Ph.D. in Information Systems (DISS)
Optional Concentration in Information Security
Optional Concentration in Information Science
Introduction
The
Curriculum
Concentration in Information Science
Concentration in Information Security
Course Descriptions
This program offers a course of study leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Information Systems or the Ph.D. in Information Systems with Concentration in Information Science or the Ph.D. in Information Systems with Concentration in Information Security. Its cluster format combines traditional and online instruction to provide information technology professionals the opportunity to pursue graduate study while continuing to work in their current positions. The program is especially well suited to professionals working in areas such as information system planning, information security, systems analysis and design, project management, information system administration, information science, or software engineering. It provides information technology professionals with the knowledge and ability to develop creative solutions to substantive real-world problems in information systems. Each student must complete eight core courses, two research project courses, and a dissertation.
The concentration in information security is recognized by the National Security Agency (NSA) based on its certification of the school’s curriculum for compliance with the requirements of NSA national training standards NSTISSI No. 4011 (Information Systems Security Professionals) and CNSSI No. 4013 (System Administrators). Students who complete the concentration may also request a graduate certificate.
A graduate with a Ph.D. in Information Systems will have the ability to: (1) acquire advanced knowledge and deeper understanding of the field of information systems; (2) communicate professionally and ethically about information systems research issues; (3) identify, analyze, and synthesize scholarly literature related to information systems; and (4) generate new knowledge through research/scholarship and disseminate that knowledge to others by demonstrating the necessary technical and intellectual skills to produce a written document that makes an original contribution to the field of information systems.
Orientation and Advisement
New Ph.D. students must attend an orientation day on the main campus in Fort Lauderdale at their first cluster. The orientation includes introductions to the program office staff, computer requirements, online access, software tools that enhance the educational process, library services, financial aid, and academic integrity. The school’s website provides an extensive online “help” system including downloadable software and documents. Students are offered dissertation counseling throughout the program. Advisement is provided by the program office and the faculty.
Program Formats and Term Dates
Students, while taking courses, attend four cluster sessions per year, held quarterly over an extended weekend (Friday, Saturday, and half-day Sunday) at the university. These weekends bring together students and faculty for participation in classes, seminars, and dissertation counseling, and provides ample opportunity for student-faculty and student-student interaction. Students are required to attend all of their scheduled class sessions. Between sessions, students work on course assignments and research, and participate in online activities that facilitate frequent interaction with the faculty and with other students. There are two 16-week terms a year. The fall term starts in August and the winter term starts in January.
The student enters doctoral candidacy upon completion of course requirements with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25. Immediately following candidacy, the student registers for the dissertation at 12 credits per term for two terms. Students who have not completed the dissertation after registrations for Dissertation I and Dissertation II must register for Continuing Dissertation until they have satisfied the dissertation requirement. Students are strongly encouraged to register for each term following the one in which they enter candidacy until the dissertation has been completed. Doctoral residence is defined as continuous enrollment for two consecutive terms at a minimum 12 credit hours per term.
The online component involves use of the web to access course materials, announcements, email, distance library services, subscription library databases, and for interaction with faculty and fellow students. Online, interactive learning methods are based on the use of WebCT as a course management system which includes threaded discussion boards, white boards, chat rooms, email, and multimedia presentations. In addition, WebCT enables students to submit assignments online in multimedia formats and to receive their professors’ reviews of assignments online in the same formats. Students are provided NSU computer accounts but must obtain their own Internet service providers and use their own computer systems.
Attendance Policy
Ph.D. students are required to be present at each on-campus meeting of their classes. Failure to attend may result in withdrawal from courses and suspension or dismissal from the Ph.D. program. Exceptions to this policy regarding individual class meetings may be made in the case of illness and possibly in other hardship situations. Such absences must be approved first by the course professor(s) and then by the program director, and must be made in advance of any anticipated absences. Participation requirements regarding the online components of doctoral courses will be covered in the syllabus of each course.
The Dissertation
Students will be permitted to register for the dissertation after they have completed their required course work with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25. Both Dissertation I and Dissertation II are required. They are usually taken over two consecutive terms. The dissertation is the most important requirement for the Ph.D. Each student is expected, with the approval of a faculty advisor, to select an appropriate topic of sufficient scope to satisfy the requirements for the dissertation. Although registration for dissertation credits cannot occur until after course requirements have been met, students are encouraged to learn about the dissertation process as early as possible and to begin talking with faculty members about potential research topics early in the program. The dissertation must be an original work and must represent a significant extrapolation from a base of solid experience or knowledge in the student’s area of concentration. Dissertation results must, in a significant way, advance knowledge, improve professional practice, or contribute to understanding in the field of study. Results must be of sufficient strength to distill from the work a paper worthy of publication in a major journal. Although publication is not a requirement for completing the Ph.D., students are encouraged to submit their dissertation research for publication. Ph.D. students must follow the policies, procedures, and formatting requirements contained in the Dissertation Guide. The student will be required to present an oral defense of the dissertation.
The program requires 64 credit hours, of which 40 are for courses and 24 are for the dissertation. Courses and dissertation registrations are as follows:
Core Courses (four credits each) (Select eight of these.)
DISS 700 Research Methodology
DISS 710 Decision Support Systems (cross-listed with DCIS 710)
DISS 720 Human-Computer Interaction
DISS 725 The System Development Process
DISS 735 Knowledge Management
DISS 740 Telecommunications and Computer Networks
DISS 745 Electronic Commerce
DISS 750 Database Systems
DISS 755 Information Security Management
DISS 765 Managing Risk in Secure Systems
DISS 770 Information Policy
DISS 775 Privacy (cross-listed with DCIS 775)
Research Courses (four credits each) Select two of these. Must be taken following successful completion of the corresponding core course. With approval of the 800-level course professor, an 800-level course may be repeated for credit but only once.
DISS 810 Research in Decision Support Systems
DISS 820 Research in Human-Computer Interaction
DISS 825 Research in the System Development Process
DISS 835 Research in Knowledge Management
DISS 840 Research in Telecommunications and Computer Networks
DISS 845 Research in Electronic Commerce
DISS 850 Research in Database Systems
DISS 855 Research in Information Security Management
DISS 865 Research in Managing Risk in Secure Systems
DISS 870 Research in Information Policy
DISS 875 Research in Privacy
Dissertation Registrations
DISS 910 Dissertation I (12 credits)
DISS 915 Dissertation II (12 credits)
DISS 920 Continuing Dissertation (6 credits)
Curriculum for the Ph.D. in Information Systems with Concentration in Information Science
The Ph.D. in Information Systems with Concentration in Information Science focuses on information aspects of information systems including access to and management of information. It requires 64 credit hours of which 40 are for courses and 24 are for the dissertation. The dissertation must be in an area closely related to information science. Courses and dissertation registrations are listed below:
Required Core Courses (four credits each)
DISS 735 Knowledge Management
DISS 750 Database Systems
DISS 755 Information Security Management
DISS 770 Information Policy
Elective Core Courses (four credits each)
Any four additional DISS 700-level courses.
Research Courses (four credits each) Must be taken following successful completion of the corresponding core course. With approval of the 800-level course professor, an 800-level course may be repeated for credit but only once.
DISS 835 Research in Knowledge Management
DISS 850 Research in Database Systems
DISS 855 Research in Information Security Management
DISS 870 Research in Information Policy
Dissertation Registrations
DISS 910 Dissertation I (12 credits)
DISS 915 Dissertation II (12 credits)
DISS 920 Continuing Dissertation (6 credits)
Curriculum for the Ph.D. in Information Systems with Concentration in Information Security
The Ph.D. in Information Systems with Concentration in Information Security was developed to address the rapidly growing global problems of maintaining and securing computer information. The program requires 64 credit hours, of which 40 are for courses and 24 are for the dissertation. The dissertation must be in an area closely related to information security. Courses and dissertation registrations are as follows:
Required Core Courses (four credits each)
DISS 725 The System Development Process
DISS 750 Database Systems
DISS 755 Information Security Management
DISS 765 Managing Risk in Secure Systems
DISS 775 Privacy (cross-listed with DCIS 775)
Elective Core Courses (four credits each) (select three of these)
DISS 700 Research Methodology
DISS 710 Decision Support Systems (cross-listed with DCIS 710)
DISS 720 Human-Computer Interaction
DISS 740 Telecommunications and Computer Networks
DISS 745 Electronic Commerce
DISS 770 Information Policy
Research Courses (four credits each) Select two of these. Must be taken following successful completion of, the corresponding core course. With approval of the 800-level course professor, an 800-level course may be repeated for credit but only once.
DISS 855 Research in Information Security Management
DISS 865 Research in Managing Risk in Secure Systems
DISS 875 Research in Privacy
Dissertation Registrations
DISS 910 Dissertation I (12 credits)
DISS 915 Dissertation II (12 credits)
DISS 920 Continuing Dissertation (6 credits)
DISS 700 Research Methodology (4 credits)
This course presents an in-depth treatment of the research process from an experimental, developmental, and evaluative perspective. Techniques for planning and designing these types of research projects, as well as the methodologies for data collection, evaluation, and analysis are examined. Special emphasis is placed on the appropriate choice of methodologies for a variety of problem situations.
DISS 710 Decision Support Systems (4 credits)
Principles and techniques relating to automated support for decision making and organizational problem solving. The focus is on current research in decision support systems. Topics include decision theory, modeling and simulation, decision support system architecture, group decision support systems, knowledge-based expert systems, and intelligent systems.
DISS 720 Human-Computer Interaction (4 credits)
Issues relating to effective HCI are presented. Design elements, procedures, tools, and environments contributing to the management of successful user interfaces are examined. Other topics include current and projected developments in HCI research related to information systems.
DISS 725 The System Development Process (4 credits)
Acquire advanced knowledge and deeper understanding of system development process including theories and studies related to system life-cycle models, system development strategies, and implementation success. Review of relevant research in the area of techniques, methods, and tools for the analysis and specification of information systems. Review of studies dealing with design principles, requirements gathering, reusability, and quality assurance. Moreover, review of studies and theories relevant to verification and validation process, integration and acceptance testing, reliability measurements, system testing techniques, end-user computing, implementation effectiveness, and system value. Additionally, review of classical theories in information systems and system analysis and design.
DISS 735 Knowledge Management (4 credits)
Acquire advanced knowledge and deeper understanding of knowledge management including theories and studies related to knowledge management and knowledge management systems. Review of relevant research in the area of locating, evaluating, disseminating, and using information as well as knowledge. Review of studies and theories relevant to knowledge acquisition, information sharing, information ownership, knowledge process, knowledge integration, knowledge gathering, knowledge repositories, and knowledge reuse. Additionally, review of current research in knowledge management and knowledge management systems.
DISS 740 Telecommunications and Computer Networks (4 credits)
This course focuses on an examination of technical advances in the dynamic field of broadband communications and computer networks and their impacts on the development and implementation of enterprise network solutions. IS methodologies in facilitating network design, deployment, and management are described. Topics include DWDM, advanced Gigabit Ethernet technologies such as 10GbE, network security, cellular and mobile wireless networks, architectural frameworks such as IMS (Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem), and wireline and/or wireless computational grids. Trends in standardization and internetworking are reviewed. Capabilities of next-generation networks and innovations in enterprise broadband communications solutions are examined.
DISS 745 Electronic Commerce (4 credits)
This course examines the theories, frameworks and methodologies used to study the strategic impact of electronic commerce on systems, organizations, and markets. The goal of the course is to provide doctoral students with the necessary background knowledge to appreciate eCommerce research in the IS field and to develop academic research proposals.
DISS 750 Database Systems (4 credits)
Theory and principles of databases and their management. Selected topics in design, implementation, and applications of traditional and nontraditional database systems for various types of data management. Current issues, trends, future directions, applications, and research topics in the areas will be explored.
DISS 755 Information Security Management (4 credits)
Study of the managerial and procedural aspects of effectively securing enterprise information systems. Topics in this course will include security policies and best practices, asset classification and control, personnel security, business continuity management, regulatory compliance, operational security, and information security program lifecycles. The course will include an analysis of current practices and procedures in securing critical information infrastructures, with an emphasis placed on emerging trends and opportunities for research in the management of information security.
DISS 765 Managing Risk in Secure Systems (4 credits)
Study of the theory and practice of risk management in secure systems and networks. The course will focus on the current tools and best practices available in mitigating system vulnerabilities and the accepted methodologies for managing residual risks. Topics include operational security, risk reduction techniques, auditing of information systems, and effective long-term risk monitoring approaches. An emphasis will be placed on current issues and future directions in managing risks, and research opportunities for students in this field.
DISS 770 Information Policy (4 credits)
Information technology’s dramatic global impact on society, government, and the economy has given rise to complex legal, regulatory, and policy issues. This course explores issues ranging from the consequences of information commodification to the impact of privacy concerns, eCommerce, information ownership (patents/copyrights/trademarks), social equity, crime, free speech, telecommunications, national security, international trade, etc. All have immediate relevance to the IT workplace. While U.S. policy issues serve as the framework for the course, the U.S. experience is compared and contrasted to policy developments worldwide.
DISS 775 Privacy (4 credits)
This course will study the principles of privacy and current privacy issues regarding information systems. Privacy will be looked at as an extension of basic computer security. Discussions will cover the legal, technological, ethical and policy aspects of privacy in our modern technologically-based society. Techniques and practices used in on-line systems such as e-commerce, transaction systems, and data management will be included. Methods to address privacy concerns in the development, selection, deployment, and management of systems will be the course focus. Privacy representation languages and trust models will be discussed.
DISS 800 Project in Research Methodology (4 credits)
This course focuses on the application of tools and techniques appropriate to the scenario and data type collected from experimental, developmental, and evaluative studies. The logical development of decisions based on the data analysis in terms of predefined hypotheses and/or project goals and objectives will be discussed. Prerequisite: DISS 700.
DISS 810 Research in Decision Support Systems (4 credits)
Students pursue research on a current topic in the area of decision support systems. Prerequisite: DISS 710.
DISS 820 Research in Human-Computer Interaction (4 credits)
Students pursue research on a current topic in HCI related to information systems. Prerequisite: DISS 720.
DISS 825 Research in the System Development Process (4 credits)
Students pursue research on a current topic in the system development process. Prerequisite: DISS 725.
DISS 835 Research in Knowledge Management (4 credits)
Students pursue research on a current topic in the area of knowledge management. Prerequisite: DISS 735.
DISS 840 Research in Telecommunications and Computer Networks (4 credits)
Students pursue research in the field of broadband telecommunications and computer networks. Suggested areas for investigation include wireline and/or wireless computational grids, IMS, critical infrastructure security, e-government, and wireless sensor networks. Prerequisite: DISS 740.
DISS 845 Research in Electronic Commerce (4 credits)
Students pursue research on a current topic in electronic commerce. Prerequisite: DISS 745.
DISS 850 Research in Database Systems (4 credits)
Students pursue research on a current topic in database systems and its closely related research, management, and application areas. Prerequisite: DISS 750.
DISS 855 Research in Information Security Management (4 credits)
Students pursue research on a current topic in information security management. Topics of current interest include information security policies and management issues, security audits, business continuity management/disaster recovery, information security lifecycle management, and secure eCommerce. Prerequisite: DISS 755.
DISS 865 Research in Managing Risk in Secure Systems (4 credits)
Students advance their knowledge of risk management by participating in a series of practical exercises and directed group assignments designed to allow students to demonstrate their abilities to effectively evaluate, mitigate, and manage risk in critical information systems. Prerequisite: DISS 765.
DISS 870 Research in Information Policy (4 credits)
Students pursue research on a current topic in information policy. Prerequisite: DISS 770.
DISS 875 Research in Privacy (4 credits)
Students advance their knowledge of privacy in systems by participating in a series of practical exercises and directed group assignments designed to demonstrate their abilities to work in privacy research. Prerequisite: DISS 775.
DISS 910 Dissertation I (12 credits)
The student develops a framework within which doctoral research will be conducted and offers evidence of qualifications to pursue the research. Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of all course work.
DISS 915 Dissertation II (12 credits)
Concepts and theories underlying the student’s doctoral research are articulated; the problem is clearly stated; specific, measurable goals are specified; a thorough literature review is presented; the methods of conducting the research are delineated; and a strategy to achieve the goal is given. Prerequisite: Dissertation I.
DISS 920 Continuing Dissertation (6 credits)
Students who have not completed the dissertation by the end of Dissertation II must register for Continuing Dissertation each term in order to receive faculty and administrative advice and support related to the dissertation. Prerequisite: Dissertation II.
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