Home
Programs
Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology
Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Information Technology is a three-year research-focused program that develops expertise in information technology, digital innovation, cybersecurity, data science, artificial intelligence, and information systems. It prepares researchers, technology leaders, and innovators to address complex technological challenges and drive digital transformation in Somalia, the Horn of Africa, and beyond.
Introduction
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Information Technology is a three-year, research-intensive doctoral program designed to cultivate advanced expertise in information technology, digital innovation, cybersecurity, data science, artificial intelligence, and the strategic management of information systems. The program responds to the growing demand for highly skilled researchers, technology leaders, and innovators capable of addressing complex technological challenges and driving digital transformation across Somalia, the Horn of Africa, and beyond.
Program Objectives
The PhD in Information Technology aims to:
- Develop world-class scholars and researchers who advance theories, technologies, and best practices in information technology, computing, and digital innovation.
- Strengthen institutional and organizational capacity by promoting research-driven solutions in information systems, cybersecurity, software engineering, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and emerging technologies.
- Foster policy-relevant and industry-oriented research that supports Somalia’s digital transformation agenda, national ICT priorities, and global advancements in information technology.
- Prepare academic leaders, technology professionals, innovators, and policymakers who can design, implement, and evaluate sustainable digital solutions that enhance organizational performance, public service delivery, and economic development.
- Position SIMAD University as a center of excellence in information technology scholarship, producing high-impact research and innovative technological solutions that address the needs of emerging economies, post-conflict societies, and fragile-state contexts.
Admission Requirements
- A Master’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Information Security, or a closely related field from a recognized university.
- A strong academic record with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 (or equivalent). Exceptional applicants with significant professional experience, industry certifications, research achievements, or demonstrated innovation in the field of Information Technology may also be considered.
- Submission of a research concept note (approximately 2,500 words) outlining the proposed research problem, research objectives, literature background, theoretical or conceptual framework, research methodology, and expected contribution to the field of Information Technology.
- Certified copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates from all previously attended higher education institutions.
- A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing academic qualifications, professional experience, research activities, publications (if any), technical skills, industry certifications, software development projects, conference participation, and other relevant achievements in Information Technology.
Program Structure
Core Courses | ||
Course Code | Course Title | Credit Unit |
PHIT-RES701 | Advanced Research in Information Technology I | 4 |
PHIT-RES702 | Advanced Research in Information Technology II | 4 |
PHIT-[TRACK]790 | Independent Study / Directed Research (Track-Based) | 3 |
PHIT-IS704 | Advanced Data Governance, Privacy & Responsible IT | 3 |
PHIT-AI704 | Responsible AI: Fairness, Privacy, Safety & Governance | 3 |
PHIT-NS702 | Cryptographic Protocols and Secure Networked Systems | 3 |
Information Systems (IS) Track | ||
PHIT-IS701 | Socio-Technical Systems Theory & Information Systems Research Foundations (Track Required) | 3 |
Elective (Select 2) | ||
PHIT-IS702 | Enterprise Architecture, IT Governance & Strategic Alignment | 3 |
PHIT-IS703 | Digital Platforms, Ecosystems & Innovation Strategy | 3 |
PHIT-IS705 | Causal Inference for Digital Transformation & IS Impact Studies | 3 |
AI & Data Analytics (AI&DA) Track | ||
PHIT-AI701 | Statistical Learning Theory & Generalization in Modern Machine Learning (Track Required) | 3 |
Elective (Select 2) | ||
PHIT-AI702 | Data-Centric AI: Benchmarking, Robustness & Reproducible ML | 3 |
PHIT-AI703 | Deep Representation Learning & Foundation Models | 3 |
PHIT-AI705 | Causal Machine Learning & Decision-Focused Modeling | 3 |
PHIT-AI706 | Scalable Data Systems for AI: Distributed Training & MLOps | 3 |
Networking & Cybersecurity (NCS) Track | ||
PHIT-NS701 | Internet Architecture and Next-Generation Network Systems (Track required) | 3 |
Electives (2) | ||
PHIT-NS703 | Programmable Networks: SDN, NFV, and Network Virtualization | 3 |
PHIT-NS704 | Data-Driven Network Security and Cyber Threat Intelligence | 3 |
PHIT-NS705 | Security of Distributed, Cloud, and Edge Computing Platforms | 3 |
PHIT-NS706 | Cyber-Physical Systems and Critical Infrastructure Protection | 3 |
Graduation Requirements
- Coursework: Successful completion of all prescribed courses (minimum 29 CU) and maintenance of a minimum CGPA of 3.0/4.0.
- Examinations and Colloquia: Successful completion of the Comprehensive Examination and active participation in doctoral colloquia, seminars, and progress jury meetings.
- Dissertation: Approval of the proposal by the Doctoral Committee; completion of original, independent research that makes a significant scholarly contribution; and successful public defense.
- Language Proficiency: Adequate English proficiency (language of instruction). Accepted tests and minimum scores: Cambridge Linguaskill B2; IELTS Academic 6.0; TOEFL iBT 72.
- Publications and Dissemination: Publication of at least two (2) scholarly articles in peer-reviewed journals indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, or equivalent databases, and presentation of findings at least once at a regional or international academic conference.
- Ethical and Professional Standards: Compliance with SIMAD Research Ethics Committee protocols and maintenance of high academic integrity and professional conduct.
- Clearance and Certification: Financial and School clearance; recommendation by the Doctoral Committee and approval by the University Senate.
Fees Structure
- Application Fees: USD 100
- Tuition Fees: USD 1,250 per semester (6 semesters)
- Administrative Fees: USD 500
- Graduation Fees: USD 400
Bank Accounts
Account Name: SIMAD UNIVERSITY Center for Postgraduate Studies (CPS).
- Dahabshiil Account No. MOGD0011406.
- Salam Bank Account No. 30060664.
- Amal Bank Account No. 1011713047.
- Premier bank: 020300001003
Contacts:
Telephone number: 0618 -600000/0615 – 820322/0615 -932201
Email:gsinfo@simad.edu.so