- 1.Hakia's analysis of the best information systems doctoral degree programs reveals that information Systems PhD graduates in industry research earn $25,25 median salary (BLS, 2024), while tenure-track faculty earn $130,000,25-$25,25.
- 2.Our top-ranked doctoral programs are University of Washington-Seattle Campus, University of Virginia-Main Campus, Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus—selected for research output, funding, and graduate placement.
- 3.Most PhD programs are fully funded: tuition waiver + $25,000-40,000/year stipend. You should not pay for a PhD.
- 4.Average time to degree is 5-6 years, though it varies by research area and advisor.
- 5.60% of information systems PhD graduates enter industry research (Google, Meta, Microsoft Research); 40% pursue academic careers.
Source: A information systems PhD is worth it if you want to conduct original research, whether in academia or industry research labs. Unlike master's programs, PhDs are typically fully funded (tuition + ~$35K/year stipend). Industry research scientists at Google, Meta, and OpenAI earn $200K-400K+. Academic faculty earn less but enjoy research freedom and job security.
Why Pursue a Information Systems PhD?
A PhD is the terminal research degree in information systems (management information systems, or MIS)—required for tenure-track faculty positions and highly valued for industry research scientist roles. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer Systems Analysts with advanced degrees can earn $169,080 or more, especially in research-focused positions.
Who Should Consider a PhD?
- Aspiring academics: Tenure-track faculty positions require a PhD
- Research scientists: Industry labs (Google Research, Microsoft Research, Meta AI) recruit PhDs for cutting-edge research
- Deep specialists: Those who want to push the boundaries of information systems
- Intellectually curious: People who find fulfillment in solving hard, unsolved problems
The PhD Value Proposition
- Fully funded: No tuition + $25K-45K/year stipend (you're paid to learn)
- Research freedom: Work on problems that interest you with expert guidance
- Career options: Both academic ($100K-200K faculty) and lucrative industry paths ($150K-400K+ research scientist)
- Expertise: Become a world expert in information systems
Important: Don't pursue a PhD just for salary gains. If your goal is maximizing income quickly, a master's + industry experience often yields better short-term returns. A PhD is a 5-6 year commitment to research mastery.
Best Information Systems PhD Programs - Top 10
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
UW's MSIS program is uniquely positioned in Seattle's tech epicenter, offering direct access to industry leaders from top companies like Microsoft and Amazon while being ranked #12 nationally for Information Systems programs by U.S. News & World Report.
University of Washington-Seattle Campus Information Systems Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of Washington-Seattle Campus as the #1 in information systems degree program.
University of Washington-Seattle Campus's Information Systems program graduates 61 students annually with a 97% graduation rate. Direct proximity to Amazon (Seattle headquarters)
Hakia Insight: Students at University of Washington-Seattle Campus benefit from active collaborations with Amazon and Microsoft, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Distributed systems, networking, and systems performance
Cybersecurity, privacy, and systems security
Location Advantages
- •Direct proximity to Amazon (Seattle headquarters)
- •Microsoft offices in Greater Seattle area
- •Google offices in Seattle
- •Silicon Valley-level tech density on West Coast
- •Active tech conference scene (Grace Hopper, OSDI, etc.)
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Research universities, National laboratories
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
University of Virginia-Main Campus
UVA operates one of the few dedicated Schools of Data Science in the nation, built with a transformative $120 million founding gift and designed as a 'school without walls' that emphasizes responsible data science for the common good rather than purely technical applications.
University of Virginia-Main Campus Information Systems Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of Virginia-Main Campus as the #2 in information systems degree program.
University of Virginia-Main Campus's Information Systems program graduates 18 students annually with a 96% graduation rate. Charlottesville location near Blue Ridge Mountains
Hakia Insight: Charlottesville location near Blue Ridge Mountains
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
IT management research
business analytics
artificial intelligence
Location Advantages
- •Charlottesville location near Blue Ridge Mountains
- •One hour from Richmond, three hours from Virginia Beach
- •Access to Appalachian Trail and Blue Ridge Parkway
Career Outcomes
Research universities, National laboratories
Admissions
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
Georgia Tech SCP ranked #2 in cybersecurity nationally. OMS Cybersecurity is only interdisciplinary online degree from Top 10 public university for under $12,000. Information Security track covers secure software development, identity management, and forensics with hands-on lab.
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus Information Systems Program Overview
Hakia ranks Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus as the #3 in information systems degree program.
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus's Information Systems program graduates 43 students annually with a 76% graduation rate. Atlanta tech hub
Hakia Insight: Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus's direct partnerships with NSA and Lockheed Martin give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Security research
Applied security
Location Advantages
- •Atlanta tech hub
- •Affordable public option
- •Strong defense industry
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Research universities, National laboratories, Lockheed Martin Research, NCR Research, Google Research
Admissions
University of Pennsylvania
Penn's MSE in Data Science stands out for its unique depth area specialization system, allowing students to apply data science techniques across diverse fields from digital humanities to public policy, all while being housed in the newly opened Amy Gutmann Hall—the dedicated hub for data science innovation backed by a $60 million IDEAS initiative.
University of Pennsylvania Information Systems Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of Pennsylvania as the #4 in information systems degree program.
University of Pennsylvania's Information Systems program graduates 23 students annually with a 100% graduation rate. Philadelphia's growing biomedical and cloud startup ecosystem
Hakia Insight: University of Pennsylvania's industry network — including Penn Wharton Budget Model and Philadelphia biomedical startups — provides students with internship and hiring pathways.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Network science applications and methodologies
Data science applications in humanities research
Healthcare and biomedical data science
Data-driven scientific discovery, autonomous systems, and neuroengineering with $60 million investment
Location Advantages
- •Philadelphia's growing biomedical and cloud startup ecosystem
- •Cross-disciplinary collaboration opportunities across Penn's 12 schools
- •Amy Gutmann Hall providing state-of-the-art data science facilities
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Research universities, National laboratories
Admissions
New York University
NYU Tandon is one of only select institutions recognized by the NSA as a Center of Academic Excellence in both Cyber Operations and Cyber Defense Research, with students conducting research in the NSF-funded OSIRIS Laboratory alongside internationally renowned cybersecurity experts.
New York University Information Systems Program Overview
Hakia ranks New York University as the #5 in information systems degree program.
New York University offers comprehensive Information Systems programs at multiple degree levels, combining rigorous academics with practical experience. Brooklyn tech hub access
Hakia Insight: New York University graduates earn $122,800, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on information systems curriculum.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
NSF-funded research in offensive security, incident response, and internet security
Interdisciplinary research institute spanning NYU School of Law, Tandon Engineering, and Steinhardt, with locations in NYC and Abu Dhabi
Location Advantages
- •Brooklyn tech hub access
- •NYC financial sector cybersecurity opportunities
- •Global network with NYU Abu Dhabi cybersecurity research
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Amazon, Bank of America, Barclays, CBS, Citi
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
The University of Texas at Austin
UT Austin MIS has 1,000+ alumni at major tech companies. Median salary growth from $77,400 early career to $141,100 mid-career. Strong McCombs Business School reputation with tech industry connections.
The University of Texas at Austin Information Systems Program Overview
Hakia ranks The University of Texas at Austin as the #6 in information systems degree program.
The University of Texas at Austin's Information Systems program graduates 28 students annually with a 89% graduation rate. Austin tech hub
Hakia Insight: The University of Texas at Austin's direct partnerships with Dell and Google give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Business technology
Location Advantages
- •Austin tech hub
- •Dell headquarters
- •Strong alumni network
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Amazon
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Rice University
Rice University is a private institution with strong information systems doctoral research programs.
Rice University Information Systems Program Overview
Hakia ranks Rice University as the #7 in information systems degree program.
Rice University's Information Systems program graduates 15 students annually with a 93% graduation rate. Houston technology sector
Hakia Insight: Rice University graduates earn $120,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on information systems curriculum.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
High-performance computing and data science
Computer systems and architecture
Location Advantages
- •Houston technology sector
- •Proximity to energy and healthcare industries
- •Access to NASA Johnson Space Center
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Google, Microsoft, Facebook, Amazon, Apple
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Northeastern University
Northeastern's AI program uniquely combines the nation's #1-ranked co-op system with the Institute for Experiential AI, positioning it as an institutional leader in human-centric and responsible AI development while offering the only interdisciplinary program that spans both computer science and engineering applications.
Northeastern University Information Systems Program Overview
Hakia ranks Northeastern University as the #8 in information systems degree program.
Northeastern University offers comprehensive Information Systems programs at multiple degree levels, combining rigorous academics with practical experience. Boston's thriving AI and biotech ecosystem
Hakia Insight: Northeastern University's industry network — including Amazon and Ford — provides students with internship and hiring pathways.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Human-centric and responsible AI solutions across health, climate, and ethics
Biomedical NLP, data extraction, text summarization, bias and fairness
Autonomous robotics algorithms for human environments
AI-driven robotics reasoning and learning in complex environments
Large-scale spatiotemporal data analysis for healthcare and sustainability
Location Advantages
- •Boston's thriving AI and biotech ecosystem
- •Multiple campus options: Boston, Portland, Seattle, Silicon Valley
- •Heart of academic and industry AI research corridor
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Research universities, National laboratories
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University is a private institution with strong information systems doctoral research programs.
Johns Hopkins University Information Systems Program Overview
Hakia ranks Johns Hopkins University as the #9 in information systems degree program.
Johns Hopkins University offers comprehensive Information Systems programs at multiple degree levels, combining rigorous academics with practical experience. Proximity to APL (federal research hub)
Hakia Insight: Johns Hopkins University's direct partnerships with Amazon and Microsoft give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Large-scale systems, cybersecurity, data systems, and mission-critical infrastructure
Educational technology and learning systems
Location Advantages
- •Proximity to APL (federal research hub)
- •Baltimore-Washington corridor with major financial and defense contracting industries
- •Access to federal agencies and government IT operations
- •Regional concentration of Fortune 500 company offices
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Research universities, National laboratories, Tech research divisions
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
University at Buffalo
University at Buffalo provides accessible information systems education with strong regional employer connections.
University at Buffalo Information Systems Program Overview
Hakia ranks University at Buffalo as the #10 in information systems degree program.
University at Buffalo offers programs in information systems for students seeking careers in technology. The program provides foundational and advanced coursework to prepare graduates for industry roles. The doctoral program emphasizes original research, dissertation work, and preparation for academic or research leadership careers.
Degree Programs
Career Outcomes
Research universities, National laboratories
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Best Information Systems PhD Programs - Top 10 — Complete Program Data
#1. University of Washington-Seattle Campus Information Systems Program
Hakia ranks University of Washington-Seattle Campus as the #1 in information systems degree program. Location: Seattle, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,524/year | Graduation Rate: 97% | Score: 100.0
What makes University of Washington-Seattle Campus stand out: UW's MSIS program is uniquely positioned in Seattle's tech epicenter, offering direct access to industry leaders from top companies like Microsoft and Amazon while being ranked #12 nationally for Information Systems programs by U.S. News & World Report.
Hakia Insight: Students at University of Washington-Seattle Campus benefit from active collaborations with Amazon and Microsoft, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Program Overview: The University of Washington-Seattle Campus offers a distinctive STEM-designated doctoral of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) through the Foster School of Business, designed as a one-year intensive program for working professionals. With flexible evening and weekend classes, this program uniquely blends business insight with hands-on experience in artificial intelligence, data strategy, and technology management. The program stands out for its practical approach, featuring hands-on projects applying generative AI and predictive analytics in real business cases, personalized career coaching, and one-on-one mentorship from industry leaders. For those without extensive tech backgrounds, the MSIS Accelerate program provides a spring preparatory quarter to build foundational business, data, and technical knowledge before entering the main program. The doctoral program emphasizes original research, dissertation work, and preparation for academic or research leadership careers.
Degree Programs: BS in Computer Science (Systems Track) (4 years); MS in Computer Science (Thesis) (2 years); MS in Computer Science (Professional) (2 years)
Research Labs: Allen School Computer Systems Lab - Distributed systems, networking, and systems performance; Security and Privacy Research Lab - Cybersecurity, privacy, and systems security
Industry Partners: Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Apple
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Research universities, National laboratories
Notable Faculty: Léonard Boussioux (Artificial intelligence and generative AI); Ming Fan (Data analytics and e-commerce); Apurva Jain (Operations management and supply-chain analytics); Yong Tan (Systems analysis and implementation)
Admissions: GPA: 3.5+ for competitive admission
Accreditations: ABET accredited
#2. University of Virginia-Main Campus Information Systems Program
Hakia ranks University of Virginia-Main Campus as the #2 in information systems degree program. Location: Charlottesville, VA | Type: Public | Tuition: $18,823/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Score: 92.9
What makes University of Virginia-Main Campus stand out: UVA operates one of the few dedicated Schools of Data Science in the nation, built with a transformative $120 million founding gift and designed as a 'school without walls' that emphasizes responsible data science for the common good rather than purely technical applications.
Hakia Insight: Charlottesville location near Blue Ridge Mountains
Program Overview: The University of Virginia School of Data Science operates as a forward-thinking 'school without walls,' committed to teaching responsible data science for the common good. Established with a remarkable $120 million gift, UVA offers comprehensive data science education from graduate through doctoral levels. The school's flagship doctoral of Science in Data Science comes in two formats: a intensive one-year residential program covering 33+ credit hours across three semesters, and a flexible online version designed for working professionals spanning five semesters. Both programs feature an integrated curriculum covering natural language processing, machine learning, text analytics, and deep learning, emphasizing hands-on learning combined with sound theoretical principles. What sets UVA's approach apart is its emphasis on interdisciplinary applications and real-world problem solving. The school offers unique concentration options in Analytics, Systems, Design, and Value, with collaborative concentrations available across the university. Students engage with experts from diverse domains to apply data science to actual challenges, preparing them to become leaders in a field where the World Economic Forum projects data science jobs will comprise more than half of the top 15 fastest-growing job fields. The doctoral program emphasizes original research, dissertation work, and preparation for academic or research leadership careers.
Degree Programs: BS in Management Information Systems; BS in Commerce with IT Concentration; MS in Management of IT
Research Labs: Center for the Management of IT - IT management research; Center for Business Analytics - business analytics; AI@McIntire - artificial intelligence
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Research universities, National laboratories
Admissions: GPA: 3.5+ for competitive admission
#3. Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus Information Systems Program
Hakia ranks Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus as the #3 in information systems degree program. Location: Atlanta, GA | Type: Public | Tuition: $10,258/year | Graduation Rate: 76% | Score: 91.5
What makes Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus stand out: Georgia Tech SCP ranked #2 in cybersecurity nationally. OMS Cybersecurity is only interdisciplinary online degree from Top 10 public university for under $12,000. Information Security track covers secure software development, identity management, and forensics with hands-on lab.
Hakia Insight: Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus's direct partnerships with NSA and Lockheed Martin give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.
Program Overview: Georgia Tech School of Cybersecurity and Privacy ranked #2 in Cybersecurity. Founded September 2020, building on 20+ years of cybersecurity excellence. Offers BS Computer Engineering with Cybersecurity thread and MS Cybersecurity with three specializations. The doctoral program emphasizes original research, dissertation work, and preparation for academic or research leadership careers.
Degree Programs: Ph.D. in Information Systems (4-6 years); Direct Ph.D. Track (5-7 years)
Research Labs: School of Cybersecurity and Privacy - Security research; Georgia Tech Research Institute - Applied security
Industry Partners: NSA, Lockheed Martin, NCR
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Research universities, National laboratories, Lockheed Martin Research, NCR Research, Google Research
Notable Faculty: Maryam Alavi (Generative AI and Knowledge Management); Eric Overby (Digital Inequality and Mobile Internet); D.J. Wu (Electronic Commerce and IT Strategy); Dezhi Yin (User-Generated Content and Online Reviews); Pan Li (Recommender Systems and Machine Learning); Frank Nagle (AI Economy and Open Source Technology)
Admissions: GPA: 3.5+ for competitive admission
#4. University of Pennsylvania Information Systems Program
Hakia ranks University of Pennsylvania as the #4 in information systems degree program. Location: Philadelphia, PA | Type: Private | Tuition: $58,620/year | Graduation Rate: 100% | Score: 90.5
What makes University of Pennsylvania stand out: Penn's MSE in Data Science stands out for its unique depth area specialization system, allowing students to apply data science techniques across diverse fields from digital humanities to public policy, all while being housed in the newly opened Amy Gutmann Hall—the dedicated hub for data science innovation backed by a $60 million IDEAS initiative.
Hakia Insight: University of Pennsylvania's industry network — including Penn Wharton Budget Model and Philadelphia biomedical startups — provides students with internship and hiring pathways.
Program Overview: The University of Pennsylvania's doctoral of Science in Engineering (MSE) in Data Science represents a cutting-edge program that can typically be completed in 1.5 to 2 years. Led by Program Director Susan Davidson, this interdisciplinary degree blends foundational courses in machine learning, big data analytics, and statistics with specialized depth areas ranging from digital humanities at the Price Lab to biomedical informatics and public policy through the Penn Wharton Budget Model. What sets Penn's approach apart is its emphasis on domain specialization—students don't just learn data science techniques, but apply them in focused areas like network science through the Warren Center for Network and Data Science, or biomedicine through the Institute for Biomedical Informatics. The program is housed within Penn's School of Engineering and Applied Science and benefits from the university's strong cross-disciplinary traditions. Students complete ten courses total: two foundational units, three core requirements, and five technical electives that allow for deep specialization. The curriculum culminates in either a thesis or practicum project, giving students hands-on experience applying data science techniques to real-world challenges. With the recent opening of Amy Gutmann Hall as the new hub for data science at Penn, the program is positioned at the center of a $60 million Innovation in Data Engineering and Science (IDEAS) initiative that's driving aggressive faculty hiring in AI, data science, and machine learning. The doctoral program emphasizes original research, dissertation work, and preparation for academic or research leadership careers.
Degree Programs: Ph.D. in Information Systems (4-6 years); Direct Ph.D. Track (5-7 years)
Research Labs: Warren Center for Network and Data Science - Network science applications and methodologies; Price Lab for Digital Humanities - Data science applications in humanities research; Institute for Biomedical Informatics - Healthcare and biomedical data science; Innovation in Data Engineering and Science (IDEAS) - Data-driven scientific discovery, autonomous systems, and neuroengineering with $60 million investment
Industry Partners: Penn Wharton Budget Model, Philadelphia biomedical startups
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Research universities, National laboratories
Notable Faculty: Dr. Susan Davidson (Data science program direction and database systems); Dr. René Vidal (Mathematical foundations of deep learning, computer vision, biomedical data science)
Admissions: GPA: 3.5+ for competitive admission
#5. New York University Information Systems Program
Hakia ranks New York University as the #5 in information systems degree program. Location: New York, NY | Type: Private | Tuition: $60,438/year | Score: 90.1
What makes New York University stand out: NYU Tandon is one of only select institutions recognized by the NSA as a Center of Academic Excellence in both Cyber Operations and Cyber Defense Research, with students conducting research in the NSF-funded OSIRIS Laboratory alongside internationally renowned cybersecurity experts.
Hakia Insight: New York University graduates earn $122,800, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on information systems curriculum.
Program Overview: NYU Tandon School of Engineering's doctoral of Science in Cybersecurity stands as one of the nation's premier cybersecurity programs, recognized by the National Security Agency as a Center of Academic Excellence in both Cyber Operations and Cyber Defense Research. The 30-credit program offers remarkable flexibility with on-campus, fully online, and blended learning options, allowing students to customize their educational experience. Students work closely with internationally renowned faculty in the National Science Foundation-funded OSIRIS (Offensive Security, Incident Response, and Internet Security) Laboratory, gaining hands-on experience in cutting-edge cybersecurity research. The curriculum combines rigorous theoretical foundations with practical applications through 4 core courses, 3 breadth electives, and 3 depth electives, with specialized tracks in Cyber Defense and Cyber Operations that align with NSA designation requirements.
Degree Programs: Ph.D. in Information Systems (4-6 years); Direct Ph.D. Track (5-7 years)
Research Labs: OSIRIS Laboratory (Offensive Security, Incident Response, and Internet Security) - NSF-funded research in offensive security, incident response, and internet security; NYU Center for Cybersecurity (CCS) - Interdisciplinary research institute spanning NYU School of Law, Tandon Engineering, and Steinhardt, with locations in NYC and Abu Dhabi
Industry Partners: Amazon, Bank of America, Barclays, CBS, Citi, J.P. Morgan, Oracle, Prudential
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Amazon, Bank of America, Barclays, CBS, Citi, J.P. Morgan, Oracle | Common Roles: Application Developer, Data Analyst, Information Security Analyst, Software Developer, Systems Engineer, Product Manager, CIO, Systems Architect
Notable Faculty: Damon McCoy (Co-Director of NYU Center for Cybersecurity); Justin Cappos (Cybersecurity research); Ramesh Karri (Electrical and Computer Engineering, cybersecurity); Nasir Memon (Cybersecurity)
Admissions: GPA: 3.5+ for competitive admission
Accreditations: STEM
#6. The University of Texas at Austin Information Systems Program
Hakia ranks The University of Texas at Austin as the #6 in information systems degree program. Location: Austin, TX | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,678/year | Graduation Rate: 89% | Score: 89.8
What makes The University of Texas at Austin stand out: UT Austin MIS has 1,000+ alumni at major tech companies. Median salary growth from $77,400 early career to $141,100 mid-career. Strong McCombs Business School reputation with tech industry connections.
Hakia Insight: The University of Texas at Austin's direct partnerships with Dell and Google give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.
Program Overview: UT Austin MIS ranks among top programs nationally. Over 1,000 alumni at Dell, Google, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, and Deloitte. Early career median salary $77,400, mid-career reaches $141,100. The doctoral program emphasizes original research, dissertation work, and preparation for academic or research leadership careers.
Degree Programs: BBA Management Information Systems; MS Information Studies (MSIS); PhD in Information Studies
Research Labs: McCombs Information Systems Research - Business technology
Industry Partners: Dell, Google, Apple
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Amazon | Common Roles: UX Designer
Admissions: GPA: 3.5+ for competitive admission
Accreditations: CRA, CRM
#7. Rice University Information Systems Program
Hakia ranks Rice University as the #7 in information systems degree program. Location: Houston, TX | Type: Private | Tuition: $57,210/year | Graduation Rate: 93% | Score: 89.0
What makes Rice University stand out: Rice University is a private institution with strong information systems doctoral research programs.
Hakia Insight: Rice University graduates earn $120,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on information systems curriculum.
Program Overview: Rice University offers a doctoral program in information systems designed for students pursuing advanced research and academic careers. Located in Houston, TX, the program emphasizes original research contributions, dissertation work, and preparation for leadership roles in academia and industry.
Degree Programs: BS in Computer Science (4 years); MS in Computer Science (2 years); PhD in Computer Science (5-6 years)
Research Labs: Ken Kennedy Institute for Information Technology - High-performance computing and data science; Rice Computer Architecture Group - Computer systems and architecture
Industry Partners: Microsoft, IBM, ExxonMobil
Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: 95% | Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Facebook, Amazon, Apple | Common Roles: Software Engineer, Research Scientist, Product Manager, Data Scientist
Notable Faculty: Lydia Kavraki (Robotics and computational biology); Dan Wallach (Computer security and systems)
Admissions: GPA: 3.5+ recommended
Accreditations: ABET accredited
#8. Northeastern University Information Systems Program
Hakia ranks Northeastern University as the #8 in information systems degree program. Location: Boston, MA | Type: Private | Tuition: $62,000/year | Score: 88.3
What makes Northeastern University stand out: Northeastern's AI program uniquely combines the nation's #1-ranked co-op system with the Institute for Experiential AI, positioning it as an institutional leader in human-centric and responsible AI development while offering the only interdisciplinary program that spans both computer science and engineering applications.
Hakia Insight: Northeastern University's industry network — including Amazon and Ford — provides students with internship and hiring pathways.
Program Overview: Northeastern University's MS in Artificial Intelligence stands as one of the most comprehensive interdisciplinary AI programs in the nation, jointly offered by the prestigious Khoury College of Computer Sciences and the College of Engineering. This dynamic 32-credit program spans 2-2.5 years and uniquely combines technical doctoraly with ethical AI development, offering five distinct concentrations: machine learning, robotics and agent-based systems, computer vision, energy systems, and continuous process engineering. Students dive deep into foundational AI algorithms while gaining hands-on experience through Northeastern's renowned co-op program, ranked #1 nationally by U.S. News & World Report, with partnerships spanning Amazon, Ford, Goldman Sachs, and the U.S. Soccer Federation. What truly distinguishes this program is its emphasis on 'human-centric and responsible AI' through the Institute for Experiential AI, where students work on real-world challenges like speech impairment solutions, climate vulnerability assessments, and bias detection in financial services. The curriculum goes beyond traditional AI education by integrating ethics coursework and requiring students to build AI systems that solve actual problems across industries, from healthcare and energy to manufacturing and autonomous systems. The doctoral program emphasizes original research, dissertation work, and preparation for academic or research leadership careers.
Degree Programs: BS in Information Systems (4 years); MS in Information Systems (2 years); MS in Cybersecurity (2 years)
Research Labs: Institute for Experiential AI - Human-centric and responsible AI solutions across health, climate, and ethics; Natural Language Processing Research Group - Biomedical NLP, data extraction, text summarization, bias and fairness; Helping Hands Lab - Autonomous robotics algorithms for human environments; Lab for Learning and Planning in Robotics - AI-driven robotics reasoning and learning in complex environments; Spatiotemporal Learning Group - Large-scale spatiotemporal data analysis for healthcare and sustainability
Industry Partners: Amazon, Ford, Goldman Sachs, Roche/Genentech, U.S. Soccer Federation, Maine Health
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Research universities, National laboratories
Notable Faculty: Ehsan Elhamifar (Computer vision and visual data analysis); Rose Ru (Spatiotemporal machine learning)
Admissions: GPA: 3.5+ for competitive admission
Accreditations: ABET accredited (Computer Science-related programs)
#9. Johns Hopkins University Information Systems Program
Hakia ranks Johns Hopkins University as the #9 in information systems degree program. Location: Baltimore, MD | Type: Private | Tuition: $62,840/year | Score: 88.3
What makes Johns Hopkins University stand out: Johns Hopkins University is a private institution with strong information systems doctoral research programs.
Hakia Insight: Johns Hopkins University's direct partnerships with Amazon and Microsoft give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.
Program Overview: Johns Hopkins University offers a doctoral program in information systems designed for students pursuing advanced research and academic careers. Located in Baltimore, MD, the program emphasizes original research contributions, dissertation work, and preparation for leadership roles in academia and industry.
Degree Programs: Ph.D. in Information Systems (4-6 years); Direct Ph.D. Track (5-7 years)
Research Labs: Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) - Large-scale systems, cybersecurity, data systems, and mission-critical infrastructure; Center for Talented Youth (CTY) - Educational technology and learning systems
Industry Partners: Amazon, Microsoft, IBM, Deloitte, Department of Defense, National Security Agency
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Research universities, National laboratories, Tech research divisions
Notable Faculty: null
Admissions: GPA: 3.5+ recommended
Accreditations: ABET accredited engineering programs
#10. University at Buffalo Information Systems Program
Hakia ranks University at Buffalo as the #10 in information systems degree program. Location: Buffalo, NY | Type: Public | Tuition: $7,070/year | Graduation Rate: 95% | Score: 85.7
What makes University at Buffalo stand out: University at Buffalo provides accessible information systems education with strong regional employer connections.
Program Overview: University at Buffalo offers programs in information systems for students seeking careers in technology. The program provides foundational and advanced coursework to prepare graduates for industry roles. The doctoral program emphasizes original research, dissertation work, and preparation for academic or research leadership careers.
Degree Programs: Ph.D. in Information Systems (4-6 years); Direct Ph.D. Track (5-7 years)
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Research universities, National laboratories
Notable Faculty: Kevin Cleary (Clinical Associate Professor and Faculty Director, MS in Management Information Systems)
Admissions: GPA: 3.5+ for competitive admission
Accreditations: AACSB
Full Information Systems Doctoral Rankings 2026
| Rank | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | Public | 97% | 100 |
| 2 | University of Virginia-Main Campus | Charlottesville, VA | Public | 96% | 92.9 |
| 3 | Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | Atlanta, GA | Public | 76% | 91.5 |
| 4 | University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA | Private | 100% | 90.5 |
| 5 | New York University | New York, NY | Private | — | 90.1 |
| 6 | The University of Texas at Austin | Austin, TX | Public | 89% | 89.8 |
| 7 | Rice University | Houston, TX | Private | 93% | 89 |
| 8 | Northeastern University | Boston, MA | Private | — | 88.3 |
| 9 | Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD | Private | — | 88.3 |
| 10 | University at Buffalo | Buffalo, NY | Public | 95% | 85.7 |
| 11 | University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | Public | 95% | 85.1 |
| 12 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Blacksburg, VA | Public | 95% | 84.6 |
| 13 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI | Public | 92% | 84.6 |
| 14 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | Public | 93% | 83.4 |
| 15 | Rutgers University-New Brunswick | New Brunswick, NJ | Public | 82% | 81.9 |
| 16 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | Madison, WI | Public | 83% | 81.1 |
| 17 | Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL | Public | — | 77.9 |
| 18 | George Mason University | Fairfax, VA | Public | 81% | 77.4 |
| 19 | University of North Texas | Denton, TX | Public | 70% | 76.9 |
| 20 | University of the Cumberlands | Williamsburg, KY | Private | 75% | 76.2 |
| 21 | The University of Texas at Dallas | Richardson, TX | Public | 77% | 75.7 |
| 22 | Northcentral University | San Diego, CA | Private | — | 73.5 |
| 23 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Charlotte, NC | Public | 76% | 70.6 |
| 24 | Michigan State University | East Lansing, MI | Public | 87% | 69.3 |
| 25 | Middle Georgia State University | Macon, GA | Public | 96% | 46.8 |
Research Areas & Specializations
PhD programs in information systems offer multiple specialization tracks. Your research area determines your advisor options, publication venues, and career trajectories.
Key Information Systems Research Areas
- Enterprise Systems
- Business Process Management
- IT Governance
- Digital Transformation
- Information Management
Emerging Research Topics (2024-2025)
- IT Value Creation
- Digital Innovation
- IS Strategy
- Technology Adoption
- Sociotechnical Systems
Choosing Your Specialization: Your research area should align with your interests, available advisors, and career goals. Review faculty research pages and recent publications. Attend seminars and read papers from top venues in information systems to understand current research directions.
Publication Venues: Check CSRankings.org to see which conferences and journals are most prestigious for your chosen specialization. Top-tier venues vary significantly by subfield.
Finding the Right Advisor
Your advisor is the single most important factor in PhD success. A good advisor shapes your research trajectory, opens networking opportunities, and directly impacts your career outcomes. According to data from NSF's Survey of Earned Doctorates, advisor-student fit is strongly correlated with time to degree and completion rates.
What to Look For in an Advisor:
- Research alignment: Their work should genuinely excite you—you'll spend 5+ years on related problems
- Advising style: Some are hands-on, others hands-off. Know what you need and ask current students
- Funding stability: Do they have ongoing grants? Have they consistently funded students?
- Student outcomes: Where did their graduates end up? Academia? Industry? How long did they take?
- Lab culture: Talk to current students privately about work-life balance and lab dynamics
Red Flags to Avoid:
- High student turnover or many students leaving without degrees
- Faculty who are rarely available or traveling constantly
- Labs where students seem stressed, isolated, or unhappy
- Advisors with a history of conflicts or complaints
Pro tip: Email 2-3 current students and ask: "What do you wish you knew before joining this lab?" Their candid responses will tell you more than any faculty website.
PhD Funding & Stipends
You should not pay for a PhD.
Top programs offer full funding packages covering tuition plus a competitive stipend. According to CSStipendRankings.org and PhDStipends.com, computer science stipends range from $18,000 at lower-paying programs to $50,000+ at top institutions.
2024-25 Stipend Examples:
- Brown University: $49,000/year ($4,084/month) - Graduate School
- Duke University: Full funding for 5 years including tuition, fees, insurance, and stipend - CS Department
- Emory University: $37,467/year for CS/Informatics PhDs - Graduate School
- Mid-tier programs: Typically $25,000-35,000/year with full tuition waiver
Funding Sources:
- Research Assistantships (RA): Work on faculty research; most common funding source
- Teaching Assistantships (TA): Lead discussion sections, grade assignments
- Fellowships: Competitive awards (NSF GRFP, NDSEG, university fellowships) with higher stipends and research freedom
- Grants: Faculty research grants often fund PhD students
Cost of Living Warning: Use PhDStipends.com to compare living wage ratios, which normalize stipends to local cost of living. A $35K stipend in a low-cost city may provide better quality of life than $50K in San Francisco.
PhD Milestones & Timeline
The NSF Survey of Earned Doctorates tracks time to degree across all fields. Computer science PhDs typically take 5-6 years to complete, though this varies by research area and institution.
Typical PhD Timeline:
- Years 1-2: Coursework, rotations (if applicable), identify research area, pass qualifying exams
- Years 2-3: Thesis proposal, begin independent research, first publications
- Years 3-5: Core research, conference publications, build professional network
- Years 5-6: Complete dissertation, defend, job market
Key Milestones:
- Qualifying Exam: Usually year 1-2; tests breadth of knowledge and/or research potential
- Thesis Proposal: Year 2-3; defines your dissertation scope and convinces committee it's viable
- Candidacy: After proposal passes; you're now "ABD" (All But Dissertation)
- Dissertation Defense: Final oral exam presenting your complete research
What affects time to degree: Research area complexity, advisor expectations, publication requirements, whether you switch topics, and how quickly you identify a viable research direction.
Application Process
PhD admissions are highly competitive. According to ProFellow, top programs accept 5-15% of applicants. The process differs significantly from undergraduate or master's admissions.
Typical Application Components:
- Statement of Purpose: Your research interests, why this program, and potential advisors (2-3 pages)
- Letters of Recommendation: 3 letters, ideally from research supervisors who know your work deeply
- CV/Resume: Emphasize research experience, publications, and technical projects
- GRE Scores: Many programs have made GRE optional since 2020; check requirements
- Transcripts: Strong grades help, but research experience often matters more
- Research samples: Some programs request writing samples or research proposals
Timeline:
- September-November: Research programs, contact potential advisors, prepare materials
- December 1-15: Most application deadlines
- January-March: Interview invitations (virtual or in-person visit days)
- March-April 15: Admission decisions; April 15 is the standard decision deadline
Critical tip: Reach out to potential advisors before applying. A brief, professional email expressing genuine interest in their research can significantly improve your chances—especially if they respond positively and mention your application to the admissions committee.
Industry Research vs Academic Faculty Careers
| Factor | Industry Research | Academic Faculty |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Salary | $150,000-$200,000+ | $100,000-$140,000 |
| Salary Ceiling | $300,000-$500,000+ (with equity) | $150,000-$250,000 |
| Job Security | Project-dependent, at-will | Tenure after 6-7 years |
| Research Freedom | Aligned with company goals | High autonomy after tenure |
| Publication Pressure | Varies by company | Essential for tenure |
| Resources | Well-funded, large compute | Grant-dependent |
| Work-Life Balance | Generally better | Highly variable |
| Impact Timeline | Faster deployment | Long-term influence |
| Typical Employers | Google, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI | Universities, research institutes |
Source: Salary data from [CRA Taulbee Survey](https://cra.org/resources/taulbee-survey/) and [Glassdoor](https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/)
Choosing Your Career Path
Industry research is right for you if:
- Compensation is a priority
- You want to see research deployed at scale
- You prefer shorter feedback loops
- You're comfortable with more directed research agendas
- Geographic flexibility is important (industry hubs)
Academia is right for you if:
- Research freedom is paramount
- You want to mentor the next generation
- Job security matters more than peak compensation
- You enjoy teaching
- You want to pursue long-term, speculative research
Increasingly blurred lines: Many researchers move between academia and industry. Some professors consult extensively; some industry researchers teach courses. The choice isn't permanent.
Postdoc Pathways
A postdoc is a temporary research position after completing your PhD. According to Academic Positions, postdoc salaries average $61,000-$72,000 in 2024, with most positions lasting 2-3 years.
When is a Postdoc Necessary?
- Academic careers: Often expected, especially at research universities. Strengthens your publication record and expands your network.
- Industry careers: Rarely necessary—most industry research labs hire directly from PhD programs
- Switching fields: A postdoc can help you pivot to a new research area
- Building independence: Develops skills in grant writing, lab management, and independent research
Postdoc Considerations:
- Duration: 1-3 years typical; longer postdocs can signal difficulty finding permanent positions
- Salary gap: Postdocs earn significantly less than industry PhDs—factor this into your decision
- Location flexibility: Postdocs often require relocation; be prepared to move
- Exit strategy: Have a clear plan for what comes after the postdoc
Important: In computer science, a postdoc is increasingly optional. Strong PhD graduates with good publication records can go directly to tenure-track positions or industry research roles.
Publication Expectations
Publications are the currency of academic research. In computer science, conference papers (not journals) are the primary publication venue, unlike most other fields.
Typical Publication Expectations:
- Minimum for graduation: 2-4 peer-reviewed publications (varies by program and advisor)
- Competitive job market: 5+ publications with at least 1-2 at top-tier venues
- Top-tier venues: NeurIPS, ICML, CVPR, ACL, SIGCOMM, SOSP, PLDI (varies by subfield)
- First-author papers: Critical for demonstrating independent research ability
Publication Timeline:
- Year 1-2: Workshop papers, co-authored papers with senior students
- Year 3-4: First-author publications at good venues
- Year 5+: Aim for top venues, build a coherent research narrative for job market
Quality vs Quantity: One strong paper at a top venue (NeurIPS, ICML, etc.) often matters more than several papers at lower-tier venues. Focus on impactful work that others will cite and build upon.
Resources: Check CSRankings.org to understand which venues matter most in your subfield and how faculty are evaluated by publication record.
Top States for Information Systems Doctoral Programs
| State | Total Programs | Median Tuition | Top Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Information Systems Doctoral Programs in California | 25 | $9,500 | University of California |
| Best Information Systems Doctoral Programs in Texas | 20 | $8,500 | University of Texas |
| Best Information Systems Doctoral Programs in New York | 18 | $12,000 | SUNY |
| Best Information Systems Doctoral Programs in Florida | 15 | $6,500 | University of Florida |
| Best Information Systems Doctoral Programs in Virginia | 12 | $11,000 | Virginia Tech |
| Best Information Systems Doctoral Programs in Pennsylvania | 14 | $14,000 | Penn State |
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Information Systems PhD Frequently Asked Questions
Data Sources
Federal database of U.S. postsecondary institutions
Computer science research publication rankings by faculty
May 2024 salary data for research positions
Related Information Systems Resources
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.