A management discipline engaged in design- and information-based inquiry, IS is influenced by a broad set of concepts from the humanities, social sciences, and engineering. As a department, we study and design information-rich socio-technical systems that satisfy human and social needs. We seek intellectually curious students whose research interests intersect with ours and who possess a solid background in information systems or computer science; industrial, service, or interaction design; or related academic areas. Doctoral study of IS at Weatherhead attracts rigorous lateral thinkers who want to shape their environments and build a strong scholarly track record in the Manage by Designing arena.

The PhD program consists of coursework in three areas and a dissertation. Coursework in the following areas is required: management research and methods, IS research, and a specialized area of study. Following the completion of all required coursework, students take a comprehensive qualifying examination, generally during the second Summer Semester or early in the Fall Semester of the third year.

Upon successful completion of the comprehensive qualifying examination, the student is admitted to candidacy and formally begins the dissertation phase of the program. The dissertation proposal and the dissertation itself are generally completed in one and a half to two years.

Students making normal progress should expect to finish all degree requirements within four years. Students must remain in residence throughout the coursework portion of the program, and the faculty strongly discourages any student from relocating prior to completion of the dissertation as doing so dramatically reduces the likelihood of completing the degree.