Decision Science and Information Systems (DSIS) Area

When you select a doctoral program, the faculty's research activity is one of the most important factors you should consider. Your preparation for a research career is most likely to be successful in a doctoral program where the faculty members consistently publish in leading journals and regularly publish research co-authored with doctoral students. The Gatton College's DSIS faculty members excel in both respects. Aside from delivering cutting-edge doctoral coursework, members of the internationally renowned DSIS faculty work intensively with individual doctoral students in a variety of substantial research projects and dissertations that contribute new knowledge to information systems, knowledge management, operations management, and supply chain management.

More than 50 of our DSIS doctoral graduates have taken faculty positions at many well-known universities, including business schools in the Big Ten, Pac Ten, Big Twelve, Big East, and Southeast conferences.

Admission to DSIS doctoral study is highly competitive. Each applicant is carefully evaluated in the course of deciding who will receive offers of admission, and financial support if it is requested. Factors affecting this decision include academic credentials, GMAT scores, stated objectives, work experience, communication skills, personal interviews (when possible), and personal references. Offers are extended to those deemed to have the highest potential for conducting serious, innovative research and functioning as effective teachers in a DSIS discipline.

At any time, approximately 10 to 12 students are pursuing DSIS doctorate degrees. These students hold at least one master's degree in business administration or a technical field such as engineering, computer science, or mathematics. Many have had several years of work experience in business or engineering. In recent years, students entering the DSIS doctoral program have averaged 700 or higher on the GMAT.