Information Systems for Data Science Track

Launching in Fall 2016

Data science is the study of extracting knowledge from data, and as such encompasses statistics, data analytics, and information systems. The field is experiencing massive growth, creating needs for professionals with the ability to use insights derived from big data for business decisions at all levels of organizations. In recent years, data analytics has become one of the most critical needs in industries ranging from healthcare and financial services to marketing and government. Organizations rely on information systems and data analytics to provide innovative technological solutions, harness the power of big data, accelerate insights, and infuse confidence in their decision-making.  Leveraging on the specialties of the College of Management’s faculty in the Department of Management Science and Information Systems (MSIS), the University of Massachusetts Boston is offering a cutting-edge and flexible doctoral program in this field.

The Ph.D. program is designed to prepare students for successful careers in scholarly research and at teaching universities.  The program requires coursework for the first two two years, followed by dissertation-related research. In their coursework, students explore a range of courses in statistics and research methods to develop their methodological skills, and department offers a number of seminars focusing on conceptual Information Systems foundations and emerging research topics. From the start, doctoral students work with multiple faculty to gain familiarity with their research interests, and in combination with their coursework this provides students with the theoretical knowledge and methodological skills needed to become productive researchers and to achieve successful careers.