PhD Program
The curriculum of the PhD program is designed to develop theoretical and methodological competencies to investigate how digital innovation can address business and societal problems. In consultation with the PhD coordinator and other faculty, students configure a program of study that will provide them with the theoretical and methodological background for the multi-disciplinary investigation of digital innovation. This program of study will include subject-matter seminars offered both by the Center for Process Innovation and other functional departments in the Robinson College of Business (e.g., CIS, Management, Marketing, Institute for Insight). In addition, the program of study includes a rigorous sequence of courses in alternative research methodologies (e.g., psychometrics, econometrics, text analytics, social network analysis, qualitative research, experimental design) and a course in university teaching. Teaching competence is developed through the University teaching seminar, GLA assignments to support a professor, and GTA assignments to deliver complete courses.
The type and focus of the dissertation research will be shaped by opportunity and fit. Some may work with a company, while others will do NSF-style funded field research or some other type of empirical or qualitative research. In the end, it is about producing the highest quality research results given the capabilities of the student, the skills of the faculty supervisor and opportunities present at the time the student chooses his/her dissertation focus.
A collaborative, mentoring approach is used for the ongoing development of PhD students. From the start of their program, students work closely with one or more faculty members. They interact regularly with faculty and other PhD students to develop their research and publication capabilities in tandem with the knowledge and skills developed through coursework. They participate in a year-round research seminar series that feature accomplished researchers from around the world.
Funding
PhD students are supported with tuition remission and a stipend through the first four years of the program. Support for a fifth year will depend upon both the student’s progress and the availability of funding. The student is expected to teach one or more course sections after his/her third year as part of the program. Additional teaching for extra compensation is possible, although not encouraged.
Application
Application material can be obtained from the Doctoral program office, Robinson College of Business, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303. CEPRIN accepts either GRE or GMAT exam scores from its applicants. CEPRIN is especially interested in students who have an ability to interact with organizations to investigate problems pertaining to process innovation. A multi-disciplinary background with strong communication, project management and skills related to investigating problems by deep immersion in an organizational setting is desirable although not required.
Interested students should contact the CEPRIN Admission Coordinator, Ms. Vanessa Browne at vbrowne@gsu.edu.