Northcentral University (NCU) offers IT-related specializations in their Business Administration doctoral (PhD and DBA) programs. Some of their IT-related specializations offered include: (1) Management of Engineering and Technology, (2) Management Information Systems, (3) Project Management, (4) Electronic Commerce, (5) Computer and Information Security, (6) Applied Computer Science. If you are seeking a PhD in the technology area, would you consider enrolling in one of Northcentral’s doctoral program if their IT-related specializations are appropriately offered under Technology Management (ie: PhD in Technology Management), instead of their present PhD in Business Administration program, which for lack of a better word, appear “shabby” due to lack of business courses, or the “business degree by course name only image that it currently portrays? Also, would your perception of NCU change if they introduce a new PhD in Technology Management program?
I always looked at IT as falling within the business realm because it's a business. However, if you think it's shabby, then you should definitely steer clear of it. Conversely, the dissertation will be the ultimate factor, regardless of the perceptual issue.
I understand IT falling under business, however, for the sake of student preference, most are looking for degrees that appropriately complements their previous education. If the business administration programs at NCU actually contain business courses, then, someone looking for a doctoral business program would have every reason to enroll there. I have a technical management bachelor degree as well as an IT management master's degree. Getting a doctoral business degree by name only, would not serve me well, when I can get a technical management that appropriately complements my previous degree. I don't want any business degree, especially, one that does not contain actual business courses, I'd rather stay in the technical/technology management area. So, if NCU offered Technology Management, I won't have a problem enrolling in one or more of the specializations (I would even consider a combined double major: Applied Computer Science & Information Security) because the course make-up in the aforementioned specialization is more technology management than it is business.
This is not just NCU, most doctoral programs in IT management, IS, Technology Management, etc have very little course work in business or even IT. Please bear in mind that doctoral degrees are research degrees and not professional qualifications. They are not meant to give you more core knowledge in a specific field but to train you to do research in the field. If you want to learn more about business, an MBA would be a better option in my opinion.
I understand that. It's just a matter of degree name preference. I'd rather learn to do research under a degree name of my preference. I've personally never liked business administration degrees of any kind. Why? Because I'm not interested in anything that requires a business administration degree. I've learned all the business administration/management topics that I'll ever need, I'm only interested in a terminal degree named to accurately reflects my background and future professional interests. I strongly feel that if NCU were to introduce PhD in Technology Management, in addition to Business Administration that is currently offer, enrollment by potential students seeking a technology management PhD (a few in this forum) may increase.
Personnally, I think this one is better: Indiana State University : College of Technology : PhD in Technology Management And it is lower cost (~420k), but it does require visits to campus.
I agree the PhD in Technology Management from Indiana State University is a superior option. The problem is that the program is scheduled to be completed in 6 years (the program requires 90 credit hours). Many of us looking for DL doctorate are not looking to attend school for 6 years.
But again, a PhD from Indiana State is a credible degree that could be used for faculty positions and other places where a PhD is required. Actually, the 6 year schedule is not realistic, I would expect to take a bit more time complete the degree. It is normal to take 5 years of full time study to finish a PhD degree at a credible institution so the 6 year part time is actually not so bad in my opinion.
Don't forget Lancaster University (UK)'s Ph.D in Management with specialization in Information Technology; it is research base...no comprehensive exam, only dissertation and oral exams. I am considering it, and trying to apply now. I just looked at Capella University again, it seems that I have to spend lot of money for academic summit.
Technology Management is not the same thing as Technology. If I were interested in a doctorate in the IT field, I'd start by considering the DSc in Information Systems at Dakota State University. -=Steve=-
I will not recommend NCU. I have been at NCU since 2006, and just decided to bail out of it. My PhD plans were on BA with an IT specialization. The problem with NCU is they keep changing the rules and increasing the tuition. You must file a credit card with them and they will charge that card every three months. Just look at 2011 Frequently Asked Questions | Northcentral University and http://www.ncu.edu/public_images/Northcentral_LearnerLetter_120210.pdf
Aren't you currently in a doctoral program of some type? I thought that you were a PhD candidate in either an SA or Australian university. My apologies if I am incorrect.
I've bounced around on that a bit, but I've ended up in the EdD in Higher Education program at the University of Memphis. -=Steve=-
Well, I've been looking on their website and this phD in Technology Management seems to be very interesting! Does it cost 420k? Probably it is only 42k otherwise it's unreal!!! If someone have more information about this degree, I would appreciate!
IT and Technology Management fall under the Business school. The only criteria to see if your business degree is worth anything is to check whether or not the university is aacsb accredited. Save yourself time, money and grief, and check the aacsb website first before you enroll at any "university"
They can have their ups and downs but it is more on the administrative side - not the educational quality.
