Ph.D. in Technology

Get your Ph.D. from the Purdue University

Conduct cutting edge research and teach at leading universities around the world with a Ph.D. in Technology from the Purdue Polytechnic Institute at Purdue University.

Advanced technologies are redefining every facet of business and industry in a highly competitive, global environment.  This doctoral program addresses those needs by developing your skills in advanced interdisciplinary skills in research, as well as in product, service and process creation management for work in technology-dependent enterprises. The faculty recognizes a genuine responsibility to prepare you and other future scholar-practitioners for public (education, government and non-for profit research organizations) and private sector environments. The Ph.D. in Technology Program represents the Purdue Polytechnic Institute’s most advanced manifestation of this commitment.

Why a Ph.D. in Technology?

Your coursework draws from multiple departments that are at the frontier of research in a wide array of advanced technologies.  Whether you seek a future as an academic scholar or an advanced leader or researcher in the public and private sectors, this degree provides an ideal pathway to a career.  A Ph.D. is a clear symbol of capabilities in research and scholarship, deep knowledge of a discipline, and proficiency in analytical and communication skills. 

Successful Ph.D. candidates will demonstrate advanced ability to:

  • Envision, plan and conduct research and development activities;
  • Identify, comprehend, analyze, evaluate and synthesize research;
  • Evaluate technologies and technology-related programs;
  • Assess individual performance with, and understanding of, technology;
  • Communicate effectively and employ constructive professional and interpersonal skills; and
  • Function in one or more of the technology disciplines.

Supporting School and Departmental Disciplines

The Purdue Polytechnic Institute offers studies in a variety of academic disciplines that encourage collaboration with one another.  You may choose from advanced programs in six schools and departments specializing in:

  • Aviation Technology & Management: Sustainability, Transportation Economics, Safety Management, Aircraft Capital Asset Management, Human Factors, Workforce Development, Data Analytics, and emerging multidisciplinary fields.
  • Computer Graphics Technology: Computer Animation, Data Visualization, Game Studies, User Experience (UX) Design and Human-Computer Interaction, and Digital Enterprise Systems
  • Computer and Information Technology: Automation, Intelligence, and Robotics, Cyberforensics, Cyberinfrastructure and Networking, Data Applications, Homeland Security Information Security, Project Management and Business Analysis, Societal Applications of IT
  • Construction Management Technology: Many construction subsectors and technologies: Commercial; Civil Infrastructure; Electrical; Healthcare; Disaster Restoration & Reconstruction; Demolition; Mechanical; Residential; Automation, Digitalization, & BIM 
  • Engineering Technology: Electrical, Computer and Mechanical Engineering Technologies. Industrial Engineering Technology and Supply Chain and Sales Engineering Technology, Engineering Technology Education and Alternative Energies
  • Technology Leadership and Innovation: Organizational Leadership, Digital Innovation, and Engineering/Technology Teacher Education

The Ph.D. program is administered by the College and admission information can found by going to https://polytechnic.purdue.edu/degrees/phd-technology/admissions.

Jane Liedtke Alumni Profile
I was able to establish myself as a consultant and trainer drawing on coursework from my doctoral program . When I decided to move full-time into non-profit work, I was able to do so with ease because of a range of experiences that I had during my academic career.
Jane Liedtke
Technology '83