Robert Morris PhD in Information Systems and Communications

[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.