Best PhD in Information Systems Degrees

Students must possess, at minimum, a bachelor's degree to qualify for a Ph.D. program. Many programs encourage students to hold a master's degree, though some programs do not require this. In addition to completing the school's application, students often must submit either GRE or GMAT test scores, letters of recommendation and their resume; some schools may require an essay. Ideal candidates will also have experience in IS or similar fields. Students should confirm application deadlines as they can be tied to funding opportunities from the institution. Applications are typically reviewed by an admissions committee made up of faculty from the Ph.D. program. Heinz College at Carnegie Mellon University outlines detailed admissions requirements which guide students to submit a complete and thorough application. While application processes will vary, Carnegie Mellon provides an example of what prospective students can expect.

Incoming students holding a degree in computer science, information systems or similar fields are considered good candidates for IS Ph.D. programs. Programs may accept students who possess bachelor's degrees. Master's degrees, however, are typically preferred and benefit prospective students' application and knowledge base for success in their program.

Candidates may also benefit from having career experience in IS related fields. Students are also expected to have a base understanding in subject areas including statistics, math topics and software languages. While prospective students can be accepted without meeting these prerequisites, meeting them increases chances of acceptance and success within the program.

Accreditation is a process that awards institutions recognition for meeting academic standards for higher education. Accrediting agencies review institutions on a regular basis to uphold continued accreditation. The Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) is maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. DAPIP allows students to look up a prospective higher education institution to confirm if it is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency. It is important to note that the overall institution as well as departments or colleges within the institute can earn accreditation. Students should look for programs that are accredited at the institutional level at minimum.

Doctorate programs, in general, take 3-5 years to complete. Exact length to complete a Ph.D. will vary with different programs and institutions. During the first two years, students are introduced to research methods, developmental courses and advanced research topics to prepare for the following years and the process of writing a dissertation.

Students can expect to take nine credits a semester to be considered fulltime. Completion time for a degree can be accelerated through heavier class loads. Students can also complete their Ph.D. more quickly or slowly depending on how long the dissertation writing process takes.

The purpose of coursework is to prepare students to conduct research for their dissertation. This involves introducing students to foundational courses as well as in-depth, specialized topics. Given the higher level of research, students are frequently provided with opportunities for independent research in their area of interest.

While each institution and program will differ on exact coursework requirements, there are common elements among all programs. One example is the requirement to take a research seminar to further knowledge of the research process.

Students often can choose a research area or concentration to focus their research on. Courses are offered in specialized areas. These courses can pull from within the IS department or outside of it. Some of these courses may include:

• Microeconomics
• Operations Management
• Statistics
• Marketing
• Information Systems Development
• Database Systems & Applications

Students may seek to substitute courses with ones that align with their research area pending approval from the graduate committee.

Preparing Your Information Systems Dissertation

Students who present adequate knowledge and skills throughout the start of their Ph.D. advance to the dissertation process. This typically includes three phases:

• Examination/Proposal
• Dissertation writing
• Defense

The proposal and examination stage involves students presenting their dissertation proposal and defending it in an oral examination in front of a committee. Upon approval, students advance to the dissertation writing process. This takes up a majority of the dissertation process.

Students conduct research through secondary sources such as reading texts and journals as well as primary sources and labs. This data is then used to synthesize a comprehensive dissertation document presenting findings and conclusions. Students are guided by an advisor of their own selection. The advisor serves as an editor and mentor to students before and during the dissertation writing process.

Finally, once a student completes their dissertation, they will present it in front of a committee of scholarly experts for defense. Students present their findings and research to prove competency and understanding.

The University of Washington outlines other requirements which provides more detail about each portion of the dissertation process including qualifying examination, the dissertation and final examination. Dakota State University also outline guidelines for the dissertation process on their program webpage.

Ph.D. students in an IS program have opportunities to explore various specializations or concentrations. These concentrations are often interdisciplinary to create an in-depth understanding of relevant information and research. This allows students to focus on a topic that interests them and aligns with their own career and research goals as they proceed to the dissertation phase of their degree.

Common research concentrations include information security, healthcare, and machine learning. Other concentrations include economics and data analysis. Examples of concentrations offered and courses for each concentration can be found on Dakota State University's Information Systems Ph.D. webpage.

Cybersecurity Concentration

One of the broadest concentrations for an IS Ph.D. is computer science. The computer science focuses encompasses a wide range of technical applications. However, one common research concentration is cybersecurity. Security is crucial when dealing with information management containing sensitive information such as passwords, account information and business data. Students can expect to take courses such as cryptography, data privacy and managing security risks. Those in the cybersecurity concentration will also take courses in information management and explore analysis concepts for electronic forensics. Courses also may cover cloud computing and network security. For students looking to explore data security and management, the cybersecurity concentration offers opportunity to do so.

Analytics Concentration

Analytics in IS often focuses on how to create business models and maintain data within various business settings. Students will take courses in topics such as microeconomics - which focuses decision making behaviors regarding resources. Students in this concentration may also take courses such as statistics and psychology to better understand data models and human behavior. Student in this concentration may also focus on operations management.

Students can still expect to take courses in predictive analytics for decision making, data warehousing and data mining and knowledge management. Students may also take game theory, business communications and finance courses depending on their precise research goals.

Healthcare Concentration

Healthcare relies on technology systems for patient files, security, insurance policies and other medical records. With improved and well managed information systems, medical errors and costs can be lowered while increasing prevention and detection of diseases earlier.

This concentration focuses on data management through courses such as Workflow and Usability Optimization in Health Informatics, Data Analytics in Healthcare and Foundations in Healthcare Information. Due to the fact healthcare relies on security for patient security and file protection, students focus on courses in security and encryption. Healthcare also involves some economics and business aspects such as Leadership and Management for Health Informatics. Dakota State University outlines courses that support this concentration available on their Information Systems Ph.D. page.

Information systems programs and courses can be found under numerous names and at various levels. While a Ph.D. is the highest degree level for IS, students can also find associate, bachelor's and master's programs. Students looking to add IS knowledge to another field may seek a graduate certificate.

Ph.D. students interested in IS might be interested in a similar doctoral field such as computer science, which is also available in online formats. Similarly, students can pursue a Ph.D. in information technology (IT). IT Ph.D.s are offered in traditional, on-ground settings as well as in online learning settings.

If students are looking to specialize in the security side of IS, a Ph.D. in information security or cyber security might be of interest. Cyber security degrees are also offered online. These programs focus more on the security and data management sides of IS.

Information Systems Associate Degrees

Associate degrees offer students introductory and base knowledge in a given topic. This degree is a good option for students who are looking to gain skills to aid them in career growth or to prepare for further education in a bachelor's program. Courses often provide students with a general knowledge of software development, hardware upkeep and development and database management. Some programs allow for students to explore concentrations ranging from general IS knowledge to more specific topics such as analytics and coding. DeVry University, for example, offers specializations in network administration, information systems and programming and automation and electronic systems.

Information Systems Bachelor's Degrees

Bachelor's degrees typically span the course of four years. These are ideal for students who are looking for a comprehensive program that introduces a variety of topics from foundational subjects and introductory courses to advanced topics. Students often take a combination of lecture-based courses, project-based courses and lab-based courses. Examples of courses may include topics such as management of information systems, introduction to database design and math courses such as finite mathematics for information systems. Bachelor's degrees often allow students to add minors in various subjects. Minors involve taking anywhere from one to nine extra courses, depending on the minor and requirements set forth by the institution.

Information Systems Master's Degrees

Students seeking further education in IS beyond a bachelor's degree may opt for a Master of Science in Information Systems. This degree is aimed at students who already possess a bachelor's degree and have demonstrated aptitude with GRE or GMAT scores. Students applying to a master's program may need to submit letters of recommendation and a resume.

Usually two years in length, students take courses in database management, software design and systems network management. Students are often expected to complete research in the form of a project or a thesis paper.

Graduates of a master's program often move forward into IT and IS focused careers such as systems administrators and IT managers.

Information Systems Graduate Certificates

Graduate certificates are approximately 12 credits in length, allowing for students to get a quick, base understanding of supplemental knowledge. Students take courses in topics such as software design, cyber security and information management. A certificate can cover a general assortment of topics or feature one or two topics in greater depth. Certificate programs benefit IS professionals as well as non-IS professionals by being flexible, lower-cost and informative. Holding a certificate in information systems can also make students more marketable to potential employers in various career fields.

Computer and information technology careers are a growing field, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an anticipated growth of 11 percent across numerous related occupations between 2019 and 2029. An information systems Ph.D. opens up numerous career opportunities for graduates. Many graduates continue their work in academia by going into post-secondary education. This allows them to continue to research as well as teach. Even for those not interested in teaching, opportunities are available in various fields including healthcare, governmental work at the federal and state level and in corporate settings.

Become an Information Security Analyst

Data protection and network security is a growing demand due to the need for hack prevention to protect critical information. Information security analysts are responsible for planning, developing and managing computer networks that focus on security and data protection. This is achieved through data encryption, firewall development and monitoring and testing existing security protocol. This career is within information technology departments at corporations, technology firms and in consultation.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a very quick growth rate of 31 percent from 2019 to 2029. Median pay for an information security analyst is $103,590 or nearly $50 an hour. Information security analysts can expect to work full time at 40 hours a week and may need to be available during off hours for emergency purposes.

Become a Network and Computer Systems Administrator

Networks are used in multiple organizations for a variety of purposes. In order to maintain and manage day-to-day operations, companies rely on network and computer systems administrators. Since networks are so widely uses across numerous industries, administrators are employed in a range of businesses. Administrators may be responsible for repairs, upgrades and training users on software and hardware requirements. The professionals may also work with other IT employees such as network architects to design a network model that suits the needs of the organization.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an average growth rate of 4 percent from 2019 to 2029 with an average median salary of $84,410 as of May 2020. This career is a good choice for those looking to work in an organizational and managerial position versus a position that is more programming or coding heavy.

Become a Computer Science Researcher

As technology increases in daily life, needs for researchers to develop new and improve existing technologies also increases. A rapidly growing field is computer and information research scientists. A major employer for computer science researchers is the federal government, as well as research facilities focused on computer systems design and post-secondary institutions. Key responsibilities for researchers include:

• Developing theories and models
• Creating or improving coding languages and algorithms
• Writing research papers for publication
• Collaborating with engineers to improve computer hardware

These responsibilities align well for graduates who want to continue being research focused without going into a research professor track.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a faster than average growth rate of 15 percent for computer and information research scientists for the decade of 2019 to 2029. The median pay for these professionals is $126,830 annually, as of May 2020.

Professional organizations are beneficial for networking, taking part in conferences and finding new career opportunities. Most organizations require annual dues or fees in order to join and maintain membership . These costs can vary as many organizations also offer discounted rates for students.

One example of a professional organization is the Association for Information Science and Technology. Professional memberships cost an annual fee of $150. Student memberships are available for a discounted cost of $45 per year, with a limit of six years of eligibility for this rate.

There are also student-run organizations at some institutions. These are extracurricular associations that allow students access to workshops, networking and even exclusive company connections. Such organizations are particularly useful when students are looking to form professional connections for post-graduation careers. The University of Wisconsin-Madison has such an organization called the Association of Information Systems Professionals.

Professional organizations can be found for various specialties and interests allowing students and working professionals to come together to network, learn and grow.

Costs vary by institution and program. This can vary depending on whether a student is a resident of the state the school is in or not. One example of cost of attendance is the University of Washington Seattle campus where they list a cost of attendance as $5,674 for a full time in-state residential student per quarter and $9,974 for a non-resident student. This cost includes any fees as well as tuition costs.

Students should also anticipate cost of living. Cost of living encompasses costs for lodging, transportation, food and any other necessarily regular costs such as utility bills, textbooks and miscellaneous funds. Cost of living depends on location. Some locations will cost more than others, therefore requiring a higher cost of living. Students will need to take this into consideration when looking into programs.

Cost of education is a major factor when determining whether or not to pursue a degree. Most Ph.D. programs offer full funding, scholarships, assistantships and on campus careers to aid in students' costs. One example is stipends provided by the institution to cover costs of courses, texts and general living costs. Carnegie Mellon University offers full tuition support provided the student is in good standing and partakes in teaching or research assistantships.

Students may qualify for reduced tuition at other institutions through various waivers and state and federal acts. One example is the GI Bill from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that allows military veterans to qualify for tuition coverage and assistance.

Students seeking financial aid help should complete a FAFSA application. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA is a form used to determine eligibility for federal aid. The FAFSA website also guides students on what types of financial aid are available and offers resources to locate grants, scholarships, loans and government aid. Students may also seek grants through organizations such as the National Science Foundation and the grant search function from the government grant site.