Information Science PhD
Degree Awarded: Doctor of Philosophy (PHD)
Minimum Required Credits: 60.0
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 11.0401
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 11-3021
About the Program
The Ph.D. in Information Science prepares students to become creative, interdisciplinary researchers with foundations in information science, data science, and human-centered computing. The program is designed to support all students in attaining a high level of scholarly achievement in seminars as well as supervised and independent study. The doctoral program has two major goals: acquisition of in-depth knowledge in a specialized research area, and interdisciplinary breadth to support creative scholarship. The degree prepares students for leadership and research careers in academia, industry, administration, and policy setting. Most graduates move into academic or research and development (R&D) careers.
Additional Information
For more information about this program, please contact the School of Computer and Information Sciences
Degree Requirements
| Disciplinary Focus | ||
| Select two (2) of the following Foundations courses: | 6.0 | |
| Foundations of Data Science Research | ||
| Foundations in Human-Centered Computing Research | ||
| Foundations of Information Science Research | ||
| Select one (1) of the following Methods courses: | 3.0 | |
| Computational Research Methods | ||
| Quantitative Research Methods | ||
| Qualitative Research Methods | ||
| Specialization | ||
| Select six (6) courses from one of the following foundational areas: 1 | 18.0 | |
Data Science | ||
Any IS (Information Science) course in the ranges 5300-5499, 6300-6499, or 7300–7499 | ||
Human-Centered Computing | ||
Any IS (Information Science) course in the ranges 5700-5799, 6700-6799, or 7700–7799 | ||
Information Systems | ||
Any IS (Information Science) course in the ranges 5500-5699, 6500-6699, or 7500-7699 | ||
Library Science | ||
Any IS (Information Science) course in the ranges 5800-5899, 6800-6899, or 7800-7899 | ||
| Seminars | ||
| IS 8920 | Science of Science | 1.0 |
| IS 8930 | Ph.D. Process and Practice | 1.0 |
| IS 8940 | Theory Development in Information Science | 1.0 |
| Research | ||
| Select research credits as needed: 2 | 30.0 | |
| Independent Study in Information Science | ||
| Ph.D. Research | ||
| Ph.D. Dissertation Writing | ||
| Ph.D. Dissertation | ||
| Total Credits | 60.0 | |
1 Students may take courses beyond the list of Specialization courses, including courses from other academic units, with IS department approval.
2 Students may take up to 4 additional courses from the Foundations, Methods, or Specialization lists as a substitute for up to 12 credits of Research with IS department approval.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Conduct original, interdisciplinary research at the intersection of people, information, and technology, drawing on rigorous methodologies and the diverse theoretical foundations of data science, human-centered computing, and information science.
- Design and evaluate information systems, services, and policies that advance equitable access to information and serve the public good.
- Demonstrate competence in teaching, mentoring, and professional leadership.