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jenl2881
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Joined: 13 Nov 2013
Last visit: 09 Aug 2015
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Schools: Lamar University - Class of 2011
GMAT 1: 620 Q32 V42
GPA: 3.64
Schools: Lamar University - Class of 2011
GMAT 1: 620 Q32 V42
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Offer for PhD program in IS (620 GMAT) 16 Feb 2014, 00:50
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I received an offer at my top choice, University of Arkansas, for their PhD program in Information Systems starting in Fall 2014. The offer was about $17,400 for 12 months which would be about $1,200 a month. I'm a bit worried by this but I plan to take out at most about $30,000 in student loans. I'm told I shouldn't need loans but between rent, books, and fees I don't see how I would be able to survive without them.

The good news is that the stipend offer comes with 60% of healthcare covered as well as a tuition waiver and I will receive income through the summer (one university I interviewed with let me know that summer work was not guaranteed). I actually did about 4 interviews before receiving the offer from University of Arkansas. Their program is exactly what I am looking for as they prepare you for both teaching and research, and they get a lot of support from companies like Walmart and Dilliards in the data analytics area.

I'm wondering if anyone may be able to provide guidance or if anyone here may be attending this university and might have some wisdom to share. As well, I wanted to let those with lower GMAT scores know not to give up (mine is 620) just because of a low score.
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Aldossari
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Offer for PhD program in IS (620 GMAT) 26 Feb 2014, 11:37
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Since you are looking for some wisdom regarding pursuing a PhD, I have advice for you which might not answer your question, but will certainly benefit you in the whole matter.
as a PhD student, you will be devoting the next 5 to 6 years of your life in school working VERY hard with a humble income (1,200 in your case).
so it is a major shift in your career & lifestyle and a huge investment of your time.

so my advise is to think seriously about the job prospects, considering your discipline, information system, and your school, University of Arkansas.

I remember reading that in 2012 or 2011, there were only 12 openings for IS PhDs nationwide and most of which are adjunct positions.

this is not meant to discourage you, but rather to shed light on some important aspects.

All the best
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jenl2881
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Schools: Lamar University - Class of 2011
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Offer for PhD program in IS (620 GMAT) Updated on: 11 Mar 2014, 19:30
Originally posted by jenl2881 on 26 Feb 2014, 14:09.
Last edited by jenl2881 on 11 Mar 2014, 19:30, edited 1 time in total.
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My IS degree will focus on data analytics and business intelligence so I will be able to teach in a variety of areas when I am done. As well, I could go work for a company doing data analysis if needed. I looked at higheredjobs.com and found quite a few Information Systems related positions.
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Aldossari
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Offer for PhD program in IS (620 GMAT) 26 Feb 2014, 14:42
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If you thinking about working in industry, then you do not actually need a PhD, a master degree in IS/BA or top MBA will make you very competitive in the market.

as I told you, PhD degree is a major shift in your career & lifestyle, and thus you should go for a PhD only if academia is truly your passion.
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jenl2881
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 [1]
Offer for PhD program in IS (620 GMAT) 11 Mar 2014, 19:29
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I just wanted to update that I have also received a $10k a year fellowship that is renewable for up to 4 years and is in addition to my stipend offer of $17,400 a year (it is paid over 12 months, not 9). This will make things very livable for me and I look forward to it.

I found out I likely would have gotten an offer from the University of North Carolina Greensboro and Louisiana State University. I am very happy that I decided not to give up just because of my GMAT score. I know the market may be different when I graduate but I will do the best I can in a field I love. :)
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