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.
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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.
Ever since its establishment in 1885, Arizona State University has cultivated a culture of entrepreneurship and accessibility. This probably contributes to its being named the most innovative university in the US for the seventh year in a row by US News & World Report.
Much of ASU’s success is due to its graduate school, which offers more than 450 programs of study, each directed by distinguished faculty members. Equally impressive is its research expenditure of $677.3 million, ranking it sixth in research expenditures among national universities without a medical school.
PhD in Business Administration With a Concentration in Computer and Information Systems
ASU’s PhD in Business Administration is an 84-credit program that prepares you for an educational career at top academic institutions. It offers specializations in areas like business analytics, big data, and security, and you can tailor the program to meet your research goals. To earn your PhD, you must pass the comprehensive exam and defend your dissertation within 10 years.
PhD in Business Administration With a Concentration in Computer and Information Systems
- Program Length: 4-10 years
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Tuition: $12,014/year (resident); $24,498/year (non-resident); $26,460/year (international)
- PhD Funding Opportunities: Graduate assistantship, summer research grant, summer teaching, scholarships, loans
PhD in Business Administration With a Concentration in Computer and Information Systems
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Graduate admission application and fee
- Personal statement
- Official transcripts
- GMAT or GRE scores
- 3 letters of recommendation
In 1900, Andrew Carnegie founded Carnegie Mellon University as a technical institute. It has since grown to offer several doctoral degrees in fields ranging from engineering to business. A national research powerhouse, CMU boasts over 100 research centers and institutes with open, restricted, and classified research across a broad range of fields.
PhD in Information Systems and Management
This program trains doctoral students to become skilled researchers who can solve pressing IT challenges. Some of its key research areas include the economics of digitization, healthcare IT, and information security and privacy. It includes doctoral-level classes in statistics, econometrics, and machine learning, as well as a dissertation on your chosen research topic. Tuition costs can be covered by scholarships for students in good standing.
PhD in Information Systems and Management Overview
- Program Length: 4-6 years
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Tuition: $27,000/year (full-tuition scholarships are provided to PhD students in good standing for years 1-6)
- PhD Funding Opportunities: Full-tuition scholarship, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, external scholarship support
PhD in Information Systems and Management Admission Requirements
- Online application
- Official transcripts
- GRE or GMAT scores
- 2 recommendation forms
- Professional resume
- Proposed research essay
Founded in 1881, Dakota State University has grown into a thriving technology university. It offers PhD programs in computer science, cyber defense, cyber operations, and information systems. In addition to these cyber security-based programs, it also has several research laboratories, including the Madison Cyber Lab, which is the first of its kind in the Upper Great Plains region.
PhD in Information Systems
You must complete a total of 72 credit hours to earn the PhD in Information Systems from Dakota State University. Sixty of those credits must cater to graduate coursework, including master's-level courses, your research specialization, and research methods. You can fulfill the final 12 credit hours with your research dissertation.
PhD in Information Systems Overview
- Program Length: 7 years (maximum)
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Tuition and Fees: $6,730.20/year (resident); $11,930.40/year (non-resident)
- PhD Funding Opportunities: Graduate assistantships, federal aid (FAFSA)
PhD in Information Systems Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- GRE scores
- Knowledge of business fundamentals and information systems
Founded in 1836, Emory University is one of the nation's leading research universities. In 2021, its research awards totaled $894.7 million, making Emory one of the top research universities in the nation regarding research activity. Additionally, it is well known for its graduate programs in its seven graduate and professional schools.
PhD in Information Systems and Operations Management
Emory University’s PhD in Information Systems has two tracks, one in information systems and the other in operations management. Students of the program will write and present research papers, complete coursework, and work with faculty members to develop new research. At the close of the program, students present and defend their dissertation to earn their degrees.
PhD in Information Systems and Operations Management Overview
- Program Length: 5 years
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Tuition: $57,120/year
- PhD Funding Opportunities: Scholarships, stipends, research support
PhD in Information Systems and Operations Management Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited institution
- GRE/GMAT scores
- Letters of recommendation
- TOEFL scores (non-native English speakers)
- Resume
- Statement of purpose
- Application fee: $75
Founded in 1851, Florida State University is among the most respected research universities in the nation. It has been named a tier-one research university by the Carnegie Foundation, and in 2021 its total research expenditure came to $328.6 million. Its offerings include PhDs in Art, Business, Engineering, and Computer Science.
PhD in Business Administration With a Major in Management Information Systems
Florida State University’s PhD in Business Administration program is extremely selective, only admitting two to three candidates every year. Its study program offers core courses in mathematics and statistics as well as support courses in subjects like econometrics and accounting. In addition, the program includes research milestones such as publishing research papers and working on projects with faculty.
PhD in Business Administration With a Major in Management Information Systems Overview
- Program Length: 4 years
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Tuition and Fees: $479.32 /credit (resident); $1,110.72/credit (non-resident)
- PhD Funding Opportunities: Scholarships, teaching assistantships, research assistantships
PhD in Business Administration With a Major in Management Information Systems Admission Requirements
- Online application
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Curriculum vitae (CV)/resume
- Transcripts
- GRE/GMAT scores
Iowa State University is a public university that was founded in 1858 to create and disseminate knowledge. It offers several graduate programs, including doctoral degrees in everything from agriculture to aerospace engineering. Over the past five years, it has received more than $1.2 billion in research funding, which it uses to create new knowledge.
PhD in Information Systems and Business Analytics
This 74-credit program prepares you for an academic career by providing the skills you need for scholarly research. In addition to its seminars in statistics and relevant core courses, it also teaches research methodology. There are several specializations to explore, including Entrepreneurship, Finance, Management, and Marketing.
PhD in Information Systems and Business Analytics Overview
- Program Length: 4-5 years
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Tuition: $6,491/semester (resident); $14,490/semester (non-resident)
- PhD Funding Opportunities: Tuition waiver, half-time assistantship, annual stipend
PhD in Information Systems and Business Analytics Admission Requirements
- Online application
- Statement of purpose
- Resume/CV
- Official transcripts
- GMAT/GRE scores
- 3 letters of recommendation
Since its establishment by Russell Conwell in 1884, Temple University has evolved from a night school to an elite, Carnegie Foundation-designated R1 research university. With a yearly research expenditure of over $290 million, Temple University tackles real-world problems to improve human life. The research culture runs through the 60-plus doctoral programs it offers across its 12 schools and colleges.
PhD in Business Administration With a Concentration in Management Information Systems
Temple University designed this program to prepare students for academic and research careers. It consists of 54 credit hours of seminars, core courses, and research courses. For this degree, you'll prepare research papers, take qualifying exams, and develop and present your dissertation.
PhD in Business Administration With a Concentration in Management Information Systems Overview
- Program Length: 7 years (maximum)
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Tuition and Fees: $920/credit (resident); $1,262/credit (non-resident)
- PhD Funding Opportunities: Research assistantship, teaching assistantship, travel stipends
PhD in Business Administration With a Concentration in Management Information Systems Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Letters of reference
- Statement of goals
- GRE/GMAT scores
- Resume
Texas Tech University, founded in 1923, has grown its offerings to include 100 graduate degrees and 50 doctoral degrees across its 13 colleges and schools. In 2015, the Carnegie Foundation named Texas Tech an R1 “very high research activity” university. The school offers PhD programs in exciting research areas.
PhD in Business Administration With a Concentration in Management Information Systems
This PhD program creates high-level researchers with expertise in management information systems. The program requires a minimum of 54 credit hours, which includes core MIS courses, theory and research methods courses, and electives. Like most PhD in Management Information Systems programs, research papers and the writing and defending of a dissertation are also required.
PhD in Business Administration With a Concentration in Management Information Systems Overview
- Program Length: 4 years
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Tuition and Fees: $14,007/year (resident); $21,534/year (non-resident)
- PhD Funding Opportunities: Assistantships, scholarships, research grants
PhD in Business Administration With a Concentration in Management Information Systems Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Official transcripts
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- GMAT scores
- Essay
The University of Maryland-Baltimore County is one of the nation’s leading universities, as recognized by both US News & World Report and Times Higher Education. Additionally, it has received the highest ranking in research activity from the Carnegie Foundation. Established in 1966, the university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, including 24 PhD programs.
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PhD in Information Systems
This PhD program at UMBC has five major requirements: seminars, courses, a comprehensive exam, a proposal defense, and a dissertation. Students must attend a minimum of four seminars, complete advanced coursework covering a wide range of relevant topics, and pass the comprehensive exam to become admitted as doctoral candidates. Admission to candidacy means that the real work begins, which involves completing and defending your dissertation.
PhD in Information Systems Overview
- Program Length: 9 years (maximum)
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Tuition and Fees: $850/credit (resident); $1,352/credit (non-resident)
- PhD Funding Opportunities: Teaching assistantship, research assistantship
PhD in Information Systems Admission Requirements
- Deep understanding of the design, development, analysis, and/or use of computer-based information systems
- Statement of purpose
- Resume
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts
Being one of the nation's largest academic institutions, the University of North Texas provides undergraduate and graduate education programs to the Denton and greater Texas area. Established in 1890, this Carnegie Foundation-designated tier-one research university offers programs in the arts, technology, and the sciences.
PhD in Business Administration With a Concentration in Business Computer Information Systems
You must complete 33 hours of coursework and 12 hours of research to fulfill UNT's PhD in Business Administration credit hour requirements. The coursework develops your skills in logic and research methodology, preparing you for a research career. Once you pass the qualifying exams, you can begin your doctoral research under the supervision of expert faculty.
PhD in Business Administration With a Concentration in Business Computer Information Systems Overview
- Program Length: 8 years (maximum)
- Acceptance Rate: 10.5%
- Tuition and Fees: $7,076.07/12-credit semester (resident); $11,972.07/12-credit semester (out of state)
- PhD Funding Opportunities: Tuition waivers, fellowships, scholarships, assistantships
PhD in Business Administration With a Concentration in Business Computer Information Systems Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree
- Graduate application and $75 fee
- Official transcripts
- GMAT/GRE scores
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Resume/CV
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.
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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.
PhD students must attend a minimum number of seminars before graduating. These seminars explore the existing literature in information systems management and enrich your academic experience by exposing you to a wide variety of research projects. Additionally, through them, you can get ideas regarding which research areas to explore on your own.
Each PhD in Information Systems Management comes with a coursework requirement that usually involves a minimum number of credit hours. You will work with a graduate advisor to draft out a plan of study made up of courses in alignment with your research and other education objectives. You must then complete all the courses in your study plan with a satisfactory grade before the time limit elapses.
In preparation for your thesis, you must complete certain research milestones, often within the first and second years of your information systems management program. Usually, the milestones involve writing and submitting preliminary research papers or collaborating with a faculty member on a research project.
After completing your coursework, you must take and pass the comprehensive exam to become a doctoral candidate in the information systems management PhD program. This exam tests your knowledge of information systems and research methods, and determines your readiness to take on your thesis.
Once you've decided on your research topic or area, you must then convince members of your dissertation committee that it is a worthwhile inquiry. That means writing a dissertation proposal, arguing for its merits in the proposal defense, and fielding any questions concerning the proposed study.
Your thesis, or dissertation, is an original research project representing your contribution to the information systems management knowledge pool and the last hurdle in your PhD program. You must complete and defend your thesis to the satisfaction of your dissertation committee to earn your PhD in Information Systems Management.
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.
Computer and information systems managers design, implement, and upgrade computer systems to help organizations meet their information technology goals. They install computer systems, ensure network security, and perform regular maintenance on computer systems. Additionally, they look for ways they can improve organizational productivity with technology.
- Salary with an Information Systems Management PhD: $159,010
- Job Outlook: 11% job growth from 2020 to 2030
- Number of Jobs: 42,400
- Highest-Paying States: New York, California, New Jersey, Washington, Washington DC
Recent years have seen massive growth in information technology, and we largely owe this to computer information research scientists. They constantly push the boundaries of the known by experimenting with computing languages, software, and hardware to develop new technology or new uses for existing technology.
- Salary with an Information Systems Management PhD: $131,490
- Job Outlook: 22% job growth from 2020 to 2030
- Number of Jobs: 3,200
- Highest-Paying States: Oregon, Arizona, Texas, Massachusetts, Washington
The main function of database administrators is to maintain an organized, efficient, and reliable information system. Additionally, they ensure that sensitive information is secure from unauthorized use and properly backed up to prevent data loss. They also perform periodic maintenance such as removing irrelevant information and updating permissions.
- Salary with an Information Systems Management PhD: $98,860
- Job Outlook: 8% job growth from 2020 to 2030
- Number of Jobs: 13,900
- Highest-Paying States: New Jersey, Massachusetts, Washington, New York, Rhode Island
Operations research analysts are decision-makers and problem-solvers. Using their extensive knowledge of data, mathematics, and logic, they identify issues in the existing system and develop action plans to solve them. Their responsibilities in the organization usually center around collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data.
- Salary with an Information Systems Management PhD: $82,360
- Job Outlook: 25% job growth from 2020 to 2030
- Number of Jobs: 10,200
- Highest-Paying States: Virginia, Alabama, Maryland, Hawaii, New York
Postsecondary computer science teachers may work in a college, university, or professional school, and their job is to train students in computer science. Since they work in academia, they constantly attend conferences to keep abreast of new developments in their field. Some even conduct experiments and contribute to the knowledge of their subject.
- Salary with an Information Systems Management PhD: $77,910
- Job Outlook: 12% job growth from 2020 to 2030
- Number of Jobs: 139,600
- Highest-Paying States: California, Oregon, Washington DC, New York, Massachusetts
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.
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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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