Earning a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Information Systems can provide you with an expert perspective on information technologies - including database systems - and their impact on organizations. Review the program length, coursework, online availability, and job outlook and salary potential for doctorate-holders in database systems.
Can I Earn A Ph.D. In Database Systems?
You may not find a doctoral program dedicated specifically to database systems, but a Ph.D. in Information Systems can give you the opportunity to focus on database system development, design, management and maintenance. In a Ph.D. program, you will spend the majority of your time conducting independent research and working with a faculty mentor to complete a dissertation. Programs may take 4-5 years to complete, depending on whether or not you study full-time. Most schools will require you to have a master's degree in computer science, information systems or a technology-related field to be admitted to the program.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Program Length</b></td><td> 4-5 years</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Enterprise database management, ,computer network architecture, network management and security</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Availability</b></td><td> Fully available</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Possible Careers</b></td><td> Post-secondary teacher</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td>9% growth (<i>for all postsecondary teachers</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$80,790 (<i>for all postsecondary teachers</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatTypeOfCoursesWillITake">What Type Of Courses Will I Take?</h3><p>Although all Ph.D. programs are research intensive, you will still need to complete a handful of core courses in qualitative research methods and statistics. You'll also discuss the most effective ways to use information technologies. Advanced information science courses focus on risk management, systems analysis and process models. You'll also consider protocol standards for network and database design. Coursework for an information systems Ph.D program is likely to include the following:
</p><ul><li>Enterprise database management
</li><li>Database systems design
</li><li>Computer network architecture
</li><li>Network management and security
</li></ul><h3 id="section---CanICompleteThisDegreeOnline">Can I Complete This Degree Online?</h3><p>Some schools do offer their Ph.D. programs online. However, distance students are required to meet with their academic advisers or mentors on a regular basis. These meetings can be conducted on campus, over the phone or through online chatting. To complete coursework, you'll be required to have a broadband Internet connection and media viewing software, such as Windows Media Viewer. Some programs may also require you to use course management software, such as Blackboard, to access and submit assignments.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCanThisDegreeDoForMyCareer">What Can This Degree Do For My Career?</h3><p>A doctoral degree in information systems can qualify you for a tenure-track teaching position at a 4-year college or university. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment outlook for these postsecondary teachers is projected to grow 9% during the 2019-2029 decade, due in large part to increasing student enrollment numbers (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). Postsecondary computer science teachers earned a median annual wage of $80,790 as of May, 2020, as reported by the BLS.</p>
