What makes the CTU-IAS programs at CTU unique?

Colorado Technical University has been an innovator in the field of higher education for more than 30 years and has offered Colorado Doctoral degrees for 12 years. In 2004, in order to better serve both students and the organizations that employ them, we redesigned the Doctoral programs and now offer executive-format Doctoral degrees in the fields of Computer Science, Management and Enterprise Information Systems. The programs are no less rigorous than the traditional dissertation-based programs, but we believe that the six projects and executive format will help our students achieve success and produce publishable papers in a shorter period of time. And we believe that our students will more quickly be able to move their ideas from theory to application.

An Applied Approach

What is the difference between a Doctoral (applied) degree and a Ph.D. (philosophical) degree? The main distinction is that the CTU Doctorates—applied degrees—focus on preparing graduates to make a distinctive contribution to their professional fields while a Ph.D. focuses on theory and research. To understand the difference, consider this example: In the medical field, you may complete either a Doctor of Medicine (M.D. – applied) or the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D. – philosophical). Both develop and use medical theory and treatment (problem solving) knowledge as a base. The M.D., however, applies that knowledge to solve medical problems while the Ph.D. uses the knowledge for speculative inquiry (a theoretical approach) into the field of medicine. Doctors of both degrees carry out research, publish in journals, and further their professions.

Program Highlights

• You can complete your Colorado Doctoral degree in three years.
• With the executive-format program, you do not need to relocate or interrupt your career.
• No dissertation is required. You will complete six practical projects over the three years.
• All learning materials, including books, software, and a Tablet PC, are included in the total cost of tuition.*
• Online learning with periodic residencies enables busy, geographically dispersed students to complete their degree in just three years.
• Distinguished faculty, drawn from industry and prominent universities, serve as instructors, guest speakers, and project mentors.
• Students work closely with peers and faculty at the four-day residential sessions at the CTU Colorado Springs campus (9 sessions over 3 years).
• Financial aid is available for those who qualify.