Interdisciplinary Sciences Department

Overview
PhD

Doctoral Interdisciplinary Science Program

The ITU PhD in Interdisciplinary Science Program (DISP) is a unique and innovative program designed to research and develop technology solutions to substantial, global challenges.

Program Overview

The ITU PhD in Interdisciplinary Science Program (DISP) is a unique and innovative program designed to research and develop technology solutions to substantial, global challenges. Reflecting ITU’s mission to be on the cutting edge of innovation, this forward-looking program addresses an unfilled gap in university offerings that will only become wider in the future if not continuously explored.

Students from all fields are encouraged to apply. Each student will select an interdisciplinary emphasis that integrates two or more academic fields, at least one of them is in a science or engineering discipline covered by ITU faculty. Some sample emphases are:

  • Medical Devices – Medicine and Electrical Engineering
  • Education Technology – Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Media Arts and Education
  • Financial Technology – Computer Science, Strategies and Finance
  • Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship — Emerging technologies and innovation

Curriculum

Our 39 credit hour curriculum is completed in 16 months. The 39 credit hours are composed of core courses, electives, cross disciplinary electives, capstone or thesis, and an internship.

ITU’s Low Residency Format

Two-week residency per academic year is required for the DISP study. Blended learning is critical for professional learners, as it gives them flexibility and control over the time, place and pace of learning. Their ITU doctoral study experience is enhanced through immersive on-campus interactions with faculty, peer groups, and interactions with key Silicon Valley leaders through visits and informal get-togethers. These on-campus residences also offer opportunities to take advantage of key ITU resources such as library, student and technology support, and university and Silicon Valley professional events and networking.

Coursework

Core courses:

  • Quantitative research methods-I (3)
  • Qualitative research methods-I (3)
  • Professional writing (3)
  • Professional presentation (3)
  • Dissertation proposal (3)
  • Dissertation (9)
  • Doctoral proseminar (1)

Emphasis courses

All ITU graduate level courses can be selected as emphasis courses. Other Emphasis courses can be offered according to the needs of the student cohort.

DISP Curricula

There are three models to meet the unique needs of the three categories of students: academics, executives and ABD (All But Dissertation).

The Academic Model is designed for prospective students who have worked in education institutions and plan to follow the traditional route of PhD research.

The Executive Model is designed for professionals who have worked in the industry with a strong track record of research, development and publication.

The ABD Model is designed for prospective applicants who have accomplished all the coursework in a PhD program and passed the PhD candidate qualification exam, or have received at least thirty credits beyond their Master’s degree in a field of study relevant to one of ITU’s DISP emphases, or are highly accomplished industry professionals with substantial achievement in research and development.

DISP Curriculum for Executive Model: (minimum 60 credits) – Nine Emphasis classes


Year-#1: 20 credits (6*3 + 2*1)

  • Term-#1: Quantitative research methods-I (3), emphasis-1 (3), Doctoral proseminar (1) — 7 credits,
  • Term-#2: Qualitative research methods-I (3), emphasis-2 (3), Doctoral advising (1)- by external expert – 7 credits
  • Term-#3: Professional writing (3), emphasis-3 (3) – 6 credits

Year-#2: 20 credits (6*3 + 2*1)

  • Term-#4: Dissertation proposal (3), Emphasis-4 (3), Doctoral proseminar (1) – 7 credits
  • Term-#5: emphasis-5 (3), Emphasis-6 (3), Doctoral advising (1) – 7 credits
  • Term-#6: Professional Presentation (3), Emphasis-7 (3) – 6 credits

Year-#3: 20 credits (6*3 + 2*1)

  • Term-#7: Dissertation (3) + emphasis-8 (3) + Doctoral proseminar (1) – 7 credits
  • Term-#8: Dissertation (3) + emphasis-9 (3) + Doctor advising (1) – 7 credits
  • Term-#9: Dissertation (6) – 6 credits

DISP Curriculum for Academic Model: (minimum 60 credits) — four emphasis courses


Year-#1: 20 credits (6*3 + 2*1)

  • Term-#1: Quantitative research methods-I (3), Qualitative research methods-I (3), Doctoral proseminar (1) — 7 credits,
  • Term-#2: Quantitative research methods-II (3), Qualitative research methods-II (3), Doctoral advising (1) — by external expert – 7 credits
  • Term-#3: Professional writing (3), emphasis-1 (3) – 6 credits

Year-#2: 20 credits (6*3 + 2*1)

  • Term-#4: Dissertation proposal (3), Emphasis-2 (3), Doctoral proseminar (1) – 7 credits
  • Term-#5: Dissertation proposal (3), Emphasis-3 (3), Doctoral advising (1) – 7 credits
  • Term-#6: Professional Presentation (3), Emphasis — 4 (3) – 6 credits

 Year-#3: 20 credits (3*6 + 2*1)

  • Term-#7: Dissertation (6) + Doctoral proseminar (1) – 7 credits
  • Term-#8: Dissertation (6) + Doctor advising (1) – 7 credits
  • Term-#9: Dissertation (6) – 6 credits

DISP Curriculum for ABD Model: (minimum 30 credits)


Year-#1: 14 credits (4*3 + 2*1)

  • Term-#1: Quantitative research methods-I (3), Professional writing (3),Doctoral student pro seminar (1) — 7 credits,
  • Term-#2: Qualitative research methods-I (3), Doctoral advising (1) – 4 credits
  • Term-#3: , Dissertation proposal (3) – 3 credits

Year-#2: 20 credits (5*3 + 2*1)

  • Term-#4: Dissertation (3), Professional presentation (3), Doctoral proseminar (1) – 7 credits
  • Term-#5: Dissertation (6) – 6 credits
  • Term-#6: Dissertation (3) – 3 credits

  • Click here for Admission Requirements.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

PLO #1: Analyze the theoretical knowledge and relate it to the selected emphasis. [Mapped to ILOs 3, 6]

PLO #2: Apply appropriate methodologies to evidence-based research and development projects. [Mapped to ILOs 1, 2, 5, 7]

PLO #3: Demonstrate competencies in professional level communication. [Mapped to ILOs 1, 2, 5, 7]

PLO #4: Identify strategies to solve global science and technology challenges related to their emphasis. [Mapped to ILOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 7]

PLO #5: Formulate original research projects, including research design, tools and structure. [Mapped to ILOs 3, 5, 6]

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