Doctorate in Information Science

Through coursework and practical, 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 defines 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 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.

Information schools are interested in the relationship between information, technology, and people. Graduates of information schools use their expertise for the advancement of science, business, education, and culture. This expertise is gained through the iSchool movement's investigation of the uses and users of information, as well as information technologies and their applications.

In practice, this information orientation provides a focus on the organizational and social issues related to the ways people create, store, find, manipulate and share information. Graduates of information schools are adept at designing, refining and building information systems. They are attuned to the needs that drive people to seek information.

They are concerned with issues like access, privacy and usability. And they understand the increasingly complex social and organizational environments in which people seek to fill their information needs — in theoretical, virtual and physical spaces. They are ambassadors for the transformative power of information when applied ethically and effectively.