PhD Management Science Information Systems Concentration
This program is designed for students who seek training in advanced theoretical and applied issues in the field of information systems. The training prepares students for conducting leading-edge research in topics ranging from the design of optimized systems to the effective use of such systems in organizations. Students undergo rigorous training in research methodologies, as well as in the design of information systems. The research conducted is often interdisciplinary in nature and is characterized by strong analytical modeling of new and emerging issues in information technology creation and management. The program prepares students mainly for academic positions in research universities; some students may be placed in research positions in industry, government or consulting organizations.
The Information Systems PhD program is characterized by a high ratio of research faculty to students, which fosters close working relationships. Students have the opportunity to be involved in ongoing research projects under the mentorship of experienced faculty. The close interaction with faculty enables students to quickly learn to identify and develop research ideas and create their own research agenda. Students also develop their teaching skills under faculty mentorship by teaching organized classes.
Successful candidates must possess a strong aptitude for abstract thinking and quantitative analysis to address relevant business problems. Students admitted into the program devote the first few years to coursework and research projects, preparing for the qualifying examinations and developing their preliminary dissertation proposal. The next one to two years are devoted to dissertation research and writing. Students must complete at least 75 semester hours of approved graduate work before a degree may be conferred. Credit may be granted for courses taken elsewhere.
Admissions Procedures
Applicants should have at least a bachelor’s degree. Admission is based on grade point average, graduate examination test score (GRE or GMAT), letters of reference (at least three, with two from academic references), business and professional experience (if applicable), a written statement of personal objectives and compatibility with faculty research activities. Since the School of Management starts making first-round admission decisions on January 16th, it is best to complete the entire application process no later than January 15th. While applications will be accepted after that date, applying after January 15th may significantly lower your chance of acceptance. Applications for admission can be made using the UT Dallas Graduate Application website.Degree Requirements
Prerequisites
Prerequisites include: calculus, matrix algebra, computer programming and statistics. Deficiencies may be remedied by taking appropriate courses.
Master’s–Level Courses
Students entering the program without an MBA or equivalent must complete a minimum of four courses in at least three areas typically required of MBA students to provide them with the knowledge required to be professional managers. In certain instances, a higher-level course may be substituted for an MBA-level course.
Research Methods Core
The Management Science PhD core curriculum consists of 10 courses:
1. Basic eight core courses:
- OPRE 7310 Probability and Stochastic Processes or STAT 5351 Probability and Statistics
- MECO 6345 Advanced Managerial Economics
- STAT 5352 Probability and Statistics II
- MAS 6v00 Data Analysis and Software
- MECO 6320 Introduction to Econometrics or ECON 6309 Econometrics I
- OPRE 7320 Optimal Control Theory and Applications
- MAS 6v00 Doctoral Writing Seminar
- MAS 8v00 Teaching Practicum
- OPRE 6311 Game Theory
- MECO 7320 Advanced Econometrics or ECON 7309 Econometrics II
- OPRE 7330 Deterministic O.R. Models
- OPRE 7311 Stochastic O.R. Models
Minor
Nine hours in any approved field
Required courses in Information Systems
Students are required to take a sequence of specific courses. Students should consult with faculty members in their respective areas to decide on the sequence of courses.
Seminars and Special Topics
Twelve hours of special topics and seminars in the information systems area.
Research Papers
Students are required to write original research papers in both their first and second summers. The second year paper is presented in a seminar attended by faculty and other students, and must be judged to be passing by the faculty before the student can advance to candidacy.
Written Preliminary and Qualifying Examinations
Information Systems PhD students take a written preliminary exam at the end of their first year in the program over a set of core methodology courses. At the end of their fifth semester in the program, students take a qualifying exam (consisting of two parts: a written exam that tests their knowledge of information systems theory and applications, and a completed research paper), that they must pass before admission for candidacy for the doctorate degree.
Dissertation
Once the student has passed qualifying exam and paper requirements, work on the dissertation can commence. The dissertation is written under the direction of the dissertation committee. Twelve to 24 semester hours may be granted for the dissertation toward the minimum 75-hour requirement for the degree. At a time mutually agreeable to the candidate and the dissertation committee, the candidate must orally defend the dissertation to the committee.
