Robert Morris PhD in Information Systems and Communications

[verenaf]

I never thought I'd find a program I liked as much as the Little Rock one:

https://www.rmu.edu/academics/graduate/i...ations-phd

Earn a doctorate in three years without quitting your job. The Ph.D.-ISC at RMU is an executive-style part-time degree program that features supportive expert faculty, a high success rate, a collaborative cohort model that builds professional networks, and an interdisciplinary approach to information systems and communications that strengthens your credentials. 


The Ph.D. in Information Systems and Communications is the only one of its kind in the Pittsburgh region designed for young professionals, seasoned career professionals, top executives, and adult learners in the professional fields of technology, information systems, and communication who manage information resources:

• Chief information officers, chief knowledge officers, network administrators, in-house consultants, training specialists, and other managers of information systems and technology in corporate and professional organizations
  
  
• Educators, academic administrators, and information managers in educational institutions
  
  
• Professionals in accounting, finance, MIS, management, marketing, health care administration, telecommunications, and corporate communications whose qualifications will be enhanced by a doctoral degree.
  

Curriculum consists of nine interdisciplinary content courses (27 credits) that develop applications of theory in a range of information systems and communication contexts, research methodology courses (15 credits), colloquia seminars (3 credits), and dissertation writing directed studies (15 credits). The 60-credit program culminates in a dissertation that analyzes and solves an information systems and communications problem chosen by the doctoral candidate.

The executive format assures student success and minimizes isolation by scheduling 5-day residencies in late August and early January, with two additional weekend residencies scheduled in both fall and spring for each of the three years. Campus in Moon Township is conveniently located just two miles from Pittsburgh International Airport. During their on-campus residency, Ph.D. students enjoy networking with their fellow cohort members, building relationships with faculty, and personal attention from their advisor. This collaborative environment is why 90+% of students graduate within three years, whereas most doctoral programs take more than twice as long to complete.

A limited number of one time, needs-based, partial scholarships are available for newly admitted Ph.D. students.  Contact the Office of Graduate Admissions for more information and a scholarship application. Call 800-762-0097 or email graduateadmissions@rmu.edu.



Contact Information

Petros G. Malakyan
Acting Director
malakyan@rmu.edu
412-397-6302 phone
Wheatley Center 211
Michelle Yamada
Administrative Assistant to Graduate Programs, SIHSS
yamada@rmu.edu
412-397-6680
Wheatley Center, 3rd Floor

GO BOBBY MO!

[Merlin]

That does look like an interesting program, but at $16,470 per semester ($131,760) it is one of the most expensive online Ph.D. programs out there. Particularly when the Little Rock program is fairly similar and can be completed for $28,725, which is over $100,000 less.

[verenaf]

I wonder why they do not have a credit hour breakdown....

unless everyone is expected to be full time.

@merlin have you started Little Rock yet ? Seems like with the transfer policy and certificate it would fit you well.

[Merlin]

I wonder why they do not have a credit hour breakdown....

unless everyone is expected to be full time.

The program is specifically touted as being a part-time executive-focused program, so my assumption is that they are charging more since they expect that a company will be footing the bill. The program is designed around a specific schedule and billed accordingly.

@merlin have you started Little Rock yet ? Seems like with the transfer policy and certificate it would fit you well.

No, I'm still researching my options and putting together application packages, so I haven't started on anything as yet. The UALR program is still on my list, but I'm prioritizing CS programs over IS/DS/DA programs and both of those over business programs. I have research interests that align with different doctoral programs, so I'm pretty flexible. I'm also still weighing the time and money investment vs. just going back for another master's degree.

I'm not in a hurry so given that applications for fall 2020 are closing soon (or have closed in some cases), I probably won't start on anything until spring 2021. Currently, I'm looking for somewhere I can volunteer or get an internship to gain some academic research experience over the summer to help bolster my applications--ideally online since it is CS, but locally as an alternative. Finally, I'm also hoping to find someone else to fund my Ph.D. as part of a research fellowship, business partnership, or employment agreement since it is always better to use someone else's money when you can.

So, I still have quite a bit of investigating to do. Even after that, I may not end up getting into the programs I apply to, so I need to have backup options. UALR is one of those options since completing the DS certificate appears to give you a big leg-up on getting in.