BUSINESS BREADTH

• 18 hours – non-MBA students only
• One course in each academic department, except Economics and ISDS

PH.D. PREREQUISITE COURSES

All students are expected to have completed the following prior to their Ph.D. (or in the first year):

• Statistical Theory (EXT7003 - Experimental Statistics or equivalent)
• Introduction to Information Systems (BADM 7050, ISDS 7050 or equivalent)

In addition, students must complete courses for contextual knowledge in information systems. These classes will develop an understanding of how information systems and their associated technologies are used within organizations. To obtain this knowledge, students must complete 4 courses, including:

• Database Management
• Network Information Systems
• Information Systems Analysis and Design
• Project Managemnet

If the doctoral student already has an undergraduate or graduate degree in MIS or an MBA with a concentration in MIS, they can demonstrate mastery of the material by taking a contextual knowledge exam in each specific area. This test will be created by the faculty and must be completed by the end of the first year (this must be completed before a student may take comprehensive examinations).

MAJOR FIELD – ISDS PH.D. CORE COURSES

Students are expected to take all of the following courses (12 hours):

• ISDS 7950 - Philosophy of Science (first fall)
• ISDS 7080 - Survey of MIS Literature (first spring)
• ISDS 7950 - Methodological Choices in MIS Research (first spring)
• ISDS 7081- Critical Analysis of MIS Research (second fall)

MINOR FIELD

Students must select nine hours from within the ISDS department. The choice of the courses taken will be done in consultation with the student’s advisor.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Students are expected to take at least four methodology courses (12 hours). Possible courses include:

• Regression - (first fall)
• Multivariate methods - (first spring)
• Structural Equation Modeling
• Qualitative methods - (second spring)
• Survey design - (second fall)
• Experimental design - (second spring)

SUPPORTING FIELD

Students need to take a minimum of six hours in a supporting field which they draw upon in their research. The depth and breadth of understanding required depends on the student's specific research interests, and will be determined in consultation with the student’s advisor. The supporting field must come from outside the ISDS department. Supporting fields may be found inside the E. J. Ourso College of Business (Finance, Accounting, Management, Marketing, etc.) or outside the College (Sociology, Psychology, Engineering, Computer Science, Experimental Statistics, etc.).

OTHER REQUIREMENTS 

• Professional development activities (paper reviews, ICIS/AMCIS conference attendance, etc.)
• Teaching requirements: Teach ISDS 1100, 2000, 2001, 3100, 3110, 3115, 4120 or 4125 class (after 21 hours of PhD course credit)
• Dissertation credits: 12hrs. + ISDS 9000