Table of Contents
Introduction
I’m now in the half-way point of my first course at the University of the Cumberlands PhD in IT program and I thought I would do a short writeup for others who are interested. The first course I took is ITS831 Info Tech Importance in Strategic Plan.
This course focuses on various IT technologies and how they can be used in the context of strategic planning including:
- Blockchain
- Business Process Redesign
- Virtualization
- Physical Security
And others.
Course Content
The way each course is laid out is that you complete some reading (usually peer-reviewed journal articles), then you watch a PowerPoint with audio that substitutes for the in-person lecture. You need to complete Discussion Board posts (one yourself and two substantive replies to other students) each week.
Most weeks you also need to produce a 4-7 page paper in APA7 format on that week’s topic in order to build your research skills and demonstrate you understand the material.
The Learning Management System is Blackboard:
I also appreciate that the PowerPoints are available for download and contain the lectures. This means they can be effective for notetaking in the future. These courses I’m taking now will be part of the “Comps”, the Comprehensive Exam that students must take to move from PhD student to PhD candidate, and officially enter the research phase of their doctorate.
Impressions
I am really enjoying the content so far. It is presented very clearly so it’s never confusing what you need to do that week. The content is dripped out each week (as opposed to Eastern where the whole 7 weeks were available on day 0.) I have no issues so far.
I am looking forward to the next courses. Following this first one, I’m going to try and double up on courses so that I can finish my coursework in about 3 years and then begin my dissertation.
Conclusion
I am very satisfied with the program so far. Everyone on the academic side has been super welcoming and supportive and I’m enjoyed learning more about my fellow student’s experiences.