Information Systems

A successful Ph.D. in Information Systems is both a philosopher and scholar who studies and contributes to systems of beliefs about how Information Systems operate and how they affect the various constituencies that use them.

They are naturally curious about how such systems operate, how they are used, and how to make them better in terms of productivity, usability, and interoperability. The primary goal of any Ph.D. program is to help students learn to think like a scholar - to ask interesting questions and to systematically answer them. The Ph.D. program in Information Systems at University of Kansas is an apprenticeship toward entry into the community of scholars who create and disseminate fundamental knowledge in IS. Upon successful completion of the program, the new Ph.D. will be capable of independent research and teaching, and be poised to join the global community of science.

Overview of the PhD Program in Information Systems

The doctoral program in Information Systems at the University of Kansas is constructed such that a combination of formal coursework, informal interaction with faculty and other students, and hands-on experience in both teaching and research results in a new scholar ready to enter the professorate. While successful candidates for admission are expected to have a background with information systems and an understanding of the fundamental concepts in system development, database and networking, applicants without such background will be considered provided they agree to additional coursework as part of their doctoral program. Such students will be required to take additional courses at the Masters level to ensure that they have a solid knowledge of information systems.

Overview of Formal Coursework

The coursework portion of the program consists of five 3-hour major courses:

1. Introduction to Behavioral Research in Information Systems,
2. Seminar in Systems Analysis and Design,
3. Organizational Impacts of Information Systems,
4. Decision Support and Collaborative Technologies, and
5. Seminar in database Technologies

The introductory course is taken during the first semester of the program with the remaining four courses offered in pairs in alternating Spring semesters. By the end of the fourth semester of coursework, all IS-related seminars will have been offered.

Statistics and Research Methods Courses

In addition to the IS-related seminars, students must also complete DSCI 920 and 921 (Probability and Statistical Analysis). Also, methods seminars in ANOVA, Regression, and Multivariate Analysis will be required. Students are encouraged to take Structural Equation Modeling and Non-Parametric statistics courses as their schedules permit.

Core Doctoral Seminars

Seminars in Organizational Behavior, Organizational Theory, and Philosophy of Science are also required to successfully complete all coursework. Students can also elect to take one or two seminars as a minor if their schedules permit.

Teaching Courses

Students must take a teaching seminar on effective classroom techniques and management concurrent with their first teaching assignment. Teaching assignments generally are not made until at least the third semester of the program. Prior to graduation, all doctoral students will have independently taught at least two undergraduate courses in two different semesters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Ph.D. Program in Information Systems

How many students do you accept per year?

Normally, we admit no more than two per year and sometimes only in alternating years. It is important to us to ensure that all candidates admitted to the program be placed at a peer-level institution upon completion of the program. As such, we are sensitive to market conditions as it relates to admission to our program.

What is a typical IS Ph.D. student profile?

We look for three characteristics in our applicants: i) a good student as demonstrated by prior degrees, GPA, and GMAT scores; ii) some professional experience with information systems; c) some academic experience in teaching and/or research. Not all of our current students have all three characteristics, because we are looking for people we believe are most likely to succeed, rather than following a fixed formula.

What qualifications do I need to be accepted?

Applicants who gain admission typically have a GPA of 3.6 or higher and a GMAT score of 660 or higher. Most, but not all, have MBA degrees. Some have very eclectic backgrounds. Is the doctoral program full-time only, or is there a part-time option available? The program is full-time and no part-time program is available.

How many years are required to complete the program?

Most students take four years to complete the program, including the final defense of the dissertation. In some cases, a fifth year is necessary to complete the program but this is not considered the norm.

Can an interview be arranged as part of the application process?

Applicants are strongly encouraged to interview. Usually we first schedule telephone conversations and then invite interested candidates to visit on campus in the spring. Please contact Professor George M. Marakas (gmarakas@ku.edu).

Placements

Over the past several years, our PhD graduates have been placed at schools such as University of Vermont, Michigan Technological University, University of Arkansas. For a complete listing, see the Information Systems Alumni page.