Information Systems

We are not accepting applications in Information Systems for the fall 2012 term

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.

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.  We look for three characteristics in our applicants: i) a good student as demonstrated by prior degrees, GPA, and GMAT (or GRE) 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. Some have very eclectic backgrounds. The program is full-time and no part-time program is available.

Ph.D. Faculty in Information Systems

Click here to see Ph.D. Faculty in Information Systems

Program Requirements and Information:

Required Coursework

Area of Concentration

Most students admitted in information systems typically will select that area as their concentration. However, an aspirant, with the assistance of his or her faculty advisor and the area faculty, may propose an interdisciplinary area of concentration. The aspirant must take at least five advanced courses in the area of concentration. These courses may include those offered outside the School of Business.

Supporting Areas

Coursework in the area of concentration is supplemented and strengthened by study in one or two supporting areas. A supporting area is one that supplements and complements the area of concentration. The aspirant will satisfy the supporting area requirement by taking at least four advanced courses in the supporting areas (at least two courses in each of two supporting areas, or at least four courses in one supporting area). Courses recommended for preparation for the qualifiers may not be included in satisfying the supporting area requirement.

Research Methodology

For successful qualifier assessment, the student’s program of study should include adequate preparation in research methodology.

Degree Completion Timeline

  • Years 1-2: Coursework*
  • Year 3: Comprehensive Exams
  • Year 4: Dissertation Proposal
  • Year 5: Dissertation Defense

*A minimum of 15 courses, plus 901 and BUS 902 are required for completion of the degree

Some students can complete the program in four years.

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.

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