phd management information systems online

Top 20 PhD in Management Information Systems Programs Online 2024

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Key Takeaways :

• University of the Cumberlands and Dakota State University are among the top schools offering online PhD in MIS programs.
• The programs were selected based on accreditation, affordability, and recognition by major publications like U.S. News and World Report.
• Employment outlook for computer and information managers is projected to grow by 12% due to increased digital business operations.

In this article, we profile the top 20 online PhD in management information systems degree programs.

Employment of computer and information managers is projected to grow 12 percent over the next six years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – Occupational Outlook Handbook. This is a faster-than-average growth rate than all other occupations. As companies and organizations expand their business to digital platforms, the need for MIS managers will increase. Demand for jobs also means a demand for qualified candidates with both education and experience.

Featured Programs

Top 20 Online PhD in Management Information Systems Programs Methodology

We looked at 143 colleges and universities listed by the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) College Navigator that offered online graduate programs in management information systems or closely related degrees. From our original pool of schools, we narrowed our search by including only institutions that offer online PhD in management information systems or closely related doctoral degrees. We further narrowed our search by applying the following criteria: Regional or national accreditation, online or hybrid/blended completion pathways, and rankings (school or program) with a major publication like U.S. News and World Report. We then listed the programs and schools according to raw affordability.

Below is our list of the top 20 online PhD in MIS programs.

#20 – Columbia University

Online phd in computer science, new york, new york.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $46,956

Columbia University in the City of New York offers a type of online PhD in management information systems. This partially online program is open only to students who have earned a master’s in computer science from Columbia University. In addition to the master’s degree, applicants must have three letters of recommendation, transcripts, a resumé, and a personal professional statement. Also, the GRE is required for admission. A total of ten courses are required. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Columbia #3 in best national universities and #6 in best value schools. Also, the graduate engineering programs, such as the doctor of engineering in computer science, ranks #1 in the nation.

#19 – George Washington University

Online phd in systems engineering, washington, district of columbia.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $29,840

One of the top online MIS PhD programs on our list is the online PhD in systems engineering at George Washington University. It’s important to note that the program is designed for working adults with online classes and Saturday meetings that mesh with a busy work schedule. The program takes three years to complete. Furthermore, courses are taught by university professors with direct research and application experience. These courses explore topics that include elements of systems engineering, trends and directions, and the integrative nature of systems engineering. Additionally, George Washington University is a top-ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks GWU #63 in best national universities and #68 in best value schools.

#18 – Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester, massachusetts.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $26,286

One alternative to an online MIS PhD is in systems engineering like the one offered at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. The degree format is set up as a blended program with most of the courses delivered online. Required research seminars take place in a virtual classroom where all participants may interact with each other. A minimum of 60 credits beyond the master’s is required for the successful completion of the degree. In order to apply to the program, applicants must submit official transcripts from accredited institutions, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Additionally, there is no GRE requirement. U.S. News and World Report ranks WPI #59 in best national universities and #59 in best value schools.

#17 – Nova Southeastern University

Online phd in information systems, fort lauderdale, florida.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $20,419

Nova Southeastern University’s online PhD in management information systems requires a minimum of 64 credits that can be completed entirely online. The program is open to information systems professionals seeking advancement and career opportunities Courses delivered online include:

• analytics and business intelligence
• database systems
• information security management
• managing risk in secure systems
• social perspectives of information systems

Admissions require an earned master’s in a relevant discipline and a satisfactory graduate GPA. U.S. News and World Report ranks Nova Southeastern University #191 among the best national universities. Also, many of the online graduate programs have earned top 100 rankings.

#16 – Northcentral University

Online phd in mis, san diego, california.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $17,526

Northcentral University’s online PhD in management information systems comprises 60 credit hours and 20 classes. The estimated completion time is 45 months for the PhD in management information systems online program. The program is designed for working adults who want to advance their MIS careers by developing strong business knowledge and conducting extensive research in the field. Through one-to-one mentorship from professors with doctoral degrees, students examine current trends impacting organizational information systems. The school is accredited and ranked by major publications. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks Northcentral among the top national universities.

#15 – Colorado Technical University

Online doctor of management – technology management, colorado springs, colorado.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $13,803

Colorado Technical University offers a PhD in management information systems online that requires 100 credits. The fully online Doctor of Management degree program is ideal for individuals who have earned a master’s in information technology. In addition, the program offers an online curriculum, multiple start dates throughout the year, and an opportunity to earn a doctoral degree in just three years. Some of the online classes include:

• advanced career strategies for the scholar-practitioner
• current topics in technology management
• leading technology change and strategic planning
• principles of research methods and design

Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Colorado Tech as a top regional university in the West.

#14 – The University of Tennessee

Online phd in industrial and systems engineering, knoxville, tennessee.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $13,084

One of the top online MIS PhD programs on our list is offered by the University of Tennessee. The PhD in industrial and systems engineering requires an undergraduate degree and strong academic background that meets the admissions criteria for the master’s program. The PhD journey includes earning a master’s degree in industrial and systems engineering. In addition to the undergraduate degree, applicants must also provide satisfactory GRE test scores. The program requires a minimum of 72 graduate hours beyond the bachelor’s degree, which does not include the master’s thesis. The school and its programs are ranked with major publications. U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution #115 in best national universities.

#13 – Old Dominion University

Online phd in instructional design & technology, norfolk, virginia.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $11,904

Old Dominion University offers online MIS PhD programs, including the PhD in instructional design & technology. This 60-credit program is open to busy adults who desire to pursue individual interests in the design of technology-based instruction, human performance technology, instructional design, and quantitative and qualitative research. Students take live, regularly scheduled online class meetings and access course materials online from any location. The program is well-suited for working students who require a flexible learning format. Courses include advanced instructional design, cognition and instruction, and trends and issues in contemporary instructional design. U.S. News and World Report ranks Old Dominion #215 in best national universities.

#12 – Grand Canyon University

Online dba in data analytics, phoenix, arizona.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $10,555

Grand Canyon University’s DBA in data analytics might appeal to individuals researching PhD in management information systems online programs. The DBA, with an emphasis in data analytics, is offered fully online and provides a solid framework to build and evolve evidence-based theories and practices in the contemporary demands of a global economy. The program relies heavily on business intelligence, data mining and researching, and data warehousing principles. For those interested in a technological business degree, the DBA in data analytics is an ideal doctoral program. Courses include analysis of existing research, approaches to research design and data analysis, and using business analytics for competitive advantage. Your master’s GPA and GRE or GMAT scores are needed for admission. U.S. News and World Report ranks GCU #230-#301 among the best national universities.

#11 – Bowling Green State University

Online phd in technology management, bowling green, ohio.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $9,608

Bowling Green State University’s online MIS PhD program is open to working students who desire a flexible learning format. Students entering the program typically work full-time and seek high-level management in technology roles. TMany of the online classes are taught by university professors. These classes include advanced research methods, research design, research methodology, and statistical analysis in technology research. Admission requirements include a master’s degree in a relevant field from an accredited university with a GPA of 3.5 or better, GRE or GMAT results, and five letters of recommendation. U.S. News and World Report ranks Bowling Green State #215 in best national universities and #121 in top public schools.

#10 – Colorado State University

Fort collins, colorado.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $9,000

An online PhD in systems engineering like the one offered at Colorado State University might appeal to individuals researching online PhD in management information systems programs. The online PhD in systems engineering is a competitive program for working professionals. The program is designed for senior management and top-level executives and only accepts a handful of students each semester. Courses are delivered online and include dynamics of complex engineering systems, engineering risk analysis, information technology and project management, simulation modeling and experimentation, and systems engineering processes. The dissertation may require a campus visit. U.S. News and World Report ranks Colorado State University #140 among the best national universities.

#9 – Liberty University

Online dba in information systems, lynchburg, virginia.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $8,723

For individuals bent with a business interest yet seeking online MIS PhD programs, an online DBA in information systems like the one offered at Liberty University is ideal. This 100% online doctoral program prepares graduates to excel in business through academic research and practical application and training. The hands-on DBA degree offers online classes taught by university professors. These courses include enterprise models, human-computer interaction and emerging technology, IT infrastructures, and systems analysis modeling and design. The program consists of 60 credits and takes 3.5 years to complete. This Christian university ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, Liberty ranks #230-#301 among the best national universities.

#8 – Texas Tech University

Online phd in systems & engineering management, lubbock, texas.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $7,849

Some of the top online MIS PhD programs on our list are systems and engineering management programs like the blended PhD program at Texas Tech University. The program prepares engineering management professionals for current and future leadership roles. While the program does involve two summer residency terms that require two-week stretches on campus, most of the courses may be taken online. Courses include advanced theoretical studies in systems management, decision theory and management science, productivity and performance improvement in organizations, and simulation models for operation analysis. In addition, all applicants must submit GRE scores and three letters of reference. U.S. News and World Report ranks Texas Tech #187 in best national universities.

#7 – North Carolina A & T University

Greensboro, north carolina.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $7,731

North Carolina A&T University and Indiana State University offer a joint PhD that will appeal to individuals researching online MIS PhD programs. The online PhD in technology management can be tailored to meet specific career goals in management, business, IT, and information systems. It is important to note that classes are taught by doctoral professors with practical experience in the field of interest. These classes include e-commerce, internet security, and web design. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report ranked North Carolina A&T among the top universities. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school #230-#301 among the best national universities. Also, the online graduate computer information technology programs rank #38 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#6 – Sam Houston State University

Online edd in instructional systems design and technology, huntsville, texas.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $7,575

One of the most affordable online MIS PhD programs on our list is the EdD in instructional systems design and technology from Sam Houston State University. The program consists of 60 credits and classes delivered entirely online. Additionally, applicants to the program must offer official transcripts showing the receipt of a bachelor’s and master’s degree. Applicants must also submit acceptable scores on the GRE and provide three years of teaching, administrative, or instructional design experience. Three letters of recommendation are also required for admission. U.S. News and World Report ranks Sam Houston #230-#301 in best national universities. Also, several online graduate programs rank among the top 50 and top 100 programs in the country.

#5 – Indiana State University

Terre haute, indiana.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $7,472

Indiana State University offers a PhD in management information systems online degree designed to prepare students wanting to pursue technology management positions in public and private sectors. The online PhD in technology management is a 66-credit hour program that requires one major area of specialization, while technology management may be chosen as a specialization. Students complete 18 credits in the major specialization area, along with credits in the general technology core, research core, and professional studies core. Admission requirements include a master’s degree in a relevant field from an accredited institution, a minimum GPA of 3.5, and results from the GRE or GMAT. Relevant work experience is also required. U.S. News and World Report ranks Indiana State #230-#301 in best national universities.

#4 – East Carolina University

Greenville, north carolina.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $7,270

The College of Engineering and Technology at East Carolina University offers an online PhD in management information systems-related degree program. The consortium-based, internet-enabled PhD program offers online classes and five technical specializations. Students on their way toward a PhD in technology management can specialize their PhD by selecting one of the specializations. These specializations include construction management, digital communications systems, human resource development, manufacturing systems, and quality systems. Applicants must hold a master’s degree from an accredited university or college and provide official transcripts. U.S. News and World Report ranks East Carolina #194 in best national universities and #106 in top public schools.

#3 – University of North Texas

Online phd in information science, denton, texas.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $7,165

One of the top schools with PhD in management information systems online programs is the University of North Texas. This accredited university offers a PhD in information science, which offers a flexible format and learning plan that can be tailored for most students. The program offers several concentration areas for further tailoring of the degree. Admission criteria include a completed application, a completed master’s degree from an accredited institution, competitive GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, and a completed personal statement. U.S. News and World Report ranks the University of North Texas #230-#301 among the best national universities.

#2 – Dakota State University

Madison, south dakota.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $6,367

One of the most affordable online MIS PhD programs on our list comes from Dakota State University. The online PhD in information systems benefits students wanting to become researchers, professors, and IS directors or managers. Three research specializations are also offered and allow students to tailor their doctoral degrees. These research areas include analytics and decision support, information assurance and computer security, and healthcare information systems. Admission to the program requires an earned bachelor’s from a fully accredited institution, an undergraduate GPA of 3.0, and satisfactory GRE scores taken within the last five years. U.S. News and World Report ranks Dakota State #118 in best regional universities in the Midwest and #36 in top public schools.

#1 – University of the Cumberlands

Online phd in information technology, williamsburg, kentucky.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $5,970

The most affordable online PhD in MIS program on our list is offered by the University of the Cumberlands. The online PhD in information technology is designed for working students and professionals who want to work from home and complete a doctoral degree. The program covers a wide range of information systems and technology topics. Some of the courses include topics in big data, emerging threats to information technology and systems, enterprise risk management, information governance, and technology for a global economy. Admission requires a completed master’s degree from an accredited college or university with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. U.S. News and World Report ranks the school #230-#301 in best national universities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can i do with an online phd in management information systems.

Management information systems managers, typically those with online PhD in management information degrees, plan, coordinate, and direct computer and information technology-related activities within an organization. They are responsible for managing teams of specialists and implementing and meeting computer systems and information systems goals.

Specific job duties vary with the job title. Below are some of the most common roles for individuals with a PhD in management information systems:

Chief information officer (CIO) : CIOs often focus on a specific area of information systems, such as electronic data processing or information security. CIOs manage teams of specialists and are responsible for meeting information goals. They oversee the implementation of a company’s technology and coordinate teams of IT specialists to carry out and meet goals.

Chief technology officer (CTO) : CTOs evaluate new technology within an organization. They determine how to best use the new technology and work with CIOs on implementation. CTOs generally have more technical experience than CIOs.

IT/IS director : IT or IS directors, including management information systems (MIS) directors, supervise employees and take charge of an organization’s information technology department.

IT/IS security manager : The role of an IT/IS security manager is to oversee an organization’s network and data security. Working typically with top executives, the role of the IT security manager is to promote a culture of information security throughout departments and the overall organization.

What is the career outlook for individuals with an online PhD in management information systems?

The Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a favorable career outlook for computer and information systems managers. In fact, a 12 percent projected growth rate through the year 2026 reveals a faster rate than most other occupations. Related careers, such as operations specialties managers, also show a favorable growth rate higher than 10 percent.

BLS indicates employment growth will result from the need to fill job openings as firms and organizations expand their operations to digital platforms. In general, information systems managers will oversee the responsibilities for implementing these expansion goals.

Also, an increase in cybersecurity and overall IT security within an organization’s departments will require additional personnel. With the popularity for cloud computing growing, IT and IS managers will be needed.

Over the next several years, we should see a continued shift in IT services from IT departments in non-technology companies, such as schools, healthcare operations, and financial firms. This shift will open up more job opportunities as these companies and organizations hire managers to oversee cybersecurity and IT departments in-house.

The overall job outlook for individuals with an online PhD in management information systems is favorable, in both private and public sectors. As the demand for IT and IS managers increases, highly educated experts will be needed to train students for roles as information systems managers.

What will I earn with an online PhD in management information systems?

The United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median annual wage for computer and information systems managers in 2017 was $139,220. BLS also reports the lowest ten percent of management information systems managers earned less than $84,000, and the highest ten percent earned more than $208,000.

Most information systems managers work full-time. Depending on company culture and issues that arise, management may be needed to work more than forty hours a week. Most of the time, managers spend time working with teams and meeting to develop solutions to problems. BLS surveyed that in 2016, approximately one in three computer and information systems managers worked more than forty hours per week.

PayScale, a global compensation research organization, also determines average salaries for individuals with PhDs in management information systems. According to PayScale, the average salary for an individual with a PhD in MIS is $121,000.

Years of experience impact compensation. The more experienced an individual is, the more money they will likely make. The industry rewards hard work and education. Also, the more experience, the more advancement opportunities. Top-level industry professionals with years of experience generally occupy senior management positions.

How long does it take to earn an online PhD in management information systems?

Students enrolled in online PhD in management information systems programs should expect to spend two to four years completing the requirements for the degree. Traditional PhD programs take four to six years, though time may be cut off by enrolling in an online doctoral program.

While completion time varies with programs, enrollment impacts the duration of time required. Full-time or part-time enrollment can either shorten or lengthen the time required to earn a PhD in management information systems online degree. The pathway is shorter for full-time students. Part-time enrollment takes an average of 12-18 months longer to complete degree requirements than full-time enrollment. The average part-time online PhD in management information systems program takes 48 months to complete, while a full-time program takes 36 months on average.

Another factor impacting completion time is research. Non-thesis PhD programs exist and do not require the extensive research required of dissertation and thesis programs. This does not mean a non-thesis pathway to a PhD will require no research. Many non-thesis programs require a research paper.

Accelerated online PhD in management information systems programs also exist, though are uncommon. These programs provide a fast-paced work environment that allows students to earn a PhD in approximately 18-24 months.

What are the admission requirements for an online PhD in management information systems?

Generally speaking, admission requirements for an online PhD in management information systems are similar. PhD programs look for qualified students with academic promise.

According to many of the online PhD in management information systems programs on our list, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is the first step toward admission eligibility. Some programs, however, ask for more education. Programs might require a master’s degree in management information systems or a closely related field of study. The programs on our list ask for regional or national accredited bachelor’s and/or master’s degrees. Also, programs that offer a terminal master’s along the PhD journey do not typically ask for a master’s degree at the time of admission. If your degree is pending, programs will often accept a letter from your institution’s registrar listing the anticipated date of graduation.

GRE or GMAT test scores are often required by top-ranked MIS programs. However, not all programs require graduate examinations. Some programs will waive the GRE requirements when an applicant shows promise. If an applicant offers an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or better, the GRE requirement may be waived.

Additional admission requirements for online PhD in management information systems programs include letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, writing samples, and work experience.

• PhD Computer Science Online
• PhD Computer and Information Systems Security Online
• Highest Paying PhD
• Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree Programs

This concludes our list of the top 20 online PhD in management information systems programs.

• Best Online Ph.D. In Management

Best Online Ph.D. In Management Of 2024

Published: Apr 16, 2024, 3:33pm

Key Takeaways

• A Ph.D. in management prepares students for advanced, research-based roles in business
• Concentrations for management Ph.D. programs vary widely, including areas like engineering management, project management and sport management
• The typical Ph.D. in management requires around 60 credits of coursework

A Ph.D. in management is one of the most advanced degrees you can attain in the business field. If you aspire to a high-level role in research, academia or consulting, you might consider pursuing a Ph.D. in management online.

Online Ph.D.s in management typically require a dissertation and delve into contemporary theories of leadership and management. However, many do not include in-person requirements. Rather than practical learning components, students complete theoretical coursework before turning their attention to their dissertations.

We’ve ranked the 10 best online Ph.D. programs in management. Read on to learn more.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

• 6,290 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
• 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
• All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
• Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
• Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

Our Methodology

We ranked 13 accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online management Ph.D. programs in the U.S. using 14 data points in the categories of student experience, credibility, student outcomes and affordability. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites.

Data is accurate as of February 2024. Note that because online doctorates are relatively uncommon, fewer schools meet our ranking standards at the doctoral level.

We scored schools based on the following metrics:

Student Experience :

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Availability of online coursework
• Total number of graduate assistants
• Proportion of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility :

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

Student Outcomes :

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability :

• In-state graduate student tuition and fees
• Alternative tuition plans offered
• Median federal student loan debt
• Student loan default rate

We chose the 10 best schools to display based on those receiving a curved final score of 88% or higher.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

• Best Online Accounting Degrees
• Best MBA In Finance Online
• Best Online Finance Degrees
• Best Online Master’s In Accounting Degrees
• Best Online Master’s In Finance

Degree Finder

Best online ph.d. in management, should you enroll in a ph.d. in management online, accreditation for online ph.d.s in management, how to find the right online ph.d. in management for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online ph.d.s in management, western new england university, capitol technology university, liberty university, university of the cumberlands, maharishi international university, bellevue university, troy university, indiana state university, national university, amridge university, featured online schools.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial credit and much more by clicking 'Visit Site'

Program Tuition Rate

$1,575/credit

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, Western New England University offers an online Ph.D. in engineering management comprising 10 classroom courses and a research-focused dissertation, which students must defend before faculty members. Notable courses in the 57-credit curriculum include operations research and project management.

WNE delivers most online coursework asynchronously through the Kodiak learning management system. Applicants need a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA and must submit GRE scores. Students can enroll full time or part time.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
• School Type: Private
• Application Fee: $50
• Degree Credit Requirements: 57 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full-time, part-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Operations research, project management
• Concentrations Available: N/A
• In-Person Requirements: No

$950/credit

Located just outside of the nation’s capital city in South Laurel, Maryland, Capitol Technology University offers six online management Ph.D.s in engineering management, facilities management, occupational risk management, product management, project management and real estate management. All programs require 60 credits.

Learners don’t have to fulfill any on-campus courses or residencies, completing their Ph.D. entirely online.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
• Application Fee: $100
• Degree Credit Requirements: 60 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Product management future demands, engineering management research backgrounds
• Concentrations Available: Engineering management, facilities management, occupational risk management, product management, project management, real estate management

$565/credit

Located in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University enrolls more than 135,000 students, most of whom take online courses. The university’s online Ph.D. program in organization and management – leadership provides a comprehensive study of leadership. The 60-credit curriculum includes courses like ethical leadership, leading effective teams, leading organizational change and leading theory. The program culminates with a dissertation.

Liberty delivers all program coursework asynchronously to maximize flexibility.

• Program Enrollment Options: Full time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Ethical leadership, leading effective teams

$549/credit

Based out of Williamsburg, Kentucky, the University of the Cumberlands is a private, Christian-affiliated university that offers several online degrees, including a Ph.D. in business management.

The program’s 66-credit curriculum includes core courses in advanced managerial accounting, comparative economics, strategic marketing, and managerial ethics and social responsibility. All students also take courses in statistics and research methods, leading to a dissertation.

The curriculum offers seven focus areas, including entrepreneurship, finance and healthcare administration.

• Application Fee: $30
• Degree Credit Requirements: 66 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Advanced managerial accounting, comparative economics
• Concentrations Available: Accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, healthcare administration, marketing, project management, strategic management

$6,000 to $10,800/year

Located in Fairfield, Iowa, Maharishi International University offers an online Ph.D. in management that stands out for several reasons. The degree incorporates a distinct focus on sustainability, and students do not take finals at the end of their courses. The program runs on a block system, in which students immerse themselves in a single course at a time. All students at MIU practice transcendental meditation twice per day.

Online students can choose between synchronous and asynchronous course delivery, although synchronous attendance is encouraged.

• Application Fee: $20
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Assessing human development, performance management in strategy research

$799/credit

Located in Bellevue, Nebraska, Bellevue University offers many online programs, including a Ph.D. in human capital management. While most coursework takes place online, students must complete two on-campus residencies: one at the start of the program and another at the beginning of the dissertation process. The 51-credit curriculum includes seminars in performance management, qualitative methods, and leading and aligning human capital.

The university delivers most online coursework asynchronously to promote flexibility.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 51 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Seminar in performance management, seminar in qualitative methods
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for two residencies

$550/credit

Based in Troy, Alabama, Troy University is a state school that offers several online programs, including a Ph.D. in sport management. The 60-credit curriculum delves into topics like sport management pedagogy and the legal aspects of sport. The program culminates with a dissertation that involves original research and scholarship. Students never need to visit campus.

Troy delivers all online coursework asynchronously through Canvas. Each online course typically lasts for nine weeks.

• School Type: Public
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Sport management pedagogy, seminar in legal aspects of sport

$450/credit

Located in Terre Haute, Indiana, Indiana State University offers several online programs, including a Ph.D. in technology management. The 66-credit curriculum includes five specialization options, among them construction management, manufacturing systems, and human resource development and industrial training. In addition to a specialization, all students must complete a research-focused dissertation requirement.

Notable courses in the curriculum include technology project management and advanced economic analysis. ISU offers its Ph.D. program in technology management along with a consortium of three other universities.

• Application Fee: $45
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Technology project management, advanced economic analysis
• Concentrations Available: Manufacturing systems, construction management, quality systems, digital communications, human resource development and industrial training

$442/quarter credit

Headquartered in San Diego, California, National University primarily focuses on online programs, offering distance degrees to students around the nation. The university’s Ph.D. in technology management requires 60 credits and includes courses in statistics with technology applications and principles of technology innovation management.

Students can choose from six concentrations, including computer science, information systems and data science. NU delivers most online coursework asynchronously. New students can begin the program each Monday.

• Application Fee: Free
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Statistics with technology applications, principles of technology innovation management
• Concentrations Available: Computer science, IT project management, information systems, engineering management, data science, cybersecurity

$700/credit

Based in Montgomery, Alabama, Amridge University maintains an affiliation with the Churches of Christ. Amridge has recently expanded its distance learning presence to include an online Ph.D. in organizational leadership and management.

The program’s 51-credit curriculum includes foundational courses in legal aspects of management, research methodology, and leading innovation and change. All students must also complete a qualifying examination, after which they tackle a research-focused dissertation in organizational leadership.

• Example Major-Specific Courses: Legal aspects of management, research methodology

Though distance learning is widely appealing, not all students thrive in online learning environments. To determine whether you should pursue your doctorate online, ask yourself the following:

• What are your other obligations? If you are a parent or if you plan to keep a full-time job while enrolled, asynchronous online learning might provide a good fit. Asynchronous course delivery eliminates scheduled class sessions, allowing you to complete assignments on your schedule so you can better manage your commitments.
• What’s your budget? Online learning is often more affordable than on-campus learning. Distance learners generally avoid campus-related costs like housing and transportation. Moreover, some public universities—which typically charge higher rates to out-of-state learners —allow online students to pay in-state or otherwise discounted tuition rates , regardless of their state residency status.
• What’s your learning style? While online learning offers flexibility and affordability, it is not for everyone. Distance learners need a great deal of discipline, organization and time management skills. If you need additional structure to do your best, you might prefer a synchronous, hybrid or on-campus program.

There are two important types of college accreditation : institutional and programmatic.

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) and Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) oversee the third-party agencies that handle the institutional accreditation process. Accrediting agencies evaluate schools for the quality of their academics, finances and faculty, among other areas. You must be enrolled at an institutionally accredited college to qualify for federal student aid.

To check a school’s accreditation status, you can look at its website or visit the database on CHEA’s website .

Programmatic accreditation provides a similar vetting service, but for specific degree programs and departments. The importance of programmatic accreditation varies by field, but it is fairly relevant in business.

For management programs, you should keep an eye out for accreditation from one of three organizations:

• The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
• The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
• The International Accreditation Council for Business Education

AACSB is not recognized by the ED or CHEA, but it is still widely respected in the business field and among the best-known business degree accreditors.

Consider Your Future Goals

An online Ph.D. in management can lead to high-level positions in academia or research. You may also be able to find work as an economist or a consultant.

In general, advanced business these positions involve analysis, research and scholarship. If you want to work as a C-level executive or entrepreneur, you might be better off getting an M.B.A. degree in your preferred business subfield. M.B.A. programs focus more on applied, practical business skills as opposed to theory.

If you know you want to work in research or academia, you should choose a Ph.D. in management that requires a dissertation. A dissertation will give you a chance to try out research and scholarship and perhaps even contribute to the field by publishing your findings in a journal. This work can help you land a job as a professor or researcher once you graduate.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Per-credit tuition rates for the 10 qualifying Ph.D. programs in our guide range from $450 to $1,575. Over the course of a typical 60-credit Ph.D. program, this translates to between $27,000 and $94,500 in total tuition. That’s no small investment.

To defray the cost of your graduate education, you should first fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The FAFSA is the gateway to federal student aid opportunities like loans, grants and scholarships. Universities and other aid providers may also use FAFSA data to determine their awards. Additionally, you can pursue financial aid through private lenders and third-party organizations.

What does a Ph.D. in management do?

A Ph.D. in management prepares graduates for careers in research, scholarship and academia. To that end, most management Ph.D. programs include a course in research methods and require students to complete a dissertation before they graduate.

How long is a Ph.D. in management?

Our top-ranked Ph.D. in management programs take between three and five years to finish, but completion times vary depending on program requirements and student enrollment status.

Which Ph.D. is best after an M.B.A.?

The best Ph.D. for an M.B.A. holder depends on their individual goals and circumstances. A Ph.D. in management generally builds on the managerial and business skills gained through an M.B.A. program.

Is a Ph.D. in management worth it?

The value of a Ph.D. in management depends on your career goals. This degree is a good fit for students who want to become business professors , researchers and consultants. If you want to become an executive or entrepreneur, an M.B.A. program is likely a better fit.

Mikeie Reiland is a writer who has written features for Oxford American, Bitter Southerner, Gravy, and SB Nation, among other publications. He received a James Beard nomination for a feature he wrote in 2023.

10 Best Online PhD Programs in Management Information Systems

Find your degree.

In this ranking, we will be exploring the top online PhD programs in management information systems. Management Information Systems, commonly referred to as just MIS, is a field that is focused on bringing information technology and organizational processes together to help businesses and other organizations function. This type of degree program is where computer science meets business, and it can prepare you for a broad range of careers.

The main focus of this type of degree is to help organizations function more efficiently through the use of information systems. Instead of being primarily applied like a computer science degree would be, these programs have a curriculum that is designed to provide you with practical skills as well as a depth of theoretical knowledge. One of the best parts about this type of degree is that they have such a broad application. Many different organizations and different types of businesses rely on the expertise of MIS professionals to function. Someone with an MIS degree could work in business, healthcare, academia, and more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in this field are projected to grow as much as 12% over the next decade, which is a rate faster than the national average.

Management Information Systems Ph.D. Programs

At the Ph.D. level, degree programs in Management Information Systems are going to delve even deeper into technology, data management, operating systems, infrastructure, and more. However, PhD programs tend to be more highly specialized; they are more focused on either the career you’re working towards or the courses you’d like to go on to teach yourself.

MIS is a very broad field that encompasses elements of computer science, information technology , database management, and more. Due to that, there are more Ph.D. programs that fall into the field of Management Information Systems than there are PhDs in Management Information Systems themselves.

The topics that you’ll study at such an advanced level of MIS include innovation, management, decision processes, business database management, machine learning, network security, and more. There are plenty of doctoral degree programs that will cover this information, such as a PhD in Information Technology, Technology Management, Systems Engineering, and Information Systems . We’ve chosen to include all of those different types of programs here, as they all fall under the vast umbrella of Management Information Systems.

Earning a PhD in Management Information Systems Online

Online doctoral programs don’t take as much time as a traditional program. You will not be required to relocate at all, which means that you won’t have to worry about the costs of moving, you won’t have to give up your job, and you won’t have to follow a strict on-campus class schedule. Instead, you can earn your PhD or doctorate from the comfort of your own home as long as you have access to the internet. Many of your courses will be presented asynchronously, which means that you can get online any time of day to work on your classes.

There are some programs that have synchronous elements and that require you to attend campus at times, but even these parts of the program are designed to fit into the lives of working adults. Additionally, online PhD programs can be more affordable. There may be fewer fees or material costs, and online students are often eligible for the same tuition rate as in-state students.

When it comes to online Management Information Systems PhDs, there are not many programs that are traditional MIS programs available. With that said, there are plenty of degrees that fit into the field of management information systems. All of the PhD programs here will help you secure the management information systems career that you want, they will build on the knowledge you have from your previous degrees and work experience, and they will offer you a challenging and flexible curriculum you can take anywhere. All of the degrees featured in this ranking were selected according to the following methodology.

Methodology

In order to create our ranking of the top ten best online Ph.D. programs in Management Information Systems, we started by creating a list of schools that met our qualifying criteria. In order to be considered, each school must be based in the United States, hold proper accreditation, and offer at least one online or hybrid program in management information systems or a related area of study. No for-profit schools were considered for this ranking.

Once we had gathered a list of schools, they were then scored out of a possible 300 points based on these three factors.

• Freshman Retention Rate (⅓ final score)
• Graduation Rate (⅓ final score)
• Affordability (⅓ final score)

After each school was assigned a score, they were ranked in ascending order based on that score. The top ten are featured here.

All of the information used to rank the schools and discuss the programs was taken from the schools’ individual websites whenever possible. Additional information was also collected from reputable sources such as the National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. News & World Report , and CollegeData.com.

We’d also like to note that we are confident that this is a transparent, thorough, and repeatable methodology. No school is ever awarded preferential treatment of any kind, for any reason, from OnlineCollegePlan. We are committed to providing students with an honest and informative resource where they can learn about the online degree programs available to them.

If you’re not quite ready to pursue a Ph.D., you may be interested in checking out an online master’s in management information systems .

Ph.D. in Systems Engineering

Another great feature of this program is that you have the option to take your courses in a synchronous or asynchronous format or even a blend of the two. You will have the opportunity to interact online while lectures are delivered on-campus, or you can watch recorded versions later at your convenience. You may have to attend the campus one time in order to graduate, and that is for the defense of your dissertation.

This degree program will cover a range of topics like engineering systems dynamics, information technology, and project management, risk analysis, and more. You will take classes like Cost Optimization, Human Systems Integration, and Cybersecurity Awareness. Regardless of the industry, you can tailor this program to meet your needs so that you will graduate from this program prepared to solve the complex problems you may face and to drive innovation in your company.

Ph.D. in Industrial & Systems Engineering

This online MIS degree program is for those of you who want to work as industrial engineers. In this career path, you would be responsible for designing, installing, and maintaining complex systems that keep businesses running. You could apply what you learn in this program to a career in manufacturing, healthcare, finance, entertainment, or virtually any other industry.

Students that live outside of Tennessee are eligible to pay a reduced tuition rate that is only slightly higher than what residents are expected to pay. There are no on-campus requirements. If you choose to add the Engineering Management concentration, you will still be able to complete your entire degree online. Students may need to attend the campus in person in order to defend their dissertation.

Ph.D. in Systems & Engineering Management

Apart from the summer sessions, the rest of the requirements for the program can be completed entirely online. Courses you will need to take on campus are Research Methods in Science and Technology, Systems Management Global Environment, Advanced Theoretical Studies in Systems Management, and a Seminar in Systems Management. The remaining classes and all sufficient electives are available online.

Online, you will study a range of topics, including operations research, decision theory, management science, productivity and performance improvement, and more. Despite not being a management information systems program in name, this curriculum is designed to cover the same key concepts that you’ll need to excel in any MIS career.

The school asserts that most of the program courses are offered online and that all of the required research seminars can be attended virtually. Students of this program will select two focus areas for their degree as well as complete a ‘research core.’ Additional components of the program include the Qualifying Exam, the Area Exam, and the Dissertation Defense. Throughout the program, you will also be encouraged to attend national conferences. The school will financially support your attendance.

You will have the opportunity to take a variety of courses that will directly impact your future career. You will work with an advisor to tailor the program to your specific needs. Some examples of courses that you might encounter in this Management Information Systems PhD include Systems Architecture, Global Operations Strategy, Complex Decision Making, and Requirements Engineering.

Ph.D. in Industrial and Systems Engineering

The only two courses that are listed as requirements are Engineering Statistics II and Systems Simulation I. Aside from that, the majority of your courses will relate to industrial engineering; then you will also take some focus area courses, electives, and do plenty of research. In order to earn your degree, you will be required to complete several exams and a dissertation.

Some of the common areas of study that students choose in this program are management systems engineering, human factors and ergonomics, and operations research. Regardless of your area of study, there are no courses that are part of this program that would require a visit to campus. You can complete this degree entirely online.

Ph.D. in Technology Management

The curriculum consists of several different components. These include a general technology core, a research core, a technical specialization, an internship, and finally, a dissertation. This is a very rigorous program, but you’ll be pleased to know that there are no on-campus requirements outlined on the program website. The concentrations offered in this program include Construction Management, Digital Communications, Human Resource Development and Training, Manufacturing Systems, and Quality Systems.

In addition to choosing a concentration to specialize in, you will also have the opportunity to choose the classes that will advance your career or help you reach your goals. For instance, you can choose to take classes in e-commerce or internet security in order to fulfill your general technology requirements. This is a truly unique opportunity to earn a management information systems PhD online.

There are two phases to this online PhD program. The first is what’s called the classroom phase, in which you will complete all of your required coursework. This program is presented in an entirely synchronous format. Classes are held on Saturdays at 9:00 am and 1:00 pm. Each class lasts for three hours. Distance students are expected to attend each class meeting through the online portal. In the event that you miss a class, they will be available online for later viewing.

The second phase is called the research phase. This component of the program is when you will independently complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of research. There are three milestones used to measure your progress in this phase; these milestones are successfully passing a qualifying oral exam, getting an original article published in an approved journal, and successfully defending your dissertation.

Doctor of Business Administration with a Specialization in Information Systems

Flexibility is another thing that sets Liberty University apart. There are six different start dates that you can choose from throughout the academic year, and the university also has a generous transfer policy. You could bring as many as 15 credits with you to apply towards your degree. All of your classes are available 100% online and asynchronously, and each class is presented in a condensed format that lasts for only eight weeks. This helps you in two ways: you can focus on one class at a time, and you may be able to complete your degree faster.

You will take business core classes that will cover human resources, professional management, marketing, economics, and all of the other important concepts that are fundamental to business. But, the specialization in Information Systems will have you taking additional courses like Enterprise Models, IT Infrastructure, Systems Analysis Modeling and Design, and Human-Computer Interaction and Emerging Technology.

Ph.D. in Information Systems

An additional note about the requirements of this program is that those students who have already earned their Master of Science in Information Systems could have as many as 27 credits waived. All of the classes you’ll need to take can be taken online. This program doesn’t require any visits to campus for you to complete your coursework.

The average student, which is someone that enrolls having already earned their master’s degree and studies full-time, can graduate in as little as three years. If you have yet to earn your master’s degree, have a masters in an unrelated field, or choose to pursue your studies at a part-time pace, then it will likely take you more than three years to finish. This program, for all students, will culminate in a dissertation.

Ph.D. in Information Technology

Each student in this program is required to select a specialty area to focus their studies in. Options that are offered by the university are Information Technology, Systems Security (Cybersecurity), and Digital Forensics. If none of those suit your needs, though, you can also propose a unique specialty area as long as it is related to the core program. These individual concentrations are subject to approval by the program director.

In addition to the 24 credits you earn from your specialty area, you will also complete 18 hours of core courses. Some of the classes you may take are Data Science and Big Data Analytics, Information Governance, and Enterprise Risk Management, among others. The remaining credits will come from the professional research component. This includes research and statistics courses, a seminar, and the completion of your dissertation.

How Much Does an Online PhD Cost?

The most recent report on the average cost of research-based doctoral programs is from the 2011-2012 school year; at that time, the National Center for Education Statistics reported that average cost to be $36,000. That number is representative of all programs though, not just online. Online degrees sometimes have lower costs, but some schools may subject online students to out-of-state tuition rates, which are higher.

Another point when it comes to determining the cost of an online doctoral program is that some programs offer funding packages for students. We are not currently aware of any online PhD programs that do, but these packages can cover everything from tuition to general living expenses. The best way to figure out exactly what you’ll pay to earn your PhD online is to use the calculator on your selected school’s website.

To reduce your costs as much as possible, make sure that you have filled out your FAFSA , explored scholarship opportunities , and talked with the financial aid department at the school you chose.

How Much Does a Doctorate Degree Make?

Someone who has earned a PhD in a STEM field can expect to earn even more. If you’ve earned your PhD in Management Information Systems, many of the careers you could pursue have very impressive salaries. The average annual salary of an Information Systems Manager is $91,587; for an Information Technology Manager, $97,461 and; for an Information Technology Director, $130,421.

Your level of work experience, area of expertise, and geographical location all play a role in determining what your salary will be; however, a PhD or doctorate degree is associated with higher salaries than any other levels of education regardless of the field.

Is There a PhD in Information Technology?

PhD in Information Technology programs are offered both on-campus as traditional programs, and online as distance-learning programs. Each school will have something different to offer, whether that is a specific area of concentration, certain classes, or even a particular program structure. But, they will all cover a similar range of topics.

Some things you can expect to study as part of an Information Technology PhD program are technological assessment, technological innovation, digital communications, information systems, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, and process optimization, along with so much more. A PhD in Information Technology is likely to consist of some core courses in IT, any specialization or concentration requirements, research courses, and then independent research. PhD programs also require you to complete a dissertation.

How Long Does it Take to Get a PhD in Information Technology?

Online degree programs have been steadily innovating since their inception in the early ’90s. Now, there are plenty of options for those students that want to earn their degrees at a fast pace. Accelerated bachelors and masters programs are designed to help qualified students breeze through their programs. Of course, this will still take a lot of hard work. Accelerated programs go by faster, which means you need to be prepared to study a lot so as not to fall behind.

The fastest you could earn such a degree could be as little as five or six years.

How Long Does a PhD take after Masters?

Like we said above, the traditional doctorate program takes between four and seven years. In that timeframe, students will have a set amount of courses that they must complete, and that is followed by a period of research to complete a dissertation. Online PhD programs are changing the landscape of doctoral education, though. Some online doctoral programs can be completed at a faster pace than a traditional program.

Typical programs will take you three years to complete if you have already earned your master’s degree in a related field. If you choose a school that has a generous transfer policy, or if you are able to participate in an accelerated online PhD program, you might be able to finish your PhD in just two years.

Would You Like More Information?

Related Articles:

Best 30 Online MBA – Management Degree Programs

30 Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology

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Best Online Doctorates in Management Information Systems: Top PhD Programs, Career Paths, and Salary

The best online PhDs in Management Information Systems train students to become researchers at the cutting edge of information technology (IT). The field of management information systems studies how new technologies are used by businesses and governments, and this field is constantly changing as new technologies are created.

An online management information systems PhD program helps IT professionals prepare for research positions, either at universities or at large corporations that develop their own IT systems. This article provides an overview of the top schools that offer online PhDs in Management Information Systems and covers the best management information system jobs.

Find your bootcamp match

Can you get a phd in management information systems online.

Yes, you can get a PhD in Management Information Systems online. This degree is designed for students who want to complete a doctoral degree while still working either part-time or full-time. An online PhD program makes it possible for students to attend online classes and meet graduation requirements from home.

Remember, a PhD degree is different from a doctorate degree . A PhD degree includes a dissertation and prepares graduates to become researchers, while a doctorate degree is designed to prepare graduates for non-academic careers.

Is an Online PhD Respected?

Yes, an online PhD is respected. Online learning is much more common today than it was in the past, and employers know that legitimate online degrees are as good as in-person degrees. However, prospective students need to be careful of degree scams. The best way to do this is to make sure that the program is offered by an accredited school.

What Is the Best Online PhD Program in Management Information Systems?

The best online PhD in Management Information Systems is Dakota State University’s PhD in Information Systems. The program has optional foundational courses for students who don’t have a background in management information systems, 60 required credits in core courses, and 12 mandatory credits in writing a dissertation.

Why Dakota State University Has the Best Online PhD Program in Management Information Systems

Dakota State University has the best online PhD program because it is affordable and can be completed by students who don’t have a master’s degree. Tuition is only $470.45 per credit for residents or $580.60 per credit for non-residents, while other programs charge two or even three times as much.

This is one of the few programs that allows students to enroll even if they don’t have a master’s degree . The minimum education requirement is a bachelor’s degree, and it doesn’t have to be in management information systems. Getting to skip the master’s degree means you don’t need to pay for yet another degree, helping you avoid student debt.

Best Online Master’s Degrees

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Online PhD in Management Information Systems Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for an online PhD in Management Information Systems are a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0, GRE or GMAT scores, and some previous education or experience in IT. Most schools also require a resume or CV, a statement of purpose, one or more recommendation letters, and any official transcripts from previous degrees.

International students who are not native English speakers or who have not earned a previous undergraduate or graduate degree from an English-speaking institution will have to show proof of English language proficiency. Exams like the TOEFL or IELTS fulfill this requirement.

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Official GMAT or GRE test scores
• Prior education or experience in IT
• Official transcripts
• Resume or CV
• Statement of purpose
• Letters of recommendation

Best Online PhDs in Management Information Systems: Top Degree Program Details

Best Online PhDs in Management Information Systems: Top University Programs to Get a PhD in Management Information Systems Online

The top PhD in Management Information Systems programs are offered by universities including Bowling Green State University, Dakota State Universisty, and Indiana State University. These university programs and more of the best online PhDs in Management Information Systems are described in detail below.

Bowling Green State University (BGSU) is a public research university with humble beginnings that date back to 1910. The university offers over 200 nationally recognized programs to 15,218 undergraduate and 3,107 graduate students. 

PhD in Technology Management

In this program, students take 66 credit hours spread over general technology, research skills, technical specialization, and professional studies courses. For their technical specialization, students can choose from digital communications, construction management, human resource development and training, quality systems, and manufacturing systems.

Students are required to take nine credit hours in professional studies. Students can fulfill this requirement through independent study, elective courses, or an internship. This is a flexible requirement that each student will define with their supervising instructor and it is designed to give students the chance to develop skills for their specific career path.

PhD in Technology Management Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Program Length: 3-4 years
• Acceptance Rate: N/A
• Tuition: $484.20/credit hour (resident); $495.20/credit hour (non-resident)

PhD in Technology Management Admission Requirements

• Master’s degree in a relevant field from an accredited university
• Minimum GPA of 3.5
• GRE or GMAT scores (no minimum score)
• Career goal statement essay
• 5 letters of recommendation
• CV with 6,000 hours or 3 years professional technology management experience
• Letters of verification from previous employers

The Perdeceo Education Corporation founded Colorado Technical University (CTU) as a private, for-profit university in 1965. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs, both online and in person. Although the school has its main campus in Colorado Springs, about 92 percent of its students are enrolled in fully-online programs . CTU has no affiliation with the state of Colorado.

Doctor of Computer Science - Cybersecurity and Information Assurance

This 100-credit graduate program teaches students how to vigilantly monitor systems and networks to stay ahead of cyber criminals. Students will learn corporate information security, digital systems security, and enterprise security architecture. The program also includes credits in dissertation development.

Doctor of Computer Science - Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Overview

• Program Length: 3 years
• Tuition and Fees: $598/credit

Doctor of Computer Science - Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Minimum GPA of 2.0
• Proof of English proficiency
• Entrance essay
• Doctoral interview

This public university was established as a teacher’s training school in 1881. Today, Dakota State University (DSU) offers undergraduate and graduate programs with student services to ensure success in students’ academic journeys and careers. In 2015, the National Security Agency selected DSU as an education partner to allow agency employees to work towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Operations. 

PhD in Information Systems

This 72-credit-hour program requires students to write a cutting-edge dissertation worth 12 credit hours and take 60 credit hours of graduate-level courses. This program has a multidisciplinary approach that emphasizes the application of information systems to organization and management systems. 

PhD in Information Systems Overview

• Program Length: 3-7 years
• Tuition: $470.45/credit hour (resident); $580.60/credit (non-resident)

PhD in Information Systems Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Essential knowledge of business fundamentals and information systems through work experience or undergraduate or graduate courses
• Completion of foundational courses if prior degrees not related to information systems 

George Washington University (GW) is a private research university that was founded in 1821 by the US Congress. It offers degree programs in 71 disciplines and has over 26,000 students enrolled. GW has an active alumni association with more than 310,000 alumni, where students can find mentorship and networking opportunities.

PhD in Systems Engineering

The program teaches students how to manage risk exposure, develop models and techniques for analyzing systems, and design large-scale systems. Students will work directly with a faculty advisor to write and publish their dissertation. The program is also known for its robust integrated research, teaching, and public service approach.

PhD in Systems Engineering Overview

• Accreditation: Middle State Commission on Higher Education
• Tuition and Fees: $1,570/credit

PhD in Systems Engineering Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in related field
• GRE with scores about 50th percentile in each section (optional through fall 2023)
• Submit required transcripts
• 3 letters of recommendation from supervisors familiar with your research experience and academic potential

Established in 1865, Indiana State University is a public university with over 100 undergraduate majors and 75 graduate and professional programs. All incoming freshmen who apply for federal financial aid are automatically considered for a Sycamore Technology Award to receive a free new laptop for their studies.

This 66-credit-hour program prepares students for leadership positions in both the public and the private sectors. Students will choose a specialization from construction management, digital communication systems, human resource development and industrial training, manufacturing systems, and quality systems. The program is only open to students who live in the US or Canada.

• Program Length: 4.5 years
• Tuition: $432/credit hour (in state); $562 (out of state)
• GRE or GMAT scores
• A current CV
• 5 letters of recommendation from supervisors who can speak to the candidate’s academic potential
• Career goals statement
• At least 6,000 hours or 3 years of work experience in technology management with letter(s) of verification from employer

Jerry Falwell Senior and Elmer Towns founded Liberty University as a private evangelical university in 1971. The school offers various programs across its 15 colleges to over 100,000 students on campus and online. The university requires students to follow an honor code based on the Christian faith.

Doctor of Business Administration in Information Technology and Systems

This program prepares students for a career in business through academic research and practical training. This 60-credit-hour degree covers strategic supply chain management and enterprise model courses, and students will learn how to use information systems to solve large-scale business problems. This degree does not have a dissertation requirement.

Doctor of Business Administration in Information Technology and Systems Overview

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Tuition and Fees: $565/hour (full-time students); $615/hour (part-time students)

Doctor of Business Administration in Information Technology and Systems Admission Requirements

• Master’s degree in business or related field
• Official college transcripts
• Proof of English proficiency (for non-native English speakers)

Donald Hecht founded Northcentral University (NCU) as a private, for-profit university in 1996, but in 2018 the National University System acquired NCU and converted it to a non-profit school. NCU has six schools from which it offers online undergraduate and graduate programs. All programs have weekly start dates, so students can enroll whenever they are ready.

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PhD in Technology Management, Information Systems Specialization

The program prepares students for leadership roles in information systems. The course will require the completion of 60 credit hours on a wide range of topics in information systems. Upon graduation, students will have an in-depth understanding of the management of technology and be able to start one of the top careers in information technology .

PhD in Technology Management, Information Systems Specialization Overview

• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
• Program Length: 4-5 years
• Tuition: $1,111/credit

PhD in Technology Management, Information Systems Specialization Admission Requirements

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution
• Proof of English proficiency for international students
• Technical requirements to join an online program, including internet access, email, and the ability to download attachments

Purdue University is a public, land-grant research university. It was established in 1869 and named after the Lafayette businessman, John Purdue. Purdue University offers online associate degrees , bachelor’s degrees, and graduate degrees in 15 different disciplines.

Doctor of Technology

The Doctor of Technology degree at Purdue is a 90-credit-hour program that will teach students strategic leadership and research skills to excel in roles like chief technology officer and technical architect. After students complete their first full semester, an advisory committee will work with them to establish their study plan and dissertation topic.

Doctor of Technology Overview

• Tuition and Fees: $1,050/credit (resident); $1,250/credit (non-resident)

Doctor of Technology Admission Requirements

• Master’s degree from an accredited university
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts from all institutions

University of the Cumberlands was founded by Baptist ministers in 1888 as Cumberland College and today is still a faith-based school. It has more than 19,000 students in online and in-person undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The average class size at the University of the Cumberlands is only 27 students.

PhD in Information Technology

In this PhD program, students will complete 18 credit hours in core information technology courses, 21 credit hours of professional research working on their dissertations, and 21 credit hours in a specialty of their choosing. The available specializations are information systems security, information technology, digital forensics, and blockchain.

PhD in Information Technology Overview

• Program Length: 5 years
• Tuition and Fees: $500/credit hour

PhD in Information Technology Admission Requirements

• Master’s degree in a related field
• TOEFL or IELTS scores to prove English language proficiency for non-native English speakers

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is a private research university. Founded in 1885, it was one of the first engineering and technology universities in the US. WPI has 18 academic departments and offers over 70 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. All courses at WPI use project-based learning to give students a hands-on educational experience.

PhD in Systems Engineering Online

The 60-credit-hour degree instructs students in systems engineering through 30 credits of advanced courses and 30 credits of research. This program requires a qualifying exam before students complete more than 18 credits and a public dissertation defense after the final PhD dissertation certification.

PhD in Systems Engineering Online Overview

• Accreditation: New England Commission on Higher Learning
• Program Length: 5-10 years
• Acceptance Rate: 0-2 candidates per review period
• Tuition and Fees: $1,610/credit

PhD in Systems Engineering Online Admission Requirements

• Master of Science in Systems Engineering
• Statement of purpose and statement of research purpose

Online Management Information Systems PhD Graduation Rates: How Hard Is It to Complete an Online PhD Program in Management Information Systems?

It can be difficult to complete an online PhD in Management Information Systems. A 2017 study estimates that up to 70 percent of online doctoral students don’t finish their program compared to 50 percent of in-person doctoral students.

When PhD students feel more connected to their academic advisor and fellow graduate students, they are more likely to graduate. However, these relationships can be difficult to cultivate online.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Management Information Systems Online?

It takes about five to seven years to get a PhD in Management Information Systems online. To complete the degree, you need to take 30 to 50 credits of advanced coursework and complete and defend a dissertation. Your own particular situation will affect how long it takes you to complete these requirements and graduate.

If you can enroll in online classes and commit to your dissertation full-time, you may be able to complete the program in three to five years. If you are only able to work on your doctoral degree part-time, or if you need to take a break for professional or personal reasons, it may take up to 10 years.

How Hard Is an Online Doctorate in Management Information Systems?

An online doctorate in management information systems is hard but manageable. The coursework will be enjoyable if you have a high aptitude for mathematics and technology, but it will require a lot of time to study and master. If you have previous experience with programming languages from your bachelor’s or master’s degree, the curriculum will be easier for you.

Since this program is online, the flexible schedule will provide you with enough time to learn at your own pace and repeat sections of courses that you have trouble with. However, not being able to go to campus and meet with your advisor in person can make the experience isolating. Many online graduate students struggle to find the motivation to finish these difficult degrees.

Best PhD Programs

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What Courses Are in an Online Management Information Systems PhD Program?

The courses in an online management information systems PhD include information systems design and management, advanced topics in information security, and advanced database management systems. These programs also cover research methods, dissertation credits, and research seminars.

Main Areas of Study in a Management Information Systems PhD Program

• IT systems design and management
• Information security
• Database management
• Research methods

How Much Does Getting an Online Management Information Systems PhD Cost?

The average tuition cost for a graduate program is $19,314 per year , according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). This figure will vary depending on the school you attend and whether you decide to enroll as a full-time or part-time student. The tuition cost may also vary in state and out of state.

NCES also reports that the average cost at a public institution is only $12,171 per year for in-state tuition, while private institutions charge an average of $25,929 per year. With such a wide range of costs, it’s important to research several programs before deciding on one.

How to Pay for an Online PhD Program in Management Information Systems

You can pay for an online PhD in Management Information Systems by choosing a fully or partially-funded program and applying for federal financial aid, graduate student scholarships , or private loans. Doctoral students should exhaust all available scholarship or grant options before considering private loans.

How to Get an Online PhD for Free

There are no free online PhDs. However, students can consider the least expensive online PhD programs and choose the most affordable ones. Some schools offer fully funded options which means that doctoral students can access various aid options such as grants, scholarships, residencies, and academic jobs.

What Is the Most Affordable Online PhD in Management Information Systems Degree Program?

The most affordable online PhD in Management Information Systems degree program is the PhD in Technology Management from Indiana State University. This program costs $432 per credit hour for residents, making it much more affordable than a program like George Washington University’s systems engineering PhD, which costs $1,570 per credit.

Most Affordable Online PhD Programs in Management Information Systems: In Brief

Why You Should Get an Online PhD in Management Information Systems

You should get an online PhD in Management Information Systems because it will increase your chances of securing upper management-level roles or academic research positions. This career progression will also mean higher salaries and better benefits packages that come with high-level jobs.

Top Reasons for Getting a PhD in Management Information Systems

• Learn how to create knowledge. A good PhD pushes you from being a passive consumer of knowledge to creating new knowledge through research. You’ll also develop problem-solving skills that you can innovatively apply in your career.
• Become an expert. Obtaining a PhD will help you develop highly specialized skills in the field of management information systems. You’ll be able to provide advice and guidance due to your level of expertise.
• Gain an edge in the job market. An advanced degree will always give you a competitive advantage when it comes to job opportunities. It increases your credibility and proves your expertise in the management information systems field.
• Become a scholar. This study program will allow you to contribute to the debate about up-and-coming topics at academic conferences. The in-depth research you do during your dissertation will also prepare you to author peer-reviewed articles that could be featured in leading journals.

Best Master’s Degree Programs

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What Is the Difference Between an On-Campus Management Information Systems PhD and an Online PhD in Management Information Systems?

The difference between an on-campus and an online PhD in Management Information Systems is the learning method. Although both degrees are respected and credible, potential doctoral students should consider the critical differences outlined below before choosing a program format.

Online PhD vs On-Campus PhD: Key Differences

• Learning process. An online PhD has a more flexible learning approach. Students will attend online classes, access their learning materials online, and study on their own schedule. An on-campus PhD will require students to be physically present on the campus where they’ll take their classes, which can take more time overall.
• Level of interaction. Online students can interact more frequently with faculty and peers, though only through online methods. It may be easier to attend office hours and communicate with classmates in an on-campus program. 
• Cost. The cost of an online degree program is often lower than an on-campus program. Students will not have to pay some miscellaneous fees that only apply to on-campus students.
• Digital literacy. Unlike traditional learning, getting a degree online will require doctoral students to be extremely digitally literate. Students will learn to be comfortable in online learning management systems and troubleshooting fundamental technical difficulties.

How to Get a PhD in Management Information Systems Online: A Step-by-Step Guide

To get a PhD in Management Information Systems online, you need to complete a program from start to finish. The section below will guide you through the steps to getting your management information systems PhD online.

The first step to earning your doctoral degree is applying to one or more schools school offering an online PhD in Management Information Systems. This process will include filling out the application form, paying the application fee, and providing relevant documents like letters of recommendation or a master’s degree in a related field.

After you are accepted to one or more programs, you need to decide on a program and enroll before the official deadline. At this stage, you might also be asked to choose an academic advisor and pick a specialization.

The next step is to pick your courses with the help of your academic advisor and start going to class. The program will have specific requirements for which types of classes to take. During this primary stage, you will gain in-depth expertise on the subject matter and begin formulating potential ideas for your research.

Before you continue on to the final phase of the PhD, your advising committee will require you to show a comprehensive understanding of the material by passing a comprehensive exam or a qualifying exam. This examination may be written, oral, or both. The faculty will use your performance in this examination to determine your readiness for the dissertation process.

A dissertation requires years of intensive research. You’ll gather evidence and write a multi-chapter dissertation that will transform you from a student into a scholar. You will need to submit a proposal for your academic advisor to approve. Next, you can begin your independent research and writing.

After completing your dissertation, your faculty advisors have to approve it. The approval stage will also involve a final defense where you will present your work and give detailed answers to questions concerning your research, analysis, and conclusion. The program may also require you to meet specific professional standards. You will earn your PhD after the approvals.

Online PhD in Management Information Systems Salary and Job Outlook

When it comes to career outlook and earning potential, an online PhD in Management Information Systems gives you access to opportunities in diverse career fields. With your new skills and knowledge, you will be able to bypass junior-level roles and jump into higher-level positions in the career fields discussed below.

What Can You Do With an Online Doctorate in Management Information Systems?

With an online Doctorate in Management Information Systems, you can become a network engineer , computer network architect, or information research scientist. You can also pursue an academic career where you will teach graduate and undergraduate students in the computer science department of a college or university.

Best Jobs with a PhD in Management Information Systems

• Computer and Information Research Scientist
• Computer Hardware Engineer
• Computer Network Architect
• Computer Programmer
• Computer System Analyst

Potential Careers With a Management Information Systems Degree

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What Is the Average Salary for an Online PhD Holder in Management Information Systems?

According to PayScale, the average salary for a PhD in Management Information Systems is $129,000 per year. However, you might earn more or less depending on your job title, location, and years of experience. As you gain more years of experience, your salary will increase as you progress in your career.

Highest-Paying Management Information Systems Jobs for PhD Grads

Best Management Information Systems Jobs for Online PhD Holders

The best management information systems jobs for online PhD holders involve coordinating and directing computer-related activities for businesses and organizations. The best jobs for this degree also include information security management roles where you will protect networks and information systems of large organizations.

Computer and information research scientists are responsible for designing innovative uses for new technologies. They explore computing problems and develop theories to address those problems. They also develop new computing languages, software systems, and tools to improve how people work with computers.

• Salary with a Management Information Systems PhD: $131,490
• Job Outlook: 22% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 33,000
• Highest-Paying States: Oregon, Arizona, Texas, Massachusetts, Washington

Computer hardware engineers work with software developers to ensure that computer hardware components function seamlessly with the latest software. They conduct research and design and oversee the manufacturing process for new computer hardware. They are also responsible for Internet-ready computer systems built into new cars, home appliances, and medical devices.

• Salary with a Management Information Systems PhD: $128,170
• Job Outlook: 2% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 66,200
• Highest-Paying States: California, Washington, Virginia, Oregon, Nevada

Computer network architects are also known as network engineers. They work to ensure information security when building and designing communication networks. To become a network architect , you must have extensive knowledge of an organization's business plans and work with equipment and software vendors to monitor upgrades and support the networks.

• Salary with a Management Information Systems PhD: $120,520
• Job Outlook: 5% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 165,200
• Highest-Paying States: New Jersey, Rhode Island, Deleware, Virginia, Maryland

Computer system analysts study the computer systems, procedures, and designs in an organization and work to improve them. They use various techniques such as data modeling to view processes and data flows. System analysts who monitor the installation of IT systems from start to finish may be called IT project managers.

• Salary with a Management Information Systems PhD: $99,270
• Job Outlook: 7% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 607,800
• Highest-Paying States: California, District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Washington, New Jersey

Computer programmers use some of the most popular programming languages such as C++ and Java to write, modify, test, and fix code. They work with code that allows computer software and applications to function effectively. Programmers also create new features in existing programs.

• Salary with a Management Information Systems PhD: $93,000
• Job Outlook: 10% job decline from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 185,700
• Highest-Paying States: Washington, California, Virginia, District of Columbia, Massachusetts

Is It Worth It to Do a PhD in Management Information Systems Online?

Yes, it is worth it to do a PhD in Management Information Systems online if you want to progress into leadership roles or advance your academic career in management information systems. A management information systems doctoral program offers diverse opportunities for career progression.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for computer and information systems managers will grow 11 percent through 2030. This rate is faster than the average for all occupations. Management information systems is an important and growing field that offers interesting opportunities for a fulfilling career.

Additional Reading About Management Information Systems

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Online PhD in Management Information Systems FAQ

Yes, an online PhD is recognized by employers. However, the online school offering this program must be an accredited university if you want a credible degree. If you want to earn a doctoral degree but can’t fit a traditional degree program into your tight schedule, you can earn your PhD online.

No, you can’t complete a PhD in one year. Typically, an online PhD in Management Information Systems will require about four to seven years to complete. The length of a PhD will depend on the exact program. Some schools structure their program for a more intensive degree, allowing you to graduate in only three years.

Yes, it is possible to get accepted into a PhD program with only an undergraduate degree. The conventional route is first to obtain a master’s degree, students can opt to save money and time and enroll in a PhD program without getting a master’s degree if they can demonstrate strong academic performance.

A PhD thesis or dissertation is usually between 60,000 and 80,000 words long, not including the bibliography, footnotes, and appendices. However, the size of a dissertation will depend on your specific research project.

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25 Best Online PhD in Information Systems [Doctorate Guide]

Complete your educational journey by enrolling in a PhD information systems online program. With this degree, you may qualify for top-level leadership positions in the fields of information systems, cyber security, network administration, computer and information research, or postsecondary teaching and administration.

If you’re considering a PhD in Information Systems, you may already be working in this field. Perhaps you’ve completed your masters degree, and you’re ready to advance to higher-paying jobs and leadership positions.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Achieving the educational accomplishment of a PhD may demonstrate to employers that you are highly motivated, dedicated, and capable.

Universities Offering Online Doctorate in Information Systems Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

1. Bowling Green State University

Bowling Green State University’s PhD in Technology Management program is offered via a six-school consortium program in conjunction with five other nationally accredited universities.

There are five concentration areas that prepare students to work in tech and information systems areas within construction, manufacturing, quality systems, human resources, or digital communications.

Bowling Green State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

2. Capella University

The Doctor of Information Technology program from Capella University includes courses in technology policy, consulting, cybersecurity, information assurance, and applied research methods.

There are eight core courses and four concentration-specific courses, three residencies lasting 6 weeks each, and a dissertation required for program completion. Application fees are currently being waived.

Capella also offers a masters in information systems online .

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

3. Capitol Technology University

The cybersecurity doctoral program at Capitol Technology University was the first program of its kind in the nation. Program graduates should be able to assess the impact of cybersecurity both domestically and globally, contribute to the existing research and literature in the cybersecurity field, and apply and improve cybersecurity systems.

Capitol Technology University is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middles States Association of Colleges and Schools.

4. Colorado State University

Students enrolled in Colorado State University’s PhD in Systems Engineering program will take a multidisciplinary approach to understanding and solving complex problems.

They’ll work with professional faculty with experience in a wide range of engineering and information systems fields. Students will study risk analysis, simulation modeling, and IT project management.

Colorado State  is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

5. Colorado Technical University

Colorado Technical University’s computer science doctoral program features a cybersecurity and information assurance concentration that can potentially be completed in 3 years.

Heavy focus is placed on managing enterprise systems and utilizing tools like UML, XML, and COBRA. The school also allows students to earn credit by testing on objectives.

Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

6. Dakota State University

Dakota State University’s PhD in Information Systems program can be taken by part-time or full-time students. Students can choose from three concentrations in health care, security, or analytics.

Students in the security concentration especially benefit from the school’s close relationship with government agencies and often quickly find jobs after graduation.

Dakota State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

7. George Washington University

The PhD in Systems Engineering program from George Washington University educates students on the entire process of designing and managing comprehensive systems.

It’s a broad-based program that covers many different topics, including trends and directions, systems architecture, systems engineering, methods and standards, computer tools and languages, and research methodology.

George Washington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

8. Grand Canyon University

Students in Grand Canyon University’s Doctor of Business Administration program can focus their studies on quantitative data analytics.

They’ll gain the analytic foundations needed for the business world and learn about emerging financial management issues, prescriptive modeling for business decisions, and using business analytics to gain advantages over their competitors.

Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

9. Indiana State University

Students enrolled in the technology management PhD program at Indiana State University will choose from one of five concentration areas: manufacturing systems, quality systems, human resources development, digital communications, or construction management.

Students will take a minimum of 66 credits and participate in immersive residencies as part of the program requirements.

Indiana State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

10. Liberty University

The Doctor of Business Administration in Information Systems program at Liberty University is accredited by the ACBSP and features a challenging curriculum that includes courses in enterprise models, strategic supply chain management, human-computer interaction, and emerging technologies and systems analysis, modeling, and design.

Discounts are offered to current and former military.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

11. National University

National University’s Information Systems PhD program is a comprehensive program that teaches students about computers and how they work together to accomplish a variety of tasks. The program is specifically designed for students who are already professionals in the field but want to take on leadership roles within their organizations.

National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

12. Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University’s PhD in Information Systems program is a 67 credit program that requires seven core courses, two doctoral research courses, and a final dissertation to complete.

Key components of the curriculum include information science, software engineering, information system administration, project management, information security, and information system planning.

Nova Southeastern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

13. Old Dominion University

Students interested in pursuing information systems doctoral degrees can enroll in the 60 credit PhD in Education program from Old Dominion University and select the instructional design and technology concentration. The coursework can be completed online, but there are courses that require students to log in at specific times.

Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

14. Purdue University

Purdue University’s Doctor of Technology program is comprehensive and provides students with a broad overview of all technological areas.

Students can learn about cyber forensics, cybersecurity, technology law, and several other fields. Students’ first semesters are generalized, but afterwards they create individualized plans of study that relate specifically to their interests.

Purdue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

15. Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University offers an online Doctorate in Instructional Systems Design and Technology program that prepares students to integrate technology into a wide variety of learning environments.

Graduates may create instructional technologies for schools, the military, medical organizations, colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, or private companies.

Sam Houston State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

16. St Thomas University

The Doctor of Business Administration in Cyber Security Management program from St Thomas University is specifically designed for students hoping to pursue careers as chief information security officers, but it also prepares students for a myriad of tech-related careers.

Employee behavior, digital communications, and organizational design are key components of the curriculum.

St. Thomas University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

17. Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University’s PhD in Systems and Engineering Management program is a 72 credit program that requires applicants to already have a masters degree in a closely related field. In addition to research and graduate dissertation classes, other required courses include principles of optimization, total quality systems, and systems theory.

Texas Tech University  is accredited with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

18. University of Central Missouri

The PhD in Technology Management program from the University of Central Missouri is offered as part of a six-school consortium with concentrations in five different areas.

The program consists of general technology core courses, research courses, concentration-specific courses, professional studies requirements, a residency requirement, and a final dissertation.

The  University of Central Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

19. University of Colorado – Colorado Springs

University of Colorado – Colorado Springs has a PhD in Computer Science program with a comprehensive, research-based concentration in security.

The school has been awarded the CAE and IAE designation by the NSA and the DHS. This specific program is a multidisciplinary program that combines homeland security, physical security, and cybersecurity.

UCCS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

20. University of Georgia

University of Georgia’s PhD in Business Administration program features a concentration in management information systems that is a 5 year, full-time program. It has been consistently ranked as one of the best management information systems programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, and it features courses in big data research, regression, and econometrics.

The  University of Georgia  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

21. University of North Texas

Depending on which specific concentration they take, students enrolled in the PhD in Information Systems program from the University of North Texas will take a minimum of 60 credits and must complete final dissertation projects to complete the program. Data science and cybersecurity are two of the available concentration options.

The  University of North Texas  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

22. University of Tennessee – Knoxville

University of Tennessee – Knoxville’s PhD in Industrial and Systems Engineering program includes an optional engineering management concentration.

It’s a 72 credit program (including the 36 credits potentially earned in a masters program) and includes a dissertation. GRE scores are not required for admission, and all courses can be completed online.

The University of Tennessee – Knoxville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

23. University of the Cumberlands

Students enrolled in the PhD in Information Technology program at University of the Cumberlands will learn about the strategies, tactics, and theories necessary to become leaders in the global technology management field.

The curriculum includes courses on cyber crime, information systems management, cybersecurity, analytics, smart technology, and big data.

The University of the Cumberlands  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

24. Walden University

There are two areas of concentration offered in conjunction with Walden University’s Doctor of Information Technology degree. They are information technology leadership and applied information technology.

There are multiple opportunities for financial aid and tuition assistance, and students will benefit from individual mentoring and the use of IT leadership simulations.

Walden is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

25. Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s PhD in Systems Engineering program is a 100% online program that doesn’t require any on-campus residencies.

There are required research seminars, but they’re offered in virtual classrooms that allow all students to meet, challenge, and interact with one another. Graduate certificates and masters programs are also offered.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

PhD Information Systems Programs Online

With experience, a masters, and even a bachelors degree in information systems , information security, information technology, or a related field, you may be ready to take the next step in your career.

There are various types of doctoral degrees for the field of information systems. Online information security PhD programs, for instance, can help give you the credentials you need to rise to top-level, management, and leadership jobs.

Are you strong in math and critical thinking skills? Do you have the ability to innovate and attend to details? Would you like to develop the decision-making and communication skills necessary to assume leadership positions?

With your doctorate in information systems, you may step into a job as a chief technology officer or information systems manager. You may coordinate and direct the computer-related activities for a corporation or business.

Alternatively, you might work as an information security manager, responsible for protecting the networks and systems of a large organization. A PhD may also qualify you for a career as a computer and information research scientist, designing innovative approaches for new technology.

While pursuing a doctorate in information systems, you might take courses that cover the management of computer operations, network technology, and IT infrastructure. Other courses may cover database design, data mining, and data warehousing. Still other courses focus on independent research and dissertation preparation.

Information Systems Careers & Salaries

A PhD in Management Information Systems is a good major for many students and may help qualify you for top-tier leadership positions in your field.

For example, as a manager of computer and information systems, you may plan, coordinate, and direct the activities of a team of professionals. You would also carry out the computer-related activities in a business, industrial, or governmental organization.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the following median annual salaries for professionals in the field of computer information systems. Although many of the jobs listed here require a bachelors or masters degree for entry-level positions, a PhD may qualify you for top-level positions with higher-paying salaries.

If you enroll in a PhD cyber security online program, you may become a cybersecurity expert who can lead and conduct research in information assurance for information systems, networks, and the internet.

Alternatively, you may be interested in an academic career, where you would teach undergraduate and graduate students in the computer science department of a college or university.

As a professor, you may be expected to conduct research and publish your findings along with your teaching responsibilities. With a PhD, you may also qualify for a job in postsecondary education administration, serving as a dean or department chairperson.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 11% growth rate in the next decade for computer and information technology occupations. This is well above the 4% growth projected for the broad array of career fields in the US.

Information Systems PhD Curriculum & Courses

An online Ph.D. in Information Systems degree program may include approximately 50 to 60 post-graduate credit hours past the masters degree level. These credits include coursework, research, and dissertation preparation and defense.

The exact courses that you may take will depend on your area of concentration, such as cybersecurity, bioinformatics, software development, or information technology education. The following list is a sampling of courses you might take:

• Philosophy of Science : This course is a survey of issues and questions that arise from the nature of scientific inquiry, including scientific objectivity and how knowledge is generated.
• Computer Operations Management : You’ll explore the meaning and importance of computer operations management along with identifying the strategies and processes of operations management.
• Information Systems Management : This course is an overview of business application software, including microcomputer operating systems, electronic spreadsheets, and database management.
• Database Theory and Design : This course covers advanced methods and processes for database designs, from abstract modelling to implementation.
• Data Warehousing : You’ll investigate issues in data warehouse design, implementation, and administration.
• Business Intelligence : This course is a survey of topics in the use of information systems to solve problems in business, including systems designs, analytics, data warehousing, and data mining.
• Data Mining : You’ll explore the computational paradigms and algorithms that allow computers to identify and analyze patterns in data.
• Doctoral Seminar in Information Systems : You’ll interact with faculty, students, and field-specific experts to exchange information gleaned from research as well as develop dissertation content and organization.
• Network Technology Management : This course covers the configuration and administration of a network environment, including data storage, file access, and management policies.
• IT Infrastructure and Management : This course is an overview of local and wide area network design, internet, and intranet operations and management.

These are only a few of the courses offered in information systems PhD programs. For specific requirements, you can consult the course catalogs of prospective universities.

Admissions Requirements

Once you decide on your preferred university and degree program, your next step is to apply to the program. Here’s a brief list of potential admission requirements:

• Masters degree in a related field
• Minimum GPA in your masters degree program
• Background in information technology
• Technology-related work experience
• Letters of recommendation

Some universities may require minimum scores on graduate school entrance exams. These might include the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). These entrance exams are not required by all institutions.

Accreditation

As you research universities, it’s important to check the regional accreditation status of each school. Regional accreditation verifies that a university has met established standards of academic excellence.

An institution can be accredited by one of the following regional accrediting organizations :

• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

In addition to regional accreditation, you may want to check to see if a school’s information systems degree programs are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

Financial Aid and Scholarships

To begin exploring financial aid possibilities, you can visit the Federal Student Aid website. There, you can fill out and submit your FAFSA form to see if you’re eligible for federal aid.

Financial aid is available in many forms. These include grants, loans, work-study programs, merit-based and need-based scholarships, and aid to veterans and military families.

In addition to federal student aid, you might also investigate financial aid opportunities available from your university of choice, alumni associations, your employer, or community organizations.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Information Systems Online?

Your individual circumstances will dictate how long it takes to complete a PhD in Information Systems online.

If you’re able to enroll in online classes full-time on a 16 week semester basis, you may complete the program in approximately 3 to 5 years. If you enroll as a part-time student, it may take longer.

If you attend a university that offers 8 week semesters on a year-round basis, you may be able to complete your course requirements more quickly than you would in a program based on 16 week semesters.

What Can You Do with a PhD in Information Systems?

The field of computer information systems is rapidly expanding, and above-average job growth is expected to continue at least in the next ten years.

There is no shortage of jobs for professionals holding a PhD in Computer Information Systems, a PhD in Management Information Systems, or a doctorate in information security. With a doctoral degree in information systems, you may work as a chief technology officer in business and industrial organizations.

You may also pursue a career as a network and computer systems administrator, computer network architect, or security analyst and manager. You may even choose to work in research and academia, serving as a college professor or postsecondary education administrator.

What Is the Difference Between a PhD vs. DBA in Information Systems?

A PhD is a Doctor of Philosophy degree, and it focuses on research that makes a contribution to the scholarly body of knowledge in a given field.

A PhD candidate in information systems is expected to conduct research and report findings to the academic community in the field of information systems. A DBA is a Doctor of Business Administration degree.

A candidate for the DBA in Information Systems is expected to conduct research that will contribute to the practice of information systems management in business and industry.

Is a PhD in Information Systems Worth It?

Yes, a PhD in Information Systems is worth it for many students. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information technology jobs are set to grow at 11% over the next 10 years, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Common information systems careers in this field include computer and information systems manager, computer and information research scientist, computer network architect, chief technology officer, and information security analyst.

Jobs in computer information systems abound in all sectors of the economy, including industrial and business organizations, government agencies, and educational institutions. With a PhD, you could also enter the world of research, postsecondary teaching, or leadership and management.

Getting Your PhD in Information Systems Online

If you’ve decided to continue your educational journey in the field of information systems, you might consider completing your doctoral degree online.

With high-quality learning platforms, online learners receive the same quality instruction and access the same resources that are available to on-campus students. Thanks to the flexibility of online learning, you may be able to better balance your school schedule with your current work or family responsibilities.

Now may be the time to search for a regionally accredited online doctorate in information systems program that best fits your career aspirations.

PhD In Management Information Systems

Program Overview

The PhD in Business Administration with a focus in Management Information Systems is a five-year full-time program. Consistently ranked among the best information systems PhD programs worldwide, the program is known for its cutting-edge research and support from actively publishing faculty.

The program prepares future information systems academics by providing strong foundations in a broad range of methods spanning psychometrics, econometrics, computational, design, and qualitative and by providing a strong emphasis in theory development to address important business and societal problems.

Given that information systems are ubiquitous and influence every aspect of life — individuals’ personal and work life, their transactions and interactions, organizational processes, outcomes, and interorganizational relationships, online platforms, markets, governments and society — the information systems field is broad and interdisciplinary and affords research opportunities across a diverse range of topics.

The research approach in the program is problem-focused, theory-based, and method-inclusive (i.e., all methods are welcome and no one single method is favored). Our PhD program provides you with significant individual flexibility, while at the same time ensuring you acquire the necessary conceptual and methodological skills to become a scholarly leader in our field.

Priority deadline: January 4

Applications after January 4 will also be considered until spots are filled

• C.Herman and Mary Virginia Terry Distinguished Chair of Business Administration, UGA Distinguished Research Professor and Professor , Department of Management Information Systems

Why a PhD in MIS?

There are five compelling reasons to join our program:

Research Productivity

We are among the most research-productive groups, consistently ranked in the top 10 or top 15 departments worldwide in publications in the top two IS journals ( MIS Quarterly and Information Systems Research ). Further, several of our faculty have won multiple research grants and awards for outstanding research.

Internationally Renowned Faculty

Our faculty includes a former president of the Association for Information Systems (Richard Watson), two Leo Award winners — the highest award in the field (Richard Watson and Elena Karahanna) — and three AIS Fellows (Richard Watson, Hugh Watson and Elena Karahanna).

Editorial Appointments

Our faculty includes current and former senior editors at MIS Quarterly , Information Systems Research , and the Journal of the Association for Information Systems , associate editors at MIS Quarterly , Information Systems Research , Management Science , and the Journal of the Association for Information Systems , and editorial board members of the Journal of Management Information Systems and Strategic Management Journal , among others.

Weekly Research Seminars

In these weekly seminars top scholars from around the world present and discuss their research. The PhD students have the opportunity to interact and discuss their research with these scholars in a meeting after the seminar.

Student Focus

Our culture is collaborative and supportive and one in which we view our students as junior colleagues. Students are provided extensive mentoring, support, and personal attention given our one-to-one faculty-student ratio. Evidence of the quality of mentoring is the outstanding placement of doctoral students and the plethora of journal papers co-authored with our faculty (over 100 publications in the past 10 years). Students can work with multiple faculty, not just their dissertation chair as they develop as scholars.

Typical Course Sequence

• MIST 9700 : IS Research Fundamentals
• MIST 9770 : Research Methods
• MIST 9760 : Foundational IS Theories and Emerging IS Phenomena
• MIST 9780 : Workshop & MTP
• Multivariate Statistics
• MIST 9750 : User Behavior and Technology Innovation 1
• MIST 9777 : Big Data Research Methods
• MGMT 9620 : Econometrics for Strategic Management
• GRSC 7770 : Teaching Seminar
• MIST 8990 : Directed Study
• First Year Exam (May)
• First Year Summer Paper due (beginning of Fall Semester)
• MIST 9790 : Combining Machine Learning and Econometrics
• MGMT 9610 : Introduction to SEM
• MIST 9710 : Digital Strategy and Digital Innovation 1
• MIST 9740 : Qualitative Research Methods
• Research Methods Elective
• Written & Oral Prelims
• Second Year Summer Paper due (beginning of Fall Semester)
• MIST 9000 : Doctoral Research
• Dissertation Proposal Defense
• MIST 9300 : Doctoral Dissertation 
• MIST 9300 : Doctoral Dissertation
• MIST 9300 : Doctoral Dissertation
• Dissertation Defense 2
• MIST 9750 and MIST 9710 are offered every other year. Some incoming PhD student cohorts will take MIST 9750 in their first year and MIST 9710 in their second year and others will take MIST 9750 in their second year and MIST 9710 in their first year.  ↩︎
• Dissertation defense occurs in the spring of their fifth year.  ↩︎

Our PhD graduates are placed in top research universities around the world.

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RESEARCH AT THE LEADING EDGE

Doctoral Studies in Information Systems & Management

Ph.D. Studies in Information Systems & Management

The doctoral program in Information Systems & Management at Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College prepares students with a deep understanding of the technical and organizational aspects of information systems.

At Heinz, we live and work at the critical nexus of information technology and public policy. Our Ph.D. in Information Systems & Management was created to train scholars to conduct innovative research that cuts across disciplines in order to address significant challenges in IT theory, strategy, management, and design as it relates to business and policy settings. 

Heinz College Ph.D. students enjoy close partnerships with faculty as they explore the complex and exciting interconnectedness of information systems, public policy, and management. Upon graduating, our Ph.D.s receive desirable placements at academic institutions, government agencies, and consulting firms.

KEY RESEARCH AREAS

Doctoral students take on a broad range of topics and problems, but some key areas of strength at Heinz College include:

As technology enables most content to be digitized, it is also upending business models, competition, and policy needs. From electronic health records, to streaming music and videos, to online social networks, digitization is rapidly affecting every part of the user experience, generating new jobs, and displacing old ones. Our faculty is working on a variety of projects under this broad umbrella. Some major projects are examining the role of social networks, online piracy, digital distribution, impact of mobile, the role of online education, and so on. Faculty and students use variety of methods like field experiments, analytical and structural models to study these questions.

Michael D. Smith and Rahul Telang are world recognized experts on the media industry and copyright policies who also head the IDEA research center.

Beibei Li is an expert on social media, mobile marketing, and understanding individuals’ online and offline decision making. 

Pedro Ferreira works on how people use technology in media and education, and is an expert on running randomized experiments.

Ramayya Krishnan  applies operations research tools to a variety of problems in this domain.

Our world-renowned faculty extensively works with both private firms and policy makers.  

We have multiple research centers like  IDEA ,  LARC , and  iLab  which collect large quantities of data to examine these issues.

Growth of big data has offered opportunities for development and application of novel statistical and computational methods for solving societal problems such as crime, policing, fraud detection, health care and more. To be able to use this data requires cutting edge work on developing new methods and machine learning algorithms. Heinz College has some of the top faculty who work at the intersection of machine learning and public policy.

Some key faculty members working in this space are Leman Akoglu , George Chen , Jeremy Weiss , and David Choi . Each of them is working on problems that intersect the need to use Machine Learning method to solve critical societal problems.

We also offer a joint degree in Machine Learning and Public Policy.

Data security and privacy has increasingly become a complex issue that goes beyond mere technology. Faculty at Heinz College are working on understanding users’ security and privacy decisions using economics, behavioral economics, and data analytics frameworks. This leading edge research is at the forefront of designing better tools and better regulations.

Alessandro Acquisti is an expert on economics of privacy and has done path-breaking work in this space.

Rahul Telang ’s work illustrates that firms may not do enough to protect user data, and highlights how we should design our policies.

Leman Akoglu uses large-scale data to understand our security and privacy vulnerabilities.

This group also works closely with faculty from CyLab , an interdisciplinary research center. This work is highly influential, widely cited, and extensively funded.

This group's research is motivated by information technology's important role in improving health care for patients, hospitals, and doctors. Technology is extensively used in detecting outbreaks, in providing superior quality of care at lower costs, and in prevention of medical errors.

Rema Padman studies IT adoption in hospitals and physical practices. 

Rahul Telang studies the role of electronic health records.

Martin Gaynor is a world-renowned expert on health policy and examines how technology can help improve policy outcomes.

Amelia Haviland examines the role of insurance policies and how they affect patient welfare.

As in other domains, our work on health care and IT is highly influential and has led to significant publications and extensive funding.

Ph.D. Curriculum

The pre-dissertation stage of the Ph.D. in Information Systems & Management is structured around two sets of requirements: coursework and preliminary papers.

Coursework is designed to build methodological skills, modeling competence, and substantive depth.

Preliminary papers illustrate your ability to produce effective research that exhibits your readiness to begin the dissertation.

• A three-semester   Ph.D. Seminar Series   focusing on the research process
• Two semesters of   Advanced Electives offering depth in specialized fields
• Quantitative Methods Cluster   of courses in statistics, econometrics, and machine learning
• Two semesters of coursework in   Social and Policy Sciences
• Concentration Area Requirement , combining research and courses to support your research agenda and long-term professional objectives
• Two semester-long  Technology Classes

Admission to candidacy means that all requirements of the Ph.D. program preliminary to the dissertation have been fulfilled. In addition to satisfying all coursework requirements, you must also meet the following research requirements:

• First- and second-year Research Papers meeting current Ph.D. requirements
• Dissertation focused on Information Systems topic as per judgment of Ph.D. committee

While fulfilling these requirements, you'll work closely with the faculty to develop individualized programs of study and research that meet your goals.

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That's the DSU equation. We're a four-year university with nationally recognized programs, cutting-edge facilities, and the brightest thinkers. But we're also a tight-knit, inclusive community. Small class sizes mean hands-on training and individualized attention. All this with an affordable, public school price that's among the best values in the region.

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Information Systems Doctor of Philosophy (PHDIS)

Information systems level: expert.

Master, develop, and support new IT innovations with a flexible doctoral program. Online, on-campus, part-time or full: it's your call.

This gratifying degree prepares you for a career in research, teaching, or administration. Choose from three specializations: analytics, security, or health care. 

Take courses that address the most contemporary issues in the field. Utilize prevalent technologies. Comprehend Information Systems (IS) literature and demonstrate an understanding of milestones and seminal works of leading researchers. Graduate with an intricate understanding of IS theory and practice, qualitative design, and quantitative research techniques.

Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to conduct research and produce a written dissertation focused on cutting-edge information systems.

The DSU difference

Since technology is embedded in everything we do, you'll be on the right path to becoming an ideal leader in IS. Our PhD in Information Systems program has a multi-disciplinary focus and a practical emphasis on applying IS to organizations and management systems. 

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College of Business and Information Systems

Shape the future of the IS field

The College of Business & Information systems is based in East Hall, the second oldest building on campus, but the programs of study prepare students to make an impact on the future through careers in business, information systems, data analytics, and health information and informatics, and artificial intelligence for organizations.

College of Business & Information Systems students have opportunities to participate in research projects, and learn from their fellow students’ research projects.

Extra-curricular activities give students the chance to apply their classroom knowledge in national competitions, take advantage of networking events, and to give back to their community.

Technology is at the heart of DSU's mission. As a Center of Excellence designated by the National Security Agency and The Department of Homeland Security, there’s really no better place to pursue advanced study.

We infuse our PhD curriculum with the latest advances in IS. You'll graduate as an in-demand expert in your specialization. Coursework includes theory and practice, qualitative design, and quantitative research techniques, and more.

Learn, lead, innovate

Study a broad range of topics and problems before choosing a specialization. Refine your expertise and develop unique research interests. Our graduates are poised for rewarding careers in academia, government, finance, and business. 

• University professor
• Academic researcher
• Government or corporate researcher
• IS director in business or finance

“The PhDIS program at DSU will enable me to research best practices and techniques of system design and data management, to support school counselors and advance both the school counseling and IS field.” Kalee Crandall PhDIS - '24

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the PhD degree in Information Systems, students will:

• Be able to demonstrate a broad and comprehensive understanding of core knowledge and fundamental practices in information systems
• Be able to demonstrate conceptual knowledge and ability to utilize prevalent technologies of information systems
• Be able to demonstrate a highly developed knowledge of information systems literature, particularly in their area of specialization
• Be able to demonstrate a scholarly understanding of milestones and seminal works of leading researchers in their area of specialization
• Be able to demonstrate an understanding of information systems research methods and an ability to conduct research and evaluate research results
• Be able to effectively formulate, communicate, present and defend the results of their research and any conclusions drawn from it

Management Information Systems

The PhD program in MIS is designed to produce world-class scholars in Management Information Systems. We measure our goal in the ability to place our PhD students in institutions where research, teaching, and service are encouraged and rewarded.

In line with this objective, we train our PhD students to recognize critical IS/IT research questions that may span one or more problem areas and to structure problems so that they can be effectively addressed. For this, students must master analytical and/or empirical methodologies from disciplines such as economics, operations research, and computer science. Coursework, graduate assistant appointments, and mentoring relationships are aimed at developing these research capabilities.

Apart from research, we also want to ensure that our PhD students are capable of conducting graduate and undergraduate level MIS coursework. Finally, we expect our students to actively participate in the information systems community. Presenting papers in conferences or workshops and reviewing manuscripts are some of the ways in which students can serve the IS community.

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Want to Learn More?

If you would like to receive more information about doctoral study in MIS, please fill out the form and an Admissions Specialist will be in touch to connect you with a department representative!

Contact us for more information. [email protected]

Program Details

Faculty and Students

PhD in Management Information Systems

Groundbreaking from the start. And still at the forefront.

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Housed within one of the world’s most respected and highest-ranking MIS departments, our doctoral program offers students exceptional opportunities.

Research, problem-solve, learn, grow and work with our incredibly accomplished and diverse MIS faculty.

Kendra Breen Admissions Coordinator Email MSMIS Admissions 520-626-1792

The Program

Program essentials.

A leading program throughout its decades-long history, the Eller MIS Department offers doctoral students the opportunity to learn and work with the best. Our well-funded research program has pushed our field further time and time again, and it prepares our PhD students for thriving careers at the forefront of MIS teaching and research.

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Plan of Study

The MIS PhD program starts with a solid foundation in research methodology, then builds on this with a synthesis of state-of-the-art technologies and approaches that span multiple disciplines. Through a mix of hands-on and theoretical work, you’ll master skills and subjects valued in academia and the private sector.

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overall in funding for research among MIS departments worldwide

MIS research ranking worldwide MIS Quarterly, Information Systems Research and Journal of Management Information Systems

top research centers and laboratories AI Lab, BORDERS, CMI and INSITE

Seven Questions with Gondy Leroy Professor of Management Information Systems

I have worked with students at all levels, both in my classes and my research, and I love the creative energy they bring and their optimism about their future.

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Doctoral Admissions Process

Applicants will need to meet GPA standards (3.5 or higher) and show GMAT or GRE scores from within five years, as well as official transcripts and academic records. A bachelor’s degree, resume, three letters of recommendation and a completed graduate college application are required.

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Our doctoral students receive full funding through either research or teaching assistantships, which include a 10-month stipend and student medical insurance. Travel funding is available for conferences, workshops and other career-building activities.

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Application Deadline

January 15, 2024 :  Next Application Deadline for Fall 2024 Admission (Domestic and International)

Doctoral students are admitted only in the fall semester, and all application materials must be submitted online.

Our faculty are creating the next generation of MIS knowledge and giving students unparalleled opportunities for independent research and scholarly publication. Our doctoral students make use of their vast expertise as well as our multiple research centers and labs.

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Our doctoral students fare exceptionally well in the job market, landing placements in well-respected academic institutions such as Purdue University, University of Georgia and Penn State University and as well as global corporations like Google and Microsoft.

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MIS Faculty

Our world-renowned faculty have set and upheld a high bar in the field of MIS. Not only did they pioneer one of the first MIS programs in the world—a program ranked in the top five every year since—they’re also known around the world for their research, publications and outreach efforts.

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Start Your Journey to the Top of Your Field

Small class sizes. A great faculty-to-doctoral-student ratio. Incredible research resources. A stellar track record. And you.

Contact us with any questions , or if you're ready to apply to the Eller Doctoral Program in MIS, just click below. We look forward to making breakthroughs together.

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•       Online PHD Programs       Earning an Online Ph.D. in Management Information Systems

Earning an Online Ph.D. in Management Information Systems

If coming up with creative ways to improve business functions while making a six-figure income sounds appealing to you, consider earning an online Ph.D. in management information systems (MIS). This degree equips graduates to earn the credentials to lead successful companies. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), CEOs make an average annual salary of $104,980, and the occupation is continuing to expand with an 8% projected growth rate in coming years.

Anyone who wishes to advance in the business world and emerge as a company leader can benefit from earning this versatile degree, which helps learners develop the skills they need to improve an organization from the inside. Doctoral degree holders typically enjoy increased salary potential and job growth. Learn more about how to fund your doctorate, what the program entails, and how to connect with your peers and stay current on industry advancements after graduation.

Why Get a Doctorate in Management Information Systems?

Pursuing specialization.

To become an expert in your tech field, you should pick a specialization and devote time to studying that niche area. For example, earning a specialization in entrepreneurship can position you to open your own management information consulting firm. Specializations may also allow you to branch out into a wider variety of related industries, like financial advising.

Career Advancement Opportunities

Earning an online Ph.D. in management information systems opens doors to higher-paying jobs with more advanced responsibilities, making this degree the perfect option for individuals who want to lead entire research teams or organizations. A master's degree can help you earn a job as a manager or director, but a doctorate helps you advance to a corporation's executive board; doctoral degrees prepare individuals to make big-picture decisions and evaluate and improve business functions.

Online Learning Technology

In a world where technology changes every day, professionals must stay on top of the latest advancements. Earning a Ph.D. in management information systems online allows students to use the latest communication technology, engage in online discussion boards, and use other helpful e-learning tools. Pursuing this degree in an online format allows students to gain even more confidence in their technical skills.

What's the Difference Between a Ph.D. and a DBA in Management Information Systems?

The main difference between a Ph.D. and a DBA is the learning focus. Ph.D. programs focus more on research and scholarship, making them a great option for professionals aspiring to contribute valuable research to the management information systems field. A Ph.D. prepares students to work in either education or the professional field, making it a flexible degree. On the other hand, DBA programs better suit individuals who want to make a practical difference in the business world.

Ph.D. graduates tend to work as researchers or professors, but they may also pursue careers as top executives or consultants. DBA graduates usually work in professional settings instead of research or higher education settings. Prospective students should choose their doctoral degree depending on their career goals and whether they want to learn more about practical applications or scholarly theories.

Prerequisites for Online Doctorate in Management Information Systems Programs

Before beginning your studies, you need to gain work experience, earn adequate college entrance exam test scores, take undergraduate and graduate classes, turn in recommendation letters, write an essay, and possibly conduct an entrance interview. Most Ph.D. programs in management information systems impose their own unique requirements, but you can generally expect each school to maintain similar prerequisites.

• Work Experience: Typically, most doctoral programs require a few years of on-the-job experience in information technology or a related field. This allows students to get even more out of their degree, because they can apply their studies to what they've already learned from working in the field. However, some programs accept students with only internship experience.
• Exams and Test Scores: The best online Ph.D. in management information systems programs require students to submit GRE or GMAT scores. Some colleges set minimum requirements for these scores. Most look for GMAT scores above 720 and GRE scores above 150. Scores for both exams stay valid for five years.
• Coursework: Required courses for a Ph.D. in management information systems vary widely between programs. STEM courses tend to prove especially beneficial for this degree. All applicants must obtain both an undergraduate and graduate degree with a minimum GPA of around 3.0.
• Recommendations: Many programs require applicants to submit 1-3 recommendation letters or contact information for references. Previous professors or supervisors, not family members or friends, must write these letters. The same rule applies for references. Always obtain permission to use someone as a reference.
• Essays: Applications commonly require essays as well. Essay topics generally center around statements of purpose, or why you want to earn the degree. You might be able to repurpose the same essay for several applications, as long as you tailor the content to fit each specific prompt.
• Interviews: Before investing time into a Ph.D. in MIS online application, pay attention to the interview requirements. Some programs require in-person interviews, which might involve travel expenses. However, many allow prospective distance learners to telecommute for their interviews.
• International Students: International students applying for Ph.D. programs in the United States may need to submit TOEFL scores in addition to GMAT or GRE scores. Together, these scores demonstrate to prospective schools whether applicants can understand and speak fluent English.

How Much Can I Make with a Doctorate in Management Information Systems?

Graduates with a doctorate in management information systems can expect to earn between $38,130 and $123,640, depending on their work experience and chosen professional field. Professionals who wish to switch into this technology-driven field from a different career should consider earning a Ph.D., which can help them advance more quickly into higher-paying positions.

Traditional Careers

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Paying for a Doctorate in Management Information Systems Online

Prospective students should prioritize cost when choosing a doctorate in management information systems online program. Earning this degree can significantly increase graduates' earning potential, but a large student loan can also cut into their personal budget. Future learners should familiarize themselves with how study timelines affect tuition rates and apply for subject-specific financial aid in the form of grants and scholarships. With a little bit of research, you can find an affordable, high-quality online program to help you achieve even your loftiest career goals.

Scholarships for Online Management Information Systems Students

Don't go it alone when it comes to paying for your education. Undergraduates aren't the only students who can benefit from financial aid and scholarships -- management information systems majors at all degree levels enjoy access to scholarships and grants. Start applying for aid today, and you might be pleasantly surprised.

Eli Lilly Scholarship

• Amount Awarded: $4,000
• Deadline: July
• Eligibility and Requirements: Learners who study in an information technology-focused field at an accredited university that offers four-year degrees are eligible for this scholarship. Applicants must submit an online application, school transcripts, a 500-word essay, and a letter of recommendation.

American Association of Cost Engineering Education Board Scholarship

• Amount Awarded: $2,500
• Deadline: March
• Eligibility and Requirements: Eligible candidates for this scholarship include full-time graduate students with a minimum 3.0 GPA who are majoring in computer science, information technology, surveying technology, engineering technology, building science, or a related field. Students must submit an online application.

Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards Conference’s Great Minds in STEM Scholarship

• Amount Awarded: $2,150
• Deadline: May
• Eligibility and Requirements: Applicants must be working toward a computer science, information technology, engineering or mathematics degree. They should maintain a 3.0 GPA, demonstrate financial need, and attend an HACU-member college or university in the U.S. or Puerto Rico. Individuals can complete the application online.

Marine Technology Society ROV Scholarship

• Amount Awarded: $8,000
• Deadline: April
• Eligibility and Requirements: Graduate or undergraduate students attending four-year universities who take an interest in using remotely operated vehicles for direct underwater research may apply. Applicants must submit an online application, official transcripts, and a letter of recommendation.

Monique Pegues Graduate Leadership Scholarship

• Deadline: October
• Eligibility and Requirements: The Greater Dallas/Fort Worth chapter of Women in Transportation awards this scholarship to students enrolled in accredited master’s programs in Texas or Oklahoma who demonstrate a minimum 3.0 overall GPA. Applicants must submit an online application, official transcripts, and a letter of recommendation.

What to Expect from an Online Management Information Systems Program

To successfully complete an online Ph.D. program, students must devote at least two years to studying the ins and outs of computer systems and leadership methods. The virtual classroom experience caters to individuals with strong self-discipline who love to manage their own schedules. Many students find it doable to juggle an online degree with a full-time job. Read below to learn about the common major milestones in a management information systems degree program.

Major Milestones

Some hybrid programs require students to complete an on-campus residency. This experience allows students to meet other students and program faculty and typically lasts only a weekend.

Required Coursework

Most students complete their required coursework within a few weeks of graduation. Each course should relate directly to the management information systems field, since Ph.D. programs don't require general education classes.

Typically during the last year of their program, students get the chance to complete a fellowship. Fellowships, like internships, provide students with hands-on experience in real-world settings. Fellowships require more research than internships, and students often receive scholarships in exchange for their research.

Dissertation

After acquiring new knowledge through their coursework, students finish out their program by writing a dissertation on a current issue in the management information field. This experience allows students to showcase the research skills they acquired throughout the program, and they present their findings to a board.

Research Project

Research is a major component of Ph.D. programs. Students often choose their own research project topics relating to management information systems. Most programs require students to complete this project during their last semester.

Comprehensive Exam

Some Ph.D. programs also require a comprehensive exam, sometimes in place of a dissertation. This allows professors to identify how much a student has learned. Sometimes, the comprehensive exam does not count for a grade but simply serves as an evaluation tool for the school's administration and faculty.

Coursework varies between programs, but most Ph.D. in management information systems programs cover the topics listed below.

Philosophy of Science and Measurement

In this course, students examine the philosophies behind the research process. The class teaches students to develop and test their own technology-related theories based on certain principles of measurement and research designs.

Introduction to Structural Equation Modeling

This class covers the basics of structural equation modeling methods and techniques. Learners explore how to apply confirmatory factor analysis to real-world scenarios. This hands-on course allows students to use the tools required to complete structural equation modeling.

Management Information Systems Topics Seminar

This seminar class allows students to learn more about theories, conceptual issues, empirical papers, and approaches to information systems research. Learners can usually choose their own topics of study, under their professor's guidance.

Management Information Systems Topics Directed Study

Most Ph.D. programs allow students to tailor their studies to fit their career goals, with the curriculum including a directed study. In this class, students work one-on-one with their professor to develop a topic and study goal for this class. The topic must directly relate to management information systems.

Systems Analysis and Design

This class deals with the design of specific information systems. In this course, students learn to design new, useful software and evaluate current software, looking for creative improvements.

Degree Timelines

When it comes to finishing your Ph.D., most schools allow you to choose your own timeline. Discover the pros and cons of part-time, full-time, and accelerated paths.

Time to Complete: Four years

Students pursuing this Ph.D. part-time can expect to spend four years in the program. To complete the program as a part-time student, learners must take 6-9 credits per semester. This approach allows students to juggle full-time jobs with their studies and best suits those without a tight budget because tuition costs tend to rise from year to year.

Time to Complete: Two years

Full-time programs typically take students just two years to complete. To graduate in this time frame, learners must take at least 15 credits per semester. This option suits students who work full-time jobs but want to complete their degrees quickly to save money and reap higher-earning benefits.

Time to Complete: 1.5 years

Accelerated programs offer students the chance to complete their Ph.D. programs quickly, often in just 1.5 years. Accelerated programs include shorter, more frequent terms, making it a little more difficult to juggle work with doctoral studies. This option best suits students who only work part-time and want to save money on their studies.

Licenses and Certifications

The management information systems field is broad, but with a little effort, you can gain expertise in a specific niche. Set yourself apart from the crowd and find a job that suits your interests by earning licensure or certification. By pursuing additional education, you can become an expert in a specific area and gain the skills and confidence you need to advance the industry. Learn more about the licenses and certifications you can acquire in this field.

• Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: To earn this certification, individuals must take exam preparation courses and pass an exam. Because Microsoft applications constantly change, these professionals must take an additional exam each year to keep their certification current. This certification caters to advanced-level practitioners who manage modern data centers.
• Certified Information Systems Auditor: Professionals who wish to obtain this certification must pass an exam and have at least five years of experience in information systems audit, control, assurance, or security. This certification prepares information technology professionals to successfully evaluate systems for cyber breaches and attacks.
• Cisco Certified Network Associate: IT professionals can become Cisco-certified network associates by passing a 90-minute written exam comprising 50-60 questions. Individuals who want to learn how to detect and solve common network problems can benefit from earning this certification.
• CompTIA A+ Technician License: This entry-level license provides information technology professionals with the knowledge they need to perform maintenance for personal computers, printers, operating systems, mobile devices, and laptops. Professionals who want to work in office settings can benefit from earning this license.

Professional Organizations and Resources

The most successful management information systems professionals commit to staying lifelong learners. This industry constantly changes, and joining professional organizations is a great way to stay up to date. These associations connect professionals to like-minded peers, and they often host informative conferences and provide members with complimentary training and webinars. Often, employers pay the annual membership dues.

Read below to learn more about major organizations management information systems professionals can join and how they benefit from membership.

• Association for Computing Machinery : ACM connects information technology professionals from more than 100 countries. The organization includes special interest groups, each of which provides members with exclusive conferences and newsletters.
• Association for Women in Computing : AWC welcomes women in the computing industry as members. The organization encourages professional growth through networking opportunities and career-oriented events. Local chapters typically host monthly meetings with informative guest speakers.
• Network Professional Association : With local chapters all across America, this organization helps certified network professionals learn from each other and gain much-deserved recognition for their hard work in network computing.
• Black Data Processing Associates : BDPA helps advance and educate black professionals in the information technology field. The organization brings this community together to encourage networking and collective advancement.
• Association of Shareware Professionals : This organization caters to developers who create products for consumers to use on a "try before you buy" basis. Members benefit from newsgroups, development and marketing assistance, and other educational and networking opportunities.
• Software Development Forum : It's worth the trek to Silicon Valley to attend an SDF. These events allow Silicon Valley information technology professionals, entrepreneurs, and venture capitalists to discuss current topics and network.
• TechRepublic Resource Library : This free resource allows information technology professionals to download informative white papers about nearly every topic relating to their diverse field. The library proves especially beneficial when an unprecedented IT issue arises within an organization.
• IT Pro Guru : This informative blog helps information technology professionals stay current with technology security breaches and threats and industry networking events. The site also informs readers how to get the most out of IT systems like Microsoft and Linux.
• Scalable Startups : This blog is an invaluable resource filled with helpful blog posts that aim to help startups survive the first few challenging years in business.
• Computer Weekly : This website brings together writers in the tech community to discuss current events and other interesting technology topics. The resource contains plenty of free content, but you can also pay to access premium content.

School Finder

Best phd in information systems online: students before profits.

An online PhD in information systems degree provides the ultimate education needed for developing information systems for different organizations. Through this online degree program, students will gain the skills needed to design and organize large information systems while also learning how to work these systems into organizations. By choosing to pursue this degree online, students can save money on tuition and create schedules that better fit their needs.

Online PhD in MIS Methodology

For students who want to pursue an online PhD in management information systems degree, we have compiled a list of the top programs available. These programs have been selected for this ranking based upon a scoring system that considers the cost of tuition and the length of the program. The programs are ordered from highest to lowest score. These programs have been accredited by nationally recognized accreditation boards and have had their nonprofit status verified.

Featured Programs

Note that tuition rates listed below are based on cost per credit, and an individual online PhD in MIS programs may have additional fees.

#1. University of the Cumberlands

Online phd information systems, williamsburg, kentucky.

Students at the University of the Cumberlands can enroll in this Online PhD in Information Technology – Information Systems Security. This online PhD in management information systems degree provides students with the training needed to work in information assurance. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. The University of the Cumberlands has received accreditation for this program from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Students in this program will study topics including predictive analytics, big data analytics, and much more. This program is a great option for those who want to further their career in information technology.

Tuition:  $ 30,000

#2. University of Bridgeport

Phd information systems online, bridgeport, connecticut.

University of Bridgeport students can enroll in this Online PhD in Technology Management degree. Students in this study program will learn information technology and information assurance skills needed for managing large IT infrastructures. A total of 45 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. The University of Bridgeport has received accreditation for this study from the New England Commission on Higher Education. Students can expect to complete this program in about four years of studying. Those who have completed this degree have gone on to have careers as computer systems analysts, web developers, information security managers, and more.

Tuition: $31,500

Score: 99.75

#3. Grand Canyon University

Online doctor of business administration in data analytics, phoenix, arizona.

This Online Doctor of Business Administration in Data Analytics degree is a great option for those looking for an online PhD in MIS degree. This program is made available to students entirely online by Grand Canyon Univerity. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Through this program of study, students will learn how to work with big data systems to analyze and generate valuable insight. Grand Canyon University has received accreditation for this degree program from the Higher Learning Commission. Courses in this program include Enterprise Data Complexity, Using Business Analytics for Competitive Advantage, and more.

Tuition:  $ 33,900

Score: 99.5

#4. Dakota State University

Online phd in information systems, madison, south dakota.

Upcoming Dakota State University students can enroll in this Online Doctor of Philosophy in Information Systems degree. Students in this program will be trained in the skills needed to work in information assurance and information management. They will learn how to maintain, manage, and secure these massive data platforms. Courses in this program include Information Systems, Web Application Development, Data Warehousing & Mining, and much more. Dakota State University has received accreditation for this degree from the Higher Learning Commission. Students can expect to complete this degree in about three years.

Tuition: $34,500

Score: 99.25

#5. Indiana State University

Online phd intechnology management, terre haute, indiana.

Students can choose to enroll in this Online PhD in Technology Management degree from Indiana State University. This study program is designed to train students with the skills needed to maintain major information technology infrastructures. This is a vital function for many companies and organizations with large IT backbones that must be maintained for business operations. This program requires a total of 66 credit hours to complete. Indiana State University has designed this program to be completed in about 4.5 years. Indiana State University has received accreditation for this program from the Higher Learning Commission.

Tuition:  $ 34,782

#6. Old Dominion University

Online doctor of philosophy in education – instructional design & technology, norfolk, virginia.

Old Dominion University currently offers students an Online Doctor of Philosophy in Education – Instructional Design & Technology degree. Students in this online doctor of MIS will learn how to maintain technology systems used in an educational environment. They will also develop the skills needed to better design and implement technologies for use in education. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Old Dominion University has received accreditation for this study program from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Tuition: $35,700

Score: 98.75

#7. Liberty University

Phd mis online, lynchburg, virginia.

Offered entirely online, Liberty University’s Online Doctor of Business Administration in Information Systems degree is a great option for students who want to enroll in one of the top online MIS doctorate degrees. Students in this program of study will learn the IT skills needed to manage large information systems. They will study topics such as information assurance to further their knowledge and prepare for MIS careers. A total of 60 credits are needed to complete this program of study. The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs have provided Liberty University with accreditation for this study program. Students can expect to complete this degree in about three years.

Tuition:  $ 35,700

Score: 98.5

#8. University of Central Missouri

Online phd in technology management, warrensburg, missouri.

Offered at the University of Central Missouri, this Online PhD in Technology Management degree is done entirely online. This study program was created to train students in the necessary skills needed for high-level positions involving information systems and technology management. A total of 57 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. This degree program is designed for students to complete in three years. Students can choose from five different specializations offered. The University of Central Missouri has received accreditation for this program from the Higher Learning Commission.

Tuition: $36,138

Score: 98.25

#9. Portland State University

Online doctorate in technology management, birmingham, alabama.

Students at Portland State University can enroll in this Online Doctorate in Technology Management degree. Portland State University offers this program to its students entirely online. By pursuing this degree, students will be trained on how to manage technology systems for organizations. They will learn how to work with information systems and other technologies to ensure their smooth operation. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Portland State University has received accreditation for this program from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Courses in this program include Management of Engineering, Technology Assessment & Acquisition, and more.

Tuition:  $43,380

Score:  98

#10. Bowling Green State University

Bowling green, ohio.

This Online PhD in Technology Management degree is offered to students by Bowling Green State University. This online degree program trains students in the skills needed to manage technology solutions for major organizations. Bowling Green State University offers this program in various specializations. A total of 66 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Bowling Green State University has received accreditation for this program from the Higher Learning Commission. This degree is a great option for students looking for a doctorate in this MIS degree program.

Tuition: $51,348

Score: 97.5

#11. University of Tennessee

Online phd in industrial & systems engineering, knoxville, tennessee.

Students interested in studying at the University of Tennessee can enroll in this Online PhD in Industrial & Systems Engineering. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete this degree program. The University of Tennessee has determined that this degree can be completed in about three years. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has provided the University of Tennesee with accreditation for this study program. This program is a great option for students looking to develop the skills needed to manage and implement large technology solutions for different organizations.

Tuition: $51,408

Score: 97.25

#12. East Carolina University

Greenville, north carolina.

East Carolina University currently offers students this Online PhD in Technology Management degree. Students in this program will undergo training designed to teach them how to properly design, maintain, and implement information systems and technology solutions in an enterprise environment. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. East Carolina University has received accreditation for this program. This program is offered in a variety of different specializations for students to select from. Students can expect to be able to complete this degree program in around 3-4 years.

Tuition: $53,580

#13. Baker College

Online doctorate in information systems online, flint, michigan.

This Online Doctorate of Business Administration in Management Information Systems degree is made available to students online. To complete this degree, students must earn a total of 60 credit hours. Baker College estimates that students should be able to complete the entirety of this program in 3.5 years. The Higher Learning Commission has provided Baker College with accreditation for this degree. Courses in this study include Knowledge Management & Information Systems, Quality Improvement & Organizational Change, and much more.

Tuition: $54,900

Score: 96.75

#14. Northcentral University

Online phd in business administration – information technology, san diego, california.

Northcentral University offers students this Online PhD in Business Administration – Information Technology degree. This study program is offered to students entirely online and is a great option for those looking for an online MIS PhD degree. Students can expect to be able to complete this degree in about 38 months. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. Northcentral University has received accreditation for this degree from the Western Association of Schools And Colleges. By completing this degree, students will earn how to manage information systems and develop other IT solutions for companies and enterprises.

Tuition: $56,747

Score: 96.5

#15. University of North Texas

Phd in mis online, denton, texas.

Students at the University of North Texas can enroll in the school’s Online PhD in Information Science degree. This study program is a great option for students who want to develop the skills needed to work in information systems management. Students in this degree will participate in a mostly online curriculum. Some courses in this program are offered in a blended format. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete this degree program. The University of North Texas has received accreditation for this program from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Tuition: $60,328

Score: 96.25

#16. Colorado Technical University

Online doctor of computer science – big data analytics, colorado springs, colorado.

Colorado Technical University offers this Online Doctor of Computer Science – Big Data Analytics degree to students online. This program is a great option looking for a PhD in MIS degree that focuses on understanding big data. Students will learn how to create systems designed to gather and process analytics data. They will learn how to use these systems to provide insight to corporations and big organizations. A total of 100 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Colorado Technical University has received accreditation for this program from the Higher Learning Commission.

Tuition: $$61,000

#17. Sam Houston State University

Online doctorate in instructional systems design and technology, huntsville, texas.

Sam Houston State University students can enroll in this Online Doctorate in Instructional Design and Technology. This program of study is designed to teach students how to create technology solutions for educational environments. Students will learn the skills needed to design, implement, and manage education technology solutions. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Sam Houston State University has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. This degree is designed to be completed in 3-4 years and has earned a place among our top MIS PhD ranking.

Tuition: $61,500

Score: 95.75

#18. University of Illinois Chicago

Online doctor of information systems, chicago, illinois.

Students at the University of Illinois Chicago can enroll in this Online PhD in Management Information Systems degree. A total of 64 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. The University of Illinois Chicago has received accreditation for this program from the Higher Learning Commission. This program is designed to train students with the information needed to manage and maintain massive information systems. They will also learn the skills needed to designed information systems solutions to fit different organizations and companies needs. This degree is a great option for those looking for one of the most affordable online MIS PhD programs available.

Tuition:  $ 63,296

Score: 95.5

#19. Texas Tech University 

Online doctor of philosophy in systems & engineering management.

Cedar Falls, Iowa

Texas Tech University offers students this Online Doctor of Philosophy in Systems & Engineering Management degree. This online degree program trains students with the skills needed to develop different solutions for different organizations. Students will learn how to maintain these different systems to ensure their proper function. A total of 72 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Texas Tech University has received accreditation for this study program from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. It is expected that students will be able to complete this degree in 3-4 years.

Tuition: $15,779

Score: 95.25

#20. Nova Southeastern University

Online phd computer information systems, fort lauderdale, florida.

This Online PhD in Information Systems degree is made available by Nova Southeastern University. This program is offered in a hybrid format. Many of the courses in this program are offered online, but students must complete some of the courses in-person. A total of 67 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Nova Southeastern University has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Courses in this degree program include Knowledge Management, Database Systems, Analytics & Business Intelligence, and more.

Tuition: $75,576

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• Table of Contents
• Director's Message

Research Rankings

Student publications.

• Admissions Procedures

Program at a Glance

This program is designed for students who seek training in advanced theoretical and applied issues in the field of information systems. The training prepares students for conducting leading-edge research in topics ranging from the design of optimized systems to the effective use of such systems in organizations. Students undergo rigorous training in research methodologies, as well as in the design of information systems. The research conducted is often interdisciplinary in nature and is characterized by strong analytical or econometric modeling of new and emerging issues in information technology management and creation. The program prepares students mainly for academic positions in research universities; some students may be placed in research positions in industry, government or consulting organizations.

The PhD in Information Systems program is characterized by a high ratio of research faculty to students, which fosters close working relationships. Students have the opportunity to be involved in ongoing faculty research projects under the mentorship of experienced professors. The close interaction with faculty enables students to quickly learn to identify and develop research ideas and create their own research agenda. Students also develop their teaching skills under faculty mentorship by teaching organized classes.

Successful candidates must possess a strong aptitude for abstract thinking and quantitative analysis to address relevant business problems. Students admitted into the PhD in Information Systems program devote the first few years to coursework and research projects, preparing for the qualifying examinations and developing their preliminary dissertation proposal. The next one to two years are devoted to dissertation research and writing. Students must complete at least 75 semester hours of approved graduate work before a degree may be conferred. Credit may be granted for courses taken elsewhere.

Program Contact

Srinivasan Raghunathan, PhD

Ashbel smith professor phd area coordinator, information systems.

[email protected] | (972) 883-4377 | JSOM 3.425

The Information Systems Doctoral program at the Naveen Jindal School of Management offers an outstanding opportunity for research in the Information Systems discipline. Our faculty’s research productivity usually ranks at the top in the world. More importantly, we work at the forefront of a variety of research topics and methodologies. Come join us to make this program even stronger!

Presently ranked #1 worldwide in research based on publications in three information systems journals, our Information Systems faculty are distinguished, pioneering researchers.

Faculty research pursuits range from quantitative modeling to empirical studies, mathematical programming, applied stochastic processes, statistics, econometrics, and economics.

With analytical depth and methodology, drawing from disciplines such as economics, operations research and econometrics, their research is both prevalent and employed in today’s rapidly changing technological world.

The UT Dallas Top 100 Worldwide Rankings of Business Schools based on Research Contributions in Information Systems Research, Journal on Computing, MIS Quarterly , 2017–2021.

Advanced and rigorous coursework, methodology and design, and significant placement on student research are the hallmarks of the Information Systems program.

The Information Systems program is characterized by a high ratio of research faculty to students which fosters close collaboration. Students have the opportunity to be involved in ongoing research projects under the mentorship of renown, distinguished faculty.

The program is designed for students to develop a strong aptitude for abstract thinking and quantitative analysis to address relevant business problems for their careers in academia or industry.

As shown in the table below, our Information Systems students have obtained top academic and industry appointments.

The close interaction with faculty enables students to quickly learn to identify and develop research ideas and create their own research agenda. Students also develop their teaching skills under faculty mentorship by teaching organized classes.

Below are examples of student publications in 24 leading business journals from 2017-2021.

Abhijeet Ghoshal , Atanu Lahiri, Debabrata Dey, 2021. “Support forums and software vendor’s pricing strategy.” Information Systems Research , vol. 32.

Srinivasan Raghunathan, Mehmet Ayvaci, YeongIn Kim , Huseyin Cavusoglu , 2021. “Designing payment contracts for healthcare services to induce information sharing: the adoption and the value of health information exchanges (hies).” MIS Quarterly , vol. 45.

Subodha Kumar , Min Chen , Min-Seok Pang, 2021. “Do you have room for us in your IT? An economic analysis of shared IT services and implications for IT industries.” MIS Quarterly , vol. 45.

Young Kwark , Liangfei Qiu, Gene Moo Lee, Paul A. Pavlou, 2021. “On the spillover effects of online product reviews on purchases: evidence from clickstream data.” Information Systems Research , vol. 32.

Sirong Luo, Dengpan Liu , Radha Mookerjee, 2021. “The effects of auction-based pricing mechanisms and social characteristics on microloan performance.” Productions and Operations Management , vol. 30.

Ganesh Janakiraman, Sameer Mehta , Vijay Mookerjee, Milind Dawande, 2021. “How to sell a data set? Pricing policies for data monetization.” Information Systems Research , vol. 32.

Jiahui Mo , Sumit Sarkar, Syam Menon, 2021. “Competing tasks and task quality: an empirical study of crowdsourcing contests.” MIS Quarterly , vol 45.

Murat M. Tunc , Huseyin Cavusoglu , Srinivasan Raghunathan, 2021. “Online product reviews: is a finer-grained rating scheme superior to a coarser one?” MIS Quarterly , vol. 45.

Mingwen Yang , Zhiqiang (Eric) Zheng, Vijay Mookerjee, 2021. “The race for online reputation: implications for platforms, firms, and consumers.” Information Systems Research , vol. 32.

Mingwen Yang , Varghese S. Jacob, Srinivasan Raghunathan, 2021. “Cloud service model’s role in provider and user security investment incentives.” Production and Operations Management , vol. 30.

Milind Dawande, Ganesh Janakiraman, Manmohan Aseri , Vijay S. Mookerjee, 2020. “Ad-blockers: a blessing or a curse?” Information Systems Research , vol. 31.

Chenzhang Bao , Kirk Kirksey, Indranil R. Bardhan, Bruce A. Myers, Harpreet Singh, 2020. “Patient–provider engagement and its impact on health outcomes: a longitudinal study of patient portal use.” MIS Quarterly , vol. 44.

Leila Hosseini , Vijay Mookerjee, Chelliah Sriskandarajah, Shaojie Tang, 2020. “A switch in time saves the dime: a model to reduce rental cost in cloud computing.” Information Systems Research , vol. 31.

Jianqing Chen, Srinivasan Raghunathan, Lusi Li , 2020. “Informative role of recommender systems in electronic marketplaces: a boon or a bane for competing sellers.” MIS Quarterly , vol. 44.

Sameer Mehta , Vijay Mookerjee, Milind Dawande, Ganesh Janakiraman, 2020. “Sustaining a good impression: mechanisms for selling partitioned impressions at ad exchanges.” Information Systems Research , vol. 31.

Zhiqiang (Eric) Zheng, Danish H. Saifee , Atanu Lahiri, Indranil R. Bardhan, 2020. “Are online reviews of physicians reliable indicators of clinical outcomes? a focus on chronic disease management.” Information Systems Research , vol. 31.

Ying Xie, Jayarajan Samuel , Zhiqiang (Eric) Zheng, 2020. “Value of local showrooms to online competitors.” MIS Quarterly , vol. 44.

Jyotishka Ray , Syam Menon, Vijay Mookerjee, 2020. “Bargaining over data: when does making the buyer more informed help?” Information Systems Research , vol. 31.

Zhiqiang (Eric) Zheng, Vijay Mookerjee, Mingwen Yang , 2019. “Prescribing response strategies to manage customer opinions: a stochastic differential equation approach.” Information Systems Research , vol. 30.

Zhengrui Jiang , Dipak C Jain, Xinxue Shawn Qu, 2019. “Optimal market entry timing for successive generations of technological innovations.” MIS Quarterly , vol. 43.

Xinxue Shawn Qu, Zhengrui Jiang, 2019. “A time-based dynamic synchronization policy for consolidated database systems.” MIS Quarterly , vol. 43.

Byungwan, Koh , Il-Horn Hann, Srinivasan Raghunathan, 2019. “Digitization of music: consumer adoption amidst piracy, unbundling, and rebundling.” MIS Quarterly , vol. 43.

Milind Dawande, Ganesh Janakiraman, Zhen Sun , Vijay Mookerjee, 2019. “Data-driven decisions for problems with an unspecified objective function.” Journal on Computing , vol. 31.

Yue Zhang , Jian-Yu Fisher Ke, Nan Hu , Ling Liu, 2019. “Risk pooling, supply chain hierarchy, and analysts’ forecasts.” Production and Operations Management , vol. 28.

Vijay Mookerjee, Milind Dawande, Ganesh Janakiraman, Manmohan Aseri , 2018. “Procurement policies for mobile-promotion platforms.” Management Science , vol. 64.

Srinivasan Raghunathan, Lusi Li , Jianqing Chen, 2018. “Recommender system rethink: implications for an electronic marketplace with competing manufacturers.” Information Systems Research , vol. 29.

Srinivasan Raghunathan, Young Kwark , Jianqing Chen, 2018. “User-generated content and competing firms product design.” Management Science , vol. 64.

Vijay Mookerjee, Yong Tan, Depngpan Liu , 2018. “When can ignorance be bliss: organizational structure and coordination in electronic retailing.” Information Systems Research , vol. 29.

Vijay Mookerjee, Dengpan Liu , 2018. “Advertising competition on the internet: operational and strategic considerations.” Production and Operations Management , vol. 27.

Mingzheng Wang, Yu Zhang, Zhengrui Jiang , Haifang Yang, 2018. “T-closeness slicing: a new privacy-preserving approach for transactional data publishing.” Journal on Computing , vol. 30.

Sarkar, Sumit, Menon, Syam, Mo, Jiahui , 2018. “Know when to run: recommendations in crowdsourcing contests.” MIS Quarterly , vol. 42.

Feng, Haiyang, Jiang, Zhengrui , Liu, Dengpan . “Quality, pricing, and release time: optimal market entry strategy for software-as-a-service vendors.” MIS Quarterly , 2018, vol. 42.

Bardhan, Indranil, Zheng, Zhiqiang, Ayabakan, Sezgin . “A data envelopment analysis approach to estimate it-enabled production capability.” MIS Quarterly , 2017, vol. 41.

Janakiraman, Ganesh, Sun, Zhen , Mookerjee, Vijay, Dawande, Milind. “Not just a fad: optimal sequencing in mobile in-app advertising.” Information Systems Research , 2017, vol. 28.

Ghoshal, Abhijeet , Lahiri, Atanu, Dey, Debabrata. “Drawing a line in the sand: Commitment problem in ending software support.” MIS Quarterly , 2017, vol. 41.

Mookerjee, Vijay, Cai, Yuanfeng, Jiang, Zhengrui . “How to deal with liars? Designing intelligent rule-based expert systems to increase accuracy or reduce cost.” Journal on Computing , 2017, vol. 29.

Nault, Barrie, Raghunathan, Srinivasan, Koh, Byungwan . “Is voluntary profiling welfare enhancing?” MIS Quarterly , 2017, vol. 41.

Raghunathan, Srinivasan, Cezar, Asunur , Cavusoglu, Huseyin. “Sourcing information security operations: the role of risk interdependency and competitive externality in outsourcing decisions.” Production and Operations Management , 2017, vol. 26.

Raghunathan, Srinivasan, Kwark, Young , Chen, Jianqing. “Platform or wholesale? A strategic tool for online retailers to benefit from third-party information.” MIS Quarterly , 2017, vol. 41.

Ray, Jyotishka , Samuel, Jayarajan , Menon, Syam, Mookerjee, Vijay. “The design of feature-limited demonstration software: choosing the right features to include.” Production and Operations Management , 2017, vol. 26.

Zhang, Jie, Hu, Nan , Pavlou, Paul. “On self-selection biases in online product reviews.” MIS Quarterly , 2017, vol. 41.

Zheng, Zhiqiang, Ayabakan, Sezgin , Kirksey, Kirk, Bardhan, Indranil. “The impact of health information sharing on duplicate testing.” MIS Quarterly , 2017, vol. 41.

Chen, Hongyu , Zheng, Zhiqiang, Ceran, Yasin. “De-biasing the reporting bias in social media analytics.” Production and Operations Management , 2016, vol. 25.

Hann, Il-Horn, Koh, Byungwan , Niculescu, Marius. “The double-edged sword of backward compatibility: the adoption of multigenerational platforms in the presence of intergenerational services.” Information Systems Research , 2016, vol. 27.

Janakiraman, Ganesh, Sun, Zhen , Mookerjee, Vijay, Dawande, Milind. “The making of a good impression: information hiding in ad exchanges.” MIS Quarterly, 2016, vol. 40.

Lee, Chul Ho , Geng, Xianjun, Raghunathan, Srinivasan. “Mandatory standards and organizational information security.” Information Systems Research , 2016, vol. 27.

Mookerjee, Vijay, Ceran, Yasin , Singh, Harpreet. “Knowing what your customer wants: improving inventory allocation decisions in online movie rental systems.” Production and Operations Management , 2016, vol. 25.

Xia, Hao , Dawande, Milind, Mookerjee, Vijay. “Optimal coordination in distributed software development.” Production and Operations Management , 2016, vol. 25.

Admission Procedures

Applicants should have at least a bachelor’s degree. Admission is based on grade point average, graduate examination test score (GMAT* or GRE), letters of reference (at least three, with two from academic references), business and professional experience (if applicable), a written statement of personal objectives and compatibility with faculty research activities. Since the School of Management starts making first-round admission decisions on December 9, it is best to complete the entire application process no later than December 8. While applications will be accepted after that date, applying after December 8 may significantly lower your chance of acceptance. Applications for admission can be made using the UT Dallas Graduate Application website .

* UT Dallas Naveen Jindal School of Management prefers the GMAT admission test, however, we gladly accept the GRE test as well.

Degree Requirements

Calculus, matrix algebra, computer programming and statistics are prerequisites for the doctoral program – every admitted student is responsible for ensuring he/she has satisfied these prerequisite requirements before joining the program.

Doctoral students in Management Science benefit from an exposure to multiple functional areas in management. To ensure this benefit, students who enter the program without an MBA (or equivalent degree) are required to complete a combined minimum of four courses (at the master’s or doctoral level) in at least three functional areas. This cross-functional exposure is particularly useful for students engaging in cross-functional research, in positioning their research for wider appeal, and for effectively teaching business school students with diverse specializations.

The Management Science PhD core curriculum consists of a minimum of 9 courses.

Please visit the Management Science Degree Plan page for core and secondary core course requirements.

Nine hours in any approved field

Students are required to take a sequence of specific courses. Students should consult with faculty members in their respective areas to decide on the sequence of courses.

Twelve hours of special topics and seminars in the information systems area.

Students are required to write original research papers in both their first and second summers. The second year paper is presented in a seminar attended by faculty and other students, and must be judged to be passing by the faculty before the student can advance to candidacy.

PhD in Information Systems students take a written preliminary exam at the end of their first year in the program over a set of core methodology courses ( MECO 6315 Statistics, MECO 6345 Advanced Managerial Economics, MECO 6350 Game Theory, OPRE 7353 Optimization). At the end of their fifth semester in the program, students take a qualifying exam (consisting of two parts: a written exam that tests their knowledge of information systems theory and applications, and a completed research paper).

PhD students must successfully complete the preliminary and qualifying examinations, respectively, to enter PhD candidacy. The area faculty will determine whether a student has successfully completed the exam requirements based on the student’s performance. Criteria to evaluate students may include results from the in-class written portion of the exams, quality of research papers and/or presentations, performance in special courses (e.g. seminar courses), satisfactory GPA as determined by area faculty, and other forms of assessment as required by the student’s area. An unsatisfactory performance in any one criteria for either the preliminary examination or the qualifying examination may result in dismissal from the program.

Once the student has passed qualifying exam and paper requirements, work on the dissertation can commence. The dissertation is written under the direction of the dissertation committee. Twelve to 24 semester hours may be granted for the dissertation toward the minimum 75-hour requirement for the degree. At a time mutually agreeable to the candidate and the dissertation committee, the candidate must orally defend the dissertation to the committee.

The Dissertation Proposal must be successfully defended at least one semester prior to the term of graduation. The requirements for the proposal defense should be discussed with the dissertation committee prior to scheduling the defense. Dissertation Proposal Defenses will be open to all faculty and PhD students of the Jindal School of Management.

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Ready to start your PhD application?

Before you apply, get familiar with the admission requirements and application process for Jindal School PhD programs at UT Dallas.

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Information Systems Specialization

No residency, no group work, 100% online learning, phd in information systems.

NU’s Information Systems specialization is designed for students who want to know how computers work together to maintain, store and process information most efficiently and effectively. With this broad-based, but foundational perspective on technology information management, you may find yourself in high demand. In this innovation-focused course of study, you will be introduced to a variety of topics in information systems and will prepare for a range of information technology leadership roles. Upon graduation, you will be empowered to use this in-depth knowledge to lead the innovative integration of information technologies and information systems in any organization.

Unmatched Flexibility

NU offers weekly course starts, no scheduled lecture hours, no group assignments, weekly assignments, and the ability to schedule courses around your personal and professional obligations.

100% Doctoral Faculty

No matter the degree level you pursue, you can rest assured that you will be mentored by doctors in your field of study.

One to One Engagement

You won’t have to fight for facetime as one of many within a classroom. At NU, you’ll have the opportunity to interact one to one with your professor, receiving personalized mentoring.

Course Details

Credit Hours : 60

Courses: 20

Estimated Time to Complete: 50 months

*Credit hours and courses reflect new students meeting credit requirements and utilizing no transfer credits. Est. Time of Completion reflects new students following the preferred schedule designed by the Dean for the program.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Contribute to the body of theory and practice in technology management
• Formulate strategies for managing technology and innovation in global organizations
• Evaluate theories of ethics and risk management in computers and emerging technologies
• Communicate with diverse audiences about theories, applications, and perspectives related to technology and innovation
• Develop  knowledge in technology and innovation based on a synthesis of current theories

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Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.

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Management Information Systems

The Ph.D. program in Management Information Systems is NOW accepting applications for Fall 2012.

The MIS doctoral program will not accept applications in 2020.

Due to our large MIS PhD class enrollment in Fall 2019, we do not expect to be able to enroll students in Fall 2020.

“I am interested in information technology (IT) and its application in organizations. I have an interest in research, teaching about, and in helping to invent a future around, applications of IT.”

If that sounds like you, keep reading; this may be the first step towards an exciting and promising career!

Ph.D. versus MS

Deciding between getting a Ph.D. or an MS? (Note: a master's degree is not required in order to pursue a Ph.D.) Typical differences between working in academia with a Ph.D. versus working in industry with an MS:

• Individuals with a Ph.D. create knowledge; individuals with an MS apply knowledge (e.g., created by those with a Ph.D.).
• A Ph.D. enables an individual to choose and work in the areas and issues that pique his or her interest. An individual with an MS typically works on problems that are important to others (e.g., his or her supervisor).
• Individuals with a Ph.D. get paid for learning new things; individuals with an MS typically pay to learn new things (e.g., by taking advanced classes).
• Individuals with a Ph.D. have many more opportunities to teach undergraduate and/or graduate classes.

What is Management Information Systems?

MIS faculty teach and research about the application of information systems in organizations. This includes the study of social networks, cloud computing, IT consumerization, virtual reality, negotiation systems, collaboration technologies, office automation, electronic payments, strategic information systems, electronic commerce, collective intelligence, tele-medicine, electronic markets, social media, information requirements analysis, systems development methods, enterprise resource planning systems, systems implementation, adoption, and diffusion, mobile computing, and much more. The information technologies and systems we teach and research transform people’s lives, jobs and, for industry after industry, business models, products, supply chains, and distribution channels.

We are also interested in the implications of those technologies for people and society; personal privacy, infrastructure dependency, security, safeguarding of intellectual property, and IT-related stress all capture the interest of MIS faculty. So too do the political implementations of the internet, the evolution of the field, and IT in developing nations. And that’s just today! Ours is one of the most dynamic fields; the area your dissertation will focus on in several years may not have even been conceived of today.

In addition to furthering your knowledge about information systems, you will be given the opportunity to develop the research skills and mindset necessary to be a successful scholar. In our seminars, as well as those you will take in other disciplines, you will learn about research methods, data analysis approaches, and theories applicable to your research. You will also gain necessary teaching expertise and experience.

MIS Faculty Spotlight

Please follow the links below in order to get an idea of the depth and breadth of research being pursued by our MIS faculty.

*Faculty noted with an asterisk have been recognized as being in the top 3% of MIS researchers.

You are also most welcome to contact Randolph Cooper , the MIS Ph.D. coordinator. Before doing so please look over the materials on this web site. Many of your questions will be answered here.

Student Initial Placements

One hundred percent of our Ph.D. graduates who desired academic employment were placed in one of the following academic institutions.

Arizona State University Baylor College of Medicine Dankook University (South Korea) INCAE (Costa Rica) Iowa State University Kennesaw State University Louisiana State University Murray State University Ohio University Penn State University Southern University – New Orleans Texas Christian University Texas Southern University U. Tunku Abdul Rahman (Malaysia) University of Alaska – Anchorage

University of Central Missouri University of Colorado – Denver University of Georgia University of Houston University of Houston – Clear Lake University of Melbourne (Australia) University of Missouri – St. Louis University of Nevada – Reno University of North Florida University of Saint Thomas University of South Florida University of Southern Indiana University of Texas – San Antonio University of Tulsa University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee

Ph.D. Dissertation Topics

Rather than restrict our students’ research to specific topics in information systems, students have the freedom to explore topics in which they have strong interests. When these topics require expertise not available within our MIS faculty, we are happy to draw from other disciplines within the University of Houston as well as from other Universities in order to create appropriate dissertation committees. Below are some dissertation topics that have been explored by our past Ph.D. students.

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Ph.D. in Business with an Information Systems and Technology Management Area of Focus

The Department of Information Systems and Technology Management at the GW School of Business offers a Ph.D. in Business with an Information Systems and Technology Management (ISTM) Area of Focus. The ISTM doctoral program focuses on the research areas in information systems and technology management. The program is designed to explore diverse research topics in information systems, including digital transformation, IS economics, digital strategy, e-commerce, artificial intelligence (AI), and other emerging digital phenomena in today’s pervasively digitized businesses, and exploits them for business values. The proposed ISTM Ph.D. degree is intended to prepare students for successful research careers in the IS fields.  

At the same time, the ISTM field itself is highly interdisciplinary encompassing various research areas and topics studying IS and IT, including economics, sociology, psychology, organization theory and behavior, strategic management and computer science. ISTM faculty members have been actively doing interdisciplinary research in IS economics, digital marketing, digital business strategy, and IS theories in psychology and organizations, and doing professional service as associative editors at top-tier journals such as MIS Quarterly and Information Systems Research. The ISTM Ph.D. concentration is intended to prepare students for successful research careers in the IS specialization as well as encouraging cross-disciplinary research inquiries.  

The research phase begins as early as the first year, when students serve as research assistants, and continues throughout the doctoral program. Students should gradually become more involved in the design and execution of research and, by the end of the second year, have typically produced at least one paper suitable for publication, typically coauthored with a faculty member. The later years of the program are dedicated to original research and the creation of the dissertation.

ISTM faculty are dedicated to providing our students with leading edge information systems management, artificial intelligence, technology innovation courses, and research designed to make an impact in the business world.  

Our top ranked research faculty’s broad, multidisciplinary approach to the study and research of information systems core concepts, trends and forecasts leverages information technology and exploits them for business values. 

The ISTM department is ranked #24 world-wide in research productivity measured by the number of articles published in the top information systems journals such as Information Systems Research and MIS Quarterly in the past three years, 2020-2022. The research and expertise of the faculty of the Information Systems and Technology Management Department spans a broad theoretical base, including information systems, engineering, computer science and healthcare. 

Our Faculty

Our faculty earned their doctoral degrees from renowned schools, including the Massachussetts Institute of Technology (MIT), University of Texas at Austin, University of Southern California (USC), University of Washington, Erasmus University, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), and the City University of New York (CUNY).  

ISTM department faculty have published in top tier journals, and work closely with faculty and doctoral students all over the world, leading to co-authored published articles. Our faculty are active in the discipline with four faculty members serving as Associate Editors for two top information systems journals , Information Systems Research and MIS Quarterly . They also serve as officers for academic divisions and track chairs for major conferences including the International Conference on Information Systems (ICIS), Conference on Information Systems and Technology (CIST), INFORMS, and the Americas Conference on Information Systems (AMCIS).  

Dr. YoungKi Park is the lead professor for the ISTM doctoral program.

• Elias Carayannis
• Sunghun Chung Ph.D. in Information Systems, KAIST Areas of Expertise: FinTech, Digital Inclusion/Innovation, Social Media Analytics, IT Business Value 
• Subhasish Dasgupta Ph.D. in Information Systems, City University of New York (CUNY)  Areas of expertise: Information Technology Adoption and Diffusion, Behavioral Issues in Information Systems, Global Information Systems
• Richard Donnelly Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology 
• Wenjing Duan Ph.D. in Management Science and Information Systems, University of Texas at Austin Areas of Expertise: Electronic Commerce; Social Media; Digital Marketing; Healthcare Analytics 
• Yi-Chun (Chad) Ho Ph.D. in Information Systems, University of Washington Areas of Expertise: Platform/Sharing Economy, User-Generated Content, E-/M-Commerce, Pricing in Digital Markets Topical Areas of Interest: Live Streaming Commerce, Influencer Marketing, Crowdfunding 
• Yixin Lu PhD: Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University Research Interests: Artificial Intelligence, Healthcare Analytics, Market Design, Programmatic Advertising, Platform Strategies, Sustainable Operations 
• YoungKi Park Ph.D. in Information Systems, Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California Areas of Expertise: Digital Business Strategy, Business Intelligence & Analytics, Enterprise Information Systems & Database, Set-Theoretic Configuration Methods, Fuzzy-Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA)

Program & Curriculum

The program is designed to provide doctoral students with solid theoretical and methodological foundations to pursue the key topics of information and digital systems, virtual environments, digitization, and emerging digital technologies. The ISTM Ph.D. degree consists of fifteen courses (equivalent of forty-five credit hours) as part of the student's plan of study. These include:  

• Four required courses in research methods and quantitative analysis (12 credits)  
• Four required ISTM field core doctoral courses (12 credits)  
• Five doctoral level elective courses (15 credits)  
• An additional doctoral level seminar from outside the student's area of interest (3 credits). 
• A summer research paper during the first or first and second summer (3 credits).  

Throughout the program, students become familiar with research methods and the literature of their major fields through research projects and directed readings. The completion of course work and qualifying examinations requires no more than two years.  

Early student participation in research is strongly encouraged. The ISTM department hosts regular seminar series, which introduce students to cutting-edge research and provide a forum for faculty-student interaction. Students are encouraged to work with their counterparts at other schools and departments including the Marketing, Management, and Strategic Management & Public Policy Departments, as well as the university's Computer Sciences Department and the Milken School of Public Health, among others. 

Students should take at least 15 (three-credits) courses to meet the required 45 credit hours for the PhD degree. The ISTM Ph.D. Program requires students to take a minimum of 45 credits during their program, including 27 credits in core courses, a 3-credit summer paper, and 15 credits in elective courses. Students should consult their Faculty Advisory Group about the required courses and electives for which they should register. All classes are required to be taken for letter grades. The program course requirements are provided below followed by an overview of the program structure.

Common Methodology Courses (4) 

• ECON 8301 Microeconomic Theory I
• ECON 8375: Econometrics I
• ECON 8376: Econometrics II
• MGT 8385: Research Methods and Design

Core Courses (4) 

Students choose four out of the five following ISTM seminar courses with the student’s faculty advisory group:

• ISTM 8391: Contemporary Research Topics in Information Systems
• ISTM 8392: Empirical Research in Information Systems – A Cross-Disciplinary Overview
• ISTM 8393: Behavioral Theories in Information Systems Research
• ISTM 8394: Advanced Empirical Methods in Information Systems
• ISTM 8395: Research in Digital Business Strategy

Students must also complete:

• An additional doctoral level seminar from outside the student's area of interest
• A summer research paper during the first or first and second summer, as required by the student's area of interest

Elective Courses (5) 

Students choose five of the following courses with the student’s faculty advisory group:

• DNSC 8328: Bayesian Statistics  
• DNSC 8393: Applied Stochastic Models for Business 
• ECON 8302: Microeconomic Theory II  
• ECON 8303: Microeconomic Theory III  
• ECON 8375: Econometrics III  
• ECON 8379: Applied Econometrics  
• EDUC 8122: Qualitative Research Methods 
• MGT 8382: Foundations of Organizational Behavior and Development 
• MGT 8397: Doctoral Seminar 
• PSYC 8202: Psychological Research Methods and Procedures 
• PSYC 8205: Multiple Regression Analysis in Psychological and Social Sciences 
• PSYC 8206: Multivariate Analysis and Modeling 
• PSYC 8291: Theories of Organizational Behavior 
• SMPP 8321: Seminar in Strategic Management 
• SMPP 8331: Organizational Theory  
• STAT 8273: Stochastic Processes

In addition to the above electives, students can — with ISTM doctoral program approval — register for relevant doctoral courses offered by the other GWU Departments or at the other universities which are part of the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area.   

• Fall Semester: ECON 8301, ECON 8375, ISTM 8391, ISTM 8392 
• Spring Semester: ECON 8376, MGT 8385, ISTM 8393, 1 elective 
• Research Activities: Seeking research topics and advisors; regularly attending departmental and school seminars; start summer paper research
• Milestone/Objective: Summer paper (due by the start of fall second year) 
• Fall Semester: ISTM 8394, ISTM 8398, 1 elective 
• Spring Semester: ISTM 8395, 2 electives  
• Research Activities: Identification of major research topics; continuation of work with advisors; completion of second-year paper; presentation at conferences
• Milestone/Objective: Comprehensive exam 
• Fall Semester: Dissertation
• Spring Semester: Dissertation
• Research Activities: Conference presentations; premier journal submissions; start of dissertation proposal
• Milestone/Objective: Teaching, Work on dissertation
• Research Activities: Conference presentations; premier journal submissions
• Milestone/Objective: Dissertation proposal defense
• Research Activities: Premier journal submissions and publications; job market papers ready
• Milestone/Objective: Dissertation defense, Research-oriented faculty position

Note: Please refer to the course requirements section for core courses and elective courses.

Admissions, Financial Aid & Next Steps

Admission to the program is competitive. All applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent, representing a four-year course of study in an accredited college or university. Superior academic performance is expected, and a strong background and ability in mathematics are essential for successfully completing the program. The program is expected to be completed in four to five years.  

Learn about admissions and the costs of pursuing a Ph.D. in ISTM, and explore various resources available to help finance your degree.

Learn More About Doctoral Program Admissions, Financial Aid, and How to Apply

PhD in Information Systems

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The PhD program in information systems (IS) prepares students for an academic career of scholarly research and university-level teaching.

From studying human-computer interaction, online reviews and social media design, to IS implementations and strategy, doctoral students explore real-world IS problems using a variety of methods, including surveys, experiments, archival data analysis , and analytics.

Message from the Coordinator

The Information Systems (IS) PhD takes a theory-inspired and practice-engaged approach to research, in order to understand how individuals, organizations and communities develop, design, use, and are affected by, information systems. We want our doctoral students to investigate relevant and interesting IS phenomena grounded in the IS discipline, and be intellectually curious, rigorous, critical and creative in their approach to research problems and research designs.

Research in our program targets the intersection of (1) implementation, design, and use of information systems, and (2) business and societal domains of their application, to produce research that can make a difference to theory, and practice and/or policy making. Our faculty’s research encompasses on a variety of technologies (e.g., ranking algorithms, social media and AI applications), domains of application (e.g., online communities and algorithmic work), and methods (experiments, secondary data analysis, surveys) . Our course work focuses on a strong theoretical and methodological foundation in the IS discipline, combined with an understanding of how IS are applied to the pressing issues of our time. We investigate research problems that can make a difference to organizations and/or society, bringing to bear methods that combine the power of different kinds of data. Our goal is to develop outstanding researchers and teachers who will make substantive contributions to scholarship and knowledge creation, and to place them in academic research institutions.

Our doctoral program is successful because it offers:

• World-class faculty who actively research, publish and shape-steer the scholarship in the top IS journals
• Collaborative and creative intellectual community that supports doctoral student scholarly development
• Comprehensive, rigorous and relevant coursework that equips students with the theories, concepts and methods needed to investigate IS problems
• Individual attention from multiple faculty members to support students in early research endeavors and multiple publication opportunities
• Preparation for the IS academic job market
• Exposure to the IS research community from around the world through support for traveling to international conferences (AMCIS, ICIS, HICSS, ECIS, etc.) and on-campus research talks

We welcome applications from individuals who have a strong academic record, are eager to investigate, why and how IS are developed, deployed and used, and aim to pursue a scholarly career in academia. Relevant industry experience can be an advantage, but it is not a must.

Monideepa Tarafdar Charles J. Dockendorff Endowed Professor and PhD Coordinator in Information Systems

The PhD program in information systems (IS) prepares students for an academic career of scholarly research and university-level teaching. From studying human-computer interaction, online reviews and social media design, to IS implementations and strategy, doctoral students explore real-world IS problems using a variety of methods, including surveys, experiments, archival data analysis, and analytics.

Teaching instruction is provided, and students are provided with teaching opportunities to support their development as world class business instructors.

Our program offers access to a unique group of world-class faculty who conduct research in the following areas:

• Human-computer interaction; decision support systems and online decision-making
• Website design and signaling; Online consumer impulsiveness; B2C electronic commerce strategy
• Social media affordances; online reviews; ranking algorithms
• Societal impacts such as social media driven online activism and social protest
• Algorithms, AI, bias and transparency
• IS use and post-adoptive cognitions, emotions, and behaviors (both negative and positive)
• Big data analytics use and strategy
• IS and wellbeing
• Healthcare systems implementation and use

Students generally complete a PhD in Information Systems within 4-5 years, beginning their studies in the fall semester. Students must take 45 credits of coursework, building foundational knowledge in information Systems and Research Methods before taking minor and elective courses. The program includes a first year core exam (summer paper); a comprehensive examination generally taken after completing the second year; a 3-course teaching requirement and a dissertation.

Research in information systems draws from a number of fields including psychology, sociology, human-computer interaction, computer science, marketing, management and sociology.  Topics of study include:

• Theories and concepts in the IS discipline
• Research methods (experiments, surveys, big data analysis, statistics, econometrics)
• Domains in the IS discipline (e.g. Human-computer interaction, post adoptive use, negative psychological, behavioral and societal effects of IS, algorithmic work, artificial intelligence and related concepts, social media driven phenomenon and online communities)
• Theories in psychology, management and sociology

YEAR 1: Coursework, including core courses; Core exam (summer paper)

YEAR 2: Coursework, including core courses, research electives and minor area courses; Comprehensive exam

YEAR 3: Development of dissertation proposal; Teaching; Additional coursework as needed;

YEAR 4-5: Dissertation; Teaching

IS Doctoral Candidates

Information Science: PhD

About the Program

The doctoral program.

The doctoral program in Information Science is a research-oriented program in which the student chooses specific fields of specialization, prepares sufficiently in the literature and the research of those fields to pass a qualifying examination, and completes original research culminating in the written dissertation. The degree of Doctor of Philosophy is conferred in recognition of a candidate's grasp of a broad field of learning and distinguished accomplishment in that field through the contribution of an original piece of research revealing high critical ability and powers of imagination and synthesis.

The I School also offers a master's in Information Management and Systems (MIMS), a master's in  Information and Data Science  (MIDS), and a master's in  Information and Cybersecurity (MICS).

Visit School Website

Admission to the PhD Program

We welcome students from a diverse set of backgrounds; some will be technically educated, some educated in the humanities and social sciences.

The I School typically accepts 3-7 PhD students each year from more than 100 applications. Applications are reviewed by a committee of faculty.

Applicants are evaluated holistically on a number of factors. A strong academic record is important, but not sufficient. A critical factor is the ability to demonstrate a research record and agenda that fit well with specific I School faculty. In a small, interdisciplinary program, it is important that applicants clearly indicate in their Statement of Purpose which faculty member(s) they are interested in researching with, and why.

To be eligible to apply to the PhD in Information Management and Systems program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

A bachelor's degree or its recognized equivalent from an accredited institution.

Superior scholastic record, normally well above a 3.0 GPA.

Indication of appropriate research goals, described in the Statement of Purpose.

For applicants whose academic work has been in a language other than English, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Not required: GRE/GMAT. Starting Fall 2021, we no longer require the GRE or GMAT. We recommend you put your time and effort towards the required application materials.

Further  information about I School Ph.D. Admissions  can be found on the I School website. 

Applying for Graduate Admission

Thank you for considering UC Berkeley for graduate study! UC Berkeley offers more than 120 graduate programs representing the breadth and depth of interdisciplinary scholarship. The Graduate Division hosts a complete list of graduate academic programs, departments, degrees offered, and application deadlines can be found on the Graduate Division website.

Prospective students must submit an online application to be considered for admission, in addition to any supplemental materials specific to the program for which they are applying. The online application and steps to take to apply can be found on the Graduate Division website .

Admission Requirements

The minimum graduate admission requirements are:

A bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution;

A satisfactory scholastic average, usually a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale; and

Enough undergraduate training to do graduate work in your chosen field.

For a list of requirements to complete your graduate application, please see the Graduate Division’s Admissions Requirements page . It is also important to check with the program or department of interest, as they may have additional requirements specific to their program of study and degree. Department contact information can be found here .

Where to apply?

Visit the Berkeley Graduate Division application page .

Doctoral Degree Requirements

Program design.

The School of Information is an interdisciplinary school examining the design, organization, and management of information and information systems. The School of Information draws on the expertise not only of its own faculty but of the full Berkeley campus. We encourage students to take full advantage of being at this world-class University and not feel bound by disciplinary boundaries.

The PhD degree program at the School of Information is a research program. Each student is expected to work with his or her adviser to ensure that the program of study includes:

• A thorough understanding of research methods and research design.
• The ability to review current research critically.
• The ability to understand emerging trends from an interdisciplinary perspective.

Expected PhD Timeline:

• Semester 1:  Identify a faculty adviser
• Semesters 1–4:  Complete breadth courses; complete major and minor requirements
• Semester 4:  Complete the preliminary research paper
• Semester 5:  Complete preliminary exam
• Semester 6–8:  Complete qualifying exam; advance to candidacy
• Four semesters after qualifying exam:  Complete dissertation and give presentation

Please refer to  the School of Information website  for more information.

Breadth Courses

Major/Minor Areas

Related Courses

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Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 Introduces the data sciences landscape, with a particular focus on learning data science techniques to uncover and answer the questions students will encounter in industry. Lectures, readings, discussions, and assignments will teach how to apply disciplined, creative methods to ask better questions, gather data, interpret results, and convey findings to various audiences. The emphasis throughout is on making practical contributions to real decisions that organizations will and should make. Course must be taken for a letter grade to fulfill degree requirements. Research Design and Applications for Data and Analysis: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1.5 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: One and one-half hours of lecture per week.

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Information/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Research Design and Applications for Data and Analysis: Read Less [-]

INFO 202 Information Organization and Retrieval 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 This course introduces the intellectual foundations of information organization and retrieval: conceptual modeling, semantic representation, vocabulary and metadata design, classification, and standardization, as well as information retrieval practices, technology, and applications, including computational processes for analyzing information in both textual and non-textual formats. Information Organization and Retrieval: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Students should have a working knowledge of the Python programming language

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: Three hours of lecture per week.

Information Organization and Retrieval: Read Less [-]

INFO 203 Social Issues of Information 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 This course is designed to be an introduction to the topics and issues associated with information and information technology and its role in society. Throughout the semester we will consider both the consequence and impact of technologies on social groups and on social interaction and how society defines and shapes the technologies that are produced. Students will be exposed to a broad range of applied and practical problems, theoretical issues, as well as methods used in social scientific analysis. The four sections of the course are: 1) theories of technology in society, 2) information technology in workplaces 3) automation vs. humans, and 4) networked sociability. Social Issues of Information: Read More [+]

Social Issues of Information: Read Less [-]

INFO 205 Information Law and Policy 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 This course uses examples from various commercial domains—retail, health, credit, entertainment, social media, and biosensing/quantified self—to explore legal and ethical issues including freedom of expression, privacy, research ethics, consumer protection, information and cybersecurity, and copyright. The class emphasizes how existing legal and policy frameworks constrain, inform, and enable the architecture, interfaces, data practices, and consumer facing policies and documentation of such offerings; and, fosters reflection on the ethical impact of information and communication technologies and the role of information professionals in legal and ethical work. Information Law and Policy: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor required for nonmajors

Instructor: Mulligan

Information Law and Policy: Read Less [-]

INFO 206A Introduction to Programming and Computation 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 This course introduces the basics of computer programming that are essential for those interested in computer science, data science, and information management. Students will write their own interactive programs (in Python) to analyze data, process text, draw graphics, manipulate images, and simulate physical systems. Problem decomposition, program efficiency, and good programming style are emphasized throughout the course. Introduction to Programming and Computation: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 7.5 weeks - 4 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: Four hours of lecture per week for seven and one-half weeks.

Instructor: Farid

Introduction to Programming and Computation: Read Less [-]

INFO 206B Introduction to Data Structures and Analytics 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 The ability to represent, manipulate, and analyze structured data sets is foundational to the modern practice of data science. This course introduces students to the fundamentals of data structures and data analysis (in Python). Best practices for writing code are emphasized throughout the course. This course forms the second half of a sequence that begins with INFO 106. It may also be taken as a stand-alone course by any student that has sufficient Python experience. Introduction to Data Structures and Analytics: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: INFO 206A or equivalent, or permission of instructor

Credit Restrictions: Course must be completed for a letter grade to fulfill degree requirements.

Formerly known as: Information 206

Introduction to Data Structures and Analytics: Read Less [-]

INFO 213 Introduction to User Experience Design 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 This course will provide an introduction to the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). Students will learn to apply design thinking to User Experience (UX) design, prototyping, & evaluation. The course will also cover special topic areas within HCI. Introduction to User Experience Design: Read More [+]

Introduction to User Experience Design: Read Less [-]

INFO 214 User Experience Research 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 This course addresses concepts and methods of user experience research, from understanding and identifying needs, to evaluating concepts and designs, to assessing the usability of products and solutions. We emphasize methods of collecting and interpreting qualitative data about user activities, working both individually and in teams, and translating them into design decisions. Students gain hands-on practice with observation, interview, survey , focus groups, and expert review. Team activities and group work are required during class and for most assignments. Additional topics include research in enterprise, consulting, and startup organizations, lean/agile techniques, mobile research approaches, and strategies for communicating findings. User Experience Research: Read More [+]

Additional Format: Three hours of Lecture per week for 15 weeks.

User Experience Research: Read Less [-]

INFO 215 Product Design Studio 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023 This course will give participants hands-on digital product design experience oriented around current industry practice. The course will be project-based with an emphasis on iteration, practice, and critique. During the course, participants will work on a series of design projects through a full design process, including developing appropriate design deliverables, gathering feedback, and iterating on designs. Product Design Studio: Read More [+]

Objectives & Outcomes

Course Objectives: The course objective is to provide students interested in web and mobile Product Design with skills, practice, and experience that will prepare them for careers in product design and design-related roles.

Prerequisites: DES INV 15 or COMPSCI 160 or INFO 213 AND INFO 214; or permission of the instructor. Students can take INFO 214 and INFO 215 concurrently, but students may not drop INFO 214 and remain in INFO 215

Formerly known as: Information Systems and Management 215

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INFO 217A Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Research 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Fall 2021, Fall 2020 This course is a graduate-level introduction to HCI research. Students will learn to conduct original HCI research by reading and discussing research papers while collaborating on a semester-long research project. Each week the class will focus on a theme of HCI research and review foundational and cutting-edge research relevant to that theme. The class will focus on the following areas of HCI research: ubiquitous computing , social computing, critical theory, and human-AI interaction. In addition to these research topics the class will introduce common qualitative and quantitative methodologies in HCI research. Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Research: Read More [+]

Instructor: Salehi

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Research: Read Less [-]

INFO 218 Concepts of Information 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2022, Spring 2020 As it's generally used, "information" is a collection of notions, rather than a single coherent concept. In this course, we'll examine conceptions of information based in information theory, philosophy, social science, economics, and history. Issues include: How compatible are these conceptions; can we talk about "information" in the abstract? What work do these various notions play in discussions of literacy, intellectual property, advertising, and the political process? And where does this leave "information studies" and "the information society"? Concepts of Information: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Graduate standing

Instructors: Duguid, Nunberg

Concepts of Information: Read Less [-]

INFO 225 Leadership and Management 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2021 This course focuses on the practice of leadership, collaboration, and people management in contemporary, distributed, information and technology-rich organizations. Not just for potential people managers, this course is derived from the premise that a foundation in leadership, management, and collaboration is essential for individuals in all roles, at any stage of their career. To build this foundation we will take a hybrid approach, engaging literature from disciplines such as social psychology, management, and organizational behavior, as well as leveraging case studies and practical exercises. The course will place a special emphasis on understanding and reacting to social dynamics in workplace hierarchies and teams. Leadership and Management: Read More [+]

Leadership and Management: Read Less [-]

INFO 231 Decisions and Algorithms 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2013, Spring 2011 This class is for graduate students interested in getting an advanced understanding of judgments and decisions made with predictive algorithms. The course will survey the vast literature on the psychology of how people arrive at judgments and make decisions with the help of statistical information, focused mostly on experimental lab evidence from cognitive and social psychology. Then study the burgeoning evidence on how people use statistical algorithms in practice, exploring field evidence from a range of settings from criminal justice and healthcare to housing and labor markets. Special attention is paid to psychological principles that impact the effectiveness and fairness of algorithms deployed at scale. Decisions and Algorithms: Read More [+]

Course Objectives: Help students understand systematic human errors and explore potential algorithmic solutions.

Decisions and Algorithms: Read Less [-]

INFO 233 Social Psychology and Information Technology 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 Discusses application of social psychological theory and research to information technologies and systems; we focus on sociological social psychology, which largely focuses on group processes, networks, and interpersonal relationships. Information technologies considered include software systems used on the internet such as social networks, email, and social games, as well as specific hardware technologies such as mobile devices, computers , wearables, and virtual/augmented reality devices. We examine human communication practices, through the lens of different social psychology theories, including: symbolic interaction, identity theories, social exchange theory, status construction theory, and social networks and social structure theory. Social Psychology and Information Technology: Read More [+]

Instructor: Cheshire

Social Psychology and Information Technology: Read Less [-]

INFO 234 Information Technology Economics, Strategy, and Policy 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2022, Spring 2021 This course applies economic tools and principles, including game theory, industrial organization, information economics, and behavioral economics, to analyze business strategies and public policy issues surrounding information technologies and IT industries. Topics include: economics of information goods, services, and platforms; economics of information and asymmetric information; economics of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data privacy, and peer production; strategic pricing; strategic complements and substitutes; competition and antitrust; Internet industry structure and regulation; network cascades, network formation, and network structure. Information Technology Economics, Strategy, and Policy: Read More [+]

Course Objectives: INFO234 is a graduate level course in the school's topical area of Information Economics and Policy, and can be taken by the masters and doctoral students to satisfy their respective degree requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes: Students will learn to identify, describe, and analyze business strategies and public policy issues of particular relevance to the information industry. Students will learn and apply economic tools and principles to analyze phenomena such as platform competition, social epidemics, and peer production, and current policy issues such as network neutrality and information privacy. Through integrated assignments and project work, the students will apply the theoretical concepts and analytic tools learned in lectures and readings to develop and evaluate a business model, product, or service of their choosing, e.g., a start-up idea they are pursuing.

Instructor: Chuang

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INFO 239 Technology and Delegation 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2021, Fall 2019, Fall 2018 The introduction of technology increasingly delegates responsibility to technical actors, often reducing traditional forms of transparency and challenging traditional methods for accountability. This course explores the interaction between technical design and values including: privacy, accessibility, fairness, and freedom of expression. We will draw on literature from design, science and technology studies, computer science, law, and ethics, as well as primary sources in policy, standards and source code. We will investigate approaches to identifying the value implications of technical designs and use methods and tools for intentionally building in values at the outset. Technology and Delegation: Read More [+]

Technology and Delegation: Read Less [-]

INFO 241 Experiments and Causal Inference 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2022 This course introduces students to experimentation in data science. Particular attention is paid to the formation of causal questions, and the design and analysis of experiments to provide answers to these questions. This topic has increased considerably in importance since 1995, as researchers have learned to think creatively about how to generate data in more scientific ways, and developments in information technology has facilitated the development of better data gathering. Experiments and Causal Inference: Read More [+]

Experiments and Causal Inference: Read Less [-]

INFO 247 Information Visualization and Presentation 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2021 The design and presentation of digital information. Use of graphics, animation, sound, visualization software, and hypermedia in presenting information to the user. Methods of presenting complex information to enhance comprehension and analysis. Incorporation of visualization techniques into human-computer interfaces. Course must be completed for a letter grade to fulfill degree requirements. Information Visualization and Presentation: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: INFO 206B or knowledge of programming and data structures with consent of instructor

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of laboratory per week

Additional Format: Three hours of lecture and one hour of laboratory per week.

Instructor: Hearst

Information Visualization and Presentation: Read Less [-]

INFO 251 Applied Machine Learning 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 Provides a theoretical and practical introduction to modern techniques in applied machine learning. Covers key concepts in supervised and unsupervised machine learning, including the design of machine learning experiments, algorithms for prediction and inference, optimization, and evaluation. Students will learn functional, procedural, and statistical programming techniques for working with real-world data. Applied Machine Learning: Read More [+]

Student Learning Outcomes: • Effectively design, execute, and critique experimental and non-experimental methods from statistics, machine learning, and econometrics. • Implement basic algorithms on structured and unstructured data, and evaluate the performance of these algorithms on a variety of real-world datasets. • Understand the difference between causal and non-causal relationships, and which situations and methods are appropriate for both forms of analysis. • Understand the principles, advantages, and disadvantages of different algorithms for supervised and unsupervised machine learning.

Prerequisites: INFO 206B , or equivalent course in Python programming; INFO 271B , or equivalent graduate-level course in statistics or econometrics; or permission of instructor

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week

Additional Format: Three hours of lecture and one hour of discussion per week.

Instructor: Blumenstock

Applied Machine Learning: Read Less [-]

INFO 253A Front-End Web Architecture 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 This course is a survey of technologies that power the user interfaces of web applications on a variety of devices today, including desktop, mobile, and tablet devices. This course will delve into some of the core Front-End languages and frameworks (HTML/CSS/JS/React/Redux), as well as the underlying technologies enable web applications (HTTP, URI, JSON). The goal of this course is to provide an overview of the technical issues surrounding user interfaces powered by the web today, and to provide a solid and comprehensive perspective of the Web's constantly evolving landscape. Front-End Web Architecture: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Introductory programming

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture and 1 hour of laboratory per week

Additional Format: Two hours of lecture and one hour of laboratory per week.

Formerly known as: Information 253

Front-End Web Architecture: Read Less [-]

INFO 253B Back-End Web Architecture 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 This course is a survey of web technologies that are used to build back-end systems that enable rich web applications. Utilizing technologies such as Python, Flask, Docker, RDBMS/NoSQL databases, and Spark, this class aims to cover the foundational concepts that drive the web today. This class focuses on building APIs using micro-services that power everything from content management systems to data engineering pipelines that provide insights by processing large amounts of data. The goal of this course is to provide an overview of the technical issues surrounding back-end systems today, and to provide a solid and comprehensive perspective of the web's constantly evolving landscape. Back-End Web Architecture: Read More [+]

Back-End Web Architecture: Read Less [-]

INFO 255 Privacy Engineering 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023 The course overviews a broad number of paradigms of privacy from a technical point of view. The course is designed to assist system engineers and information systems professionals in getting familiar with the subject of privacy engineering and train them in implementing those mechanisms. In addition, the course is designed to coach those professionals to critically think about the strengths and weaknesses of the different privacy paradigms. These skills are important for cybersecurity professionals and enable them to effectively incorporate privacy-awareness in the design phase of their products. Privacy Engineering: Read More [+]

Course Objectives: Critique the strengths and weaknesses of the different privacy paradigms Describe the different technical paradigms of privacy that are applicable for systems engineering Implement such privacy paradigms, and embed them in information systems during the design process and the implementation phase Stay updated about the state of the art in the field of privacy engineering

Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for INFO 255 after completing INFO 255 . A deficient grade in INFO 255 may be removed by taking INFO 255 .

Privacy Engineering: Read Less [-]

INFO 256 Applied Natural Language Processing 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2021 This course examines the use of natural language processing as a set of methods for exploring and reasoning about text as data, focusing especially on the applied side of NLP — using existing NLP methods and libraries in Python in new and creative ways. Topics include part-of-speech tagging, shallow parsing, text classification, information extraction, incorporation of lexicons and ontologies into text analysis, and question answering. Students will apply and extend existing software tools to text-processing problems. Applied Natural Language Processing: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: INFO 206A and INFO 206B or proficient programming in Python (programs of at least 200 lines of code). Proficient with basic statistics and probabilities

Instructor: Bamman

Applied Natural Language Processing: Read Less [-]

INFO 258 Data Engineering 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Fall 2022 This course will cover the principles and practices of managing data at scale, with a focus on use cases in data analysis and machine learning. We will cover the entire life cycle of data management and science, ranging from data preparation to exploration, visualization and analysis, to machine learning and collaboration, with a focus on ensuring reliable, scalable operationalization. ensuring reliable, scalable operationalization. Data Engineering: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: INFO 206B or equivalent college-level course in computer science in Python with a C- or better AND COMPSCI C100/ DATA C100 / STAT C100 or COMPSCI 189 or INFO 251 or DATA 144 or equivalent college-level course in data science with a C- or better

Instructors: Hellerstein, Parameswaran, Jain

Data Engineering: Read Less [-]

INFO 259 Natural Language Processing 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 This course introduces students to natural language processing and exposes them to the variety of methods available for reasoning about text in computational systems. NLP is deeply interdisciplinary, drawing on both linguistics and computer science, and helps drive much contemporary work in text analysis (as used in computational social science, the digital humanities, and computational journalism). We will focus on major algorithms used in NLP for various applications (part-of-speech tagging, parsing, coreference resolution, machine translation) and on the linguistic phenomena those algorithms attempt to model. Students will implement algorithms and create linguistically annotated data on which those algorithms depend. Natural Language Processing: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Familiarity with data structures, algorithms, linear algebra, and probability

Natural Language Processing: Read Less [-]

INFO C262 Theory and Practice of Tangible User Interfaces 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 This course explores the theory and practice of Tangible User Interfaces, a new approach to Human Computer Interaction that focuses on the physical interaction with computational media. The topics covered in the course include theoretical framework, design examples, enabling technologies, and evaluation of Tangible User Interfaces. Students will design and develop experimental Tangible User Interfaces using physical computing prototyping tools and write a final project report. Theory and Practice of Tangible User Interfaces: Read More [+]

Instructor: Ryokai

Also listed as: NWMEDIA C262

Theory and Practice of Tangible User Interfaces: Read Less [-]

INFO C265 Interface Aesthetics 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 This course will cover new interface metaphors beyond desktops (e.g., for mobile devices, computationally enhanced environments, tangible user interfaces) but will also cover visual design basics (e.g., color, layout, typography, iconography) so that we have systematic and critical understanding of aesthetically engaging interfaces. Students will get a hands-on learning experience on these topics through course projects, design critiques , and discussions, in addition to lectures and readings. Interface Aesthetics: Read More [+]

Also listed as: NWMEDIA C265

Interface Aesthetics: Read Less [-]

INFO 271B Quantitative Research Methods for Information Systems and Management 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 Introduction to many different types of quantitative research methods, with an emphasis on linking quantitative statistical techniques to real-world research methods. Introductory and intermediate topics include: defining research problems, theory testing, casual inference, probability, and univariate statistics. Research design and methodology topics include: primary/secondary survey data analysis, experimental designs, and coding qualitative data for quantitative analysis. Quantitative Research Methods for Information Systems and Management: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Introductory statistics recommended

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INFO 272 Qualitative Research Methods for Information Systems and Management 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 Theory and practice of naturalistic inquiry. Grounded theory. Ethnographic methods including interviews, focus groups, naturalistic observation. Case studies. Analysis of qualitative data. Issues of validity and generalizability in qualitative research. Qualitative Research Methods for Information Systems and Management: Read More [+]

Instructor: Burrell

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INFO 283 Information and Communications Technology for Development 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 This seminar reviews current literature and debates regarding Information and Communication Technologies and Development (ICTD). This is an interdisciplinary and practice-oriented field that draws on insights from economics, sociology, engineering, computer science, management, public health, etc. Information and Communications Technology for Development: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of seminar per week

Additional Format: Three hours of seminar per week.

Instructor: Saxenian

Formerly known as: Information C283

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INFO 288 Big Data and Development 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2021, Spring 2019 As new sources of digital data proliferate in developing economies, there is the exciting possibility that such data could be used to benefit the world’s poor. Through a careful reading of recent research and through hands-on analysis of large-scale datasets, this course introduces students to the opportunities and challenges for data-intensive approaches to international development. Students should be prepared to dissect, discuss, and replicate academic publications from several fields including development economics, machine learning, information science, and computational social science. Students will also conduct original statistical and computational analysis of real-world data. Big Data and Development: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Students are expected to have prior graduate training in machine learning, econometrics, or a related field

Big Data and Development: Read Less [-]

INFO 289 Public Interest Cybersecurity: The Citizen Clinic Practicum 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 This course provides students with real-world experience assisting politically vulnerable organizations and persons around the world to develop and implement sound cybersecurity practices. In the classroom, students study basic theories and practices of digital security, intricacies of protecting largely under-resourced organizations, and tools needed to manage risk in complex political, sociological, legal, and ethical contexts. In the clinic , students work in teams supervised by Clinic staff to provide direct cybersecurity assistance to civil society organizations. We emphasize pragmatic, workable solutions that take into account the unique needs of each partner organization. Public Interest Cybersecurity: The Citizen Clinic Practicum: Read More [+]

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit with instructor consent.

Public Interest Cybersecurity: The Citizen Clinic Practicum: Read Less [-]

INFO 290 Special Topics in Information 1 - 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 Specific topics, hours, and credit may vary from section to section, year to year. Special Topics in Information: Read More [+]

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes. Students may enroll in multiple sections of this course within the same semester.

Fall and/or spring: 8 weeks - 2-8 hours of lecture per week 15 weeks - 1-4 hours of lecture per week

Summer: 10 weeks - 1.5-6 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: One to four hours of lecture per week. One and one-half to six hours of lecture per week for 10 weeks. Two to eight hours of lecture per week for 8 weeks.

Special Topics in Information: Read Less [-]

INFO 290M Special Topics in Management 1 - 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 Specific topics, hours, and credit may vary from section to section and year to year. Special Topics in Management: Read More [+]

Additional Format: One to four hours of lecture per week. Two to eight hours of lecture per week for 8 weeks.

Special Topics in Management: Read Less [-]

INFO 290S Special Topics in Social Science and Policy 2 - 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023 Specific topics, hours, and credit may vary from section to section and year to year. Special Topics in Social Science and Policy: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 8 weeks - 4-8 hours of lecture per week 15 weeks - 2-4 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: Two to four hours of lecture per week. Four to eight hours of lecture per week for 8 weeks.

Special Topics in Social Science and Policy: Read Less [-]

INFO 290T Special Topics in Technology 2 - 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023 Specific topics, hours, and credit may vary from section to section and year to year. Special Topics in Technology: Read More [+]

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INFO 291 Special Topics in Information 1 - 4 Units

Terms offered: Prior to 2007 Specific topics, hours, and credit may vary from section to section, year to year. Special Topics in Information: Read More [+]

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-4 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: One to four hours of lecture per week.

Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.

Instructor: Hoofnagle

INFO 293 Information Management Practicum 0.5 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2016, Summer 2016 10 Week Session, Spring 2016 This course is designed to help School of Information graduate students maximize their internship, practicum, or independent research experiences. Information Management Practicum: Read More [+]

Course Objectives: Experience the practical application of your academic knowledge to real-world professional contexts; Gain insight into an organization and how one might make a valuable contribution; Reflect on the information the experience has provided, to see if it fits within one’s personal value set and work/life manifestos. Try out various professional activities to see when you are in ‘flow’;

Student Learning Outcomes: Assess the organizational culture of a company, governmental body, or non-governmental organization Connect academic knowledge about information management to real-world professional contexts Evaluate the effectiveness of a variety of information science techniques when deployed in organizational situations Integrate the student's own individual professional goals with the organization's needs relevant to the internship or practicum Reflect critically on the internship or practicum experience

Prerequisites: Consent of a Head Graduate Adviser for the School of Information

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1 hour of internship per week

Summer: 10 weeks - 1.5 hours of internship per week

Additional Format: One hour of internship per week. One and one-half hours of internship per week for 10 weeks.

Information Management Practicum: Read Less [-]

INFO 294 Doctoral Research and Theory Workshop 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 An intensive weekly discussion of current and ongoing research by Ph.D. students with a research interest in issues of information (social, legal, technical, theoretical, etc.). Our goal is to focus on critiquing research problems, theories, and methodologies from multiple perspectives so that we can produce high-quality, publishable work in the interdisciplinary area of information research. Circulated material may include dissertation chapters , qualifying papers, article drafts, and/or new project ideas. We want to have critical and productive discussion, but above all else we want to make our work better: more interesting, more accessible, more rigorous, more theoretically grounded, and more like the stuff we enjoy reading. Doctoral Research and Theory Workshop: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: PhD students only

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of workshop per week

Additional Format: Two hours of workshop per week.

Doctoral Research and Theory Workshop: Read Less [-]

INFO 295 Doctoral Colloquium 1 Unit

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023 Colloquia, discussion and readings designed to introduce students to the range of interests of the school. Doctoral Colloquium: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Ph.D. standing in the School of Information

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1 hour of colloquium per week

Additional Format: One hour of colloquium per week.

Doctoral Colloquium: Read Less [-]

INFO 296A Seminar 2 - 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 Topics in information management and systems and related fields. Specific topics vary from year to year. Seminar: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2-4 hours of seminar per week

Additional Format: Two to Four hours of Seminar per week for 15 weeks.

Seminar: Read Less [-]

INFO 298 Directed Group Study 1 - 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2019, Spring 2016, Fall 2015 Group projects on special topics in information management and systems. Directed Group Study: Read More [+]

Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for INFO 298 after completing INFOSYS 298.

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-4 hours of directed group study per week

Summer: 8 weeks - 1.5-7.5 hours of directed group study per week

Additional Format: One to four hours of directed group study per week. One and one-half to seven and one-half hours of directed group study per week for 8 weeks.

Directed Group Study: Read Less [-]

INFO 298A Directed Group Work on Final Project 1 - 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2022, Spring 2016, Spring 2015 The final project is designed to integrate the skills and concepts learned during the Information School Master's program and helps prepare students to compete in the job market. It provides experience in formulating and carrying out a sustained, coherent, and significant course of work resulting in a tangible work product; in project management, in presenting work in both written and oral form; and, when appropriate, in working in a multidisciplinary team. Projects may take the form of research papers or professionally-oriented applied work. Directed Group Work on Final Project: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor. Course must be taken for a letter grade to fulfill degree requirements

Additional Format: One to four hours of directed group study per week.

Directed Group Work on Final Project: Read Less [-]

INFO 299 Individual Study 1 - 12 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2023, Summer 2016 8 Week Session, Spring 2016 Individual study of topics in information management and systems under faculty supervision. Individual Study: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-12 hours of independent study per week

Summer: 8 weeks - 2-22.5 hours of independent study per week

Additional Format: Format varies.

Individual Study: Read Less [-]

INFO 375 Teaching Assistance Practicum 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Fall 2021, Fall 2020 Discussion, reading, preparation, and practical experience under faculty supervision in the teaching of specific topics within information management and systems. Does not count toward a degree. Teaching Assistance Practicum: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: Two hours of lecture per week.

Subject/Course Level: Information/Professional course for teachers or prospective teachers

Instructor: Duguid

Teaching Assistance Practicum: Read Less [-]

INFO 602 Individual Study for Doctoral Students 1 - 5 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2016, Fall 2015, Spring 2015 Individual study in consultation with the major field adviser, intended to provide an opportunity for qualified students to prepare themselves for the various examinations required of candidates for the Ph.D. degree. Individual Study for Doctoral Students: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-5 hours of independent study per week

Additional Format: One to Five hour of Independent study per week for 15 weeks.

Subject/Course Level: Information/Graduate examination preparation

Individual Study for Doctoral Students: Read Less [-]

Contact Information

School of information.

102 South Hall

Phone: 510-642-1464

Senior Director of Student Affairs

Siu Yung Wong

[email protected]

Senior Director of Admissions

Julia Sprague

[email protected]

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Rawls College of Business

PhD in Business Administration Specialization in Management Information Systems (MIS)

MIS is an academic discipline that explores how information systems and data-centric applications in businesses and organizations are designed and how they affect society, behavior, and the economy. The study of MIS as a discipline includes topics such as neuroIS, technology acceptance, behavioral decision making, information technology governance, digital ethics, artificial intelligence and business analytics. Major supporting disciplines include psychology, economics, operations research and computer science. Request Information

Program Requirements

Completion of the program requires a minimum of 60 semester credit hours beyond a bachelor's degree, not including dissertation hours from BA 8000. Students with a limited background in business will also be required to take additional leveling courses.

Typically, students complete all credit hours in residence at Texas Tech. Twenty-one semester credit hours must be taken in residence during a 12-month period. Generally, only three credit hours from outside institutions (provided there is an equivalent course at Texas Tech) may be counted toward the required 60 credit hours, if approved by the area's doctoral coordinator.

As part of the required 60 credit hours, students must complete Advanced Statistical Methods (ISQS 5347) and Practicum in Higher Education for Business (BA 5395).

Program Overview

To excel in the Area of MIS, students must possess scholarly competence and actively contribute to the advancement of the management field through research efforts. This implies a broad knowledge of the subject and its literature, as well as a detailed understanding of current research in a specific sub-area of MIS. Students will complete both core MIS courses and specialized courses, which can be tailored to meet individual objectives and interests with the guidance of a faculty advisor.

All students are expected to have adequate familiarity with MIS basics. These are defined by the following courses:

ISQS 7342             Advanced Topics in Information Systems and Quantitative Sciences

ISQS 7346            Seminar in Cognitive and Behavioral MIS Research

ISQS 7347             Seminar in Managerial and Organizational MIS Research

With the consent of their faculty advisors, students can choose a content-area concentration that matches their interests and career aspirations, such as getting hired, promoted or tenured. Seminar courses will touch each on content areas depending on the particular specializations of each faculty member teaching the course.

To ensure advanced development of analytical and research skills, students must pursue research methods as a supporting field. A minimum of nine credit hours (three courses) of supporting field coursework in research methods is required. Below is a non-exclusive list of potential research method courses.

ISQS 5349             Regression Analysis

ISQS 6348             Applied Multivariate Analysis

BA 6300                Advanced Business Research Methods; Structural Equation Modeling (SEM)

MGT 6381            Qualitative Methods & the Philosophies of Science

MGT 6381            Publishing Empirical Research and Scholarly Writing

BA 7000                Special Topics on Research Methods and Analysis

To reach the 60-hour requirement, students will work with faculty to determine the appropriate mix of elective and/or independent research coursework. Enrollment in these courses is associated with a student's preparation for their doctoral dissertation proposal or other research projects. Because doctoral proposals and other independent research require substantial faculty resources, enrollment will reflect the time required of faculty.

Upon completion of coursework, students are prepared for intensive examinations. The Qualifying Exam will cover material from all doctoral seminars, research seminar series and may also include material from the supporting fields. Students are expected to go beyond courses through intensive self-study of the research literature. The Qualifying Exam is composed of two components: a written exam and an oral exam.

After successfully completing the qualifying examination, students are admitted to candidacy. The dissertation represents the culmination of the doctoral program in which a student learns and demonstrates the ability to conduct independent research.

Students should select a Doctoral Dissertation Committee as early as possible during their studies. Generally, most dissertation committees are composed of three or four total faculty members. The committee must include a chair who is typically chosen before the completion of coursework once the student has identified an area of interest. The committee chair may assist in refining a topic, suggesting potential committee members, and establishing a timeline and structure for the dissertation. Additionally, the committee must include one additional tenured or tenure-track faculty member from the Area of ISQS.

Catering to students with diverse backgrounds, interests, and expertise, our program offers flexibility and choice in curriculum, allowing students to choose courses that match their research interests.

Our program aims to cultivate scholars who can conduct significant research in their chosen field. To enhance their research skills and develop strong competencies for conducting state-of-the-art research, students work closely with faculty in small classes, colloquiums, departmental workshops and seminars.

Students are also encouraged to interact with the professional community by attending and presenting papers at professional meetings. When possible, the Area of ISQS will provide financial support for this purpose.

Recent Graduate Placements

Our alumni have secured competitive faculty positions at prestigious institutions across the globe.

The following is a detailed list of the initial placements and dissertation topics of our recent doctoral graduates over the last five years.

Kevin Harmon Dissertation Title:   The Impact of System Latency on User Experience and Performance Dissertation Chair:   Eric Walden Original placement:   University of Arkansas

Ross Niswanger Dissertation Title:   Oversharing on Social Network Sites: Self-Disclosure That Leads to Regret Dissertation Chair:   Jaeki Song Original placement:   University of Houston–Clear Lake

Report Your Placement

Inaiya Armeen Dissertation Title:   Exploiting User Participation to Enhance User Experiment (UX): An Emotional Approach Dissertation Chair:   Eric Walden Original placement:   University of Alabama

Weihong Ning Dissertation Title:   Impact of Social Network Sites (SNS) Addiction on College Student's Cognitive Performance Dissertation Chair:   Fred Davis Original placement:   Central Connecticut State University (Associate Professor)

Nakul Padalkar Dissertation Title:   Evaluation of Blockchain Technology for Cycle Counting in Supply Chains with Information Discrepancies Dissertation Chair:   Donald R. Jones Original placement:   Georgetown University

Timothy Kaskela Dissertation Title:   The Effects of Frames on People's Responses on Social Networks Dissertation Chair:   Jaeki Song Original placement:   Oregon State University

Yixiu Yu Dissertation Title:   Three Essays on User Satisfaction, Dissatisfaction, Ambivalence, and Post-Adoption Behavior Dissertation Chair:   Fred Davis Original placement:   Ball State University

Gabriel Silva Cogo Dissertation Title:   Understanding DevOps: From its Enablers to Impact on IT Performance Dissertation Chair:   Donald Jones Original Placement:   Fundacao Getulio Vargas (FGV) - Brazil

Saman Bina Dissertation Title:   Information Avoidance in Requirements Determination Dissertation Chair:  Dr. Glenn Browne Original Placement:   Baylor University

Ying Wang Dissertation Title:   Online Review and Product Sales: A Longitudinal Investigation in the Mulitlevel User-Generated Content Dissertation Chair:   Jaeki Song, Miguel I. Aguirre-Urreta Original Placement:   Northern Illinois University Current Position:   Northern Illinois University Report Your Placement

Current Students

Keas, Jacob "Jake"

PhD Student

Khasraghi , Bahar Javadi

PhD Candidate

Lee, Hansol

PhD Student Candidate

Nosrati, Saeed

Sanders, Yorick

Shaha, Dipu

Tahvildar, Ala

Please contact Shuo Yu with any questions about specializing in MIS as part of our doctoral program.

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Doctor of Education Leadership

Additional Information

• Download the Doctoral Viewbook
• Admissions & Aid

America needs transformative leaders in preK–12 education whose passion for education quality and equity is matched by a knowledge of learning and development, the organizational management skills to translate visionary ideas into practical success, and a firm grasp of the role of context and politics in shaping leadership. Graduates of the three-year, multidisciplinary Doctor of Education Leadership (Ed.L.D.) Program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education will be prepared to become those leaders.

The Ed.L.D Program — taught by faculty from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the Harvard Business School, and the Harvard Kennedy School — will train you for system-level leadership positions in school systems, state and federal departments of education, and national nonprofit organizations. Ed.L.D. is a full-time, three-year program built on a cohort learning model. Cohorts consist of up to 25 students from diverse professional backgrounds (including district/charter management leaders, nonprofit directors, principals, teachers, and policy researchers) who progress through the program together.

All Ed.L.D. students receive a full tuition funding package plus stipends, work opportunities, and a paid third-year residency at a partner organization.

The Ed.L.D. Program prepares graduates to do work for the public good in the American public education sector, whether that be at the system or state level. Specifically, the program is designed to accelerate the progress graduates make toward achieving meaningful impact in influential roles and/or crossing boundaries in the following spaces in the public education sector:

• PreK–12 district or CMO leadership roles : superintendent of schools, chief academic officer, and/or deputy superintendent
• Foundation/philanthropy roles:  director, president and CEO, senior fellow
• Education nonprofit roles : president or executive director of backbone or collective impact organizations which support preK–12 schools. Ed.L.D. graduates will lead education nonprofits that explicitly focus on improving outcomes and opportunities for children, families, and communities.
• State or federal education leadership roles : commissioner or deputy commissioner roles. Could also include public education advocacy or education policy advisers to senior government officials.
• Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation roles:  Founder, CEO, president

Curriculum Information

The Ed.L.D. curriculum is a balance of multidisciplinary coursework and practice-based learning. Core courses and electives are taught by recognized leaders from across Harvard’s graduate programs in fields like data-based education reform, organizational change and innovation, and effective leadership strategies for urban schools. You will develop and test your leadership skills through team projects and an immersive third-year residency.

All students in the cohort take the same classes in four foundational content areas: learning and teaching, leadership and organizational change, politics and policy, adult development, and leadership inside and out (including one-on-one executive coaching). Courses taken during the first-year focus on practice-based learning and serve as the framework of your first-year experience.

Sample HGSE Courses

• Leading Change
• How People Learn
• Ed.L.D. Proseminar
• Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Learning
• Race, Equity, and Leadership
• Practicing Leadership Inside and Out
• Sector Change
• The Workplace Lab for System-Level Leaders

View  all courses  in the Academic Catalog.

Each cohort member works with program advisers to choose an individualized sequence of electives from any of the Harvard graduate schools. You will work closely with the program faculty and staff during your second year to determine the best match with a partner organization for your third-year residency. Matches are driven by mutual interest between the resident and the partner organization, and each student's career and learning goals and geographic preferences.

• Second Year Practicing Leadership Inside and Out
• Driving Change 
• Education Sector Nonprofits
• Negotiation Workshop
• Coaching with Equity in Mind
• Ethnic Studies and Education
• Deeper Learning for All:  Designing a 21st Century School System
• Institutional Change in School Organizations, Systems, and Sectors

You will take part in a 10-month paid residency at one of our partner organizations. There, you will work on a strategic project which synthesizes your experience and learning into a written Capstone project. You will stay connected to your Ed.L.D. cohort and HGSE through technology and by returning to Harvard periodically for intensive workshops.

Paid Residency 

Our partner organizations include school systems and departments of education, as well as some of the nation's most influential and dynamic nonprofit, mission-based for-profit, and philanthropic organizations.

You will be intentionally pushed out of your comfort zones and asked to work systemically and make a significant contribution to the partner organization. In addition, the residency will provide you with the professional mentoring, practical experiences, and network of connections they need to position themselves as future leaders in the education sector. 

Strategic Project 

You will define (with supervisors from your partner organization) a strategic project on which to focus. You will have the opportunity to lead one or two major efforts on behalf of the organization, such as the creation or implementation of current initiatives. The project allows you to practice and improve leadership skills, add important value to the mission and strategy of the partner organization, work systemically, and hold high-level accountability.

During the residency period, you will produce a written Capstone. The Capstone is a descriptive, analytic, and reflective account of your third-year leadership contributions to a strategic project within an Ed.L.D. partner organization. It is a demonstration of your ability to engage others, develop strategy to successfully address and diagnose challenges, work toward a vision and goals, and learn from the results.

Sample Topics

• Accountability, Coherence, and Improvement: Leadership Reflection and Growth in the Los Angeles Unified School District
• Leadership Development for Entrepreneurial Education Leaders Working to Build Public & Private Sector Support
• Disrupting Teacher Preparation: Lessons in Collaboration and Innovation Across the Learning to Teach Community of Practice
• Pursuing Educational Equality for English Language Learners

Sample Summaries 

• Breaking Down Silos in a School District: Findings from an Ed.L.D. Project in Montgomery County
• Expanding Students' Access to Meaningful STEM Learning Opportunities Through Strategic Community Partnerships
• Developing a New Teacher Leadership and Compensation System in Iowa: A Consensus-Based Process
• Finding Great Teachers for Blended-Learning Schools

GSE Theses and Dissertations from Digital Access to Scholarship at Harvard (DASH)

Program Faculty

Ed.L.D. students learn with renowned faculty from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Harvard Business School, and Harvard Kennedy School. Faculty from the three schools share their individual expertise in the Ed.L.D. Program and work collaboratively to provide a challenging and coherent experience for students. Faculty who teach in the Ed.L.D. core curriculum and advise Ed.L.D. students include:

Faculty Director

Frank D. Barnes

Frank Barnes is faculty director of the Doctor of Education Leadership Program. He has over 30 years experience as an educator, researcher, and organizer. As a chief accountability officer, he led turnaround efforts for large public school districts, including Boston Public Schools and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

Kathryn Parker Boudett

Ebony N. Bridwell-Mitchell

Jennifer Perry Cheatham

Elizabeth City

Candice Crawford-Zakian

Marshall Ganz

Adria D. Goodson

Deborah helsing.

Monica C. Higgins

Deborah Jewell-Sherman

Lisa Laskow Lahey

Mary Grassa O'Neill

Irvin Leon Scott

Catherine Snow

Michael L. Tushman

Martin west.

Introduce Yourself

Tell us about yourself so that we can tailor our communication to best fit your interests and provide you with relevant information about our programs, events, and other opportunities to connect with us.

Program Highlights

Explore examples of the Doctor of Education Leadership experience and the impact its community is making on the field:

Do We Need Happiness Teachers?

After a trip to meet with the Dalai Lama, an Ed.L.D. student says we do

Combatting Chronic Absenteeism with Family Engagement 

As post-COVID absenteeism rates continue unabated, a look at how strong family-school engagement can help

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Online Master's Degrees

Umgc offers online master’s degrees in today’s most in‑demand fields..

Unlock your potential with an online master’s degree from University of Maryland Global Campus. Gain workplace-ready skills in high-demand subject areas, and build graduate-level leadership , management , and communication skills to help take your career to the next level. Most of our programs are rounded out by a research or capstone experience that allows you to put your knowledge into practice. And with more than 40 master’s degrees and concentrations, you can start building your professional value right away.

You can get a head start on many of our master's degrees if you’ve taken the appropriate undergraduate coursework or earned a graduate certificate at UMGC.

Did you know eligible active-duty military students, reserves, and their spouses and dependents who enroll in most master's programs could save 30 percent per credit with a low-cost tuition rate? Learn about our military tuition rate eligibility .

List of Master’s Degrees

Accounting & Financial Management

Acquisition & Contract Management

Biotechnology: Bioinformatics

Biotechnology: Biosecurity & Biodefense

Biotechnology: Biotechnology Management

Biotechnology: Biotechnology Regulatory Affairs

Business Administration (MBA)

Clinical Professional Counseling

Cloud Computing Systems

Cyber Operations

CyberAccounting

Cybersecurity Management & Policy

Cybersecurity Technology

Data Analytics

Digital Forensics & Cyber Investigation

Distance Education & E-Learning

Environmental Management

Health Information Management & Technology

Healthcare Administration

IT: Database Systems Technology

IT: Homeland Security Management

IT: Informatics

IT: Information Assurance

IT: Project Management

IT: Software Engineering

IT: Systems Engineering

Instructional Technology

Learning Design & Technology

Management: Accounting

Management: Criminal Justice Management

Management: Emergency Management

Management: Financial Management

Management: Homeland Security Management

Management: Human Resource Management

Management: Information Systems

Management: Intelligence Management

Management: Interdisciplinary Studies in Management

Management: Marketing

Management: Project Management

Strategic Communications

Transformational Leadership

Why Earn an Online Master’s at UMGC?

With a variety of innovative, career-focused online master’s degrees to choose from, UMGC is a great choice for the next step in your education journey.

Compare programs online: Evaluate up to three degrees , concentrations, and certificates side by side. Explore program descriptions, cost, transfer credit, program formats, course content, and more.

Estimate your costs: Found your program? Estimate your tuition , fees, other costs, and graduation date using our helpful online tools.

Gain lifetime career services: UMGC has relationships with many employers and offers virtual recruiting events with companies who are actively seeking to fill current openings.

Learn at a respected university: Take courses online knowing that your education is backed by the reputation of a public state university .

Master’s Degree Requirements

In addition to the specific course requirements outlined on each master's degree webpage, UMGC maintains certain requirements for all master’s degrees.

Accelerated Pathways

Fast-track a master's degree at UMGC by completing an eligible undergraduate program that maps to the graduate program requirements.

Dual Master's Degree Program

Through the dual degree option at UMGC, you may be able to earn a second master's degree with only a few courses.

Jessica P, .Bowie, MD Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Natalie A. MS in Management: Human Resource Management

Eric S. MS in Healthcare Administration and MBA

Is an online master's degree worthwhile?

At UMGC, we want you to be happy with the investment you make in your education. UMGC’s online graduate programs provide flexibility and convenience for working adults, and we provide the student support and resources you need to succeed. We offer high-quality, relevant coursework delivered online from an accredited state university backed by the reputation of the University System of Maryland and work hard to make higher education accessible and affordable for everyone. If you don't want to commit to a master's degree just yet, consider starting with a certificate. The graduate certificates can be completed in as few as 12 to 18 credits and can then be applied to the related master's degree.

Does UMGC offer accredited online master's degrees?

Several of our online master's degrees carry program-specific accreditations. At the university level, University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) , an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. This accreditation means that UMGC meets the standards for quality and integrity set by the accrediting agency.

How long does it take to complete an online master's degree?

The length of time it takes to complete an online master's degree at UMGC varies depending on a number of factors, including the specific program you choose, the number of credits required, the number of transfer credits you have , and the number of credits you are able to fit into your schedule each term. At UMGC, master’s programs are generally 36 credits. UMGC’s online Master of Business Administration can be completed in 18 months.

Does prior work experience count as graduate credit?

UMGC focuses on helping busy professionals like you earn the credit you deserve so you can graduate sooner, save money, and prepare for your next success. While UMGC offers generous transfer credit policies for working adults , opportunities to apply transfer credits to graduate coursework are more limited than opportunities to apply transfer credits to undergraduate coursework. Once you have applied to UMGC and are ready to start your graduate program, you can submit a graduate transfer credit evaluation form to see if your credits may transfer.

Our helpful admissions advisors can help you choose an academic program to fit your career goals, estimate your transfer credits, and develop a plan for your education costs that fits your budget. If you’re a current UMGC student, please visit the Help Center .

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Best Online Master’s in Data Science Programs for 2024

Exponential growth in data has translated into a demand for data scientists that outpaces how fast universities can train them. But what are the best options if you’re looking to break into data science and don’t have time for in-person classes? To answer that question, Fortune built our second ranking of online data science graduate programs. This ranking was last updated January 2023.

Berkeley’s Data Science Master’s

Johns Hopkins Engineering for Professionals Online MSE in Data Science

1. University of Southern California

• ACCEPTANCE RATE
• AVERAGE NUMBER OF YEARS OF WORK EXPERIENCE
• COST PER CREDIT
• GRE REQUIRED

2. University of California—Berkeley

3. Bay Path University

Learn Applied Data Science from UNC-Chapel Hill

4. New Jersey Institute of Technology

5. Clemson University

6. Illinois Institute of Technology

7. Oklahoma State University

8. Texas Tech University

Maryville University Master of Science in Data Science | Online

9. University of Missouri—Columbia

10. University of California–Los Angeles

11. DePaul University

12. University of California–Riverside

13. Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Syracuse University MS in Applied Data Science Online

14. Lewis University

15. University of Illinois at Urbana—Champaign

16. CUNY School of Professional Studies

17. University of Michigan–Dearborn

18. Regis University

19. Rice University

20. Eastern University

21. Syracuse University

22. Stevens Institute of Technology

23. pace university.

What is a master’s in data science and what will you learn in an online program?

Pursuing a master’s degree in the fast-growing field of data science can help you to advance your career in a wide variety of tech-related roles. Expect to learn a broad set of skills, including how to use computer programming languages and about applied statistics, database systems, and machine learning. The skills and concepts you learn in a master’s degree program will prepare you for a career in data science to help organizations make strategic decisions based on the data they collect. There’s no significant difference between online and on-campus data science programs—schools typically offer the same courses that are taught by the same professors, regardless of the format. 

General curriculum and skills taught

You can expect a comprehensive curriculum in an online master’s degree program in data science that draws on both statistical and computational methods. Programs will emphasize the real-world application of these knowledge and skills, while offering a multidisciplinary approach to the field that also draws on statistics, computer science, and law. Data science is about more than numbers, however; you will also learn “soft skills” about how to effectively communicate the lessons learned and collaborate with others to learn how to best utilize information in an ethical way . Core coursework at many data science programs covers the following topics:

• Machine learning
• Data mining
• Data visualization
• Cloud computing
• Research design
• Information ethics
• Statistical analysis
• Data engineering

Project-based learning

Beyond the core and advanced-level coursework that are common among all data science programs, some schools also offer mandatory or optional project-based learning opportunities. These projects focus on the real-world application of the skills learned in the program, and can be an opportunity for students to display the skills learned during a program to potential employers. The master’s degree programs at both the University of California-Berkeley and Bay Path University , for example, both include a culminating capstone project that draws upon the skills learned throughout the course of the program. Such projects may extend the length of a master’s degree program, however. 

Specializations and concentrations

While the core coursework required for completing a master’s degree in data science is intentionally comprehensive, many programs offer specializations or concentrations so students can carve out a niche within this field. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers advanced coursework in cloud computing and scientific visualization, while Texas Tech University has advanced coursework in multivariate analysis and project management. Concentration options may include:

• Business analytics
• Artificial intelligence

Admissions information

While admissions requirements can vary by school, graduate degree programs require the following of aspiring data scientists :

• Successful completion of a bachelor’s degree, as demonstrated by an official transcript from a college or university
• If you don’t have an undergraduate degree in a data-related field (like computer science), you may need to demonstrate that you have sufficient work and educational experience in fundamental concepts on your résumé
• You may also use your personal statement or essay to highlight your unique characteristics and goal for the program
• Letters of recommendation from supervisors, professors or alumni of the program
• Many top-ranked data science programs no longer require you to submit GMAT or GRE scores, though you may need to if you don’t meet minimum undergraduate GPA requirements
• Some master’s degree programs in data science, like the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, may require applicants to complete a data proficiency exam

GMAT, GRE & GPA

A majority of online master’s degree programs in data science have waived GRE or GMAT score requirements and, in fact, only two schools on Fortune’s ranking still require applicants to submit scores as part of that application process. That said, you may submit this information particularly if you want to provide additional supporting information that’s helpful in the admissions process. Moreover, GPA requirements also vary by school and may be waived with sufficient work experience.

Which factors drive acceptance?

While admissions officers strive to take a holistic approach when evaluating candidates, they will be particularly interested in your educational background and work experience in a data-related field. Applicants to some data science programs, like the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Connecticut , must show they’ve completed particular quantitative college-level coursework, while other programs like Syracuse University place a greater emphasis on the personal essay and what applicants emphasize they’re looking for in the program, why they chose it, and what their goals are.

The online master’s in data science experience: What is it like to study online?

Online learning has been growing in popularity in recent years, and students considering a master’s degree program in data science can often choose between an in-person or online option within the same school. Data science programs may offer a mix of both synchronous and asynchronous learning, meaning courses that either need to be attended live at a particular time or at the student’s convenience, and could include some limited in-person elements.

For the most part, students can expect to participate in class discussions via video conferencing or using other technology. And because of the online format, many students who pursue a master’s degree in data science are working while attending school with a goal of either switching careers or advancing their current career in data science.

How to choose the best online master’s degree program in data science for you: Factors to consider beyond rankings

Fortune’s ranking of online master’s degree programs in data science is a good starting place when comparing various programs. We emphasize selectivity (schools with top-notch faculty that attract some of the brightest students) and demand (based on the size of the student body), since the people you meet in graduate school could be transformative to your future career.

That said, prospective students should also consider how a particular program will help you achieve your goals and advance in the field of data science. Other factors that may be important include cost, a school’s prestige, its curriculum, and the years of work experience schools may require of applicants.

Start times, schedule, and program length

As data science programs have grown in popularity, schools have beefed up the number of start dates they offer. The University of Illinois and UC Berkeley, the No. 1 and No. 2 ranked programs, both offer three start dates throughout the year. Students may have some flexibility in choosing their schedule and how long it takes to complete the program of their choice, though two years is common.

As indicated, some data science programs include project-based learning opportunities that focus on the real-world application of skills taught in the program. Because these projects can be useful to show potential employers, career switchers may want to consider prioritizing schools with project-based learning opportunities—even if they could extend the program’s length.

Concentrations

As you think about your career goals post-graduation, you should also consider the concentrations offered by various data science programs. By carving out a specialty within data science, that may make you a more attractive job candidate for some employers—and it could increase your earning potential. People with the title of “data scientist” can earn up to $170,000, while manager-level professionals in the field could fetch salaries of as much as $250,000. 

The cost of a data science program is undoubtedly a factor to consider when applying to school—and tuition varies widely. Students may be able to pay one-year tuition of about $20,000 (or less) at schools like the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Loyola University Maryland, the University of Missouri-Columbia, and CUNY School of Professional Studies. That said, the cost of tuition exceeds $50,000 at UC Berkeley, Syracuse University, and the University of Denver.

Network and access to alumni

The more students a data science program has, the larger its alumni network. This is important to consider during your selection process, not only because your cohort can be a defining characteristic of your grad school experience even if you’re attending classes online. What’s more, the network and a school’s ability to connect you with alumni may help you when looking for jobs—and particularly if you’re not already working in the field.

Years of work experience

Because many data science programs are seeking out applicants who already have relevant work experience, it may be useful to see how your experience compares. What’s more, the amount of work experience will inherently influence how advanced your fellow students are in their careers. Worcester Polytechnic Institute reports that students have an average of 8 years of work experience, while roughly half of the master’s degree students in New York University’s program enroll straight out of undergrad.

Careers for master’s in data science graduates

There’s a hot job market for data scientists thanks to robust demand—and that means many graduates of master’s degree programs are fielding multiple, six-digit salary offers. Big tech companies are a likely career path for many data scientists. A survey of more than 11,000 data scientists found that the companies with the largest teams of data scientists are Microsoft, Facebook, and IBM. And Apple, for example, pays as much as $182,000 for data scientists.

Financing and scholarships

If your goal of obtaining a master’s degree in data science is to advance within your current company, then your employer may help pay for the cost of the program. New York University grants tuition scholarships to some master’s degree students, while UC Berkeley offers several fellowships of varying amounts. 

You may also want to seek out a growing number of scholarship or fellowship opportunities from private organizations. Some examples that are available to master’s degree students include:

• The Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) awards computational and data science fellowships to diverse candidates with a $15,000 annual stipend. 
• Acxiom awards $5,000 scholarships to U.S.-based students from diverse backgrounds who are enrolled full-time in various programs that include data science.
• Although it doesn’t specify the amount, the American Statistical Association (ASA) offers a pride scholarship to students enrolled in a data science graduate program and identify as LGBTQ+ or an ally.

Finally, current members of the military or veterans may want to consider covering the cost of your data science program with Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits or the Yellow Ribbon Program , which can cover any tuition and fees not covered by those benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

While still relatively new, data science is a field that incorporates preparing and analyzing data to draw conclusions. Data scientists design and build new processes for data modeling by using algorithms, prototypes, predictive models, and custom analysis. People should pursue data science if they’re interested in asking questions and creating algorithms and statistical models to estimate the unknown. 

All of the data in the world is projected to grow to a staggering 181 zettabytes by 2025. And this growth has translated into high demand for data scientists—even outpacing the speed with which colleges and universities can train them. Data scientist ranks No. 3 among the 50 best occupations in the U.S., according to Glassdoor’s list of the best jobs for 2022 , and was beat out only by the roles of enterprise architect and full stack engineer.

Some people may choose to follow a step-by-step guide to become a data scientist. First, you may want to pursue an undergraduate degree that focuses on technical skills like programming or statistics. Then, you should identify an area of specialization and hone this specialization by enrolling in a master’s degree program in data science. Finally, you should showcase your data science experience when applying for jobs.

In addition to high demand, people with a master’s degree in data science can expect to enter a rapidly-growing field with solid salary prospects. Through 2026, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects data science jobs will grow by 28% per year . Even before graduation, some data science students in master’s degree programs are fielding offers of $125,000 and up .

As with any career, pay prospects can vary by company and role. Data scientists made a median salary of $164,500 in 2020, according to a 2021 survey of engineering professionals by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

The median base salary for data scientists is $120,000, according to figures from Glassdoor, though the likely range for positions goes as high as $294,000. Some tech companies are even paying in excess of $300,000 for senior-level data scientist roles.

The sky’s the limit for job opportunities for data scientists, including careers in tech, entertainment, pharmaceuticals, telecom, sports, consulting, or even as a company executive who understands data. What’s more, new job titles are likely to be created, particularly related to ethical concerns with sensitive data and as companies look for new ways to utilize their massive data sets and emerging technologies such as cloud computing, A.I., and machine learning.

In 2012, Harvard Business Review called the role of a data scientist “ the sexiest job of the 21st century .” Ten years later, data science remains a good career field for many people thanks to the wide range of jobs available now and in the future, along with robust demand and six-figure salary prospects.

The class of 2022 from master’s degree programs in data science were fielding job offers, with competitive salaries, months ahead of graduation. Demand for data scientists is growing faster than colleges and universities can train them. Even so, job applicants should still expect a rigorous interview process that often entails showcasing examples of work or a commitment to staying up-to-date in a rapidly changing industry.

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You can find a full list of accreditations for your program of interest on our program pages.

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We offer associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs as well as undergraduate and graduate certificate programs. Our programs cover an array of topics in business, technology, healthcare, media arts and liberal arts. With a  degree or certificate from DeVry , you might pursue careers in areas such as accounting, finance, information technology, project management, cyber security, marketing, medical billing and coding, healthcare administration, networking and more.

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Yes.  DeVry University is accredited  by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC,  www.hlcommission.org ) and our  Keller Graduate School of Management  is included in this accreditation. HLC accreditation is recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Earning your degree from an accredited university is important because it signifies that DeVry has met high standards of quality and is committed to helping you get the education you deserve.

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Scholarships, grants, loans and more – when it comes to  financing your education , there are many options to explore. Since each student’s needs are unique, we recommend speaking with a DeVry Representative to determine the best solution for you. Earning your degree may be more cost-effective than you might think.

What are online college classes like?

Online college classes  offer you the flexibility to study at a time and place that works for you. In most courses, the syllabus is separated into 8 one-week increments, allowing you a full week to complete the work. Each class is taught in our  online course platform  by a professor who is experienced in their field of study and allows for plenty of peer interaction. You’ll also have access to an array of  student resources  such as tutoring support, an e-library and career services.

Does DeVry offer credit for prior learning?

Yes.  Prior learning credit  gives you the opportunity to earn college credit based on your previous qualifying work experience or training. If you think you may have qualifying experience, your Student Support Advisor will work with you to complete the evaluation process.

What are the requirements for transferring to DeVry University?

To enroll at DeVry, you must meet our standard admissions requirements for the program you want to pursue. If you have transfer credits from a previous school, our Admissions Team can help you submit your transcripts for evaluation. Any qualifying credits can be applied to your new program, potentially saving you time and tuition costs as you complete your degree. Visit our  transfer student  page to learn more about our transfer credit process and the many

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Contact us  today to take the first step and get connected with a Representative. Our  Admissions Team  will walk you through the process of finding the right program for you, exploring financing options and enrolling in your first class.

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In New York, DeVry University operates as DeVry College of New York. DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org . The University’s Keller Graduate School of Management is included in this accreditation. DeVry is certified to operate by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. Arlington Campus: 1400 Crystal Dr., Ste. 120, Arlington, VA 22202. DeVry University is authorized for operation as a postsecondary educational institution by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission,  www.tn.gov/thec . Lisle Campus: 4225 Naperville Rd, Suite 400, Lisle, IL 60532. Unresolved complaints may be reported to the Illinois Board of Higher Education through the online complaint system https://complaints.ibhe.org/ . View DeVry University’s complaint process  https://www.devry.edu/compliance/student-complaint-procedure.html Program availability varies by location. In site-based programs, students will be required to take a substantial amount of coursework online to complete their program.

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