Researcher working in an advanced computing laboratory
Updated July 17, 2026

Best Information Systems Doctoral Degree Programs 2026

Compare 25 accredited information systems (MIS) doctoral programs. Find research-focused PhD programs ranked by faculty publications, funding packages, and graduate placement in top research labs and academia.

Programs Ranked25
Avg Time to Degree5-6 years
Median Salary (Industry)$148,110
Full Funding Rate95%+
On this page

Key Takeaways

  • 1.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 shouldn't 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.

Quick Answer: Is a Information Systems PhD Worth It?

Answer
Yes for research careers - fully funded with $25,25+ outcomes

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 advanced 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

🥇

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

Doctorate in Information SystemsOn-campus
Atlanta, GAPublic

$135,980 median salary · 94% graduation rate

95.2
Score
$11K
Tuition/yr
94%
Grad Rate
$136K
Median Salary
Visit
program page

Program Strengths

  • 94% graduation rate
  • $135,980 median salary
  • $10,512 in-state tuition
  • 8 graduates annually
🥈

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Doctorate in Information SystemsOn-campus
Ann Arbor, MIPublic

$135,980 median salary · 93% graduation rate

91.9
Score
$19K
Tuition/yr
93%
Grad Rate
$136K
Median Salary
Visit
program page

Program Strengths

  • 93% graduation rate
  • $135,980 median salary
  • $18,516 in-state tuition
  • 15 graduates annually
🥉

University of California-Los Angeles

Doctorate in Information SystemsOn-campus
Los Angeles, CAPublic

$135,980 median salary · 93% graduation rate

90.4
Score
$12K
Tuition/yr
93%
Grad Rate
$136K
Median Salary
Visit
program page

Program Strengths

  • 93% graduation rate
  • $135,980 median salary
  • $12,260 in-state tuition
  • 2 graduates annually
#4

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Doctorate in Information SystemsOn-campus
Chapel Hill, NCPublic

$135,980 median salary · 91% graduation rate

90.3
Score
$7K
Tuition/yr
91%
Grad Rate
$136K
Median Salary
Visit
program page

Program Strengths

  • 91% graduation rate
  • $135,980 median salary
  • $7,019 in-state tuition
  • 3 graduates annually
#5

University of California-Berkeley

Doctorate in Information SystemsOn-campus
Berkeley, CAPublic

$135,980 median salary · 93% graduation rate

89.4
Score
$12K
Tuition/yr
93%
Grad Rate
$136K
Median Salary
Visit
program page

Program Strengths

  • 93% graduation rate
  • $135,980 median salary
  • $12,260 in-state tuition
  • 2 graduates annually
#6

University of Maryland-College Park

Doctorate in Information SystemsOn-campus
College Park, MDPublic

$135,980 median salary · 89% graduation rate

86.7
Score
$10K
Tuition/yr
89%
Grad Rate
$136K
Median Salary
Visit
program page

Program Strengths

  • 89% graduation rate
  • $135,980 median salary
  • $10,087 in-state tuition
  • 6 graduates annually
#7

The University of Texas at Austin

Doctorate in Information SystemsOn-campus
Austin, TXPublic

$135,980 median salary · 89% graduation rate

85.9
Score
$12K
Tuition/yr
89%
Grad Rate
$136K
Median Salary
Visit
program page

Program Strengths

  • 89% graduation rate
  • $135,980 median salary
  • $11,688 in-state tuition
  • 3 graduates annually
#8

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Doctorate in Information SystemsOn-campus
Champaign, ILPublic

$135,980 median salary · 85% graduation rate

85.7
Score
$15K
Tuition/yr
85%
Grad Rate
$136K
Median Salary
Visit
program page

Program Strengths

  • 85% graduation rate
  • $135,980 median salary
  • $14,975 in-state tuition
  • 13 graduates annually
#9

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Doctorate in Information SystemsOn-campus
Madison, WIPublic

$135,980 median salary · 90% graduation rate

85.5
Score
$10K
Tuition/yr
90%
Grad Rate
$136K
Median Salary
Visit
program page

Program Strengths

  • 90% graduation rate
  • $135,980 median salary
  • $10,006 in-state tuition
  • 1 graduates annually
#10

University of Washington-Seattle Campus

Doctorate in Information SystemsOn-campus
Seattle, WAPublic

$135,980 median salary · 85% graduation rate

84.7
Score
$12K
Tuition/yr
85%
Grad Rate
$136K
Median Salary
Visit
program page

Program Strengths

  • 85% graduation rate
  • $135,980 median salary
  • $11,869 in-state tuition
  • 8 graduates annually

Best Information Systems PhD Programs - Top 10, Complete Program Data

  1. #1. Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus — Doctorate Information Systems

    Hakia ranks Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus's doctorate information systems program #1. Degree: Doctorate (research). Delivery: on-campus. Location: Atlanta, GA | Type: Public | Tuition: $10,512/year | Graduation Rate: 94% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 95.2

  2. #2. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor — Doctorate Information Systems

    Hakia ranks University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's doctorate information systems program #2. Degree: Doctorate (research). Delivery: on-campus. Location: Ann Arbor, MI | Type: Public | Tuition: $18,516/year | Graduation Rate: 93% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 91.9

  3. #3. University of California-Los Angeles — Doctorate Information Systems

    Hakia ranks University of California-Los Angeles's doctorate information systems program #3. Degree: Doctorate (research). Delivery: on-campus. Location: Los Angeles, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $12,260/year | Graduation Rate: 93% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 90.4

  4. #4. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — Doctorate Information Systems

    Hakia ranks University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's doctorate information systems program #4. Degree: Doctorate (research). Delivery: on-campus. Location: Chapel Hill, NC | Type: Public | Tuition: $7,019/year | Graduation Rate: 91% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 90.3

  5. #5. University of California-Berkeley — Doctorate Information Systems

    Hakia ranks University of California-Berkeley's doctorate information systems program #5. Degree: Doctorate (research). Delivery: on-campus. Location: Berkeley, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $12,260/year | Graduation Rate: 93% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 89.4

  6. #6. University of Maryland-College Park — Doctorate Information Systems

    Hakia ranks University of Maryland-College Park's doctorate information systems program #6. Degree: Doctorate (research). Delivery: on-campus. Location: College Park, MD | Type: Public | Tuition: $10,087/year | Graduation Rate: 89% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 86.7

  7. #7. The University of Texas at Austin — Doctorate Information Systems

    Hakia ranks The University of Texas at Austin's doctorate information systems program #7. Degree: Doctorate (research). Delivery: on-campus. Location: Austin, TX | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,688/year | Graduation Rate: 89% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 85.9

  8. #8. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — Doctorate Information Systems

    Hakia ranks University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's doctorate information systems program #8. Degree: Doctorate (research). Delivery: on-campus. Location: Champaign, IL | Type: Public | Tuition: $14,975/year | Graduation Rate: 85% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 85.7

  9. #9. University of Wisconsin-Madison — Doctorate Information Systems

    Hakia ranks University of Wisconsin-Madison's doctorate information systems program #9. Degree: Doctorate (research). Delivery: on-campus. Location: Madison, WI | Type: Public | Tuition: $10,006/year | Graduation Rate: 90% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 85.5

  10. #10. University of Washington-Seattle Campus — Doctorate Information Systems

    Hakia ranks University of Washington-Seattle Campus's doctorate information systems program #10. Degree: Doctorate (research). Delivery: on-campus. Location: Seattle, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,869/year | Graduation Rate: 85% | Median Salary: $135,980 | Score: 84.7

Full Information Systems Doctoral Rankings 2026

RankProgram & SchoolDeliveryAnnual TuitionGrad RateMedian SalaryHakia Score
#1
Doctorate in Information Systems
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
Atlanta, GA · Public
On-campus$10,51294%$135,98095.2
#2
Doctorate in Information Systems
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI · Public
On-campus$18,51693%$135,98091.9
#3
Doctorate in Information Systems
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA · Public
On-campus$12,26093%$135,98090.4
#4
Doctorate in Information Systems
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC · Public
On-campus$7,01991%$135,98090.3
#5
Doctorate in Information Systems
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA · Public
On-campus$12,26093%$135,98089.4
#6
Doctorate in Information Systems
University of Maryland-College Park
College Park, MD · Public
On-campus$10,08789%$135,98086.7
#7
Doctorate in Information Systems
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX · Public
On-campus$11,68889%$135,98085.9
#8
Doctorate in Information Systems
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL · Public
On-campus$14,97585%$135,98085.7
#9
Doctorate in Information Systems
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI · Public
On-campus$10,00690%$135,98085.5
#10
Doctorate in Information Systems
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA · Public
On-campus$11,86985%$135,98084.7
#11
Doctorate in Information Systems
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL · Public
On-campus$4,64086%$135,98083.4
#12
Doctorate in Information Systems
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ · Public
On-campus$14,22284%$135,98079.7
#13
Doctorate in Information Systems
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA · Public
On-campus$20,06686%$135,98077.8
#14
Doctorate in Information Systems
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY · Private nonprofit
On-campus$63,71084%$135,98077.1
#15
Doctorate in Information Systems
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Pittsburgh, PA · Public
On-campus$20,55685%$135,98077.0
#16
Doctorate in Information Systems
University of Phoenix-Arizona
Phoenix, AZ · Private for-profit
Online$9,55221%$119,94575.0
#17
Doctorate in Information Systems
Claremont Graduate University
Claremont, CA · Private nonprofit
On-campus——$135,98070.8
#18
Doctorate in Information Systems
Baylor University
Waco, TX · Private nonprofit
On-campus$58,10080%$135,98069.3
#19
Doctorate in Information Systems
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO · Public
On-campus$13,51074%$135,98069.2
#20
Doctorate in Information Systems
University of Maryland-Baltimore County
Baltimore, MD · Public
On-campus$9,42370%$135,98069.1
#21
Doctorate in Information Systems
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, NJ · Public
On-campus$16,33473%$135,98068.6
#22
Doctorate in Information Systems
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit
On-campus$60,04278%$135,98067.5
#23
Doctorate in Information Systems
University at Albany
Albany, NY · Public
On-campus$7,07061%$135,98066.8
#24
Doctorate in Information Systems
University of North Texas
Denton, TX · Public
On-campus$8,31961%$135,98066.4
#25
Doctorate in Information Systems
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ · Public
On-campus$11,83568%$135,98065.1
#26
Doctorate in Information Systems
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL · Private nonprofit
On-campus$37,50063%$135,98062.1
#27
Doctorate in Information Systems
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Honolulu, HI · Public
On-campus$11,30464%$135,98061.2
#28
Doctorate in Information Systems
Naval Postgraduate School
Monterey, CA · Public
On-campus——$135,98060.9
#29
Doctorate in Information Systems
Dakota State University
Madison, SD · Public
Online$7,61651%$135,98060.9
#30
Doctorate in Information Systems
Robert Morris University
Moon Township, PA · Private nonprofit
On-campus$34,36066%$135,98060.0
#31
Doctorate in Information Systems
Long Island University
Brookville, NY · Private nonprofit
On-campus$40,24857%$135,98059.2
#32
Doctorate in Information Systems
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI · Public
On-campus$8,77249%$135,98055.6
#33
Doctorate in Information Systems
Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH · Public
On-campus$12,87251%$135,98053.5

Showing all 33 ranked programs.

Industry Research vs Academic Faculty Careers

FactorIndustry ResearchAcademic 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
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/)

Top States for Information Systems Doctoral Programs

Best Information Systems Doctoral Programs in California
Total Programs
25
Median Tuition
$9,500
Top Program
University of California
Best Information Systems Doctoral Programs in Texas
Total Programs
20
Median Tuition
$8,500
Top Program
University of Texas
Best Information Systems Doctoral Programs in New York
Total Programs
18
Median Tuition
$12,000
Top Program
SUNY
Best Information Systems Doctoral Programs in Florida
Total Programs
15
Median Tuition
$6,500
Top Program
University of Florida
Best Information Systems Doctoral Programs in Virginia
Total Programs
12
Median Tuition
$11,000
Top Program
Virginia Tech
Best Information Systems Doctoral Programs in Pennsylvania
Total Programs
14
Median Tuition
$14,000
Top Program
Penn State

Information Systems PhD Frequently Asked Questions

Should I pay for a PhD program?
No. Legitimate research-focused PhD programs are fully funded (tuition waiver + stipend). If a program asks you to pay, it's likely not worth your time. Self-funded PhD programs are often cash cows for universities with poor placement outcomes.
How long does a PhD take?
Median time-to-degree in information systems is 5-6 years. Machine learning and applied areas tend to be faster (5 years). Theory and systems sometimes longer (6+ years). Very few finish in 4 years. Some take 7+.
Do I need a master's degree before a PhD?
No. Most U.S. PhD programs admit students directly from bachelor's. In fact, a separate master's can slow you down, many PhD programs don't transfer master's credits. Exception: career changers sometimes benefit from a master's to build prerequisites.
What GPA do I need for PhD admission?
Most top programs expect 3.5+ GPA, but research experience matters far more than GPA. A student with a 3.4 GPA and multiple research publications will beat a 4.0 student with no research experience.
Is the GRE required for PhD programs?
Increasingly optional. Many top programs (MIT, Stanford, Berkeley, CMU) made GRE optional post-2020. Where required, strong scores help but can't compensate for weak research experience.
How competitive is PhD admission?
Very competitive. Top-10 programs accept 5-15% of applicants. However, there are 50+ excellent PhD programs. Applying broadly across ranking tiers (8-12 schools) is essential.
Can I do a PhD part-time while working?
No. PhD programs expect full-time commitment. Some industry research positions (Google PhD Program) allow you to work while completing a PhD, but this is rare and highly competitive.
What's the ROI of a PhD vs master's?
Financially complex. PhDs take longer but are free (funded), while master's programs are often self-paid. Industry research salaries are very high ($200K-400K+), but you could have earned ~$600K-900K working those 5-6 years instead. The ROI is best for those pursuing research passions, not pure salary maximization.

How We Rank Information Systems Degree Programs

Based on 742 programs from IPEDS 2024

Of the 33 doctoral information systems programs we rank, Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus's Doctorate in Information Systems earns the highest Hakia Score. Each is graded on real graduation, admissions, salary, and tuition data. 2 of them can be earned fully online.

Ranking Factors

Program Completions35%

Number of graduates per year in this specific field (CIP code). Larger programs indicate established departments with more resources, course offerings, and career services. Measured from IPEDS Completions data.

Graduation Rate25%

Percentage of students completing their degree within 150% of expected time (6 years for bachelor's, 3 years for associate's). Higher rates indicate better student support and program quality. Source: IPEDS Graduation Rates survey.

Selectivity20%

Admission rate (lower = more selective). More selective institutions have stronger academic environments and more competitive graduates. For open-admission institutions, we use graduation rates as a proxy for quality.

Career Outcomes20%

National salary data for information systems graduates, factored into institutional scores based on job market strength.

Ranking Categories

Best Programs

Overall quality using all four factors weighted as shown above. Ideal for students seeking the strongest academic experience.

Online Programs

Same methodology, filtered to schools with fully online or hybrid options (IPEDS Distance Education data). Some schools may have lower graduation rates due to different student demographics.

Most Affordable

Ranked primarily by net cost (tuition minus average institutional aid), with quality factors as tiebreakers. Best for cost-conscious students.

Data Sources

  • IPEDS 2024 — Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
  • BLS OEWS 2024 — National and metro salary data by occupation
  • CIP Code Mapping — Programs identified using Classification of Instructional Programs codes

Data Sources

IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System)

Federal database of U.S. postsecondary institutions

CSRankings

Computer science research publication rankings by faculty

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics

May 2024 salary data for research positions

Taylor Rupe

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.