PhD in Information Systems

Overview

The Ph.D. program in Information Systems is a STEM degree designed to produce scholars who possess a commanding knowledge of the nature of Information Systems, applications of and research on Human-Centered Computing and Information Science, and the supporting technology.

The program seeks to develop individuals who can expand both the practice and theory of information systems for complex applications and/or organizational environments. It deals with integrated information, computer and communication systems that support and augment individuals and groups in any field of application: management, business, engineering and manufacturing, health and medicine, education, social sciences, arts, and humanities, etc.

Many of our Ph.D. graduates in Information Systems currently research and teach at universities, while others are working for cutting edge leaders in the software industry, such as Microsoft and Avaya.

Ph.D. Program Goals

Students in the Ph.D. program will be able to demonstrate the ability to:

1. understand fundamental knowledge of and apply research methods within the student’s chosen focus of Human-Centered Computing (HCC) or data-intensive research
2. critically examine research in the student’s chosen research area
3. develop research questions, design research methodologies, implement systems, interpret results, and discuss implications for a research project in the student’s chosen research area, and
4. teach effectively in one IS course

Ph.D. Program Credits

The Ph.D. program has 4 stages. Full-time students entering with an IS Master’s degree are expected to complete within 4 years. Those entering with only a BS or a non-IS background are expected to complete within 5 years. Per NJIT policy, the maximum duration for the entire doctoral study is 7 years for both full-time and part-time students. The following table shows the expected and maximum time allowed for each stage

Overall Course Requirements

Students must maintain a grade average of 3.5 (B+) or better in core courses. No course with a grade less than B will count. Up to 2 courses may be independent study. At least 4 courses must be at the 700 level.