A PhD in Information Systems Management provides the educational groundwork you need to understand complex IT problems as well as the advanced research methods to solve them. If you’re looking to supplement your work experience with further education, getting an information systems management PhD is a great option.
This article will bring you up to speed on the best PhDs in Information Systems Management. In it, you’ll find all of the admission and graduation requirements for each program. We have also included some of the best information systems management jobs that graduates can pursue and what you can expect for a PhD in Information Systems Management salary across jobs in the field.
What Is a PhD in Information Systems Management?
A PhD in Information Systems Management is a research-intensive graduate program that trains doctoral students to design, analyze, implement, and maintain information systems using a variety of methods. It builds the necessary technical skills graduate students need to transition to careers in academia and research.
How to Get Into an Information Systems Management PhD Program: Admission Requirements
The minimum educational requirement for admission into an information systems management PhD program is a bachelor’s degree earned at an accredited university. Other important admission requirements include meeting the minimum GPA requirement and submitting official transcripts, a resume, letters of recommendation, and a completed graduate application.
Although many schools have waived the standardized test scores requirement, some still require you to submit your Graduate Record Examination (GRE)/Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores and, for international students, Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores. The application materials for PhD programs vary from school to school, so consult your school’s website if you have questions about how to get accepted into its graduate school.
PhD in Information Systems Management Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
- Official transcripts/academic records
- GMAT/GRE scores
- TOEFL scores (international students)
- Resume
- Letters of recommendation
- Completed graduate application
Information Systems Management PhD Acceptance Rates: How Hard Is It to Get Into a PhD Program in Information Systems Management?
It is very hard to get into a PhD program in information systems management because the number of positions available for students is often limited and competition for them is stiff. For example, data from the G Brint Ryan College of Business at the University of North Texas shows just over a 10 percent acceptance rate for its PhD programs in 2021. Therefore, your application generally has to be stronger than 90 percent of all applicants to ensure admission.
How to Get Into the Best Universities
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Best PhDs in Information Systems Management: In Brief
| School | Program | Online Option |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | PhD in Business Administration With a Concentration in Computer Information Systems | No |
| Carnegie Mellon University | PhD in Information Systems and Management | No |
| Dakota State University | PhD in Information Systems | Yes |
| Emory University | PhD in Information Systems and Operations Management | No |
| Florida State University | PhD in Business Administration With a Major in Management Information Systems | No |
| Iowa State University | PhD in Information Systems and Business Analytics | No |
| Temple University | PhD in Business Administration With a Concentration in Management Information Systems | No |
| Texas Tech University | PhD in Business Administration With a Concentration in Management Information Systems | No |
| University of Maryland-Baltimore County | PhD in Information Systems | No |
| University of North Texas | PhD in Business Administration With a Concentration in Business Computer Information Systems | No |
Best Universities for Information Systems Management PhDs: Where to Get a PhD in Information Systems Management
The best universities for information systems management PhDs are Arizona State University, Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of North Texas. For further information on where to get a PhD in Information Systems Management, explore the list below. It provides a brief overview of the best ISM programs and key details like their tuition rate, admission requirements, and acceptance rate.
Can You Get a PhD in Information Systems Management Online?
Yes, you can get a PhD in Information Systems Management online. Another online degree option is the online PhD in Information Technology. An online degree program is either fully online or hybrid, so be sure to choose one that matches your preferences. Online classes are more convenient for those with work or family responsibilities In the section below, we’ve detailed some of the best online graduate programs available.
Best Online PhD Programs in Information Systems Management
| School | Program | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana State University | PhD in Technology Management | 4.5 years |
| Northcentral University | PhD in Information Systems | 4 years |
| University of Bridgeport | PhD in Technology Management | 7 years (maximum) |
| University of the Cumberlands | PhD in Information Technology | N/A |
| Walden University | PhD in Management With a Specialization in Information Systems Management | 8 years (maximum) |
How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Information Systems Management?
It typically takes four to six years of full-time study to get a PhD in Information Systems Management. The coursework alone takes about one to two years to complete, while the dissertation can last upward of three years.
Some programs allow students to enroll as part-time students, but most require full-time study. Full-time students often complete their PhD program in four to five years, while part-timers take closer to six years, with most programs having a time limit of seven to 10 years.
Is a PhD in Information Systems Management Hard?
Yes, a PhD in Information Systems Management is hard. As it is an extremely specialized degree with very rigorous coursework, you will need a strong background in information technology to succeed. Students who don’t have a strong understanding of the fundamentals will experience a very sharp learning curve that might make it difficult to complete the program.
Additionally, you need a strong aptitude in research methods to earn your PhD in Information Systems Management. You will be required to complete original research that satisfies the experts on your dissertation committee. However, earning this degree is possible with adequate determination and preparation.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a PhD in Information Systems Management?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, getting a PhD in Information Systems Management costs an average of $19,792 per year in tuition and fees. Private institutions are more expensive, reaching $26,597 per year, while public schools average $12,410 per year.
Note that tuition varies by state, type of program, and university, so the cost of your program may be substantially higher or lower than the national average. Consult the school directly for comprehensive information on the exact tuition and fees applicable to your program.
How to Pay for a PhD in Information Systems Management: PhD Funding Options
The PhD funding options that students can use to pay for a PhD in Information Systems Management include loans and research grants. Additionally, you can find scholarships for graduate students or apply for fellowships and teaching or research assistantships.
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What Is the Difference Between an Information Systems Management Master’s Degree and PhD?
The differences between an information systems management master’s degree and PhD are the program length, program focus, and career opportunities each provides. A master’s degree runs an average of two years, while a PhD takes four to six years to complete, or longer. Additionally, while PhDs are more research-intensive, master’s degrees focus mainly on coursework.
A master’s degree equips students with specialized knowledge and skills that they can use to tackle complex problems regarding information networks. On the other hand, a PhD allows graduates to pursue further research as well as university teaching positions.
Master’s vs PhD in Information Systems Management Job Outlook
Information systems management master’s degree jobs deal with the design and maintenance of information systems. A good example is a computer systems analyst, a job that is projected to grow by seven percent over the next decade, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
On the other hand, those with a PhD in Information Systems Management often work in the academic and research worlds. A good example is a post-secondary computer science teacher, whose job outlook is more favorable, according to BLS, with 12 percent projected growth between 2020 and 2030.
Difference in Salary for Information Systems Management Master’s vs PhD
The average master’s degree holder in information systems management earns a salary of $86,000, according to PayScale. Meanwhile, PayScale reports that holders of a PhD in Information Systems Management earn an average salary of $141,000.
This means that, on average, holders of a PhD in Information Systems Management can expect to earn more than $50,000 more per year than their counterparts with a master’s degree. This huge pay gap is explainable by the fact that, while a master’s degree develops students’ skills in IT, a PhD does the same but also instills in students advanced research and creative-thinking skills for solving complex problems.
Related Information Systems Management Degrees
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Why You Should Get a PhD in Information Systems Management
You should get a PhD in Information Systems Management because it provides you with the specialized skills to solve emerging information systems problems. It will also expose you to numerous research opportunities and help you meet your career goals. The section below highlights the top reasons why you should pursue a PhD in Information Systems Management.
Reasons for Getting a PhD in Information Systems Management
- Career opportunities. An information systems management PhD program is worth it because it opens up more career opportunities for students than a bachelor’s or master’s degree does. In addition to the entry- and mid-level jobs you can get with other degrees, a PhD also gives you access to high-level, research-intensive careers with more freedom to pursue your own ideas.
- Research opportunities. Getting a PhD in Information Systems Management is a great way to begin your research career. It exposes you to new research opportunities and provides an avenue for you to contribute to developing solutions to complex problems in your field.
- Advanced skills development. Since a PhD in Information Systems Management is an advanced, research-intensive degree, it exposes you to a wide variety of specialized and practical skills. This includes research skills as well as knowledge and hands-on experience in advanced statistics, information policy, human-computer interaction, and digital cultural heritage.
- Access to higher salaries. Professionals who have earned their PhD in Information Systems Management earn higher salaries. This is because they have the experience and skills needed for highly specialized roles in technical fields.
Getting a PhD in Information Systems Management: Information Systems Management PhD Coursework
In getting a PhD in Information Systems Management, you will be exposed to core subjects that cover advanced concepts and skills in the field. As a bonus, the average class size in a PhD program is substantially smaller than that of other degree programs. This section provides a brief description of courses common to information systems management PhD programs.
Information Systems
This course discusses the concepts, theories, and tools used in designing information systems to provide solutions to relevant business problems. It equips students with the knowledge of and skills in computational methods necessary for computer programming, networking, and database systems design.
Foundations of Programming
Computer programming plays a crucial role in business intelligence today, and in this course, you will learn about different concepts of programming and their practical application. This includes key skills needed for programming and software development emphasizing data theories and event-driven user interfaces.
Applied Statistics
This course teaches key concepts and theories in statistics and integrates them with information technology and management of technology. It covers the collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of data, and also topics delving into computer simulations and other statistical applications of data.
Information Retrieval
Handling and manipulating data is one of the key functions of an information systems security manager. In this course, you’ll learn advanced skills for safely retrieving and manipulating data. The majority of the course is practical and will occur in SQL. Examples of topics you’ll encounter include data control languages, looping, and branching.
Data Warehousing and Data Mining
Storing data involves multiple heterogeneous sources and can only be useful after consolidating them. As such, this course will teach you the main concepts, components, and architectures behind data warehousing. Additionally, you will learn how to use specialized algorithms to mine stored data.
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How to Get a PhD in Information Systems Management: Doctoral Program Requirements
Admission to an information systems management PhD program does not guarantee your degree. However, your odds improve if you understand all of the steps involved in earning a doctorate. The section below outlines the typical doctoral program requirements, but be sure to consult your school for your specific program requirements.
Potential Careers With an Information Systems Management Degree
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PhD in Information Systems Management Salary and Job Outlook
Information systems management PhD jobs are relevant and will remain so for the foreseeable future. In fact, data from the BLS reveals that most information systems management PhD jobs will grow between eight and 25 percent over the next decade.
Information systems management jobs are also very lucrative, with the BLS reporting that professionals in this field earn an average salary of $159,010. It further reports that the lowest-paid workers in information systems management PhD jobs earn less than $95,220 while the top earners have salaries in excess of $208,000.
What Can You Do With a PhD in Information Systems Management?
With a PhD in Information Systems Management, you can work in research and academia, either in the private sector or government. Additionally, a PhD in Information Systems Management allows you to become a leader in your field. Your career options extend to jobs like chief information officer, chief technology officer, data scientist, and academic researcher.
Best Jobs With a PhD in Information Systems Management
- Academic Researcher
- Data Scientist
- Chief Technology Officer
- Information Systems Director
- University Professor
What Is the Average Salary for a PhD in Information Systems Management?
According to PayScale, the average salary for a PhD in Information Systems Management holder is $141,000. That figure will fluctuate based on your experience, as veteran professionals tend to earn substantially more than entry-level professionals, as well as your specific job title.
Highest-Paying Information Systems Management Jobs for PhD Grads
| Information Systems Management PhD Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $159,010 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist | $131,490 |
| Database Administrators and Architect | $98,860 |
| Operations Research Analyst | $82,360 |
| Postsecondary Computer Science Teacher | $77,910 |
Best Information Systems Management Jobs With a Doctorate
The best information systems management jobs with a doctorate pay lucrative salaries, have a strong job outlook, and allow you to pursue research in your chosen field. The section below will introduce you to some of these jobs, explain what they entail, provide their job outlook and salary, and list the states that currently pay the most to these professionals.
Is a PhD in Information Systems Management Worth It?
Yes, a PhD in Information Systems Management is worth it. Not only is the job market growing, but you can also secure high-paying jobs with this degree. Additionally, you’ll get to define your research area, work under expert faculty, and make lasting and important contributions to the field of information technology.
To do all of this, you’ll need to get your degree from one of the best PhD programs that the nation has to offer. That means meeting their admission requirements and securing funding to finance your education. Furthermore, you must complete the required coursework, carry out original research, and successfully conduct your dissertation defense.
Additional Reading About Information Systems Management
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PhD in Information Systems Management FAQ
The best schools offering PhDs in Information Systems Management are accredited by a regional accreditation body. Some of the most popular ones are the Higher Learning Commission, Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The major difference between a PhD and DBA in Information Systems Management is that while a PhD prepares you for academic and research careers, a DBA is more of a professional doctoral program. Also, while the PhD focuses on theoretical issues and uncovering knowledge, the DBA applies them in the field to real-world problems.
No, you don’t need a master’s degree to apply for a PhD in Information Systems Management program. Many PhD programs have master’s courses built in, so a bachelor’s degree will suffice in most cases. If you’ve completed a master’s degree, you may be able to skip the master’s-level courses in your PhD program and earn your degree quicker.
Yes, there are many information systems management professional associations you can join to give you a leg up in your career. Some of the best ones are the Association for Information Systems (AIS), Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP), and the CompTIA Information Technology Association.
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