Eric’s Progress toward a Distance PhD

I’m currently pursuing my Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) degree in Information Systems from Dakota State University.

My previous academic work includes:

In addition, I hold certifications as a Project Management Professional (PMP), Six Sigma Green Belt and various Microsoft certifications.

My research interests include Information Systems, Strategy, Project Management, Organizational Behavior and Human Capital Management Practices in Information Systems.

Background

In 2006 I finished my MBA from the University of Texas at Dallas with a specialization in Management Information Systems (MIS) and Strategy. While working on my MBA I realized that I felt comfortable in the academic world and decided I wanted to continue my studies past the MBA. My search for a doctoral program that would allow me to work on my doctorate part-time was a long one and is outlined here.

After many months of research, I decided upon Dakota State University’s Doctor of Science in Information Systems program. I started the program in the Fall of 2007 and am on track to complete the coursework in 2010 and hope to have the dissertation phase complete shortly after that. My research interests vary widely but generally fall into the following areas: Information Systems, Organizational Behavior, Project Management, Project Portfolio Management, Strategy and Human Capital Management.

Doctoral Work

The doctoral program at Dakota State University requires 88 semester credit hours (63 hours of coursework, 25 hours of dissertation) + a comprehensive exam + a qualifying portfolio.

Current Status (May 2010)

  • 58 hours complete
  • 33 remaining (8 hours coursework, 23 hours dissertation)
  • 64% complete.
  • Coursework completion ~ Late-2010
  • Comprehensive Exame – PASSED
  • Dissertation completion ~2012.

My coursework is outlined below…I’ll be updating this regularly as I complete the courses enroll in future semesters.

Summer 2010

  • INFS 892 – Theory Development & Design Research – 3 hour course start June 28

Spring 2010

  • INFS 892 – Seminar – DONE
  • INFA 792 – Software Quality Assuarance – DONE
  • 2 Hours Dissertation Credit

Fall 2009

  • INFS 810 – Qualitative Research Methods – DONE
  • INFS 892 – Seminar – DONE
  • INFA 713 – Risk Management & IT Security – DONE
  • Comprehensive Exam – PASSED!

Summer 2009

  • INFS 750 – Telecommunications Tech & Mgt – DONE
  • INFS 892 – Advanced Design Science Research Methods – DONE

Spring 2009

  • INFS 815 – Quantitative Research Methods – DONE
  • INFS 838 – Design Support & Knowledge Management Research – DONE

Fall 2008

  • INFS 805 – Design Research Methods – DONE
  • INFS 830 – Decision Support Systems – DONE

Summer 2008

  • INFS 730 – Programming for Ecommerce – DONE

Spring 2008

  • INFS 724 – Project & Change Management – DONE
  • INFS 834 – Knowledge Management – DONE

Fall 2007

  • INFS 614 – Introduction to Research – DONE
  • INFS 720 – Systems Analysis and Design – DONE

Learn more about Dakota State University’s Doctor of Science Program (Taken from the Dakota State Website)

DSUThe Doctor of Science (D.Sc. IS) in Information Systems is designed to prepare individuals for careers in research, teaching, and corporate employment. This program emphasizes applied scholarship, focusing on multi-disciplinary research projects with a strong emphasis on the productive application of information systems and information technology to organizations and their management. The program supports a thriving and sustained applied research program that meets the research needs of the State of South Dakota, the university, and its graduate students. The degree program is intended to produce graduates with a commanding knowledge of information systems and of applications and research in information systems.

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