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The DIT Project Management specialization is intended for information technology project management and IT professionals who have a master’s degree in information technology or a related field. Specialization topics include project, program, and portfolio management, risk management, project governance, and portfolio optimization. This specialization provides learners with advanced research, scholarly writing, and IT project management knowledge. Upon successful completion of this specialization, learners are prepared to pursue careers as IT project management consultants, managers, or educators.
Three four-day residencies. See university policy 3.04.05 Attendance at Residencies and the Residencies page on Campus for more information. Also see each graduate school’s residency courses.
Nineteen Required Courses
82 quarter credits
All courses taken in a prescribed sequence:
Learners should contact their advisor for sequence information.
Core courses:
DIT-R8921 |
DIT Residency Track 1 †
In the first residency, learners review the DIT programs and dissertation processes associated with learner competencies, milestone achievements, mentor facilitation, and university policies and procedures. Learners also examine the scholarly writing skills needed for the dissertation and participate in writing skills assessments and skill development exercises. For DIT learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
2 quarter credits |
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DIT-R8922 * |
DIT Residency Track 2 †
In the second residency, learners review the school guidelines for developing and writing Chapters 1 and 2 of the dissertation, identify and discuss common problems and practices of mentor approval, and examine various research methods appropriate to use in gathering data for their proposed topic. Learners assess their progress in constructing Chapters 1 and 2 and develop a strategy for completion. For DIT learners only. Prerequisite(s): DIT-R8921. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
2 quarter credits |
DIT-R8923 * |
DIT Residency Track 3 †
In the third residency, learners review the school guidelines for developing and writing Chapters 3, 4, and 5 of the dissertation and identify and discuss best practices for completion. Learners assess their progress in constructing Chapters 3, 4, and 5 and developing Chapter 3 into a final dissertation proposal. For DIT learners only. Prerequisite(s): DIT8212, DIT-R8922. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
2 quarter credits |
DIT8004 |
Research and Practice in Information Technology
Learners in this course apply critical thinking skills to analyze practical solutions to problems in information technology. Learners connect these solutions to the knowledge base in research literature, develop scientific research skills, employ academic writing and critical thinking skills, and engage in collaborative learning in a cohort setting. This course prepares learners to embark on the doctoral journey in the DIT program. For DIT learners only. Must be taken during the learner’s first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
6 quarter credits |
DIT8210 |
Information Technology Leaders as Partners in Organizational Strategic Planning
This course focuses on the information technology leader’s collaborative roles working with an organization’s non-IT senior leadership, including aligning business strategy with IT strategy, acting as an equal contributor to the formation of organizational strategy, and integrating ethical policies and practices into an organization. Learners evaluate multidisciplinary research and practices related to leadership, organizational structures, and culture. Through the lens of complexity/chaos and change theories, learners analyze information technology’s role in contributing to organizational resiliency. For DIT learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
6 quarter credits |
DIT8212 |
Leading Information Technology Strategic Planning in Complex and Global Environments
In this course, learners examine processes by which senior information technology leadership must evaluate different IT governance models from a global perspective, including decision models, management structures, business engagement processes, leadership theories, and risk assessment processes. Learners evaluate methods of performance measurement and control, and assess the relevance and effect of social responsibility issues and strategic partnering on IT strategic planning. For DIT learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
6 quarter credits |
DIT8214 * |
Guiding the Implementation of Information Technology Policies and Processes
This course presents key issues related to the implementation of information technology policies and processes as day-to-day operations, including consideration of ethical, cultural, and global issues, and potential effects on internal and external stakeholder needs. Learners evaluate strategies for implementing different governance models and assess the ways in which those models relate to change management processes and organizational innovation. For DIT learners only. Prerequisite(s): DIT8210, DIT8212. |
6 quarter credits |
DIT8216 * |
Innovating Information Technology Life Cycle Management Processes in a Changing Environment
In this course, learners evaluate evolving theories and practices that inform decisions related to the information technology system development life cycle. Learners assess different development models and examine the IT leader’s role in IT enterprise portfolio management against the backdrop of changing workforce considerations, including offshore, contract, multicultural, and multigenerational workers in global enterprises. For DIT learners only. Prerequisite(s): DIT8210, DIT8212. |
6 quarter credits |
DIT8940 * |
Information Technology Consulting Practice Seminar
In this course, learners study the practice of information technology consulting, including the consultant’s role, identifying methods and strategies used by IT consultants, and their vital integration into today’s information technology organizations. This course emphasizes the practitioner role, from designing and building an IT consulting business to working as a consultant within a company. For DIT Learners only. Prerequisite(s): Completion of all core coursework. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
6 quarter credits |
-or- | ||
DIT8950 * |
Teaching Practice Seminar in Information Technology Education
This seminar covers the practice fundamentals learners need to prepare themselves for a career in information technology education. Learners examine syllabus and course development, online and classroom instruction, and the fundamentals of human development in the classroom. For DIT learners only. Prerequisite(s): Completion of all core coursework. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
6 quarter credits |
DIT9940 * |
Dissertation Mentor Courseroom ‡
This course provides objectives and content topics that assist learners in developing a five-chapter DIT dissertation proposal that meets the 8–10-quarter completion guideline. Learners engage with their mentors through structured discussion topics and virtual and live conferences to begin the process of selecting a dissertation topic, review the DIT program, and prepare for the residency and writing assessment assignment that demonstrates research writing proficiency. For DIT learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Learners must register for this course a minimum of ten times to fulfill their program requirements. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
non-credit |
RSCH7860 |
Survey of Research Methods
Learners in this course critically evaluate research in order to gain an understanding of the scientific methods of inquiry and the ethical considerations of research. Learners develop and apply skills needed to become educated consumers and creators of research. Learners also use their research design skills to analyze and apply research methodologies, validity, reliability and other components of scientific research related to their field of interest. Learners may only earn credit for PSY7860 or RSCH7860. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
RSCH7864 * |
Quantitative Design and Analysis
In this course, learners investigate the fundamental concepts needed to conduct quantitative research. Learners examine and apply quantitative research techniques; appropriate applications of quantitative research; research design, measurement, and analysis, and their associated interdependencies; variable types and levels of measurement; sampling; descriptive and inferential statistics; and hypothesis testing. Learners define the strengths and limitations of descriptive statistics, analyze the quantitative scales of measurement, review the logic of probability and null hypothesis testing, and leverage technology when applicable. Learners also determine the steps necessary to ensure human subjects protection, and consider methodological adaptations when conducting research with vulnerable and diverse populations. Learners may only earn credit for PSY7864 or RSCH7864. Prerequisite(s): RSCH7860. |
4 quarter credits |
RSCH7868 * |
Qualitative Design and Analysis
Learners in this course assess the fundamental concepts needed to conduct qualitative research. Learners practice qualitative research techniques; appropriate applications of qualitative research; the strengths and weaknesses of qualitative research design, sampling, and analysis and their associated interdependencies; and leverage technology when applicable. Learners also determine the steps necessary to ensure human subjects protection, and consider methodological adaptations when conducting research with vulnerable and diverse populations. Learners may only earn credit for PSY7868 or RSCH7868. Prerequisite(s): RSCH7860. |
4 quarter credits |
Specialization courses:
BMGT8430 |
Advanced Concepts of Project Management Methodologies
In this course, learners research literature to identify best practices and evaluate appropriate methodologies leading to successful outcomes for projects and programs ranging from simple to complex. The course emphasizes appropriate methods, tools, and techniques for the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Initiating and Planning processes based on organizational environments, cultural diversity, and global influences. Learners also evaluate expected project outcomes to assure alignment with strategic goals and objectives. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
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BMGT8432 |
Projects as Complex Adaptive Systems
Learners in this course examine both seminal and current literature, such as complexity theory, to evaluate the successes and failures of projects and programs in complex and ambiguous environments. This course emphasizes Executing, Monitoring, and Controlling projects and programs based on multidisciplinary theories and applications as defined by the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide). Learners develop their professional, consultative, and leadership skills for successful project and program outcomes. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
BMGT8434 |
Advanced Risk Management Systems and Research
In this course, learners evaluate and synthesize the use of multidisciplinary theories based on the research and practice of project and program risk management. Learners explore emerging trends, concepts, and methods of project and program risk management systems and research. Topics include evaluating integrated approaches to identifying, analyzing, mitigating, and managing project risks, and identifying strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in project risk management research. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
BMGT8436 |
Dynamics of Program and Portfolio Management
Learners in this course examine emerging trends, concepts, and methods for evaluating and applying program integration and portfolio management techniques and methods used to optimize their overall value. Topics include ethical approaches to program and portfolio management in alignment with business strategic goals and objectives within a global context. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
Learners must register for DIT9921 a minimum of two times to fulfill their program requirements:
DIT9921 * |
Dissertation with Project Mentoring
Learners complete the required dissertation milestones and prepare their dissertation for publication. For DIT learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Learners must register for this course a minimum of two times to fulfill their program requirements. Prerequisite(s): DIT8940 or DIT8950, DIT-R8923. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
6 quarter credits |
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Total
82 quarter credits
* Denotes courses that have prerequisite(s). Refer to the descriptions for further details.
† Learners are responsible for the cost of their travel, accommodations, food, and other expenses associated with this course.
‡ Learners must register for DIT9940 a minimum of ten times to fulfill their program requirements.
Each unit consists of readings, discussions, and other activities you will be expected to complete throughout the week. Assignments are due on Sundays, though not every course requires an assignment each week.
In each course, you will receive a detailed scoring guide that describes expectations for every graded assignment.
Grades are based on your participation in weekly reading discussions and completion of assignments. You will also be assessed on your ability to demonstrate an understanding of expected outcomes for your program or specialization. These outcomes are based on the needs and performance standards of your field or discipline.
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