Doctor of Computer Science
CTU’s Doctor of Computer Science degree program is designed to provide an in-depth study of specialized subjects related to computer science so that you can predict trends and, ultimately, make contributions in your area of expertise. Along with intensive research and writing projects, you will have the opportunity to explore high level design issues, evaluate methods of maintaining security in distributed systems, develop a software process improvement plan for an organization, and design, test and implement an experiment–including reporting on the results.
Specifically designed for computer science professionals, consultants, and academics, the online Doctorate in Computer Science program offers a core degree and concentrations in Big Data Analytics and Cybersecurity and Information Assurance.
The Doctor of Computer Science features:
- An online curriculum with a residency component
- Multiple start dates throughout the year
- An opportunity to complete the program in three years
- Dissertation development integrated into the program
- In-person symposium experiences
We're Flexible So You Can Be Too
At CTU, working-adult students come first. Our flexible online course schedule helps you to build a class schedule around your schedule. And with grants and scholarships available for those who qualify, a degree from CTU can be both achievable and affordable. Learn more below or fill out the form to speak with an admissions advisor.
Relevant Institutional/Programmatic Accreditation
CTU is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission www.hlcommission.org
CLASSES START
- October 03, 2023
- November 14, 2023
- January 02, 2024
TOTAL CREDITS
PROGRAM AVAILABILITY
- Online
Program Details
-
Estimate Tuition and Grad Date
Total tuition for this degree program will vary depending on your educational needs, existing experience, and other factors.
Estimate your costs, potential savings and graduation date
-
Program Overview
Effective February 2019, this program is no longer available for future enrollments at the Denver South campus.
The Doctor of Computer Science is a 100-credit-hour terminal degree in computer science. The program includes 40 credit hours of core management courses, 20 credit hours for elective courses, 4 credit hours of symposium-related courses, and 36 credit hours of doctoral research. The research element will culminate in a dissertation.
The Doctor of Computer Science program is a terminal degree for computer science professionals, consultants, and academics. The program encourages students to think and act strategically and demonstrate the ability to make positive contributions in their chosen area of technical expertise.
This program does not lead to additional licensure or certification. As such, CTU has made no determination regarding prerequisites for licensure or certification in any state or jurisdiction.
-
Degree Requirements
Courses: Core
CreditsCourse Title Course Description Credit Hours CS814 Current Topics in Computer Science and Information Systems 4 CS875 Futuring and Innovation 4 RES804 Principles of Research Methods and Design 4 RES812 Qualitative Research Methods 4 RES814 Quantitative Research Methods 4 RES863 Doctoral Research III: Dissertation Literature Review 4 RES864 Doctoral Research IV: Dissertation Methods 4 RES865 Doctoral Research V: Dissertation Introduction 4 RES866 Doctoral Research VI: Dissertation Findings 4 RES867 Doctoral Research VII: Dissertation Discussion and Conclusion 4 RES868 Doctoral Research VIII: Dissertation Conclusion 4 RSCH860 Doctoral Research I: Principles of Research and Writing 4 RSCH861 Dissertation Process I 4 RSCH862 Dissertation Process II 4 Select ten 4-credit courses from 800-level CS or EM or EIS courses 40 SYMP801 Doctoral Symposium I 2 SYMP802 Doctoral Symposium II 2 Total Credit Hours: 100
-
Compare Related Areas of Study
Compare up to three additional degrees
-
Ways to Save
-
Admission Requirements
Program Areas of Focus
The DCS program is designed to provide candidates with theoretical, research, and application capabilities in the field. The areas of focus are described below.
Foundations
The program provides a focus on computer science and information systems topics and an orientation to research and writing at the doctoral level. Coursework covers current topics in the disciplines as well as research methods and qualitative techniques. The research component results in a broad overview of the student’s area of concentration in order to put the research into context and inform the student’s selection of a research topic.
Acquisition of Knowledge
Once the foundations are in place, the focus is on student development of an in-depth understanding of the knowledge and research methods in his or her chosen area of study. While most of the focus is on developing a richer understanding of the discipline, the research courses include quantitative methods and the dissertation process.
Leadership and Professional Advancement
The program includes the two remaining concentration courses plus the final six doctoral research courses that are designed to help students to complete the research and dissertation.
Symposium
Doctoral programs at Colorado Technical University require a residential symposium. Additional information about CTU's doctoral symposium can be viewed in the Doctoral Symposium section of this catalog.
Graduation Requirements
In addition to the successful completion of the above 100 credits with an acceptable GPA, students must also satisfactorily complete their research proposal and final dissertation. The research proposal must be approved by the student’s Research Supervisor and University Reviewer. The dissertation, which must be approved by the student’s dissertation committee, is an extensive document that includes the research study. In addition, graduation requires presentation of the final dissertation.
-
Next Steps
Program details are provided lower on the page.
Classes start October 3, 2023 *
*Start dates may vary by program and location.
FAQs
CTU’s Doctor of Computer Science (DCS) Degree Program is designed to provide candidates with theoretical, research, and application capabilities in the field. The program’s coursework provides a focus on computer science and information systems topics, as well as an orientation to research and writing at the doctoral level. Coursework may cover current topics in the disciplines as well as various types of research methods.
As you work to complete your DCS, you will be immersed in courses where you will study these topics and much more: the breadth of research in the disciplines of computer science and information systems; formal methods of innovation and diffusion of innovation; and designing, collecting, and assessing quantitative data.
Courses for the Doctor of Computer Science degree program start online approximately every ten weeks. Completion of the CTU admissions process will depend on how quickly you complete the steps in the CTU online application process. You may complete the application process over the phone with an advisor or you may go online. Once you’ve completed the online application, you may hear from an advisor within the following 24 hours to discuss the next steps toward starting your degree program. Master’s programs may have additional entrance requirements that take additional processing time.
This DCS degree program consists of 100 credits. You may be eligible for transfer credit, which is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer.
As you study topics in computer science that are always being evaluated and updated to reflect industry-relevant trends, you will experience a curriculum through classroom learning and hands-on experience that aligns to industry standards and helps you work to develop skills that are applicable to the needs of the digital economy.
In addition to the successful completion of the program’s 100 credits with an acceptable GPA, students must also satisfactorily complete their research proposal and final dissertation. The research proposal must be approved by the student’s research supervisor and university reviewer. The dissertation, which must be approved by the student’s dissertation committee, is an extensive document that includes the research study. Graduation also requires students’ presentation of the final dissertation.
What Students Are Saying About Their CTU Experience
The professors really want you to succeed and they will do everything they can to make sure they give great direction and feedback.
Cheryl C., Former Student 2021 Graduate, Doctor of Computer Science
Everyone at CTU was instrumental to my success. The faculty are always accommodating and hold themselves to the highest standards.
Guy P., Former Student 2021 Graduate, Doctor of Computer Science