Ph.D Specialization in MIS

The MIS specialization of the Ph.D. in Business Administration at the Michael F. Price College of Business focuses on research aimed at understanding the economic and social contexts and impacts of information technologies. The objective of the program is to develop students into academic colleagues, equipped with the research and pedagogical skills to enhance our understanding of the issues surrounding information technology and to add value to the future generations of students they will educate.

The MIS Ph.D. program is a full-time doctoral program. All admitted students receive generous stipends and financial support for research-related activities for four years. Students in good standing can secure additional funding for a fifth year, if necessary. Students’ time in the program is spent on coursework that develops their foundational knowledge of MIS research issues and methodologies, conducting research with MIS faculty, apprenticing to faculty teaching undergraduate and masters classes, and independently teaching MIS classes. Being a small, selective program permits doctoral students and faculty to interact and work closely.

The MIS faculty at the Price College research a wide variety of timely and enduring topics such as:

• human computer/robot interaction
• cognition
• IT governance and control
• healthcare information technology
• cyber-security
• business analytics
• artificial intelligence They employ a range of research methodologies including:
• experiments
• surveys
• machine learning methods
• inductive methods

Curriculum

Coursework

The Graduate College requires 90 hours past the Bachelor's degree for the Ph.D. The core doctoral coursework involves 47 hours distributed as follows:

• 18 hours of statistics and research methods courses
• 14 hours of MIS research seminars
• 9 hours of management and/or marketing research seminars
• 6 hours of electives

Because the most impactful research is inter-disciplinary, students are encouraged to consult with their advisor on coursework offered outside the MIS Department that can inform their distinctive research interests. Students without an MBA may have to complete up to 21 hours of additional MBA core coursework. Once students have completed their coursework and the general exam, they can register for up to 30 dissertation hours while working on their dissertation. Students with an MBA may count some of their prior graduate coursework towards the remainder of the 90-hour Graduate College requirement.

Research Readiness Requirements

Doctoral students will begin an independent research project (under the supervision of a MIS faculty member) during their first summer in residence. This project must be completed by the end of the student's second summer in residence. The product of this research effort is to be submitted for presentation at a major conference and, ideally, submitted for publication to an appropriate journal. Students must complete this requirement before sitting for their General Exam.

General Exam

After completing coursework and the research readiness requirement, but prior to beginning the dissertation, each doctoral student must successfully pass a written exam covering their:

• major, concentration and elective coursework
• understanding of the MIS research literature as represented by a bibliography prepared and approved by the MIS Division's Standing Divisional Doctoral Advisory Committee
• capability to fabricate and justify a research design given an assigned phenomenon to be investigated

Dissertation

Upon successful completion of the General Exam, a doctoral student will constitute their Dissertation Committee to oversee the formulation, completion, and evaluation of the dissertation. Within the semester following completion of the general exam, the student should plan on defending a dissertation proposal to this Dissertation Committee.

Prerequisites

MBA core courses:

• microeconomics
• macroeconomics
• financial accounting
• financial management
• marketing management
• organizational behavior
• production/operations management

Admission Requirements

• Transcripts: Upload a copy of transcripts from every college attended. Official copies should also be sent directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
• GMAT Score: Scores must be no more than five years old at the time of submission. Unofficial scores may be uploaded to the online application but admission decisions will not be made until official scores are received. The GMAT score is preferred; the GRE score will be accepted for all graduate programs except Accounting. GMAT score required but can be waived in certain situations.
• Resume
• Statement of Goals
• Contact Information of three recommendations: Automatic email requests will be launched when you submit your application. This is not required.
• TOEFL Score: International applicants must submit a score from either the TOEFL (minimum of 600 on the paper-based test, 250 on the computer-based test or 100 on the internet-based test) or IELTS (minimum of 7.0) as well as a Confidential Financial Statement.
• Application Fee: A $50 ($100 for international applicants) non-refundable application processing fee is required to submit your online application.

Application Deadlines

• U.S. Citizen: January 15
• International: January 15

University of Oklahoma Summary

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Overview:

The University of Oklahoma (OU) is a comprehensive research university with a strong focus on innovation and educational excellence. It is a major contributor to the state of Oklahoma, impacting the lives of Oklahomans through scholarship, research, and healthcare. OU boasts a diverse student body representing 50 states, 76 Oklahoma counties, and 125+ countries.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

OU offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience with over 400 student organizations. The university has a strong sense of community and is known for its spirited and driven atmosphere.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Research Focus:

OU is a highly ranked research university, designated as a Highest Research Activity institution by the Carnegie Foundation.

Top-Ranked Programs:

OU is ranked #1 in the country for Aviation and Atmospheric Science & Meteorology.

Diverse Student Body:

OU welcomes students from across the globe, fostering a rich and inclusive learning environment.

Vibrant Campus Life:

With over 400 student organizations, OU offers a wide range of opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities and build community.

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Academic Programs:

OU offers over 170 academic programs across various disciplines. The university is particularly known for its strengths in research, aviation, atmospheric science, and healthcare.

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Other:

• OU has three campuses located in Norman, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa.
• The university is committed to supporting the state of Oklahoma through its research and educational initiatives.
• OU has a strong alumni network, with 80% of Oklahoma's healthcare professionals being OU graduates.