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Individuals who pursue an online PhD in computer science are prepared to think, act and plan strategically as professionals whose expertise strengthens the technical processes of organizations. Coursework in software design, systems evaluation and data modeling facilitates online computer science PhD students’ abilities to articulate essential technical information within the workplace and to make informed decisions that impact productivity and efficiency. Moreover, enrollees in online PhD computer science programs acquire the research and analytical skills necessary to understand the flux of this rapidly evolving field and to practically apply existing and new knowledge in ways that enhance an array of industries.

Online PhD in Computer Science Requirements

Individuals who apply for admission to online doctorate programs in computer science should be research-oriented problem-solvers with an interest in how technology drives change and improves workplace performance. They should possess a solid grasp of the field as the result of academic and professional experiences in computer science and/or information technology, and should seek to deepen that understanding through advanced coursework that blends theoretical concepts with real-world application techniques.

Online PhD programs in computer science require a Master’s degree from an accredited institution. This degree may be in disciplines such as:

• Computer science;
• Information technology;
• Information systems.

In addition, individuals who seek a computer science PhD online should be proficient in programming languages, data communications, algorithmic design and computer architecture.

Online PhD in Computer Science Education

The curriculum for online doctoral programs in computer science provides advanced instruction to ensure a deep understanding of the discipline, including how technology can best be utilized to develop and to implement sustainable solutions for societal challenges. Coursework addresses not only the historical and current issues of the field, but also requires candidates for online doctoral degrees in computer science to use these data to make informed forecasts about future tends. Some programs may include short-term, on-site cluster sessions for classes, seminars and discussions among students. In culmination of their graduate work, online doctorate degrees in computer science require students to complete a dissertation on a research topic chosen in consultation with their advisors.

Information on Computer Science Courses

Top online PhD programs in computer science provide students knowledge of fundamental concepts coupled with exposure to cutting-edge developments in the field. This type of teaching that places value on the ongoing evolution of technology enables online PhD computer science graduates to transition more seamlessly into professional leadership roles once they complete their studies.

Individuals who pursue an online computer science doctorate can anticipate courses such as:

• Data Communications and Computer Networking
  Students study topics such as wireless communication, mobile networking, layering and resource discovery so that they are informed of the most recent trends in these areas of the computer science field. In addition to an emphasis on current practices, emerging trends are examined.
• Database Security
  Online doctoral programs in computer science equip learners with an understanding of database security models, access and authorization control functions, database intrusion prevention and database sabotage methods, as well as delve into related issues that they will encounter as practitioners. Current and projected trends are studied.
• Software Engineering Fundamentals for Technology Leaders
  This course examines business case studies and the ways in which analyses can be performed against various software engineering technologies to maximize return on investment. Both current and anticipated trends are discussed.
• Operating Systems
  The architecture of operating systems, including the most recent and state-of-the-art methods employed, is explored. In addition, the real-time issues of systems development and future directions in the field are discussed in this course for online computer science PhD students.
• Computer Graphics
  Principles around three-dimensional graphics, e.g., transformations, scene graphs and various modeling methods, are explored. Recent and projected trends in these areas, as well as in related topics such as computer animation and visualization, are addressed.

Specializations and Concentrations

Individuals who seek an online doctorate in computer science may opt to pursue a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) with an applied computer science specialization. The DBA is targeted towards those who want to practice within business institutions in executive roles that necessitate specialized training in technology. Within this and the PhD tracks, an online computer science doctorate can be tailored for concentration in computer and information security, which provides dedicated training in cyber-terrorism, computer forensics and computer security.

Careers in Computer Science

Students who pursue accredited online PhD degrees in computer science are able to assume leadership positions in various workplaces where their expertise will position them as authorities who can provide guidance and counsel to internal and external partners. The opportunity to practice as either a software engineer, an information systems manager or an academic demonstrates the broad application that the online doctorate in computer science affords.

Graduates of online PhD in computer science programs can transition into various occupations such as:

• Computer Software Engineer—Applications
  These professionals develop and refine computer applications software in accordance with user needs. They implement software solutions to ensure operational efficiency and may also design databases within an application area. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual income for computer software engineers is $90,170.
• Computer Software Engineer—Systems Software
  Graduates of accredited online PhD programs in computer science can research, design and launch operating systems-level software and network distribution software for an array of industries, e.g., aerospace, military, business and general computing purposes. This career pays an average of $96,620.
• Computer and Information Scientist
  Individuals in this career act as theorists, designers and inventors to solve hardware and software challenges. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual income for
  computer and information scientists is $105,370 with states in the nation’s beltway—Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC—among the top five with the highest concentration of professionals in this field.
• Computer and Information Systems Manager
  These professionals coordinate activities in fields such as data processing and computer programming. On average, individuals in this career earn $120,640 annually.
• College/University Professor
  Graduates may decide to teach courses in computer science as professors who specialize in operations and research analysis. On average, professors of computer science earn $75,860 annually.

The best online doctoral programs in computer science enable students to be forward-thinking about the future of the field, yet cognizant of how both its pattern of evolution and contemporary applications will drive technological projections. Earning an online doctorate in computer science allows individuals to be at the forefront of rapid technological changes and thoughtfully manage these advancements for sound practice within various industries.