PhD in Business Administration - Information Systems

Lead the Digital Future with a PhD in Business Administration — Information Systems

Advance Research. Drive Innovation. Transform the World of Information Systems.

The PhD in Business Administration — Information Systems (IS) at UNC Greensboro’s Bryan School of Business and Economics prepares you to lead cutting-edge research in data analytics, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and global IS strategy. Designed for professionals with a master’s degree in IS, IT, engineering, or a related field, this flexible, online doctoral program equips you for impactful careers in academia or industry.

Why Choose UNCG for Your PhD in Information Systems?

• Ranked among the Top 10 Best Online Colleges.
• Named a “Best College for Money” by College Factual.
• Recognized as “Best for Vets” by Military Times.
• UNCG’s Bryan School is among only 1% of business schools worldwide to hold prestigious dual AACSB accreditation in Business and Accounting.
• Strong emphasis on community engagement and research excellence.

PHD in BUSINESS ADMINISTration — information systems Program Highlights

• 51+ credit hour program with a flexible online format.
• Three short residencies for orientation and dissertation milestones.
• Collaborative mentorship with expert faculty.
• Research-focused curriculum in areas like:
  • Information resource management
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data analytics
  • Global IS issues
  • Supply chain management

A Research-Intensive PhD for Information Systems Academics and Professionals 

UNCG’s PhD in Information Systems is a research-intensive doctoral program designed for a range of career orientations — from academia, to research, to government and private-sector roles working for major corporations. We produce top-quality graduates recruited by major universities thanks to a rigorous curriculum of advanced, relevant technical and empirical research, coupled with a strong emphasis on developing effective academic leaders.  

As a PhD in Business Administration — Information Systems student, you’ll be well versed in a range of relevant IS areas. Our interdisciplinary curriculum encompasses enterprise resource planning, global information technology, information resource management, artificial intelligence, data mining, data warehousing, e-commerce, knowledge management, and supply chain management. 

Recent UNCG IS graduates have been invited to join the faculty at prestigious colleges and universities including Florida International University, James Madison University, University of Massachusetts Amherst, and the University of Toledo, among others. 

Typically, the 51+ credit-hour PhD in Information Systems consists of: 

• 21 credit hours of common core courses 
• 9 credit hours of supporting area courses, in consultation with the PhD program director 
• 12 credit hours of research methodology courses, in consultation with the PhD program director 
• 4–7 credit hours of teaching education courses 
• 7–8 credit hours of research seminars 
• Plus at least one research internship or apprenticeship requirement 

Opportunities to Publish and Present Your Research 

The research-intensive focus of the PhD in Business Administration — Information Systems (IS) includes opportunities to collaborate with faculty on in-depth research projects. The curriculum also includes a required organizational research internship, a research seminar, and a research apprenticeship that requires two papers to be submitted to IS conferences or academic journals. You’ll boost your applied research talents while further developing your professional credentials and standing in the field. 

Current students in the IS program have papers published in top journals, including Information Systems Research (ISR), Journal of the Association of Information Systems (JAIS), Information & Management (I&M), and Information Systems Frontiers (ISF), as well as accepted papers to the AMCIS and ICIS conferences. 

Putting your Information Systems Learning to Practical Work 

Take a hands-on approach to your PhD in Information Systems and demonstrate your proficiency as an IS instructor with a supervised teaching practicum leading an IS course. You’ll also have the opportunity (required for students without sufficient relevant work experience) to take a supervised organizational internship with an outside organization, focusing on research problems and other practical work in information systems. And your Research Apprenticeship requirement will see two of your academic research papers submitted to leading IS journals or conferences for publication, further boosting your professional reputation. 

Fully Online Flexibility, The Bryan School Quality 

UNCG’s PhD in Information Systems is offered exclusively online, designed for those seeking a high-quality research-based doctoral degree. The program is particularly suited to business school faculty without a PhD, or professionals looking to transition to academia — candidates who need greater flexibility than a traditional PhD program. That means you can earn your PhD without disrupting your career or relocating.  

The PhD in Information Systems requires only three visits to UNCG’s campus: 

• Before your first semester to meet your cohort and faculty, and learn about the resources available to you as an online student with The Bryan School. 
• Two further campus visits at dates to be determined with the program director or your dissertation committee. 

The Bryan School’s online degree programs are top-ranked nationally, offering you the flexibility to earn a quality PhD without the need to interrupt your career or relocate. You’ll also benefit from our full suite of powerful career development and student support resources. 

FIND YOUR COMMUNITY WITH BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS 

As a PhD in Business Administration — Information Systems student, you can connect with your peers and start developing your professional networks with a range of Bryan School student organizations and honors societies devoted to different aspects of the business field. 

RANKED, RECOGNIZED, RESPECTED

UNCG’s Bryan School of Business and Economics is an elite business school — among the top 1% worldwide to enjoy prestigious dual accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) for our excellence in business and accounting education. In addition to our many top state and national rankings, our online programs are highly ranked by The Princeton Review, Fortune, and many other prestigious academic and business publications. 

PHD in business administration — information systems Program Structure

• Year 1–3: Core research methods, IS seminars, and support area courses
• Year 4–5: Dissertation research and defense
• Comprehensive exams at the end of Year 3

Admissions Requirements

To be considered for admission to The Bryan School’s PhD in Business Administration — Information Systems, you’ll need the following, along with the required application documents: 

• A completed master’s degree in information systems, IT, engineering, a business field, or a related area ,with superior performance in graduate coursework. 
• Three letters of recommendation (from work supervisors or former professors only). 
• Official GMAT or GRE scores (can be waived with more than three years of IT or related field experience). 
• A 1-2 page statement of purpose, which should include your background, goals, research interests, and reasons for applying to the PhD in Business Administration — Information Systems. 
• A current resume. 
• Non-native speakers of English must certify proficiency in the English language. Contact the Graduate School for details.  

Application Deadlines

• Priority Deadline: January 15 (for fellowships and assistantships)
• Final Deadline: April 1 (rolling admissions until filled)

Tuition and Financial Support for the PhD in Information Systems

UNCG’s PhD in Business Administration — Information Systems offers tremendous value, with highly competitive tuition and fees. For the latest details on tuition and fees, visit UNCG’S graduate fee schedule. Students in the PhD program may apply for one of several competitive scholarships offered by The Graduate School, and funding may be available for student travel to present at academic conferences. You may also be eligible for a graduate assistantship or fellowship, or one of a limited number of tuition waivers for qualified in-state students. Find more information on available financial supports from UNCG’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.