phd in information studies

University of Washington Information School

Doctorate in information science.

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Through coursework and practica, Ph.D. candidates develop a strong foundation in information science, learning to identify critical problems and rigorously researching their solutions.

Tomorrow’s Information Leaders

Through coursework and practica, Ph.D. candidates develop a strong foundation in information science, learning to identify critical problems and rigorously researching their solutions. Students become well versed in the scope, origins, methods, issues and theoretical framework that define the iSchool’s uniquely interdisciplinary approach to the study of information. Ph.D. students at the iSchool come from a variety of professional experiences and academic backgrounds, such as information science, social sciences, computer science, library services, law, and information technology.

The Ph.D. program is a theoretical, research-based doctorate that focuses on creating and advancing new knowledge that will make a significant, positive difference. Research focuses on understanding human involvement with information and its social and technological ramifications. It addresses issues that affect the communication of knowledge and knowledge records among people in social, institutional and individual contexts. To learn more about Research Areas,  visit that area of our website.

As a Ph.D. student, you will benefit from a combination of mentoring, involvement in research projects with faculty as principal investigators and a culture of close collaboration with their peers. The breadth of expertise of doctoral students and faculty supports the School’s goal to produce rising academics that make original and meaningful contributions to the discipline of information science.

Program Objectives and Goals

To prepare you for a career as a scholar, researcher, teacher, change agent, and leader in the discipline of information science

To create a learning environment where the knowledge base of the discipline of information science is valued, rigorously examined and augmented

To establish a culture and infrastructure which will nurture the advancement and dissemination of new knowledge in the field of information science

To facilitate and mentor advanced study in information science

To create an environment that will nurture and promote your intellectual needs, strength and interests

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Full Results

Customize your experience.

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PhD in Information Sciences

Join a renowned community of scholars.

The work of our faculty defines the field and puts scholars like you at the forefront of the information society. When you join the iSchool, you'll benefit from the excellence and reputation of the nation's leading school in library and information studies. Our interdisciplinary research program responds to new social and technological opportunities for producing, analyzing, disseminating, and accessing information.

PhD students are guaranteed financial support for five academic years (excluding summers) through research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and fellowships. Our students come from a variety of academic backgrounds and professional experiences, creating a collaborative, innovative, and vibrant community of scholars.

The Information Sciences PhD program is a residency program. Students are required to complete all coursework while located in Champaign-Urbana. Students may choose to complete their research outside of Champaign-Urbana at the discretion of the faculty advisor. Please note that if an international student leaves Champaign-Urbana at any point during their study, this may impact funding opportunities through the iSchool.

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By looking carefully at the interaction of people, information, and technology, we aim to improve our understanding of the world in order to make it better for all. We do this together—PhD students, research staff, and faculty helping each other to learn how to be better researchers. As program director, my role is to help engineer the magic of creativity as we all work to nurture a community devoted to finding things out. Michael Twidale, Professor and PhD Program Director

PhD student William Langston chose the iSchool not only for its national and international reputation but also because it provides opportunities for interdisciplinary work and innovative research.

Our program opens doors, preparing students for successful careers. Recent graduates have obtained faculty positions with numerous universities including Denver, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland-College Park, Michigan, Simmons, South Florida, UNC-Greensboro, Washington & Wayne State. Additionally, recent graduates have secured their first jobs in in a range of settings, including:

• Privacy Researcher, Facebook
• Research Scientist, PatientsLikeMe
• Consultant, Deloitte
• Data Scientist, U.S. Government
• Digital Scholarship Librarian, DePaul University
• Instructional Data Specialist, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• Cataloger, Princeton University
• Core Investigator, Veterans Health Administration

Program overview

Work closely with your faculty advisor to create educational experiences both within and outside the classroom to support your professional goals. With only two required courses— History and Foundations in IS (IS 509) and Research Design in IS (IS 519) —you can customize your degree through a broad range of electives. Your program will consist of 48 hours of coursework and 32 hours of dissertation work. Required milestones that will help to build your research expertise include:

• Field exam in a significant sub-area of IS
• Research presentation to demonstrate research competency
• Dissertation culminating in a public presentation, defense, and submission

For a more detailed program overview, please visit Program Overview .

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What I like best about the iSchool is its inclusive culture and expansive opportunities. The welcoming faculty and staff are always there to offer academic and non-academic support. Because the iSchool's researchers work in very different subfields, PhD students are able to explore a range of research topics and collaborative opportunities across disciplinary boundaries. Wenyi Shang, PhD Candidate

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Explore your research focus

You want to do important work that makes an impact and to collaborate with leaders in the field. We have the resources and the expertise to help you accomplish just that.

iSchool researchers address key challenges at the intersection of people, information, and technology in highly multidisciplinary ways. Our strategic research vision drives the scope of our research projects and presents a distinct imprint for the substance and impact of our work in areas such as:

• Scientific data and knowledge practices
• Organization of knowledge and information
• Data curation
• Digital humanities
• Digital libraries
• Community informatics
• Youth services and digital youth
• Informetrics
• Human-computer interaction
• Human-centered data science and social computing
• Information privacy, security, and ethics
• Health and bioinformatics
• History of information

ASPIRE Illinois offers an opportunity for traditionally underrepresented students in graduate education to explore and consider graduate school at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Toward this aim, the program provides preapplication supports and hosts campus visits.

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Support for leading-edge research

Flourish at a research university.

The University of Illinois is a preeminent public research university, which means you will have access to exceptional resources beyond those in the iSchool:

• Blue Waters Petascale Supercomputer
• University Library
• Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology
• National Center for Supercomputing Applications

Get the support you need

Research Services supports and promotes the research activities of the iSchool, large or small, funded or unfunded. At the iSchool, you'll find supportive staff ready to help you with:

• Project planning and consulting
• Grant proposal development
• Research administration
• Research policies & IRB
• Student grants
• Research infrastructure

PhD student Andrew Zalot chose the iSchool mostly because of its faculty but found an "amazing community of doctoral students" and a positive culture in which to collaborate and engage in creative research opportunities.

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The School of Information is UC Berkeley’s newest professional school. Located in the center of campus, the I School is a graduate research and education community committed to expanding access to information and to improving its usability, reliability, and credibility while preserving security and privacy.

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The School of Information offers four degrees:

The Master of Information Management and Systems (MIMS) program educates information professionals to provide leadership for an information-driven world.

The Master of Information and Data Science (MIDS) is an online degree preparing data science professionals to solve real-world problems. The 5th Year MIDS program is a streamlined path to a MIDS degree for Cal undergraduates.

The Master of Information and Cybersecurity (MICS) is an online degree preparing cybersecurity leaders for complex cybersecurity challenges.

Our Ph.D. in Information Science is a research program for next-generation scholars of the information age.

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The School of Information's courses bridge the disciplines of information and computer science, design, social sciences, management, law, and policy. We welcome interest in our graduate-level Information classes from current UC Berkeley graduate and undergraduate students and community members.  More information about signing up for classes.

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• Computer-mediated Communication
• Data Science
• Entrepreneurship
• Human-computer Interaction (HCI)
• Information Economics
• Information Organization
• Information Policy
• Information Retrieval & Search
• Information Visualization
• Social & Cultural Studies
• Technology for Developing Regions
• User Experience Research

Research by faculty members and doctoral students keeps the I School on the vanguard of contemporary information needs and solutions.

The I School is also home to several active centers and labs, including the Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity (CLTC) , the Center for Technology, Society & Policy , and the BioSENSE Lab .

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I School graduate students and alumni have expertise in data science, user experience design & research, product management, engineering, information policy, cybersecurity, and more — learn more about hiring I School students and alumni .

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Ph.D. Admissions

Next start date: August 2025

Application Deadline: December 3, 2024, 8:59 pm PST

The online application will be available in mid-September.

We welcome students from a diverse set of backgrounds; some will be technically educated, some educated in the humanities and social sciences.

All application materials must be received by the deadline. We encourage you to apply early. The I School’s Ph.D. program does not accept applications for spring term admissions.

Admissions Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree or its recognized equivalent from an accredited institution
• Superior scholastic record, normally well above a 3.0 GPA
• Indication of appropriate research goals, described in the Statement of Purpose
• For applicants whose academic work has been in a language other than English, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Not required: GRE/GMAT . Starting Fall 2021, we no longer require the GRE or GMAT. We recommend you put your time and effort towards the required application materials. Read more about our decision to drop the GRE/GMAT requirement .

Selection Criteria

The I School accepts 3–7 Ph.D. students each year from more than 100 applications. Applications are reviewed by a committee of faculty.

Applicants are evaluated holistically on a number of factors. A strong academic record is important, but not sufficient. A critical factor is the ability to demonstrate a research record and agenda that fit well with specific I School faculty. In a small, interdisciplinary program, it is important that applicants clearly indicate in their Statement of Purpose which faculty member(s) they are interested in researching with, and why.

Application Requirements

We encourage you to check out our Ph.D. Admissions FAQ for information about commonly asked application questions.

(1) Statement of Purpose & Personal History Essay

The Statement of Purpose and Personal History are two separate essays.

The Statement of Purpose should describe your aptitude and motivation for doctoral study in your area of specialization, including your preparation for this field of study, your academic plans and research interests, and your future goals. Please be sure to identify in your Statement of Purpose which faculty member(s) you are interested in researching with, and why. We expect that candidates are able to demonstrate a research record and agenda that fit well with specific I School faculty.

For additional guidance, please review the Graduate Division's Statement of Purpose Guide .

In addition to explaining how your personal experiences have influenced your decision to pursue graduate studies, your Personal History Essay may include any relevant information describing barriers to accessing higher education that you have overcome, efforts you have made to advance equitable access to higher education for women, racial minorities, and other groups historically underrepresented in higher education, or research that you have undertaken that focuses on underserved populations or related issues of inequality.

For additional guidance, please review the Graduate Division’s Personal Statement Guide . There is no minimum length for the Personal History Essay.

These two essays are used in part to evaluate the candidate’s writing skills. Pursuant to UC Berkeley policy, the statements must be written by the candidate her or himself. For admitted students, application materials must comply with the Code of Student Conduct .

Both essays should be uploaded as PDF documents, as part of the online application .

(2) Three Letters of Recommendation

Ph.D. applicants should provide letters which speak directly to their ability and potential to perform academic research at the doctoral level. Recommenders must submit their letters online; please follow the instructions in the online application .

(3) Current Curriculum Vitae

Please upload a current curriculum vitae (C.V.) as a PDF document as part of the online application .

(4) College Transcripts

As part of the online application, upload copies of the official transcripts or academic records for all university-level studies you have completed abroad and at U.S. institutions. Be sure to include a current transcript from every post-secondary school that you have attended, including community colleges, summer sessions, and extension programs.

Each transcript should be uploaded as a separate PDF document; please refer to the instructions on the online application .

Applicants who completed their undergraduate degree in a recognized academic institution outside the United States are required to upload a copy of their degree conferral certificate. If a degree conferral certificate has not yet been obtained, please upload a provisional certificate. Applicants who have not yet graduated from undergrad are not required to submit a provisional certificate at this time. For specific questions, please contact the School of Information at [email protected] .

(5) TOEFL or IELTS Scores

UC Berkeley Graduate Division requires that applicants who received their degrees in countries other than the U.S., U.K., Australia, or English-speaking Canada submit TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores. This includes applicants with degrees from Bangladesh, Burma, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Latin America, the Middle East, North Africa, the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, and most European countries. Only applicants who have completed a full year of U.S. university-level coursework with a grade of B or better are exempt from this requirement.

For students taking the TOEFL, UC Berkeley Graduate Division requires that your most recent score be at least 90 on the Internet-based version of the TOEFL.

For students taking the IELTS, UC Berkeley Graduate Division requires that your most recent score be at least 7.0 out of 9.0 on the IELTS Academic test.

UC Berkeley Graduate Division does not accept TOEFL ITP Plus for Mainland China, IELTS Indicator, or Duolingo scores. For more information, see  Graduate Division’s Evidence of English Language Proficiency .

Submitting Scores

To be valid, the TOEFL or IELTS must have been taken within the past 18 months: for applicants for Fall 2025 admission, test scores taken before June 2023 will not be accepted. Please have your test scores sent directly to UC Berkeley by the testing authorities prior to application submission, and at the latest, by the application deadline. It may take 10-15 days for official score reports to transfer to our system. For the TOEFL exam, the school code for UC Berkeley is 4833, and the department code for the I School is 99.

For the IELTS exam, please submit an electronic report from the testing center; no institution code is required. Here is the Graduate Division’s office address for identification purposes: University of California, Berkeley, Graduate Division, Sproul Hall Rm 318, MC 5900, Berkeley, CA 94720.

More information: TOEFL website ; IELTS website

(6) Application Fee

(submitted with the online application)

• Fee for domestic applicants: $135.
• Fee for international applicants: $155.

Application Fee Waiver : The I School is pleased to offer application fee waivers to eligible Ph.D. applicants. Prior to submitting your application, please complete our Application Fee Waiver request form , and we will contact you within two business days with further instructions.

All application materials must be received by the application deadline. Applications will be reviewed throughout December and January, and admissions decisions will be released by early February.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us with questions or for additional guidance: [email protected] or (510) 664-4742.

*Test Report Form must be sent directly from IELTS. IELTS Indicator scores are not accepted.

Computer Ownership Requirement

We require that students own a computer. No particular configuration or operating system is required. However, students will be expected to complete assignments using office productivity software (e.g., Microsoft Office, OpenOffice, etc.), web browsers, etc., and should own a computer capable of running such software. More specific guidance will be provided upon acceptance to the program.

Contact the admissions team with questions about the Ph.D. program or application.

Ph.D. Applicant Feedback Program

The I School Ph.D. Applicant Feedback Program is a student-run initiative that aims to assist underrepresented students with their application essays and C.V. as they apply to the UC Berkeley School of Information Ph.D. program.

More Information

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Ph.D. in Information and Library Science

This doctoral program provides an environment that enables creative and energetic students to become innovative thinkers and leaders. Through coordination of student and faculty interests and activities, the program offers opportunities for research, teaching, and leadership in a variety of settings.

Information and library science research leaders must be able to identify problems that are significant for our future as an information society, carry out rigorous studies and draw valid conclusions from them, and communicate those findings to stakeholders who can act on them. The SILS doctoral program provides intensive, but highly flexible and customizable, preparation for careers in academia and research.

The Ph.D. in Information and Library Science is designated as a STEM program, which allows eligible international graduates to apply for a 24-month OPT extension.

After successfully defending their dissertations, SILS’ graduates have accepted positions as tenure-track faculty in information schools, research scientists in corporate and government labs, and chief information officers in a myriad of organizations and businesses. With a degree from our doctoral program, our graduates are making a difference.

• Kimberly Hirsh, 2021, Consulting Scholar-Librarian
• Sandeep Avula, 2020, Research Scientist, Amazon
• Eliot Hauser, 2020, Assistant Professor, University of Texas at Austin
• Colin Post, 2020, Assistant Professor, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
• Jonathan Crabtree, 2020, Assistant Director of Research Data Information Systems, Odum Institute, UNC-CH
• Emily Roscoe, 2020, Adjunct Instructor, School of Government, UNC-CH
• Megan Threats, 2020, Assistant Professor, Rutgers University
• Heather Barnes, 2020, Digital Curation Librarian, Wake Forest University
• Yinglong Zhang, 2020, Research Scientist, Google
• Shenmeng Xu, 2020, Scholarly Communications Librarian, Vanderbilt University
• Sarah Beth Nelson, 2019, Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin, Whitewater
• Anita Crescenzi, 2019, Assistant Professor, School of Pharmacy, UNC-CH
• Kathleen Brennan, 2018, Senior Researcher, Google
• Samantha Kaplan, 2018, Research and Education Librarian, Duke University
• Ericka Patillo, 2018, Clinical Assistant Professor, School of Information Studies, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
• Grace Shin, 2018, Sookmyung Women’s University, Korea, Adjunct Professor at SILS.
• Leslie Thomson, 2018, Postdoctoral Fellow, UNC-CH

Other notable graduates in recent years:

• Jay Dominick, 2005 , Vice President and CIO at Princeton University
• Meredith Evans, Ph.D.  2006 , Director, Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum & 74th President of the Society of American Archivists
• Meredith Weiss, 2010 , Vice President for Administration at Virginia Commonwealth University
• Fred Stutzman, 2011 , CEO, Freedom

Financial Support

SILS typically provides support for full-time doctoral students during their first five years of study. Prospective doctoral students must apply by December 10 to receive full consideration for financial aid.

Learn more from our Financial Information page.

SILS seeks PhD students who:

• Aim to be information leaders in the 21 st century.
• Are attracted to information and library science as a field that incorporates diverse theoretical perspectives and a wide range of research methods.
• Possess the discipline and will to be independent investigators, and the vision and communication skills to be influential leaders in the field.
• Are committed to a life of research and scholarly inquiry addressing critical questions.
• Enjoy intellectual challenges and demonstrate analytical and critical thinking.

Admission to the doctoral program is competitive and based upon the strength of the applicant’s educational background and standardized test scores, work experience, statement of research, and personal interview. In reviewing applicants for admission, the school will consider past academic record and scholarly potential of an applicant, as well as the match of the candidate’s research interests with those of the school’s faculty. One or more faculty must be willing to assume the advisory role for the student.

Doctoral and Special Programs Coordinator

[email protected] or 919-962-0182

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Ph.D. in Information Science and Technology

Graduate program request form, a human-centered approach to information and digital technologies..

Join a community founded on the idea that information is a manageable resource with a distinctively human component. The Ph.D. in Information Science and Technology provides an innovative and multidisciplinary program where you’ll gain the research skills and perspective to be a leader in academia and the information industries.

You’ll develop mastery at the intersection of human uses of information and digital technologies. Our faculty draw together scholars from management, communications, sociology, computing, psychology, policy studies, librarianship and other disciplines to provide a human-centered, rather than a computer-centered, approach to information.

We fund all admitted students and expect Ph.D. students to be dedicated to 4-5 years of intense, full-time, residential study to concentrate on your Ph.D. studies.

The program requires 78 credits post-baccalaureate. Up to 30 of these credits can be transferred in for Ph.D. students with a relevant master’s degree, so most Ph.D. students need to complete 48 credits while at Syracuse University.

View Curriculum in Course Catalog

Learning Outcomes

Conduct original information science and technology research

Summarize and synthesize topically-focused body of relevant literature

Explain foundational knowledge of information systems, services, and policies

Formulate and analyze information technology problems using appropriate analytical tools

Analyze and synthesize data

Develop skill in scholarly writing

Develop and deliver instruction

Interdisciplinary Approach

It for the real world..

Our program combines a flexible curriculum based on your individual research interests, and focus areas that allow you to pursue your personal areas of interest. Through a series of guided research experiences with faculty combined with courses on methods, theories of digital technologies, and theories of information, you’ll explore how the interactions between people and information technology can shape the world around us.

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Jaime Banks Awarded Katchmar-Wilhelm Professorship

iSchool Associate Professor Jaime Banks has been selected as this year’s Katchmar-Wilhelm Endowed Professor. For the next three years, she will be researching companionship, cognition and characters.

Delve deeper, explore farther.

Work closely with our esteemed faculty, join a research lab, and pursue investigation in your areas of expertise. Here, you’ll have the support of a close-knit group of professionals, and the resources of a major research university. You’ll gain mastery in your field, and the experience you need to take the next step in your career.

Research From the IDJC ElectionGraph Project Led by iSchool Professor Jennifer Stromer-Galley Found That the Millions Paid For More Than 24,000 Ad Buys and About 5,500 Unique Ads on Facebook and Instagram.

Research from the IDJC ElectionGraph project led by iSchool Professor Jennifer Stromer-Galley found that the millions paid for more than 24,000 ad buys and about 5,500 unique ads on Facebook and Instagram between Sept. 1, 2023, and Feb. 29, 2024.

Join our ranks.

You embrace interdisciplinary nature of the information field, and invite alternative views and approaches to research. As a lifelong learner, you aspire to a career in academia or are otherwise committed to research. We invite you to apply to our program.

How to Apply

Uber Ride Inspired iSchool Alum to Study Machine Learning

SaiKumarReddy Pochireddygari G'24 is a Senior Machine Learning Engineer with ADP. He decided to attend Syracuse University after researching the iSchool online and seeing its strong data science curriculum.

Meet us in Syracuse, or online.

Join us for an upcoming event on campus or online and get to know us better. we’ll answer your questions, and show you around., get in touch., your future, starting now. get it touch to learn more. apply. and join us. we can’t wait to welcome you.  , application checklist.

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Doctorate in Information Studies

Doctoral Program

The Ph.D. in information studies expands SLIS' mission and vision by educating students to thoroughly understand the discipline of information studies; develop expertise in using the various research methods necessary for investigation in the field; conduct effective, sustained research; and understand the ways in which information in all its forms is produced, recorded, organized, preserved, retrieved, communicated, managed, and used. Additionally SLIS seeks to educate researchers that are able to understand the ways in which people's information-related  activity shapes - and is shaped by - information technologies,  information structures, and information institutions such as libraries, archives, and museums. The answers to the research questions posed in information studies help to improve information systems and services, to guide information policy, and to enrich life in today's information society.

The Ph.D. program  offers students ongoing opportunities for close interaction  with outstanding faculty who have international reputations in their areas of research; a carefully designed doctoral curriculum with the flexibility to allow students to pursue individual academic and career goals; and the vast academic resources of OU itself, capable of supporting sophisticated, interdisciplinary, and innovative scholarly investigation.

Graduates of the program will be prepared to engage in creative research, ordinarily as part of a career in university teaching or in policymaking or consulting for corporate, non-profit, or governmental institutions, and in professional leadership for information institutions.

The goals of the Ph.D. program in information studies are below:

• To cultivate a community of students capable of conducting original, sustained, and effective research in the field of information studies and solving significant problems;
• To foster students to become catalysts for change and leading advocates for information products and services that effectively address the information needs of a diverse, pluralistic society in culturally responsible and sensitive ways; and
• To prepare students to educate the next generation of information professionals in a highly technological and information-based society

Ph.D. in Information Studies Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of theories and other core knowledge in information science 
• Demonstrate knowledge of various research methodologies and the ability to execute appropriate data analysis to solve problems and answer research questions
• Demonstrate mastery of area of specialization 
• Successfully design research that constitutes an original contribution to the field 

Before you apply, learn about OU's Graduate College requirements, what you need to have prepared, and the lifecycle of the graduate application. Get started by clicking the button below.  

Learn about the Graduate College

Learn about degree equivalency, immigration and student visas, and English proficiency requirements. 

International Applicants Start Here

Connect with the Student Financial Center to simplify the financial aid process and learn about what financial resources are available to you.   

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Admissions Procedures and Requirements

General Admissions Information

The admission policy of the Ph.D. in Information Studies degree program has as its goal the selection of persons who are academically well qualified and who exhibit a potential for contributions in the area of improving information systems and services, guiding information policy, and enriching life in today's information society. The School of Library and Information Studies encourages applications from students with diverse educational, geographical, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.

In addition to meeting the general requirements for admission to the Graduate College, applicants must also meet the admissions requirements for the Ph.D. in Information Studies degree program.

Application Timeline

Fall 2025 Graduate Application Available: Wednesday, August 28th, 2024

Completed Applications Due: Wednesday, January 15th, 2025

Note: late or incomplete applications will not be considered after the January 15th deadline.

Applications Under Review by Doctoral Program Committee: Wednesday, August 28th, 2024 to Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025

Admissions Decisions Distributed: By Tuesday, April 15th, 2025

Department Application Requirements

All students must apply through using the University of Oklahoma Graduate Application. Application fees cannot be waived. Our Ph.D. program only admits students to start annually during the Fall semester. Applications must be received prior to the January 15th deadline to be considered. Only complete applications including all supplemental documents (personal statement, research/writing sample, resume/CV, and letters of recommendation) will be considered for admittance if received prior to the deadline, no late applications will be accepted or considered.

Graduate Application

Your personal statement should address the following: 

• Doctoral area of interest (problem, question, or issue) such as proposed area(s) of specialization.
• Topics for your own future research, be as specific as possible.
• OU SLIS faculty whose areas of research align with your interest ( you can read about our faculty members' work here ).
• Your career goals, please explain in detail.

Include a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to produce academic or professional writing. This can be a published article, a major term paper from previous coursework, a chapter from a thesis, or a research paper. The sample should be in English and preferably recent work.

Your resume or CV should be a  detailed document that provides a summary of your past academic and work experiences. Please include your qualifications, education, relevant work experience, and other awards or merits.

The letters of recommendation should be from persons familiar with the applicant's scholastic or employment record (letters from personal friends or family are not appropriate).

Applications will be evaluated holistically based on student undergraduate and graduate work. Applicants must meet the minimum 3.0 GPA requirement (based on a 4.0 scale) from their most recent degree.

Scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Scores more than 5 years old are generally considered unreliable and are not acceptable. If you have a completed master’s degree with a 3.0 or higher GPA, you do not need to include GRE scores in your application. However, if you are currently in a graduate program and do not wish to take the GRE, if accepted to the program, you will be granted a conditional admission until you finish the degree and can demonstrate that you have attained a 3.0.

Information for Current PhD Students

The SLIS doctoral program's requirements are structured as below:

1. Theory and Methodology (15 credit hours)

Required Classes (9 credit hours)

• LIS 6033 Intellectual Traditions in Information Studies
• LIS 6713 Research Methods and Design in Information Studies
• LIS 6970 Special Topics in the Theory of Information Studies

Outside Methodology Classes (6 credit hours)

Two additional methodology courses must be taken outside of SLIS prior to taking the written portion of the General Exam. SLIS maintains a list of approved courses and students can work with their advisors on selecting two.

2. Major Specialization (12 credit hours)

Four courses focused on creating a major area of specialization must be approved by the committee chair (advisor) and graduate liaison. 

3. Doctoral Seminar (8 credit hours – 4 courses of 2 credit hours each)

Doctoral students are required to enroll in four semesters of LIS 6962 Doctoral Seminar. This course will rotate among a variety of core LIS topics. 

4. Guided Electives (12 credit hours)

Doctoral students are required to take four elective courses. Two of these must be chosen from graduate courses (Ph.D. level) offered in the School of Library and Information Studies; two more must be chosen from graduate courses offered outside of SLIS.

5. General Electives (30-33 credit hours)

 The number of credit hours in this category is flexible to accommodate students who need more or fewer dissertation hours. Up to 30 hours from a previous completed master's in LIS or related field may be counted with permission of the committee chair (advisor) and graduate liaison. Courses that can count are restricted by the Graduate College to those that received A or B grades and no independent courses are allowed. Other restrictions are noted in the Graduate College Bulletin.

6. LIS 6980 Research for Doctoral Dissertation

The prerequisite for dissertation hours is the successful completion of the general examination. These hours consist of directed research culminating in the completion of the Doctoral dissertation. 10 to 13 hours.

A faculty adviser is assigned when the student is recommended for admission to the School. Upon acceptance to the program and prior to the completion of the first year of the Ph.D. program, any student in the program must form an advisory conference committee as required by the Graduate College.

Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout the program. If a student's GPA falls below 3.0, the student will be placed on academic probation according to the Graduate College's policies and procedures.

For specific requirements and procedures, refer to the Graduate College Bulletin .

Doctoral Student Advising 

The following document is provided to assist doctoral students and their advisors in planning the coursework for the degree:

Doctoral Program Planning Form (pdf)

This form is an internal SLIS form and is intended to help students, with input from their advisor and committee (the Advisory Conference Committee), to create a coursework plan for their Ph.D. program. In the last semester before they sit for the doctoral general exam students will be required to submit a formal coursework plan to the Graduate College on a form called the  Advisory Conference Report (doc) .  

Doctoral Program Timeline

The Graduate College has these time in degree requirements:

Graduate College Bulletin 8.2.5 Time Limit for Completion of the Doctoral Degree

A student who enters the doctoral program with a bachelor’s degree is expected to pass the general examination  within five calendar years  of the student’s first enrollment in a graduate course applied to the doctoral degree.

A student who enters the doctoral program with a master’s degree is expected to pass the general examination  within four calendar years  of the student’s first enrollment in a graduate course applied to the doctoral degree which was not applied to the master’s degree.

A doctoral candidate is expected to complete all degree requirements, including the defense and final submission of the dissertation,  within five calendar years  after passing the general examination.

8.2.5.1 Extensions for the Doctoral Degree

If an academic unit determines that additional time is needed for a student to complete the doctoral general examination or all degree requirements, the student’s committee should request that the dean of the Graduate College approve an extension.

The written request for extension should explain why additional time is necessary and specify when the student is expected to complete the exam or the outstanding degree requirements. The request also must be endorsed by the graduate liaison and the student’s committee.

SLIS internal policy states:

It is expected that the dissertation proposal defense will occur  within one academic year  of successful completion of the student’s General Exam. However, that timeline is flexible as long as the student is making progress as determined by their Advisor. If an extension is needed, it is incumbent upon the student to clearly explain why the proposal is delayed.

General Exam Instructions (pdf)

Approved by the SLIS Faculty March 6, 2023.

General Exam Instructions:  Graduate College Bulletin

The Graduate College Steps to Degree is a great resource for dates and forms.

The Written Exam

The General Exam for the PhD in Information Science is intended to reflect a student’s knowledge, expertise, and ability to synthesize in their specialized areas of information science.

The goals of the General Exam are to:

• Demonstrate the student’s understanding and expertise in a significant aspect of information science
• Demonstrate the student’s ability to draw connections indicative of scholarly inquiry
• Demonstrate the student’s knowledge of theory and methodology as they apply to scholarly research
• Demonstrate the student’s readiness to begin in-depth research for their dissertation

The General Exam includes both a written and oral portion. The Advisory Conference will evaluate both the parts of the exam based on the student’s breadth and depth of knowledge, ability to write a scholarly analysis, establish the significance of the issues and problems, defense of the content and methodology, and suggestions of potential new directions of inquiry and/or discussion.

The components of General Exam and its preparation are as follows:

• Reading List:  During the semester prior to which the student will be taking the General Exam, the student will work closely with their Advisor to compile a reading list of approximately 30 readings that address their area of specialization. The list will include both classic work and more recent work related to theory and methods applicable to that specialization. The student will submit this list to the Advisory Conference no later than the end of the week following the last day of classes. (E.g., if the student plans to take the General Exam in the Spring semester, the list must be submitted to the Advisory Conference in December, the week following the last day of classes.) The Advisory Conference will examine the list and will either approve it as is, suggest additional readings, or ask for other revisions no later than four weeks after the list has been submitted. If there are suggested changes, the student will send the revised list back to the Advisory Conference within two weeks.
• General Exam Paperwork:  The student must submit the completed  General Exam Application for the Doctoral Degree  form to the Graduate College no later than the end of the second week of the semester in which they will be taking the exam.
• Composition of the Exam:  The exam consists of both a written and oral portion. The exam questions will draw on and reflect the material in the students’ proposed readings. Faculty on the Advisory Conference will develop two questions based on theory related to the student’s specialization, of which students will choose one to answer; students will also be asked a more general methods question that applies to their area of specialization. The written portion will comprise approximately 7500 words, or 25-30 double-spaced pages. Students will be given two weeks to complete the exam at home (see dates below). After the written exam is graded, students will take an oral exam.
• Written Exam:  The written portion of the General Exam will be administered on October 1 and March 1, or the Monday following the weekend if these dates coincide with the weekend. The student will receive the questions from their Advisor, on behalf of the Advisory Conference, at noon on those dates. The student will have two weeks to complete their answers, and will return the exam to their Advisor at noon on October 15 and March 15 (note: if the exam begins on a Tuesday at noon, it will end two weeks later, also on Tuesday at noon).
• Advisory Conference Review:  The Advisory Conference will review and grade the written portion of the exam during the final two weeks of October and March, and at the end of that time period return the exam to the student with comments. During this time period, students and Advisory Conference will schedule a time for the student’s oral exam. In the event that the student’s written exam is graded as marginal or unsatisfactory, the Advisory Conference will confer to determine next steps.
• Oral Portion of Exam:  The oral portion of the exam will occur between November 1-14 and April 1-14. Once the written exam has been completed and turned in, students should review their answers and make note of which aspects of the exam might require further elaboration or explanation. This will afford students an opportunity to further reflect on their answers as well as be prepared for what might be asked during the oral exam. The purpose of the oral exam is for the Committee to probe the student’s knowledge and discuss the content of the written exam, including clarifying questions, expansion on what the student has written, examine the topic more deeply, or gain additional insights and reflections on the student’s written work. The oral exam will also serve as a way to delve into the student’s dissertation research and to act as a bridge between the exam and the dissertation proposal. The oral portion of the exam will take no more than three hours. 

Dissertation Proposal Protocols

Dissertation Proposal Protocols (pdf)

What is the Dissertation Proposal?

All doctoral students of OU SLIS are required to prepare and successfully defend the dissertation proposal. The dissertation represents a piece of original research that contributes to the knowledge base of the field. The proposal establishes the foundation on which the student will undertake dissertation research.

The student’s advisor is their primary guide for putting together a solid proposal. While other members of the Advisory Conference Committee may provide advice in their areas of expertise, it is expected that the student will work most closely with their advisor to make sure the proposal is ready for committee review. However, doctoral students are advised to also work with their committee on drafts of the document, allowing sufficient time for reading and revising prior to the formal defense.

The dissertation proposal forms a blueprint for the dissertation itself and serves as an agreement between the Advisory Conference Committee and the student about the research that needs to be done for the dissertation has a typical length of 20-40 double spaced pages. The proposal should detail the research methods and techniques to be used in conducting the dissertation topic. It also should address the relevance of the dissertation topic to the field of information science, describe the conceptual and research content in which the proposed study is located, specify the originality or uniqueness of the proposal, and review the research and other literature relevant to the topic.

The proposal should include research goals and objectives; a literature review; methodology to be used; timelines for the work; potential limitations; and any other elements deemed appropriate by the Advisory Conference Committee.

The dissertation proposal should be considered a draft of the first three chapters of your dissertation, with the following:

Chapter 1: An Introduction that is a clear introductory statement of the problem to be researched. The dissertation must represent an original contribution to the field, which must be made clear in this section. The introduction should include an overview of the problem; the significance of the research problem; identification of a gap in existing research; and the rationale for the current study, including research goals and objectives. This section should also include research questions to be addressed or hypotheses to be tested.

Chapter 2: Literature Review: This section contains a review of the relevant theoretical and empirical literature in the specific areas of the dissertation. Contrasting existing work with the proposed work, the literature review should show why and how there is a gap in the research.

Chapter 3: Methodology: This section describes the research methods that will be used for the dissertation, including reasons for using the methodology and citations to appropriate sources; and the research plan, including data collection and protocols, types of data to be collected, if doing human subjects research, how many people will participate and how the student arrived at that decision; data analysis methods; and approximate timelines. It is important to be realistic about the data collection plan. As well, this section should include potential challenges and contingency plans if the research plan does not work.

Defending the Proposal

The defense is an oral examination presented to the student’s Advisory Conference Committee.

While the proposal is being written, the student and the student’s advisor should consider the best time for the student to defend. As the timing is not prescribed by the OU Graduate College, it will be up to the student and the advisor to determine what is most appropriate.

Once the proposal is written, the student will send it to the Advisory Conference Committee no less than one month before the student would like to defend.

When the Advisory Conference Committee determines that the proposal is ready for defense, the student will schedule the defense, which includes arranging for the date and location. Other faculty members and students are encouraged to attend the proposal defense meeting.

During the proposal defense, the student will provide a brief presentation of up to 40 minutes to outline their proposed research. After the presentation, the Advisory Conference Committee will ask questions and provide feedback. As well, the Advisory Conference Committee, in conjunction with the student, will decide in advance if the general audience will be permitted to ask questions and/or make comments after the Committee’s questions and feedback. After all questions have been asked and suggestions made, the student and general audience will be asked to leave the room while the committee deliberates. The process will take no more than three hours.

After the Defense

The Advisory Conference Committee will discuss the relevance and efficacy of the arguments and methods stated. The Committee may approve the proposal for continuation or recommend revisions to be completed prior to approval. The student may be required to significantly revise the proposal and even hold a second proposal meeting before proceeding with the research.

When the Advisory Conference Committee has accepted the proposal, the student is then expected to complete their study according to the proposal as written and approved. Any changes to the goals, objectives, methods, plan, or other major element of the dissertation work must be approved by the Advisor in consultation with the other members of the committee.

It is expected that the dissertation proposal defense will occur within one academic year of successful completion of the student’s General Exam. However, that timeline is flexible as long as the student is making progress as determined by their Advisor. If an extension is needed, it is incumbent upon the student to clearly explain why the proposal is delayed.

Continuous Enrollment

From the Graduate Bulletin: Enrollment Requirements for Dissertation Research .

Enrollment Requirements for Dissertation Research

• A student who is working on the dissertation during a regular semester or summer session must enroll in at least two hours of 6980, regardless of the total number of hours in which the student is enrolled.
• The number of credit hours for each enrollment in 6980 will be determined by the student’s committee chair on the basis of the amount of faculty and university services required by the student during that enrollment.
• The student is actively working on the dissertation during summer.
• The student is seeking committee advice on the dissertation during summer.
• The student is otherwise using university facilities during summer, and has previously enrolled in 6980.
• The degree will be conferred in the summer session.
• The continuous enrollment requirement will be waived only for a student who is not working on the dissertation and who is enrolled in at least nine graduate credit hours during a regular semester.
• If a student has not maintained continuous enrollment in doctoral dissertation hours, the student must retroactively enroll in the number of hours of 6980 for each semester that would have been completed with continuous enrollment.
• The student must pay a late enrollment fee for each semester that would have been completed with continuous enrollment. Retroactive fees and tuition are assessed at the current semester rates. The collection of the appropriate fees is the responsibility of the Office of the Registrar and Bursar Services.

Approved by Faculty 3/2/23

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Information Science

Doctor of philosophy, university at buffalo.

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Earn your doctorate degree online

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Are you interested in exploring research questions in information science? Are you considering moving into a faculty position in the field? Do you want to enhance your leadership experience in libraries? If you answer yes to any of these questions, our doctoral program in information science is your ticket to the next phase of your career. 

A PhD in information science will give you the opportunity to develop sophisticated quantitative and qualitative research skills to equip you to delve into the complex information problems facing humanity and contemporary organizations. As human interaction and cultural expression continue to be facilitated digitally, the workings of digital technologies, their impact and their uses need to be understood. Our doctoral degree in information science will provide the opportunity to study these issues in depth. 

The information field is changing rapidly, and offering myriad opportunities for future scholars of information science.

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• 100% Online This program is presented 100% online. You will not be expected to attend any classes on campus.
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The San José State University School of Information (iSchool) offers fully online programs designed for 21st-century information professionals, providing flexibility and convenience. The top-ranked MLIS program, accredited by the American Library Association, prepares students for diverse careers in information environments. Additionally, the school offers an MS in Informatics with specializations in Health, Sports or Cybersecurity, the Master of Archives and Records Administration (MARA) program for archivists and records managers, a BS in Information Science and Data Analytics and several certificate and credential programs.

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The BS in Information Science and Data Analytics program prepares undergraduate students to work with data, technology and people. Explore the BS in Information Science and Data Analytics program.

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The MARA degree program prepares students for careers in the rapidly expanding fields of records management, corporate archives and information governance.

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The MLIS degree program prepares graduate students for exciting careers as information professionals who work in myriad information environments and professional positions.

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The MS in Informatics degree program prepares graduate students for exciting careers focused on analyzing and managing data—and making that data secure and actionable for users within a specific field, such as health informatics or cybersecurity/information security analyst careers .

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The Gateway PhD program is an international doctoral degree program that prepares individuals for research, faculty and leadership positions in the field of library and information science.

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Success in our PhD program starts with aligning your doctoral research goals with our faculty’s research and scholarly expertise.

To begin, use the faculty search tool (coming soon), select “Accepting PhD Students,” and enter keywords related to your research interests (e.g., “gerontology” or “sleep”) to find faculty members whose expertise aligns with your goals. After reviewing the search results, contact two to three faculty members directly to confirm that their research interests and expertise align with yours. You can view a faculty member’s full bio and contact information by clicking on their name in the search results.

If a faculty member isn’t a good match or is unavailable for mentoring, ask for recommendations for other faculty who might better fit your research goals.

In your PhD program application, you will list the faculty members who have agreed that they are a good match for you and explain:

• Why these individuals are potential faculty mentors
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If you have any questions about finding a faculty match, please contact our Student Outreach Coordinator in Student and Academic Services at 206.221.7708 or [email protected] .

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