PhD in Computer Science and Information Systems

As the school’s flagship PhD program, our students and faculty regularly publish student and faculty research in A-level journals. You’ll have a solid foundation in research methodology through a mix of hands-on and theoretical work. Our students choose research in areas that are of interest to both academia and industry.

Research tracks are individualized, but always reflect themes relevant to the modern business environment. Examples include:

This rigorous program is designed as a full-time four-year program consisting of 60 credit hours. Thirty credits are dedicated to course work beyond the master’s level, while the remaining credits are related to your dissertation. A detailed look at the schedule of courses can be found in the CSIS PhD Handbook.

Core information systems PhD courses (9 hours)

These courses give a broad foundation of knowledge in conducting doctoral level research.

• Philosophy of science
• Research themes in information systems
• Strategic and organizational research
• Analytical research

Core information systems method courses (9 hours)

You’ll gain a strong background in different methods that you’ll apply to your dissertation research.

• Foundational research methods
• Qualitative research methods
• SEM and regression techniques

Computer science courses (6 hours)

These courses solidify your knowledge in topics relevant to modern challenges in the digital era.

• Computer networks
• Cloud computing

Advanced research methods (6 hours)

These courses vary from multivariate statistics to econometrics courses.

Dissertation (30 hours)

After selecting a dissertation advisor, you will choose a committee that will continuously monitor your progress throughout the program. You’ll begin working on your independent research project during the summer before your third year. The emphasis for dissertations is that the research should be practically relevant and solve a problem facing modern business.

PhD CSIS Learning Outcomes

Value 1: Communicate Effectively

Outcome: Create effective academic papers and presentations to communicate results of original research.

Value 2: Research Proficiently

Outcome: Demonstrate competence in developing research questions in important areas of information systems and applying research methods to study research questions.

These objectives are assessed using a written dissertation and oral defense.

Every full-time student admitted into the program typically receives full financial support in the form of scholarships and teaching assistantships. Doctoral students can also apply for financial support for travel related to research. You will be gaining practical teaching skills as a teaching assistant by developing curriculum and instructing classes to prepare yourself for a future in academia.

Admissions for the Computer Science and Information Systems PhD program is competitive with a few positions available for spring and fall entrance.

Application Process

Applicants are required to submit all application materials. Interviews are a part of the admission process. Because of the program’s competitive nature and rolling admissions policy, we strongly recommend submitting your application as soon as possible.

You can check your admission status online through the account you created for the online application.

Admission Requirements

• Applicants must have completed both an undergraduate and graduate program at an accredited United States college or its equivalent in another country.
• The GMAT is required for admission, however, the GRE may be substituted.
• No work experience or formal business education is required for admission.

For any questions, please contact our admissions team at bschool.admissions@ucdenver.edu or call 303-315-8200.

To be eligible for scholarships, you must apply by the priority deadlines.