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Information Systems Concentration

Overview

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 Ph.D. 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 90 semester hours of approved graduate work before a degree may be conferred. Credit may be granted for courses taken elsewhere.

Admission Procedures

Every applicant should have a bachelor's degree; students with advanced degrees are especially encouraged to apply. Admission is based on grades, graduate examination test scores, letters of reference and a written statement of objectives. Applications for admission should be addressed to the UT Dallas Admissions Office.

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 Ph.D. core curriculum consists of 10 courses:

1. Basic seven core courses:

  • OPRE 6330 Probability and Stochastic Processes or STAT 5351 Probability and Statistics

  • MECO 6345 Advanced Managerial Economics

  • STAT 5352 Probability and Statistics II

  • MAS 8V43 Marketing Doctoral Seminar in Data Analysis

  • MECO 6320 Introduction to Econometrics

  • OPRE 7320 Optimal Control Theory and Applications

  • Teaching Practicum, basic research method core

 

2. Secondary core courses, two courses required out of four courses:

  • OPRE 6311 Game Theory

  • MECO 7320 Advanced Econometrics

  • OPRE 7330 Deterministic O.R. Models

  • OPRE 6331 Stochastic O.R. Models

3. A menu of elective research methods, at least one course from: statistics courses and operational research courses/information systems

Minor

Nine hours in any approved field

Required Courses in Information Systems

Students are required to take a sequence of specific courses in the area of management information systems. Students should consult with faculty members to decide on the sequence of courses.

Seminars and Special Topics

Twelve hours of special topics and seminars in the area of the student's specialization

Qualifying Examination

After completion of the required coursework, students are eligible to sit for the qualifying examination, which consists of two parts. The first part is an in-class exam that tests students based on their coursework. The second part is a research paper that students must write during the summer of their second year under the supervision of an information systems faculty member. The paper is expected to be of sufficient quality to merit publication in academic journals. Students must successfully clear both parts of the qualifying examination for admission for candidacy for a doctorate degree.

Dissertation

A minimum of 12 hours of approved work on a dissertation