have to be defended in front of a university board.

Earning your PhD will open many doors for your career, including research and academia. With the number of online courses available, you will be able to earn your degree with minimal disruption to your current professional and family commitments.

If you think that you do not have time to pursue a doctorate degree, think again.

There are many online PhD programs that will allow you to work on your degree at a time and place that is convenient for you. There are many different programs to choose from including an online PhD in computer science.

PhD in Computer Science or Doctor of Business Administration?

There are two doctorate paths that a computer science professional can take. While some executive may want to earn a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) with an applied computer science specialization, the most common route is the traditional PhD in computer science. You can choose many specializations, including cyber-terrorism, computer forensics, and computer and network security.

Online PhD in Computer Science

Currently, Nova Southeastern University is the top university offering an accredited Online PhD in Computer Science.

Review Nova Southeastern University below to see if the university may match your professional goals and interests:

Nova Southeastern University – Online PhD in Computer Science

Nova Southeastern University is regionally accredited, the highest level of accreditation possible in the United States.

• Nova Southeastern University is the nation’s seventh largest, not-for-profit, independent university
• Nova Southeastern University is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on a 300 acre campus
• NSU online offers associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees
• Regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Online PhD in Computer Science
NSU’s Computer Science program offers a course of study leading to the degree of doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in Computer Science from Nova Southeastern University’s Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences. The program is especially well suited to those in industry, education, or government who are involved with one of the many areas of computer science. It provides research-oriented professionals with knowledge in the major areas of computer science and the ability to develop creative solutions to substantive real-world problems. Each student must complete eight core courses, two research project courses, and a dissertation.

• Online PhD in Computer Science
• Online PhD in Computer Information Systems
• Online PhD in Information Systems

Online PhD in Computer Science Curriculum

While the particulars of a program may vary, each PhD in computer science program will have some similarities. Typically, 75-100 credit hours of coursework are required. This includes classes in software design, data modeling, systems evaluation, and technical writing. This portion of the program generally takes about 2 years to complete. However, there are some accelerated online programs available.

PhD Dissertation

As with all PhD programs, you will be required to write a dissertation. This may also vary by institution. Some will require that your dissertation be written for publication in a professional journal. The requirements remain the same. You will have to conduct original research on a topic that was approved by your adviser. When you are finished, you will have to defend your findings in front of a university board.

Online universities do not typically adhere to a traditional academic calendar. Therefore, many are holding open enrollment today.

Ready to explore your options? Compare accredited universities offering an online PhD in computer science now:

The field of computer science is fast-paced and competitive. Every year, many students graduate with a degree in computer science. However, since you are already interested in a PhD in computer science online, you probably already have a job that involves database administration, software development, or network systems analysis. At this point in your career, if you want to earn more and be promoted, getting a PhD in computer science online will be the best idea.

Specializations vary for a PhD in computer science online. Some examples are Enterprise Information Systems, Digital Systems Security, and Emerging Media. To be accepted by most schools, you will need to have a master’s degree in computer science and a good number of years of work experience. Some schools, however, will accept PhD applicants even though the latter only have a bachelor’s degree.

With this type of degree, you will become a respected member of the industry. For sure, you will be promoted to a high-level management position in the company you work for. It goes without saying that your pay will increase as well. If the median salary of a computer and information scientist is $97,000, a PhD will give you a chance to earn more. No matter the route your career may be in, a PhD is one way to earn a 6-figure yearly salary.

CTU’s Computer Science PhD program consists of three specializations, digital systems security, emerging media and enterprise information systems.  The digital systems security program is designed to prepare leaders in the implementation, evaluation and analysis of digital systems in which security is a primary component. The emerging media concentration is designed for people interested in examining how social networks, new media, web science and virtual worlds will shape the future by bringing people, information and technology together.  The final concentration offered is the enterprise information systems program.  This program is geared to prepare leaders in designing, implementing and managing very large databases and large-scale systems in organizations that can operate on a global level.

Learn more about Computer Science PhD.

Each specialization consists of 12 five credit hour courses taken one per quarter.  In addition, each student must attend two four day on-campus intensives each year.  The program can be completed in three years, with year one being research into the software engineering process.  Year two focuses on advanced research and methods of study to include the preparation of the research proposal.  Year three focuses on metrics, design, and planning.  In year three, students are required to complete the research project proposed in year two and submit it to an academic journal.

Career Choices

For those with a doctorate in computer science, there are many career opportunities.  Some graduates go on to obtain teaching or research positions at the university level.  Also, there are private, corporate research facilities hiring graduates as well.  Companies in all industries realize the importance of having a senior computer scientist on staff, so the job opportunities are limitless and continue to grow.

Learn more about Computer Science PhD.

By choosing to enroll in CTU’s Computer Science PhD program, you could be just 3 years away from embarking on a new and exciting career or enhancing your current career.  These programs will give you skills to succeed in the industry and put you ahead of the competition for when applying for the coveted high level research and teaching positions.

The top 3 online PhD computer science programs are offered by the following universities:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
2. Stanford University
3. University of California – Berkeley

This list was compiled by the US News & World Report. This is a news magazine that has ranked schools in the country and the world for many years. The US News & World Report not only lists the top schools in the country today, it also gives rankings of schools according to disciplines or programs.

You will notice that the top 3 schools are world-renowned. Truth be told, these three schools are tied at the top position, according to the US News & World Report. These schools all received a ranking score of 5.

How were they ranked and how did they get this score? US News & World Report used a unique and reliable ranking system. For these graduate programs, quality assessment was given importance. This was determined using expert ranking of the schools’ computer science programs. Academic experts on the field were asked to rate the program of schools that offer computer science. After gathering and data analysis, these three schools came out at the top. Without a doubt, earning your PhD from these schools will give your career its needed boost. You will become better equipped at handling the changes in the world of computer science.

“Source: US News & World Report”

If you have a passion for computer science then now is a better time than ever to look into getting a degree. There is no way to deny that these magnificent machines are tied in with our future as the human race. You will be ensured job security when you enter into this field, which is becoming less competitive, and more necessary with every passing year. But you will need a proper education, and the best schools are the ones to go with.

Best Colleges For Computer Science:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
2. Stanford University
3. University of California–Berkeley
4. Carnegie Mellon University
5. University of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign
6. Cornell University
7. Princeton University
8. University of Washington
9. Georgia Institute of Technology
10. University of Texas–Austin

You may notice something interesting about these schools. Each one of them is considered one of the top schools in the country for any program, most being placed within the category of Ivy League Universities. They are highly respected institutions that many enroll in every year, and few are able to actually attend.

If you have considered getting into the Computer Science industry then you should consider one of the schools above. They are widely seen as the best of the best, and being accepted is an honor that will take you far. Not only will you get a quality education of the highest kind, but you will find yourself an immediately sought after hire by any number of employers.

Source: US News

Learn more about the The top computer science colleges now.

1. What kind of requirements can I expect to need to fulfill before applying to a Doctorate in Computer Science program?
   All doctoral programs in the field of computer science will include at least a bachelor’s degree as an entrance requirement.  Some will require students have a master’s degree, while others may have a bachelor’s-to-doctorate track that basically includes your graduate study within the doctoral program.  Your academic background should be strongly, if not exclusively, focused on computer science/information technology, and relevant career experience is helpful.

   Most programs will require you to take at least the GRE; some may also require that you’ve taken the computer science subject GRE exam.

   All programs will require a well-written statement of purpose that concisely describes your qualifications and career goals.
   

2. What kind of coursework should I expect in a Doctorate in Computer Science program?
   A doctoral program in computer science isn’t going to focus on teaching you about computer science itself in coursework, for the most part–this should be information you already have a strong foundation in.  Instead, coursework will focus on research methods and theory, experiment design, and of course, preparing for your dissertation.
   
3. Will I have to write a dissertation for a Doctorate in Computer Science?
   Absolutely.  For many programs, this is the most heavily weighted portion of the program and entails finishing up with a dissertation that is publishable, even if not actually published.  You’ll conduct your own original research via experimentation or other methods, as well as surveying the existing primary resources in your field for further research.
   
4. How long does it take to finish a Doctorate in Computer Science?
   A typical doctoral level degree takes 5-7 years to complete; some may be finished more quickly through accelerated coursework (although there’s really little that can be done to accelerate a dissertation); some may take longer.

• Colorado Tech was established in 1965; the main campus is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
• Business programs are accredited by AACSB and ACBSP
• Colorado Tech is one of fewer than 20 institutions to be accredited by PMI GAC (Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management) to offer university degrees in project management
• In addition to regional accreditation, also accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
• Colorado Tech offers 3 doctoral program online degrees

Want to learn more? Take 2 minutes and get the details you need (pre-reqs, term start dates, tuition, etc.) from Colorado Tech Online – Doctoral Program Online.

About Colorado Technical University Online

Colorado Tech states that its mission is “to provide career-oriented education by teaching applied, real-world, industry-current programs in selected areas, serving the needs of students for employment and career advancement and the needs of industry for highly qualified professionals…” Colorado Tech accomplishes this task by offering online degrees ranging from associate through doctorate levels in the areas of business, criminal justice, health care management, and information technology.

Colorado Tech Doctoral Program Online

Colorado Tech Online is especially proud to offer its doctoral program online degrees which were added in 1995. The three doctorate degrees currently offered are:

• Online Doctor of Management (DM)
• Online Doctor of Computer Science (DCS)
• Online Doctor of Computer Science in Enterprise Information Systems (DCS – EIS)

Online Doctor of Management

Online Doctor of Management is designed is designed for the professional development of managers through mentoring, action research and practical projects, enabling them to make key leadership contributions in their area of expertise; it is also a three-year doctoral program, enabling students to gain an understanding of current management theory, become subject-matter experts in a specialized area of management, develop a leadership style, and effectively manage change; also delivered in online format, with two 4-day mandatory in-person workshops each year at the Colorado Springs campus.

Online Doctor of Computer Science

The online doctor of computer science degree is designed for computer science professionals, consultants, and academics; it is a three-year program, allowing students to conduct research that advances the field of computer science, develop a software process improvement plan for an organization, and evaluate new and emerging security systems; delivered in online format, with two 4-day mandatory in-person workshops each year at the Colorado Springs campus.

Online Doctor of Computer Science in Enterprise Information Systems

The online doctor of computer science is designed to mold people into leaders in the areas of designing, implementing and managing large-scale systems in their chosen professional area; it is also a three-year program, providing candidates with the theoretical, research and application capabilities necessary to pursue a successful career in their chosen field; also delivered in online format, with two 4-day mandatory in-person workshops each year at the Colorado Springs campus.

Colorado Tech Online Associate, Bachelor, and Master Degree Programs

In addition to these three doctoral program online degrees, Colorado Tech Online also offers three associate degrees, over a dozen bachelor degrees, and over a dozen masters degree in various fields. For a complete list: Colorado Tech Online Degrees.

Doctoral Program Online Tuition and Financial Aid

Colorado Tech Online offers a variety of financial aid programs to help you fund your education. The various financial aid resources include the following: general financial aid, military financial aid, international financial aid, tuition reimbursement, institutional grants and scholarships, federal financial aid, and private loans.

Need More Info? If Colorado Tech Online sounds like a match for you, and you would like more extensive details about the Online Doctor of Management or Online Doctor of Computer Science degrees, start here: Colorado Tech Doctoral Program Online.

Interested in earning an Online PhD in Computer Science?

Right now, Colorado Tech is the only university offering an accredited online PhD in Computer Science. Some quick facts about Colorado Technical University

• Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
• Offers career-focused undergraduate and graduate degree programs

About Colorado Tech’s Online PhD in Computer Science

The Online PhD in Computer Science at Colorado Technical University (PhD in Computer Science) is designed to be the final degree for experts, academics, professionals and consultants in computer science. It will prepare students with a critical eye towards future trends in high-tech industries and allow them to make important contributions in their areas of expertise.

This program is designed to take three years, and is very structured in comparison to many doctorate degrees. It is a lecture-based, rather than research-based, degree. The first year is spent laying the basic foundation of software engineering.

Moving on to the second year, students develop an understanding of database systems, software usability and new developments in computer science, while also preparing a white paper and research proposal for their third year.

Upon entering the third and final year, students can expect to contribute real, unique knowledge to their field through a submission to an academic journal. Over the course of these three years, students will have to do residency research, lasting four days at the Colorado Springs campus, once a year for each year. They also must maintain a grade of 3.3 out of 4.0 in each course.

Upon graduation, the student will receive the highest form of degree available in North American schooling for Computer Science: the Doctorate Degree. This is a prestigious degree, and indicates that the bearer is an expert in the field.

The online Doctorate in Computer Science at Colorado Technical University carries no less weight than an in-class degree, and students looking to maintain a career while obtaining this degree should consider this format.

Read more about earning an Online Doctorate in Computer Science from Colorado Tech.

Other Online Doctorate Degrees at Colorado Technical University:

• Doctor of Computer Science
• Doctor of Computer Science – Emerging Media
• Doctor of Computer Science – Digital Systems Security
• Doctor of Computer Science – Information Assurance
• Doctor of Computer Science – Enterprise Information Systems

Colorado Tech University Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition at Colorado Technical University is average, but the structure makes it easy for students to calculate all of their fees without being caught off-guard by hidden costs. This is because all required costs are included in tuition, including books and software. Students will not have to add an extra $500 for books, $300 for student fees, or any other costs after paying their tuition, because it is just one lump sum for all university expenses.

Colorado Technical University will provide each student with a dedicated adviser to help with all financial aid inquiries. They also provide links online to Federal Aid and other sources of funding, University policies and student responsibilities when accepting aid. They have an online Financial Aid Estimator, which will calculate the estimated aid that a student will receive based on income, expenses and other factors, to help with financial planning for the student’s education.

Read more about earning an Online Doctorate in Computer Science from Colorado Tech.