Information Systems & Communication: Robert Morris University Information Systems & Communication | Robert Morris University

Graduate

Information Systems & Communication

The Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) in Information Systems and Communications degree program at Robert Morris University addresses the expanding needs of professionals who manage information resources; who solve information, communication and technology-related problems in organizations; or who educate or train others in applications of information systems and communications.

The D.Sc. in Information Systems and Communications is appropriate for professionals with decision-making and problem-solving responsibilities related to information systems, communications and technology, including:

  • Chief information officers, chief knowledge officers, network administrators, in-house consultants, training specialists and other managers of information technology resources in corporate and professional organizations
  • Educators and academic administrators in two-year, four-year and graduate institutions, as well as information officers and managers in educational institutions
  • Professionals with a master's degree whose qualifications will be enhanced by such a doctoral degree, including those in fields such as accounting, finance, MIS, management, marketing, health care administration, telecommunications and corporate communications.

Please contact Lindsay Healea, Graduate Enrollment Manager at 412.397.5205 for any additional enrollment questions.
  • A completed application with a non-refundable $50 application fee. (International students also are required to complete a statement of financial support.
  • The Deadline for international student applications is May 1st for the following August.  (Refer to the application form for other required admission materials.)
  • Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work from an accredited college or university, a recognized international program or the equivalent.
  • Current resume documenting a minimum of five years of managerial and/or technical experience in a specific field.
  • Writing sample.
  • A four-to-five page essay focusing on a major problem in information management and/or communications, which the applicant has experienced or observed in the workplace.
  • Three references from persons in business, professional and or educational communities.

An executive-style program, the D.Sc. in Information Systems and Communications is designed to be completed in a minimum three-year period of study. You'll enroll in the program as part of a cohort and progress through the program with your group. Additional course work may be elected or required depending upon your background, career goals and/or range of professional and technical experience.

The D.Sc. program consists of an integrated sequence of seminars and a capstone field project (research paper) that comprise 60 credits beyond a master's degree. 
  • Seven integrated inquiry seminars designed to develop applications of theory in a range of information and communication contexts.
  • Three field investigation seminars focused on strategies for conducting research and investigations into field-based problems.
  • Two capstone seminars from special topics such as data warehousing, data mining and information security.
  • A major field project (research paper) in which you must demonstrate expertise by analyzing and solving an information management problem. The research includes a model or theoretical frame, literature review and an appropriate methodology. The field project must make a significant contribution to the body of knowledge in your chosen problem area.

A typical progression through the Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) in Information Systems and Communications program:

  • Upon admission to the doctoral program, you'll enroll in the inquiry and field investigation seminars in year one.
  • At the end of year one, you must successfully complete a qualifying essay examination to advance to year two.
  • In year two, you'll continue to take inquiry and field investigation seminars as well as Field Project I, in which the formal proposal for your research project is developed.
  • Following successful completion of the inquiry and field investigation seminars in year two, presentation of the proposal as part of Field Project I, and the recommendation of the doctoral faculty, you'll be admitted to doctoral candidacy and advance to year three.
  • In year three, you'll complete two special seminars, whose specific focus reflects the interests of your cohort and industry trends. You'll also enroll in Field Projects II and III, which focus on the methodology, writing and quality assurance of the field project (research paper). To complete your field project, you'll work closely with a doctoral faculty committee consisting of a faculty advisor, several other faculty members (readers) and an external field specialist selected jointly by you and the faculty.
  • At the conclusion of the program, you'll present your field project (research paper) in a public defense announced to the University community. A presentation also may be made to the organization in which the investigation occurred. The field project must be approved by a committee of at least three doctoral faculty members for completion of the degree.

The D.Sc. program is a three-year program delivered in an executive-style, part-time format. You enroll in a cohort, which meets on campus for one full week, as well as 3 additional weekends per semester (Fall and Spring).

Employers: Allegheny County District Attorney, Lexington School District Three, Bayer Business and Technology Services, Pennsylvania Office of Inspector General, California University of Pennsylvania, Totterdale Business Consulting, Duquesne University, Verizon, Frostburg State University, 

Positions: President, Communication Coordinator, Claims Investigation Agent, Senior Consultant, Dean of Admissions, Senior Lecturer, Director of Technology

All faculty members in the doctoral program are invited into the program on the basis of teaching performance, publications, service record, professional experience, and honors received. Most have numerous co-authorships with their doctoral students past and present, including two best paper awards. The faculty include: 

David F. Wood, Ph.D., Director   University of Pittsburgh
Rex L. Crawley, Ph.D.   Ohio University
Jay Stanton Carson, D.A.   Carnegie Mellon University
Peter J. Draus, Ed.D.   University of Pittsburgh
Ann Jabro, Ph.D.   The Pennsylvania State University
David L. Jamison, J.D.   University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Frederick Kohun, Ph.D.   Carnegie Mellon University
Paul J. Kovacs, Ph.D.   University of Pittsburgh
G. James Leone, Ph.D.   University of Pittsburgh
Barbara J. Levine, Ph.D.   University of Wisconsin-Madison
Daniel R. Rota, Ph.D.   University of Pittsburgh
Robert J. Skovira, Ph.D.   University of Pittsburgh

Faculty members in the School of Communications and Information Systems (SCIS) are recognized for their dedication to teaching, academic research, global understanding and professional experience. Our faculty regularly wins awards and accolades for excellence in teaching and research. As guides and mentors, they motivate students to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their field of study.

 In summer 2012, our school’s five departments will be housed in a new building on the Moon campus.  The structure will include classrooms, computer labs, media arts studios, editing suites, a gallery, teleconferencing facilities, faculty and administrative offices, student meeting spaces and a café. Facilities currently available include the Pod room with both PCs and Macintosh computers, remote access to 5 servers for web pages, database, and security programs, and general university resources such as the VMware View Server.  We also have access to geographic information systems software and business intelligence software.

 

In an effort to help students meet their education expenses, Robert Morris University offers the following tuition payment options. On the posted due date, payments are accepted until 5 p.m. in the Student Support Center. Payments may be made via ePay after the deadline.

Payment Options

Payment Methods

Robert Morris University accepts tuition payments by cash, check, money order or credit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover). Tuition payments may be made to the Office of Student Financial Services by mail, phone (412-397-6260), or online via the RMU website at www.rmu.edu. Students should log in to Sentry Secured Services and go to Financial Status in eServices to use the ePay - PayNow option. ePay is available 24 hours a day to process credit card or check payments.

 

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For more information on any of our graduate programs, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at 1-800-762-0097 or email graduateadmissions@rmu.edu.