The Information Systems PhD program in the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas is accepting applications for an August 2026 start date. If you have academically curious and highly motivated students interested in pursuing a PhD, please share this information and encourage them to reach out to us. The information systems department is consistently ranked among the top programs globally based on publications in leading IS journals (e.g., MISQ, JMIS, ISR, JAIS). The department has a tradition of developing researchers in a positive and supportive environment. We are one of the only departments globally to include two LEO Award Winners for Lifetime Achievement, several AIS Fellows, senior and associate editors at top IS journals, AIS Conference Chairs, and ICIS dissertation award winners, all of whom are committed to the growth and development of new PhD scholars.
A PhD from the information systems program in the Walton College offers students many excellent opportunities. These include:
1. A department consistently ranked in the top 10 in the world based on research publications in top IS journals, with an undergraduate program ranked in the top 20 nationally, at a college ranked in the top 25 public business schools.
2. Diverse research interests and methodological expertise among the faculty, all of whom address important issues in the evolving digital environment.
3. A department with three of the most cited researchers in the University and the IS field.
4. Several outstanding seminars in both content and methodological areas.
5. Opportunities for collaborative research with both junior and senior faculty.
6. Travel support for presenting at top conferences in our field: ICIS, AoM, HICSS, AMCIS
7. Strong student outcomes: our PhD graduates are working at schools such as McGill, Indiana University, University of Cincinnati, Virginia Tech, Texas Christian University, and UNLV, among others. Several of our graduates have gone on to receive the AIS early-career award.
8. Live and work in one of the best places in the nation: the region ranked in the Top 10 in U.S. News & World Report's Best Places to Live in the U.S. for eight consecutive years from 2016 to 2024.
Our research areas of expertise include, but are not limited to: Artificial Intelligence - Management, Design, Ethics and Impact, Organizational and Social Impacts of IT, Digital Transformation, Business/Data Analytics, Digital Strategy, Enterprise Systems, Blockchain, Ethics in IS, Healthcare IT, Cybersecurity, Knowledge Management, Neuro-IS, Open-Source Development, Social Media, Social Networks, Strategic Management of IS, Technology Implementations in Developing Countries, User Acceptance and Technology Adoption. Details about our faculty are available here: https://walton.uark.edu/departments/information-systems/directory.php.
To apply, please submit your transcripts, GRE score, statement of purpose, CV, and letters of recommendation by January 8, 2026. Click here to apply: https://walton.uark.edu/graduate-programs/apply.php.
Please share with students, friends, or colleagues, as appropriate. For more information, email jmullins@walton.uark.edu.
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Jeff Mullins
Sam M. Walton College of Business
University of Arkansas
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