Program Overview

Ph.D. in Business Administration with a major in Management Information Systems

The Ph.D. in Business Administration with a major in Management Information Systems is one of seven majors offered through FSU's College of Business. The major admits two or three candidates each fall, and the program typically takes four years to complete.

Program Description

The program prepares students to conduct high-impact research on topics such as AI strategy, digital transformation, and data-driven decision-making. It provides rigorous training in theory development, research methodologies, and data analytics, including active faculty mentorship, foundational seminars and coursework, a second-year research study, comprehensive exams, and dissertation.

Student Accomplishments

Notable student accomplishments include:

• Placements at universities such as the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, University of North Carolina at Pembroke, and James Madison University.
• Awards, such as the Three Minute Thesis and Doctoral Consortium at ICIS.
• Defended dissertations on topics like "Enterprise Social Media in Individuals' Performance: An Affordance Perspective" and "Intra-Platform Competition: The Role of Strategic and Operational Evolution in App Success".

Program Requirements

Prerequisites

All applicants must have either an undergraduate or master's degree in MIS or a related field, with knowledge of statistics and calculus.

Major Requirements

The program is heavily research-oriented and emphasizes relevance to the practice of business. Students must complete courses in four areas:

1. Primary MIS Coursework: Five primary area seminars for in-depth study of organizational, managerial, and behavioral issues in Information Systems.
2. Tools for Analytical Research (TAR) Area: Six TAR courses from mathematics and/or statistics to understand and conduct rigorous empirical research in Information Systems.
3. Support Area Coursework: Three or four graduate courses or seminars in a field complementary to the primary area, such as Accounting, Business Analytics, or Computer Science.
4. Research Competence Milestone Projects: Two milestone projects in the first and second years to demonstrate research preparation and competence.

Sample Course Sequence

A sample course sequence is provided, outlining the typical coursework for each year of the program, including primary area seminars, TAR courses, support area courses, and research competence milestone projects.

Application Process

Admission decisions are made by the college's Doctoral Admissions Committee, based on factors including prior academic record, GRE or GMAT scores, letters of recommendation, experience, and record of accomplishments. The application checklist includes:

• Non-refundable application fee
• Statement of Purpose
• Resume or C.V.
• Three required references
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Official GMAT or GRE scores
• English Language Proficiency scores (for international applicants)

Program Costs

Estimated program costs for the academic year are:

• Florida residents: $479.32 per credit hour, with a total estimated program cost of $12,941.64 - $15,817.56 per year.
• Non-Florida residents: $1,173.86 per credit hour, with a total estimated program cost of $31,694.22 - $38,737.38 per year.

Financial Assistance

The College of Business awards financial assistance to applicants based on academic criteria and performance. The goal is to provide assistantships and/or fellowships to all admitted doctoral students. Annual stipends and supplementary assistance will vary among cohorts and programs.

Awards/Scholarships

Various scholarships are available for graduate students. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit all completed application materials before January 15 to be eligible for additional funding opportunities at the university level.