Convenient Online Doctoral Programs

Doctor of Computer Science

CTU’s online doctoral program in computer science focuses on topics in both computer science and information systems, as well as an orientation to research and writing at the doctoral level. In the Doctor of Computer Science program, students can explore high-level design issues; evaluate methods of maintaining security in distributed systems; develop a software process improvement plan for an organization and design; and test, implement, and report on the results of an experiment. Core courses include current topics in computer science and IT, qualitative and quantitative research methods, futuring and innovation, research methods and design, and structured courses for your dissertation. The doctorate in computer science is offered as a general track option, or you could choose from concentrations in big data analytics and cybersecurity and information assurance.

Doctor of Management

Colorado Technical University’s Doctor of Management program is designed for management professionals and is offered in five concentrations and a general track. This online doctoral program provides an opportunity for students to enhance their strategic-thinking skills and existing management capabilities with the aim of developing a more robust leadership style suited to taking on higher levels of responsibility in their fields. Core courses include management theory, ethics, application of action research, strategic thinking and organizational alignment, practice and theory of consulting and intervention, leadership theory and development, qualitative and quantitative research methods, and structured courses on the creation and completion of your dissertation.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Our Doctor of Nursing Practice program is designed for licensed Registered Nurses (RNs) who already possess a Master of Science in Nursing, and who want to better prepare themselves to take on more advanced leadership and administrative roles in the field and work to improve healthcare outcomes through evidence-based processes. Our focused, online doctorate degree program offers the opportunity to earn a degree in 21–27 months,³ without having to press pause on your life. We utilized the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice (2006) to develop our comprehensive, practice-focused online doctoral program (http://www.aacnnursing.org/Portals/42/Publications/DNPEssentials.pdf), which provides coverage of topics such as healthcare delivery systems, health economics and finance, health policy, research methods, translation of evidence into practice, concepts in population health, and nursing leadership.

Online Doctorate Admissions Overview

All prospective CTU students must complete an interview with an Admissions Advisor and submit a completed application, but there is no GRE requirement for any of CTU’s online doctorate degree programs. All applicants must have earned a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 GPA scale in their master’s program. For Doctor of Management and Computer Science programs, applicants must submit official transcripts that verify completion of an accredited master’s degree in a discipline related to the CTU doctoral program to which they are applying. Applicants must also submit a resume containing at least five years of work experience and an essay. (See the University Catalog for complete details.)

For the Doctor of Nursing Practice program, applicants must submit official transcripts that verify completion of an accredited Master of Science in Nursing program; proof of a current, unencumbered RN license; and an Attestation of Supervised Clinical/Practice/Practicum form that verifies completion of a minimum of 120 clinical hours at the post-baccalaureate level. Please see the Specialized Admission and Graduation Requirements section of the University Catalog for further details.

Accreditations and Recognitions

Colorado Technical University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org). Our business degree programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree programs at CTU are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Accelerate your Graduation Date

Doctorates in computer science and management are typically earned in three years at CTU, while the doctorate in nursing is typically completed in 21–27 months. However, because you only need to complete 25 percent of your program’s credit-hour requirements at CTU (we accept transfer credits up to 75 percent of the required credits toward your degree),² it’s possible to complete your online doctorate degree faster than you might at first think—some students may even be able to graduate from their chosen online doctoral program in 1 year. In fact, a number of factors might affect program length, including transfer credits, military credits, and qualifying life/work experience (through submission of a successful Experiential Learning Portfolio (ELP)). You may also have the option to pursue an accelerated doctoral program timeline by taking fewer breaks between courses. And thanks to CTU’s Doctoral Advantage Program, students enrolled in our master’s programs may be able to substitute up to two graduate courses for two undergraduate courses, helping them complete their online doctorate up to 10 weeks faster than the norm.

Save Money on Tuition and Costs

Students who meet certain eligibility criteria may qualify to receive a number of institutional scholarships and grants (which do not need to be paid back), in addition to outside sources of financial aid. And because fewer courses mean lower online doctoral degree program costs, the same programs that can allow you to graduate faster could also allow you to save money: transferring-in credits from other accredited institutions, submitting successful ELPs, and taking advantage of military education benefits are all great options to help save. We provide helpful tools to help you better anticipate costs, such as our tuition and graduation date calculator which can give you a better idea of estimated tuition and expected graduation date, and our net price calculator can provide you with estimated costs and possible grant aid you may qualify for.

CTU’s Support Network and You

At CTU, you’re empowered to take charge of your education, but you’re never alone. We understand that many adult students in our online doctoral programs have personal and professional obligations and responsibilities that exist alongside their academic duties, and that finding a work/life balance can feel challenging, or even impossible, at times. Our flexible doctorate courses may be able to provide you with the freedom you need to focus on more than just your current obligations and academic goals—they could allow you more time to focus on improving yourself and “living your best life.” And, as you pursue your chosen doctorate degree online, you’ll have the support of CTU faculty and staff as well as opportunities to forge relationships with advisors and fellow classmates, all of whom could become part of an invaluable network you may have not just while in school, but long after graduation.

¹ intellipath^® is not available for all courses.
² Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
³ This doctoral degree program can be completed in 21–27 months, depending on the number of clinical hours that need to be completed; however, many factors will impact your time to completion, including course loads, proficiency and/or, transfer credits and breaks.

CTU cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all states. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
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