Program Objectives

Basic and advanced theory

Provide training in basic and advanced information systems theory and practice so that students master the technical and conceptual tools needed for conducting high-quality IS research.

Advanced, specialized training

Provide advanced, specialized training in a number of IS disciplines such as enterprise resource planning, global information technology, information resource management, artificial intelligence, data mining, data warehousing, e-commerce, knowledge management, and supply chain management so that students acquire expertise that can be applied in a wide range of academic, government and private sector environments.

Research experiences

Afford structured and supervised research experiences so that students develop the technical, conceptual, and communication skills that are required to conduct high-quality, independent research.

Provide instructional development so that students will be effective teachers.

Student Success

Program Costs

Curriculum

The program requires two years of course work, followed by a written comprehensive examination, an oral examination, a proposal defense, a written dissertation, and a dissertation defense.

While the coursework may be customized for each student in consultation with the Ph.D. Director, the major elements of the coursework include courses in the major (IS), supporting area, research methodology, and teaching preparation. The supporting area can be from within the Bryan School or outside depending on the research focus of the student. There are requirements for a research apprenticeship during the first two years and an organizational internship if necessary.

Students entering into the program with deficiencies may be advised to take additional “leveling” courses. Students are advised to work closely with department faculty and the Ph.D. Director in order to identify and develop research interests early during the program.

Core Courses (21 credit hours)

• ISM 760 Contemporary Research Methods in Information Systems
• ISM 785 Theories of Information Systems
• ISM 786 Principles of Scientific Inquiry in Information Systems Research
• ISM 788 Seminar in IS Research Methods

The above 4 courses are required and any 3 from courses below or other courses approved by advisor.

• ISM 753 Information Systems Research Seminar I
• ISM 754 Information Systems Research Seminar II
• ISM 755 Information Systems Research Seminar III
• ISM 756 Information Systems Research Seminar IV

Supporting Area (9 credit hours)

Courses are chosen in consultation with the Ph.D. Program Director.

Research Methodology (12 credit hours)

Courses are chosen in consultation with the Ph.D. Program Director. Possible courses include:

STA 661 Advanced Statistics in the Behavioral and Biological Sciences I (3 credit hours)
STA 662 Advanced Statistics in the Behavioral and Biological Sciences II (3 credit hours)
STA 671 Multivariate Analysis (3 credit hours)
ERM 682: Multivariate Analysis (3 credit hours)
ERM 731 Structural Equation Modeling in Education (3 credit hours)
ELC 664: Foundation of Interpretive Inquiry (3 credit hours)

Teaching Education (4-7 credit hours)

ISM 782: Practicum in IS Teaching
Courses are chosen in consultation with the Ph.D. Program Director.

Organizational Research Internship

ISM 783: Organizational Research Internship
Required of students lacking relevant work experience, as determined by the Ph.D. Program Director.

Research Seminars (7-8 credit hours)

ISM 789: Research Seminar Information Systems
A minimum of 7 hours taken throughout the program.

Research Apprenticeship

Two papers must be submitted for publication in conference proceedings or journals prior to taking written comprehensive examinations.

Comprehensive Exams

The major exam has two parts. The first part is composed of IS content from the various courses and elsewhere. The second part is designed to evaluate the research readiness of the student. Typically, the major exam is given once in the Fall semester and once in the Spring semester. If the student fails at the first attempt, a second chance may be allowed by the PhD committee/Director.

Oral Exam

Following the written comprehensive exam, the student is given an oral exam by a four-member committee. On successful completion of the oral exam, the student applies for doctoral candidacy.

Proposal Defense

The student will prepare a dissertation proposal, which will involve a thorough investigation of a basic and significant problem or question within the major area of study. The completed proposed research should be substantially original in research material and interpretation and make a contribution to the existing field of knowledge. The proposal would be defended before the dissertation committee. The defense may be attended by others outside of the committee. The dissertation committee will be comprised of four members: three from the department and one from outside, typically from the supporting area. The committee will be chaired by one of the major area members.

Dissertation (18-24 credit hours)

ISM 799: Dissertation
Upon completion of the dissertation, it will be defended in front of the dissertation committee. The defense may be attended by others outside of the committee.