Timelines & Requirements

Admission requirements

Students are admitted in the fall only, though classes are offered throughout the fall, spring, and summer semesters. To be admitted, you must have:

• A baccalaureate degree from an institution with full regional accreditation for that degree
• A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)
• Satisfactory scores on the GRE. The test must have been taken within the last five years. The test can be waived if one of the following conditions is met:
  
  • A cumulative grade point average of 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale for a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the US
  • Official admission into and demonstrated success in a regionally accredited graduate program in the US Demonstrated success is defined as grades of A or B in at least nine hours of graduate work
  • Graduation from a regionally accredited college/university in the US at least 15 years ago or more

• Knowledge in business fundamentals and information systems

*If you don’t have the coursework or experience needed to meet the above knowledge requirements, you may still be admitted to the program, if you meet the other minimum requirements. You may need to complete additional coursework or demonstrate competency.

Application deadlines

Make sure you turn in your application by March 15 for admission for the following fall semester. Your assistantship form should also be sent in at this time if you want to be considered for a graduate assistantship.

The application deadline is subject to change to accommodate available capacity and program needs. We encourage you to submit your application as early as possible.

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Graduation requirements

The PhD in Information Systems program requires a total of 72 credit hours. This includes:

• Successful completion of all courses listed on your PhD Plan of Study, within the seven-year time frame
• A GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) with no more than six credit hours of a "C" grade and no grade below a "C" in the courses on your Plan of Study
• Satisfaction of Regental standards for residency. This is satisfied by completing all but a maximum of nine credit hours of your coursework at DSU (distance courses count as "at DSU")
• 27 credit hours of masters-level Information Systems courses, which may be waived for students who already have an MSIS degree
• Nine credit hours of research methods
• 24 credit hours of research specialization, including research seminars, core courses, and electives
• Screening examination
• Qualifying portfolio
• 12 credit hours of dissertation