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

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

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Program Length: 3 years
• Acceptance Rate: N/A
• 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
• Official transcripts
• 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

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Program Length: 3-7 years
• Acceptance Rate: N/A
• 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
• Program Length: 3 years
• Acceptance Rate: N/A
• 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
• Statement of purpose
• Resume/CV

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.

PhD in Technology Management

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.

PhD in Technology Management Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Program Length: 4.5 years
• Acceptance Rate: N/A
• Tuition: $432/credit hour (in state); $562 (out of state)

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
• 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
• Program Length: 3 years
• Acceptance Rate: N/A
• 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
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• 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
• Acceptance Rate: N/A
• Tuition: $1,111/credit

PhD in Technology Management, Information Systems Specialization Admission Requirements

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution
• Official transcripts
• 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

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Program Length: 3-7 years
• Acceptance Rate: N/A
• Tuition and Fees: $1,050/credit (resident); $1,250/credit (non-resident)

Doctor of Technology Admission Requirements

• Master’s degree from an accredited university
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts from all institutions
• Statement of purpose
• Resume

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

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Program Length: 5 years
• Acceptance Rate: N/A
• Tuition and Fees: $500/credit hour

PhD in Information Technology Admission Requirements

• Master’s degree in a related field
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Official transcripts
• 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
• Minimum GPA of 3.5
• Official transcripts
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose and statement of research purpose
• Resume

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.

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