Evolutional Roadmap from BS Degree to Doctoral Degree in Technology

In 2008, the School of Technology, now College of Technology (COT) launched a Master of Science (MS) in Technology degree program.The MS in Technology degree program was designed to equip students with advanced technical skills as well as leadership capabilities necessary for thriving in various technological sectors.Since 2008, the program has successfully graduated over 700 students, making significant contributions to industry and academia.The MS in Technology program offers a flexible and comprehensive curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with practical application.The program is structured to provide a robust foundation in core technological principles along with some Leadership/Management skills, while allowing students to specialize in areas aligned with their career goals.The MS in Technology degree program started with seven (7) Primary Areas, which were later changed to four (4) concentrations based on the industry and market needs.To further address the needs of Industry, the College of Technology Graduate Studies also developed three graduate level professional certificates programs: Six Sigma for Business and Industry, Organizational Leadership and Supervision, and Cybersecurity Post Baccalaureate Certificates.Since 2016, Purdue University Northwest (PNW) strategic mission has been shifted from an undergraduate teaching institution to a metropolitan doctoral granting institution.Having over 700 MS graduates, and to contribute to the strategic goals of the institution, the COT at PNW initiated a Doctor of Technology (DTech) degree program which was approved by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (ICHE) on June 9, 2022.Since its inception, the DTech program has been instrumental in fostering high-level research and expertise in various technological fields.The DTech program emphasizes best practice techniques for implementation in business, industry, government, and non-governmental organizations.This doctoral program is designed for both traditional students and industry professionals seeking an advanced degree to provide innovative solutions in their fields.The Doctor of Technology program currently enrolls 6 full-time doctoral students.This paper will share the best practices and lessons learned from the evolutional roadmap from BS degree to Doctoral degree in Technology graduate education.