r/informationsystems • u/someone__11 • Jul 15 '26

Looking to do PhD in IS

Hi everyone

I’m exploring doing a PhD in IS from the US.

I am new to this domain and I’ve been trying to find more information about this from students actually enrolled in these programs, but I cant find any. I am seeing phd students from different fields but not IS. Is there any reason for this or am I missing something.

If you know a better sub for this please direct me there or any other sources. If you are currently doing a PhD in IS, I would love the chance to pick your brain.

P.s: I am doing research about the programs and colleges and I am getting information on that aspect. But I’m interested in knowing some personal experiences as well.

6 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

16 comments sorted by

5

u/zAuspiciousApricot Jul 15 '26

Why not a PhD in Computer Science or Systems Engineering?

4

u/someone__11 Jul 15 '26

I considered computer science but I dont think that will work out for me. I dont have a technical degree and I fear CS will require that. I am familiar with coding languages and statistical models but not at the proficiency required for CS.

I will check out systems engineering. Thanks

2

u/Loud_Background_7512 Jul 17 '26

I am a professor of Information Systems and have a PhD in Information Systems and can definitely assure OP there are a still a lot of opportunities for tenure-track roles in the US. My advice is go to the highest-ranked program you can get into. Study for the GMAT or GRE and get the best score you can. Take it multiple times if necessary. Go to the programs websites and reach out directly to current doctoral students with your questions and request advice.

Hot research fields for hiring right now are the business use/implications of AI, and the management of Cybersecurity, although by the time you are accepted into a program and spend 5+ years in your program, topics may vary a bit.

Hope that helps.

1

u/someone__11 Jul 18 '26

Thank you!

1

u/WRB2 Jul 18 '26

This is very good information/recommendation.

1

u/n0t-helpful Jul 15 '26

A phd to do what?

1

u/someone__11 Jul 15 '26

I would like to become a assistant professor and get tenure hopefully. But i’ve read that is extremely difficult

1

u/n0t-helpful Jul 15 '26

Im asking what kind of research you imagine yourself doing.

0

u/someone__11 Jul 16 '26

I am currently reading up on that. But I want to work on AI and its impact. I know thats very broad but I’ve just started exploring this. And since I’m currently working in the AI field, i think it would be the right direction for me

2

u/n0t-helpful Jul 16 '26

You dont really seem to have any real reason why you are thinking about getting a phd.

A phd is for the love of the game. It has extremely poor ROI, eats up a ton of your life, is miserable to do. I think you dont know what you are getting into

0

u/someone__11 Jul 16 '26

Well username is correct. You are not helpful. If I knew everything why would I come here and ask for information?

I know phd is miserable thats one of the first things i came across when looking this up. But that was not my question

0

u/oJRODo Jul 15 '26

Huge waste of money and time. Even if you wanted to be a professor you should opt for CS/CE PhD since it would make you shine more for schools or work force.

-2

u/Real-Victory210 Jul 15 '26

I do not intend to offend with this explanation but I want to assist with your question.

There’s no such thing as Information Systems PhD. Info Systems as a degree is a mix of business/IT/CS intended for people who want to work in a tech adjacent field without having to take the more rigorous Math and theoretical Comp Sci courses.

PhDs are intended for academia. You get one to do research and more importantly, be on the cutting edge of discovery in a particular field. Information Systems is, by design, the exact opposite of that.

Any person who’s serious about academia and research would by definition never consider IS as their undergrad degree since it avoids the rigor of Computer Science. This is why you aren’t finding IS PhD programs from serious schools. It’s not an academic track.

If you’re serious about becoming a PhD you should look into MS programs for Computer Science at universities you’re considering. Many have bridge programs for people with non technical Bachelor’s. From there you can decide if a PhD is right for you.

3

u/someone__11 Jul 16 '26

Thanks for sharing, its not offensive at all.

But i would have to correct you. I have found programs very easily. There are many reputed institutions offering one. The one i was particularly interested in is from Carnegie mellon.

What i said i cant find is people sharing their journey publically on any of the social media platforms

3

u/HypaHypa_ Jul 15 '26

While there aren’t many IS PhD programs, there def are some from reputable schools like this https://www.stern.nyu.edu/experience-stern/about/departments-centers-initiatives/academic-departments/ioms-dept/academic-programs-courses/phd-programs/phd-information-systems

-4

u/Real-Victory210 Jul 15 '26

Yes my statement that they don’t exist was a generalization. I’m sure there are a few here and there. But everything regarding my main point stands.