Ph.D. in Analytics, Information, Operations
**Analytics, Information, Operations is not accepting applications for the fall 2026 term.**
What sets KU apart
- Collaboration with internationally known faculty: Work on cutting-edge research with globally recognized professors who rank among the best in the world.
- Personalized mentorship and small cohort: Our program's small size ensures extensive faculty and student interaction, faculty mentoring and hands-on research and teaching opportunities.
- Access to premier resources: Connect with a wide range of research databases and resources to support your scholarly work.
- Flexible timeline: Complete your doctorate in four to five years, tailored to your research and career goals.
A community of collaboration
KU Analytics, Information, and Operations faculty are recognized globally for their research productivity and commitment to mentoring doctoral students, helping graduates secure positions at top universities and make a lasting impact in the field.
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Research
Students begin their own research during the first year of the program and often present to faculty and other doctoral students early in their second year. Many of these papers are eventually published in academic journals.
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Teaching
Part of our mission is to develop effective teachers. To that end, all doctoral students are required to teach at least two sections as independent instructors. The school and university prepare and reward doctoral students for excellence in teaching through various programs and awards.
What to expect in the program
View degree requirements and a detailed list of courses in the KU Academic Catalog.
Area of concentration
Most students admitted in AIO choose this area as their primary focus. However, with guidance from your faculty advisor, you can propose an interdisciplinary area of concentration that combines traditional business disciplines (accounting, finance, marketing, organizational behavior, and strategic management) or areas such as international business, law, and economics.
You'll complete at least five advanced courses in your chosen area of concentration to build deep expertise.
Supporting areas
Your area of concentration is strengthened by one or two supporting areas that supplement and complement your research interests.
You'll take at least four advanced courses in the supporting areas (at least two courses in each of two supporting areas, or at least four courses in one supporting area). Common supporting areas for AIO students are marketing, economics, finance, etc. Courses recommended for preparation for the qualifiers may not be included in satisfying the supporting area requirement.
Research methodology
Your program will include rigorous preparation in research methodology in areas such as:
- Probability and statistics
- Optimization
- Uncertain reasoning
- Game theory
- Econometrics
You'll also explore empirical, analytical, behavioral, and computational research methodologies to prepare you to tackle complex problems and produce meaningful scholarship.
- Year 1: Coursework and research
- Year 2: Coursework and research
- Year 3: Comprehensive exams and research
- Year 4: Dissertation proposal and job market
- Year 5: Dissertation defense
Note: Some students complete the program in four years.
