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Doctor of Information Technology DIT Courses
Doctor of Information Technology coursework overview
Coursework tailored to your learning preferences
- Capella sets the deadlines
- Weekly online interactions
- Learn on your time
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Planning for your degree
- total quarter credits: 82
- Quarter length: 10 weeks
- Course length: 10 weeks
- Break: 3 weeks between quarters
Information Technology course requirements
- Core 13 courses
- Residencies 2 courses
- Capstone 3 courses
Example program course sequence
This example course sequence takes course prerequisites into account, so it can be helpful as a general guide when you register for courses. In GuidedPath, the number of courses you take in a quarter and time it takes to complete your program can vary. Your academic coach can help answer any course registration questions.
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DIT8004
Required Course Research and Practice in Information Technology
6 quarter credits
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
Required Course Information Technology Leaders as Partners in Organizational Strategic Planning
6 quarter credits
Learners investigate 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. Prerequisite(s): DIT8004. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
6 quarter credits
DIT8214
Required Course Guiding the Implementation of Information Technology Policies and Processes
6 quarter credits
This course presents key issues related to the implementation of information technology policies and processes as day-to-day operations, including consideration of ethical 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.
6 quarter credits
RSCH7860
Required Course Survey of Research Methods
4 quarter credits
Learners read critically and evaluate research in order to gain an understanding of the scientific methods of inquiry and the ethical considerations of research. Learners become educated consumers and creators of research. Additionally, learners 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.
4 quarter credits
TS8535
Required Course System and Application Security Advances
4 quarter credits
This course presents advances in ensuring system and application security and the ways they help decision makers accurately gauge, estimate, and examine the impact of implementing various system and application security protection mechanisms. Learners evaluate emerging information security protection research and identify the potential advantages and disadvantages of protecting system and application security. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
RSCH7864
Required Course Quantitative Design and Analysis
4 quarter credits
Learners gain an understanding of the logic, computation, and interpretation of statistics, with an emphasis on decision-making skills in the research process and on the application and interpretation of statistical results. Learners utilize the statistical program JASP to practice running and interpreting statistical analyses.
4 quarter credits
BMGT8432
Required Course Projects as Complex Adaptive Systems
4 quarter credits
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
RSCH7868
Required Course Qualitative Design and Analysis
4 quarter credits
Learners investigate essential concepts and methods for conducting qualitative research. Learners engage in hands-on practice with qualitative research techniques, focusing on the appropriate applications, strengths, and limitations of various qualitative approaches, sampling methods, and analysis strategies. Throughout the course, learners develop an understanding of ethical considerations, particularly when researching vulnerable and diverse populations, and strategies to protect human subjects. Learners also examine the alignment of qualitative approaches with sampling and analysis approaches to ensure rigor and produce meaningful insights. Prerequisite: PhD in Psychology learners must have completed RSCH7020
4 quarter credits
TS8537
Required Course Assurance Controls and Compliance Management
4 quarter credits
This course provides an overview of the management processes and organizational controls needed to ensure data protection. Learners review federal, state, and other governmental and industry standards that companies must follow to be compliant in safeguarding data. Learners analyze the depth and breadth of compliance management research and investigate different approaches to data protection control and compliance. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
BMGT8434
Required Course Advanced Risk Management Systems and Research
4 quarter credits
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
DIT8216
Required Course Innovating Information Technology Life Cycle Management Processes in a Changing Environment
6 quarter credits
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, multinational, and multigenerational workers in global enterprises. For DIT learners only. Prerequisite(s): DIT8210.
6 quarter credits
DIT-V8925
Residency Doctoral Project Development - Topic Ideation
3 quarter credits
In this ten-week virtual residency, learners develop and evaluate proposed topic areas and theories for their doctoral project. Learners analyze the literature on potential topics to assess relevance to the discipline and potential methods to use in the doctoral project. Learners gain an understanding of the writing, research, and critical thinking skills necessary to complete the final project. Further development of the doctoral project is determined through a final assessment. This residency includes required synchronous sessions. For DIT learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): BMGT8434.
3 quarter credits
DIT8940
Required Course Information Technology Consulting Practice Seminar
6 quarter credits
In this seminar, learners examine the project management and contracting skills necessary to become an effective information technology consultant. Course topics include organizational assessment, planning, execution, and measurement. For DIT learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
6 quarter credits
DIT8950
Required Course Teaching Practice Seminar in Information Technology Education
6 quarter credits
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. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
6 quarter credits
DIT-V8926
Residency Doctoral Project Development - Topic Development
3 quarter credits
In this ten-week virtual residency, learners apply writing, research, and critical thinking skills by identifying a problem, developing project questions, and finalizing a project topic that is appropriate for the program. Learners use evidence to support the selection of theories, problems, and questions to guide further refinement of their topic. Learners establish an appropriate topic area, preliminary project design, and begin development of a literature review. Further development of the doctoral project is determined through a project topic framework. This residency includes required synchronous sessions. For DIT learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): DIT-V8925 or DIT-R8921. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
3 quarter credits
DIT9971
Doctoral Capstone Doctoral Capstone
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners gain resources, guidance, and support as they fulfill the required milestones toward completion of a doctoral capstone. Learners apply scholarly research within a particular professional context to advance their knowledge in the science and practice of the profession and solve organization, institutional, or community concerns. Special permission is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Learners must register for this course a minimum of three times to fulfill their specialization requirements. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite: Completion of all required and elective coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
4 quarter credits
DIT9971
Doctoral Capstone Doctoral Capstone
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners gain resources, guidance, and support as they fulfill the required milestones toward completion of a doctoral capstone. Learners apply scholarly research within a particular professional context to advance their knowledge in the science and practice of the profession and solve organization, institutional, or community concerns. Special permission is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Learners must register for this course a minimum of three times to fulfill their specialization requirements. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite: Completion of all required and elective coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
4 quarter credits
DIT9971
Doctoral Capstone Doctoral Capstone
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners gain resources, guidance, and support as they fulfill the required milestones toward completion of a doctoral capstone. Learners apply scholarly research within a particular professional context to advance their knowledge in the science and practice of the profession and solve organization, institutional, or community concerns. Special permission is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Learners must register for this course a minimum of three times to fulfill their specialization requirements. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite: Completion of all required and elective coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
4 quarter credits
Total
At least 82 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
Core course requirements
Complete at least 32 quarter credits.
Show all descriptions
TS8535
Required Course System and Application Security Advances
4 quarter credits
This course presents advances in ensuring system and application security and the ways they help decision makers accurately gauge, estimate, and examine the impact of implementing various system and application security protection mechanisms. Learners evaluate emerging information security protection research and identify the potential advantages and disadvantages of protecting system and application security. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
TS8537
Required Course Assurance Controls and Compliance Management
4 quarter credits
This course provides an overview of the management processes and organizational controls needed to ensure data protection. Learners review federal, state, and other governmental and industry standards that companies must follow to be compliant in safeguarding data. Learners analyze the depth and breadth of compliance management research and investigate different approaches to data protection control and compliance. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
BMGT8432
Required Course Projects as Complex Adaptive Systems
4 quarter credits
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
DIT8210
Required Course Information Technology Leaders as Partners in Organizational Strategic Planning
6 quarter credits
Learners investigate 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. Prerequisite(s): DIT8004. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
6 quarter credits
DIT8214
Required Course Guiding the Implementation of Information Technology Policies and Processes
6 quarter credits
This course presents key issues related to the implementation of information technology policies and processes as day-to-day operations, including consideration of ethical 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.
6 quarter credits
DIT8216
Required Course Innovating Information Technology Life Cycle Management Processes in a Changing Environment
6 quarter credits
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, multinational, and multigenerational workers in global enterprises. For DIT learners only. Prerequisite(s): DIT8210.
6 quarter credits
DIT8940
Required Course Information Technology Consulting Practice Seminar
6 quarter credits
In this seminar, learners examine the project management and contracting skills necessary to become an effective information technology consultant. Course topics include organizational assessment, planning, execution, and measurement. For DIT learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
6 quarter credits
DIT8950
Required Course Teaching Practice Seminar in Information Technology Education
6 quarter credits
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. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
6 quarter credits
DIT8004
Required Course Research and Practice in Information Technology
6 quarter credits
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
BMGT8434
Required Course Advanced Risk Management Systems and Research
4 quarter credits
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
RSCH7860
Required Course Survey of Research Methods
4 quarter credits
Learners read critically and evaluate research in order to gain an understanding of the scientific methods of inquiry and the ethical considerations of research. Learners become educated consumers and creators of research. Additionally, learners 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.
4 quarter credits
RSCH7864
Required Course Quantitative Design and Analysis
4 quarter credits
Learners gain an understanding of the logic, computation, and interpretation of statistics, with an emphasis on decision-making skills in the research process and on the application and interpretation of statistical results. Learners utilize the statistical program JASP to practice running and interpreting statistical analyses.
4 quarter credits
RSCH7868
Required Course Qualitative Design and Analysis
4 quarter credits
Learners investigate essential concepts and methods for conducting qualitative research. Learners engage in hands-on practice with qualitative research techniques, focusing on the appropriate applications, strengths, and limitations of various qualitative approaches, sampling methods, and analysis strategies. Throughout the course, learners develop an understanding of ethical considerations, particularly when researching vulnerable and diverse populations, and strategies to protect human subjects. Learners also examine the alignment of qualitative approaches with sampling and analysis approaches to ensure rigor and produce meaningful insights. Prerequisite: PhD in Psychology learners must have completed RSCH7020
4 quarter credits
Total
At least 82 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
Residency course requirements
Complete at least 6 quarter credits.
Show all descriptions
DIT-V8925
Residency Doctoral Project Development - Topic Ideation
3 quarter credits
In this ten-week virtual residency, learners develop and evaluate proposed topic areas and theories for their doctoral project. Learners analyze the literature on potential topics to assess relevance to the discipline and potential methods to use in the doctoral project. Learners gain an understanding of the writing, research, and critical thinking skills necessary to complete the final project. Further development of the doctoral project is determined through a final assessment. This residency includes required synchronous sessions. For DIT learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): BMGT8434.
3 quarter credits
DIT-V8926
Residency Doctoral Project Development - Topic Development
3 quarter credits
In this ten-week virtual residency, learners apply writing, research, and critical thinking skills by identifying a problem, developing project questions, and finalizing a project topic that is appropriate for the program. Learners use evidence to support the selection of theories, problems, and questions to guide further refinement of their topic. Learners establish an appropriate topic area, preliminary project design, and begin development of a literature review. Further development of the doctoral project is determined through a project topic framework. This residency includes required synchronous sessions. For DIT learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): DIT-V8925 or DIT-R8921. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
3 quarter credits
Total
At least 82 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
Capstone course requirements
Complete at least 12 quarter credits. You must enroll in the capstone course a minimum of four times. If you require more time to complete your capstone, you have the option to enroll in additional sessions.
Show all descriptions
DIT9971
Doctoral Capstone Doctoral Capstone
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners gain resources, guidance, and support as they fulfill the required milestones toward completion of a doctoral capstone. Learners apply scholarly research within a particular professional context to advance their knowledge in the science and practice of the profession and solve organization, institutional, or community concerns. Special permission is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Learners must register for this course a minimum of three times to fulfill their specialization requirements. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite: Completion of all required and elective coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
4 quarter credits
DIT9971
Doctoral Capstone Doctoral Capstone
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners gain resources, guidance, and support as they fulfill the required milestones toward completion of a doctoral capstone. Learners apply scholarly research within a particular professional context to advance their knowledge in the science and practice of the profession and solve organization, institutional, or community concerns. Special permission is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Learners must register for this course a minimum of three times to fulfill their specialization requirements. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite: Completion of all required and elective coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
4 quarter credits
DIT9971
Doctoral Capstone Doctoral Capstone
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners gain resources, guidance, and support as they fulfill the required milestones toward completion of a doctoral capstone. Learners apply scholarly research within a particular professional context to advance their knowledge in the science and practice of the profession and solve organization, institutional, or community concerns. Special permission is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Learners must register for this course a minimum of three times to fulfill their specialization requirements. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite: Completion of all required and elective coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
4 quarter credits
Total
At least 82 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
What can I expect in the courseroom?
Each unit consists of readings, discussions and other activities you will be expected to complete throughout the week. Most deadlines for coursework occur on Thursdays and/or Sundays but may vary by program and course. In each course, you will receive a detailed scoring guide that describes expectations for every graded assignment.
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How will I be graded?
Grades are based on your participation in weekly reading discussions and completion of assignments, based on criteria outlined in the rubric. 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.