نظرة عامة على البرنامج

Information Systems and Communications Ph.D.

The Information Systems and Communications (ISC) Ph.D. program is a 3-year, executive-style doctoral program designed to meet the needs of working executives and professionals who wish to excel in leadership roles in industry, as well as educators and researchers in information systems, technology, or communications fields.

Program Overview

The ISC Ph.D. addresses the challenges and complexities of our increasingly technological, Internet-connected, and data-driven society by preparing leaders and educators to conduct research, make decisions, and solve problems through integrative perspectives drawn from the fields of information systems and communications.

Curriculum

This accelerated program includes 60 credits of coursework:

• 27 credits of interdisciplinary content courses in information systems and communications
• 21 credits of research methodology courses
• 12 credits of directed studies focused on dissertation writing The program culminates in a dissertation representing original research in the field of information systems and/or communications. The proposal and defense of this dissertation are primary requirements for the degree.

Year 1 - Fall

• ISCM8110 Theories in Action in ISC
• ISCM8120 ISC in Cybersociety
• ISCM8130 Intro to Research Process for ISC

Year 1 - Spring

• ISCM8140 Information Technology and Online Social Behavior
• ISCM8160 Rhetorical, Semiotic, and Ethno-cultural Foundations for ISC
• ISCM8180 Literature Review
• ISCM9100 Dissertation I – Research Topic Development

Year 2 - Fall

• ISCM8150 Theory Development & Knowledge Management
• ISCM8230 Quantitative Research Methods I
• ISCM8240 Qualitative Research Methods

Year 2 - Spring

• ISCM8210 Advanced Research Design for ISC
• ISCM8220 Data Analytics: Managerial Perspectives
• ISCM8260 Leadership, Culture & Communication
• ISCM9200 Dissertation II – Proposal Completion & Defense

Year 3 - Fall

• ISCM8380 Analyzing and Interpreting Data
• ISCM8320 Information Security and the Law
• ISCM9300 Dissertation III - Data Analysis & Research Findings

Year 3 - Spring

• ISCM8310 Economics of Information Systems and Technology in the Digital Age
• ISCM8330 Contemporary Issues in ISC
• ISCM9400 Dissertation IV – Dissertation Completion & Defense

Program Milestones

The Ph.D. in Information Systems and Communications program includes several milestones:

• At the end of the first year: A qualifying exam of study on critical thinking and proficiency in research writing. Upon passing the exam, the student is admitted into doctoral candidacy.
• At the end of the second year: Dissertation proposal defense to the student's doctoral committee.
• At the end of the third year: Doctoral dissertation defense to the student's doctoral committee

Admissions Requirements and Tuition

Each new cohort accepted into the Ph.D. in Information Systems and Communications (ISC) program enrolls in the Fall semester (starting in August each year). Minimum admission requirements:

• Master's degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum graduate GPA of 3.0
• Completed online application to the program (with required application materials)
  • Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work;
  • Three (3) letters of reference from individuals in professional or academic communities who are familiar with the applicant's work;
  • A current resume that includes all education, professional work experience, certifications, and other relevant information;
  • An academic writing sample (this can be an academic paper previously completed for a Master's degree program, a publication, or in lieu of either of the first two options, a 4-5 page essay focusing on a problem related to information systems or communications experienced or observed in the workplace)
• Personal interview with the Doctoral Program Director and Doctoral Admissions Committee. International students applying to the program must also provide results from a test of English language proficiency.

Research Areas

Our doctoral students take on a broad range of topics and problems related to information systems and communications. Some of our key research areas include:

• Cybersecurity & Information Privacy
• Cultural and Social Impacts of Communication & Technology
• Adoption and Utilization of Emerging Technologies
• Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
• Knowledge Management
• Online Communities & Social Media
• Human Communication & Technology

Faculty Bios

The program is taught by a supportive and engaged faculty who are active in research and experts in their fields of study. Faculty members include:

• Dr. Stuart Allen, Professor of Organizational Leadership
• Dr. Natalya Bromall, Professor of Computer and Information Systems
• Dr. A.J. Grant, University Professor of Organizational Leadership
• Dr. Edward Karshner, Professor of English
• Dr. Steve Mancini, Assistant Professor of Computer Information Systems
• Dr. Min Lu, Professor of Economics
• Dr. Sushma Mishra, Professor of Computer and Information Systems
• Dr. Anthony Moretti, Associate Professor of Communication
• Dr. Sun-A Park, Associate Professor of Communication
• Dr. Karen Paullet, Professor of Computer and Information Systems
• Dr. Jamie Pinchot, Professor of Computer and Information Systems
• Dr. Ping Wang, University Professor of Computer and Information Systems
• Chen Yang, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Communication

Our Alumni

As a graduate of our doctoral program, you will join more than 300 distinguished alumni. Of our alumni, approximately 40% work in the private sector, 35% in academic institutions, and 15% in think tanks, consulting firms, and government.

Alumni Testimonials

Our alumni have shared their experiences and successes after graduating from the program. Testimonials include:

• Michael Love, D.Sc. (Cohort 19, Class of 2020)
• Stuart Williams, D.Sc. (Cohort 19, Class of 2020)
• Bill Carney, D.Sc. (Cohort 18, Class of 2019)
• Fred Hoffman, D.Sc. (Cohort 18, Class of 2019)
• Alvi Lim, D.Sc. (Cohort 18, Class of 2019)
• Jay Wang, D.Sc. (Cohort 18, Class of 2019)
• Majed Afandi, D.Sc. (Cohort 17, Class of 2018)
• Anne Shepherd, D.Sc. (Cohort 17, Class of 2018)
• Dave Verret, D.Sc. (Cohort 15, Class of 2016)
• Gary King, D.Sc. (Cohort 14, Class of 2015)
• Quinn Lanzendorfer, D.Sc. (Cohort 14, Class of 2015)