DMIT Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between a PhD and the DMIT?

A: PhD programs are generally focused on contributions of a theoretical nature. The DMIT at Lawrence Tech focuses on the innovative application of state of the art theories to practice, and is tailored for careers in senior IT management. It affords students the opportunity to seek out a problem situated in a real-world environment with the potential for an innovative IT-based solution. 

Q: Should I have a graduate degree such as MSIS or MCIS before applying to the DMIT Program?

A: Yes. A master’s degree or equivalent in information systems, or a related computing-based degree, is required from an accredited college or university.

Q: What are the prerequisite foundation requirements for the DMIT?

A: graduate coursework in information technology, business and management is required. The IT foundation includes database technology, software development methodologies and technologies, systems architectures, data communication and network infrastructure. Graduate coursework in project management and business will meet the prerequisites for the DMIT.

Q: How are applicants assessed?

A:  Your complete profile is taken into account. This includes your academic record, experience, statement of purpose, GMAT or GRE score, and the input provided by your referents. The diagnostic evaluation interview gives you an opportunity to present your application personally.

Q: Should I apply to the program if I do not have any managerial experience?

A: Yes, although managerial experience in leading IT projects will be an advantage for success in the program. Real-world experience on IT-based projects is a requirement of the program.

Q: Is the DMIT degree appropriate for educators?

A: Yes. The DMIT program for the practitioner scholar provides the ideal linkage between theory and practice that will enhance your students' learning experience via real world application. Students who are interested in a teaching career on completion of the degree may want to select minor coursework in the educational cognate area. 

Q: I am interested in obtaining a DMIT to assist me in my consulting work. Is this an appropriate degree for me?

A: Yes, if your areas of consulting and interest are in the dissertation topic areas of strategic IT leadership, IT process improvement and data management for example.

Q: I took the GMAT years ago; do I have to retake it?

A: This will depend on the score received, coupled with your GPA, experience and how long ago the GMAT was taken. There have been many changes to the GMAT in recent years and you may be asked to take the exam a second time.

Q: What is considered “an acceptable GMAT score?”

A: The College of Management considers an acceptable GMAT score to be 550. If your score IS LOW your application will still be considered.

Q: My GMAT score is low, should I still consider applying?

A: You may want to consider retaking the GMAT if your previous score was very low. If you have recently taken the GMAT and the score was very low, you may still choose to apply to the DMIT program and you may have to take the GMAT a second time. The “total” application will be considered, and there may be other exceptional areas that would still make your candidacy viable.

Q: Where can I obtain information about where to take the GMAT?

A: The website http://www.mba.com can help you learn more about the GMAT. This is a very helpful site and will answer any questions you may have regarding the GMAT.

Q: Are financial aid and/or scholarships available to students participating in the program?

A: Since the DMIT was designed for working professionals we do not offer scholarships at this time. There may be aid/scholarships available at the doctoral level from other sources however. We suggest that you take some time to do so research on your own in this area. For example, scholarships have been funded in the form of a grant for students doing research and dissertation projects from various associations and nonprofit organizations such as The Aspen Institute and Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations. There may be an opportunity for employer sponsorship for coursework and/or dissertation work that adds value to your organization. Loans are also available. For more information, contact Lawrence Tech's Office of Financial Aid at 248.204.2120 or e-mail to finaid@ltu.edu

Q: What is the process for admission into the DMIT program?

A: The admission process follows:

• Hold a master’s degree or equivalent in the IT related fields of study from an accredited college or university with a GPA of 3.3 or higher. Applicants with an out-of-field master’s degree will be required to complete the prerequisite foundation coursework before starting the DMIT Program.
• Take the GMAT or GRE and achieve an acceptable score.
• Have accumulated 5 years of appropriate experience in an appropriate technical or managerial position in a corporate, governmental or non-profit organization.
• Take TOEFL or IELTS if native language is not English. The minimum acceptable performance is 550 on the written TOEFL or 250 on the computerized version. Minimum acceptable IELTS is 7.0. The TOEFL/IELTS requirement may be waived for those international students who have completed their degrees at a recognized U.S. university.
• Provide three professional letters of recommendation.
• Provide a handwritten statement of purpose (500 words or less) indicating the applicant’s chief academic interest, strengths and limitations, reasons for selecting the field of interest, and for choosing Lawrence Tech.
• Provide a professional resume.
• Complete a diagnostic evaluation interview (DEI) with the DMIT Program Director and/or DMIT Program Committee. The interview may also be conducted if an applicant lives far away from Southfield, Michigan. 

For more information, please contact Lawrence Tech's Office of Admissions at 248.204.3160 or the DMIT Program Office at 248.204.3097.

Q: How many students will be accepted to the DMIT each year?

A: Fifteen to eighteen students are admitted to the program each year.

Q: What is the deadline for application to the DMIT Program?

A:  Applications are accepted throughout the year.  Accepted students are then assigned to a cohort, with each new cohort beginning classes in the fall semester.

Q: Is there a deposit to the DMIT Program?

A: Yes, there is a non-refundable $100 deposit for applicants accepted. The deposit will be credited to first term’s tuition.

Q: What is the tuition cost of the DMIT program?

A: Please check this link for the current tuition rates: http://www.ltu.edu/registrars_office/tuition_fees.index.asp

Q: How long will it take me to complete the DMIT Program?

A: The curriculum consists of 36 hours of coursework and 24 equivalent hours of research and can be completed within four to five years. The 24 hours of research does not require traditional class time.

Q: Can one complete the program faster?

A: Progress with coursework is determined by taking the prerequisite sequence. Progress with the research work towards the dissertation is dependent on individual performance.

Q: What is the maximum number of years one can take to complete this program?

A: Seven years. If a student cannot complete the program within this time period, a request for extension can be made to the DMIT Program Committee.

Q: Is the program offered in a weekend format?

A: There are three terms per year, namely fall, spring and summer, with two classes per fall and spring terms. Major courses meet on alternate Saturdays for 6 hours plus a lunch break. Research Methods courses meet on Friday evenings for 3 hours. Click here for class schedules.

Q: Are there distance-learning components in the program?

A: Yes. All courses are supported by a web-based e-learning environment called Blackboard. This environment has many features to communicate and share information between faculty and students. Blackboard offers valuable support for the on-ground sessions of the program.

Q: Of the 24 hours of dissertation research credit, how much is class time?

A: None. Tuition concerning Research methodology is given as one of the Research Methods courses prior to the Comprehensive Examinations. There is one individualized hour dissertation proposal course that is dedicated to preparing your research proposal. After you successfully defend your dissertation proposal you will proceed with your research project guided by your supervisor and supported by members of your dissertation committee.

Q: How much is the tuition for dissertation courses?

A: Please check this link for the current tuition rates: http://www.ltu.edu/registrars_office/tuition_fees.index.asp

Q: When does the research component start?

A: Research can officially only start  after passing the comprehensive examinations, forming the dissertation committee, and registering for the dissertation credits. However if a student has a specific research interest and an appropriate topic he/she can discuss it with the academic advisor or the DMIT Program Director to identify a course of action. 

Q: Will all classes meet at the Southfield campus?

A: Yes, unless an off-campus program is implemented elsewhere.

Q: What time commitment is required to succeed in the program?

A: This is a difficult question to answer because it depends on your reading, research, comprehension, and writing abilities. You can probably expect to devote up to 18 hours per week completing course deliverables. Time commitments might be more when an assignment becomes due.

Q: Do I need to be employed or have access to an employer in order to do my dissertation work?

A: No. You can perform research for a client, a non-profit organization, or other associations.

Q: Do I need to know the area of my dissertation research before starting the DMIT Program?

A: No. However, we hope that candidates will have an area of interest or some topics of interest for consideration when applying for and entering the program. Examples of dissertation topic areas are: IT leadership and management, IT process improvement, data warehousing, object-oriented systems development, and knowledge management.

Q: Is there a comprehensive examination associated with the DMIT?

A: Yes, the comprehensive exams are taken on completion of your coursework and passing them gives you doctoral candidacy.

Q: How can I obtain more detailed information about the program?

A: Please call our Program Director, Dr. Annette Steenkamp, at (248) 204-3069 or e-mail the DMIT Program Office with further questions at DMIT@ltu.edu.