phd library science

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Library and Information Science, PhD

The Doctor of Philosophy in Library and Information Science program, in the Department of Information Culture and Data Stewardship (ICDS), prepares students for careers in research, education, and professional practice. The primary purpose of the PhD program is to develop an understanding of library and information science beyond the master’s degree, with particular emphasis on the conduct of original research, the production of significant research findings, and the contribution of such findings to public knowledge.

This is a research-driven program where you will work closely with professors who are experts in their fields. Opportunities for our PhD students include:

• Archives and Information Science: For doctoral students interested in pursuing academic careers in the archives area, with a focus on digital preservation or curation and archival ethics, accountability, and appraisal issues.
• Information Behavior: For doctoral students who seek to understand how people plot a course through complex information ecologies including digital environments, and how such ecologies can respond to their ways of thinking, feeling, and valuing. A special emphasis is placed on behaviors of children and youth.
• Health Information Behavior and Health Education Interventions: For doctoral students who wish to investigate the information practices and behaviors of health professionals, patients, caregivers, and consumers.
• Social Information Systems: For doctoral students who will investigate issues related to the design and use of social information systems, focusing on the impact of social media on people’s information behavior.
• Web-based Information Systems: For doctoral students interested in studying, designing, and implementing web-based systems for representing, retrieving, extracting, and disseminating relevant information.
• School Librarianship: For doctoral students interested in teaching, research, and administrative experience in a top-ranked, competency-based School Library Certification Program designed for school librarians and school library supervisors.

Degree Requirements

This PhD degree requires a minimum of 54 credits beyond the master’s degree with a total credit minimum of 72. A minimum of 36 credits must be taken in advanced course work. The student must receive a letter grade in each course taken in this 36-credit requirement, except for the teaching practicum course.  

An additional 18 credits are required, which must be applied to dissertation research and writing; however, regardless of the number of credits taken, no more than 18 credits for dissertation research and writing may be applied toward graduation. The grade for these credits will appear as an “S” on the student’s transcript. In order to register for, and successfully complete, dissertation credits, students must show evidence of work toward the dissertation by completing the Dissertation Credit Tracking Checklist and updating it at the end of the term.  

The minimum of 36 credits of course work, all of which must be on the graduate level, must be distributed as follows: 

• 3 credits: LIS 3000 Introduction to Doctoral Studies
• 9 credits: 3000-level doctoral seminars offered by SCI
• 3 credits: LIS 3950 Teaching Practicum or FACDEV 2200 Practicum on University Teaching
• 6 credits: Courses in research methodology and statistics
• 6 credits: Courses in cognate field
• 3000-level independent studies or doctoral seminars offered by SCI (maximum of 6 credits)
• Additional 3000-level doctoral seminars offered by SCI
• Additional cognate courses (up to 6 credits)
• Additional research methodology courses
• 2000-level courses in SCI (subject to approval by the students’ advisor)

For full degree requirement details, visit the Library and Information Science course catalog .

Admissions Requirements

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

Library and Information Science, Ph.D.

College of information and communications.

This research-intensive degree prepares doctoral-trained teacher scholars for library and information science faculty and administrative careers at universities, research centers and private businesses.

Our graduates distinguish themselves in advancing the ways people and organizations create and use information. We emphasize the relevance of social justice in the study and practice of library and information science, and we encourage faculty-student mentorship through publishing, grant writing and conference presentations.

Program Highlights

An expert faculty.

Learn from faculty members who combine distinguished academic careers with extensive professional experience.

Cross Disciplines

Learn to foster cross-disciplinary thinking with research and academic expectations.

Funded Research Opportunities

Apply for funding for your research and travel through The Graduate School and the School of Information Science.

Top Program

Study at a school ranked in the Top 20 of all American Library Association-accredited schools (U.S. News & World Report).

What You’ll Study

The program requires 54 credit hours beyond the master’s level, including 12 hours of dissertation preparation, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above. You'll take 15 hours of core courses, two research methods courses, 12 hours of electives within your research area (with a goal of producing work for scholarly publication) and a nine-hour cognate.

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

Data Analysis

Examining and interpreting information to uncover insights and inform decision making

Gathering and analyzing information to increase knowledge or solve problems

Analytical Reasoning

Breaking down complex problems or situations to identify patterns, connections and solutions

Collaboration

Working with others to achieve a common goal or objective

Critical Thinking

Analyzing and evaluating information to make informed decisions or judgments

Communication

Exchanging information and ideas through speaking, writing or other means of expression

Using your degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

Potential Careers

• Museum Director

Workplace Settings

Advanced degrees.

Advance your career or options with post-graduate education.

Combination Degree | Master's

Public Administration and Social Work, M.P.A. & M.S.W.

College of Arts and Sciences College of Social Work

Social Work, Ph.D.

College of Social Work

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Doctor of Library Science Programs in America

1-13 of 13 results

UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies

Los Angeles, CA •

University of California - Los Angeles •

Graduate School

• • Rating 4 out of 5   1 review

Alum: I went to the UCLA Teachers Education Program to be a teacher. Overall, the program was good and very aligned with its focus (social justice). Because I graduated from UCLA, it was pretty easy to find a job after in the public school system. ... Read 1 review

University of California - Los Angeles ,

Graduate School ,

LOS ANGELES, CA ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says I went to the UCLA Teachers Education Program to be a teacher. Overall, the program was good and very aligned with its focus (social justice). Because I graduated from UCLA, it was pretty easy to... .

Read 1 reviews.

School of Information and Library Science - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC •

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill •

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ,

CHAPEL HILL, NC ,

University of Wisconsin - Information School

Madison, WI •

University of Wisconsin •

University of Wisconsin ,

MADISON, WI ,

School of Computing and Information - University of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, PA •

University of Pittsburgh •

• • Rating 2.5 out of 5   2 reviews

Blue checkmark.

University of Pittsburgh ,

PITTSBURGH, PA ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 2.5 stars.

Read 2 reviews.

College of Information Studies - University of Maryland

College Park, MD •

University of Maryland - College Park •

University of Maryland - College Park ,

COLLEGE PARK, MD ,

School of Informatics, Computing and Engineering - Indiana University - Bloomington

Bloomington, IN •

Indiana University - Bloomington •

Indiana University - Bloomington ,

BLOOMINGTON, IN ,

• Find college scholarships

Rutgers University School of Arts and Sciences

New Brunswick, NJ •

Rutgers University - New Brunswick •

• • Rating 4.2 out of 5   5 reviews

Alum: I had a lot of support, I met a lot of great people, we grew together and guided each other. The housing situation was also pretty decent. They have a large variety of programs and a lot of electives that help you keep your sanity. Overall, I would recommend this school to people that are currently thinking of enrolling here. ... Read 5 reviews

Rutgers University - New Brunswick ,

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ ,

5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says I had a lot of support, I met a lot of great people, we grew together and guided each other. The housing situation was also pretty decent. They have a large variety of programs and a lot of electives... .

Read 5 reviews.

College of Information and Communications - University of South Carolina

Columbia, SC •

University of South Carolina •

University of South Carolina ,

COLUMBIA, SC ,

University of Arizona College of Science

Tucson, AZ •

University of Arizona •

University of Arizona ,

TUCSON, AZ ,

College of Organizational, Computational, and Information Sciences - Simmons University

Boston, MA •

Simmons University •

Simmons University ,

BOSTON, MA ,

Dominican University School of Information Studies

River Forest, IL •

Dominican University •

Dominican University ,

RIVER FOREST, IL ,

School of Library and Information Management - Emporia State University

Emporia, KS •

Emporia State University •

• • Rating 4.67 out of 5   6 reviews

Master's Student: I currently work in a public library and I find the classes relevant to what I will be needing in the future. The classes are engaging, my professors have been very helpful and available when needed. Quick responses to email questions. My advisor is amazing! I have already formed some lasting relationships with my fellow colleagues. ... Read 6 reviews

Emporia State University ,

EMPORIA, KS ,

6 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I currently work in a public library and I find the classes relevant to what I will be needing in the future. The classes are engaging, my professors have been very helpful and available when needed.... .

Read 6 reviews.

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College of Arts and Sciences - Texas Woman's University

Denton, TX •

Texas Woman's University •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   2 reviews

Master's Student: Coming to Denton, Texas from Nampa, Idaho to start graduate school was incredibly intimidating. Going into the JMSW program blind, I did not know any of my professors, let alone any of my classmates, but I could not have picked a better program to be in. The instruction I have received at TWU has been nothing but top tier. My professors keep the class sizes small which ensures that each student receives personal and efficient attention. Aside from the program itself, the campus as a whole is lovely and makes you feel as if you are part of a tight-knit community. The grounds are maintained exceptionally and the buildings are always clean. I can honestly say I am proud to be a student of TWU. Boldly go! ... Read 2 reviews

Texas Woman's University ,

DENTON, TX ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Coming to Denton, Texas from Nampa, Idaho to start graduate school was incredibly intimidating. Going into the JMSW program blind, I did not know any of my professors, let alone any of my classmates,... .

Showing results 1 through 13 of 13

Information Culture and Data Stewardship

University of Pittsburgh School of Computing and Information

• Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)
• Master of Library and Information Science Online (MLISOnline)

PhD in Library and Information Science

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PhD students may begin their studies only in the Fall Term in order to ensure a coherent program of study.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Library and Information Science program prepares students for careers in research, education, and professional practice. The program will give students the opportunity to gain the skills in teaching or research appropriate for careers at major research universities, teaching institutions, and library systems. The candidate must give evidence of superior scholarship and mastery of a specialized field of knowledge and must demonstrate his/her ability to do significant and relevant research.

Doctoral study in this field is a challenging, life-changing experience. You will learn how to conduct independent research through projects that have the potential to change the way people interact with information and to fundamentally impact how society evolves. This program will go far beyond giving you a set of skills… it will teach you to think in a completely different way. Coursework and research programs address cutting edge issues such as evaluating information in terms of being saved for posterity; information literacy in both developed and underdeveloped countries, closing the digital divide; and how social media impacts behavior and services in the Information Age.

Requirements for the PhD degree, a 54-credit program, include a minimum of 36 course and seminar credits beyond the master’s degree and 18 dissertation credits.

The School of Computing and Information invites applications from students interested in the following areas:

• Archives and archival studies
• Data stewardship
• Digital curation
• Digital humanities
• Digital and information literacy
• Ethics of information, data, and technology
• Informatics and libraries
• Information and data interaction
• Information culture and society
• Intellectual property
• Learning paradigms in information environments
• Libraries and information services
• Open science, reproducibility & transparency
• Research data management
• Scholarly communications / digital scholarship
• Social computing and information culture

Statute of Limitations

All requirements for the PhD degree must be completed in not more than 6 calendar years from the time of first registration (or 8 calendar years for part-time students).  Students may, in extenuating circumstances, submit a formal request for extension of their statute of limitations or for a leave of absence from the program.  The request must be submitted to the advisor and then presented to the LIS Committee on Doctoral Studies for a decision.

Alumni of this program have found challenging and successful academic careers at institutions such as the University of Michigan, University of Texas at Austin, Simmons College, Texas Woman’s University, the University of Rhode Island, the University of Toronto, UPMC, Kuwait University , and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Doctoral Admissions

Financial Assistance

Sample PhD Timeline

PhD Guidelines (University Catalog)

Dissertations

Library Science Degrees » Library Science Programs » Doctorate of Library Science Degrees

Doctorate of Library Science Degrees

A Doctorate of Library Science degree offers an opportunity for advanced research and training beyond a Master’s degree in Library Science . Students can expect to conduct, analyze, and report on relevant research as well as explore subjects pertinent to their chosen specialization. Certain types of librarians are required to have a doctorate, including medical and law librarians.

Leaders in information and library science have to be able to identify significant problems concerning the future of an information society. They carry out challenging studies and draw conclusions from them. Leaders communicate the findings to those stakeholders who will act on them.

Doctorate in Library Science

A doctoral program provides customizable, highly flexible, and intensive preparation for those who hope to specialize in managing a specific type of library like a university or law library. A Ph.D. in Library Science empowers students to learn and analyze user information and preserve, organize, and manage materials and information to make them accessible knowledge sources.

Click to find sponsored online library science programs currently accepting applications for 2024.

Why Consider a Doctorate or PhD in Library Science?

A Ph.D. in Library Science requires degree seekers to become specialized in a data curation, information systems, or librarianship related area of study. The word 'library' in the degree title does not necessarily mean the holder will work in academia or libraries.

A Doctoral degree in Library Science can provide the knowledge and skills needed to become anything from an archivist to an analyst. The careers have competitive salaries and a positive growth outlook. In 2016, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported those with a doctorate earned $43,472 more annually than all other workers. Earning a doctorate is an excellent means of developing expertise in a field and boost potential earnings.

Sponsored Online Library Programs

Are there online doctorate of library science programs.

There are several online Doctorate of Library Science programs, but there are more limited options that compared to a Masters in Library Science .

Illinois School of Information Doctoral Programs

The Illinois School of Information has a doctorate program that requires 48 credit hours, along with a research presentation, field exam, and dissertation. Students work closely with advisors to create educational experiences outside and within the school.

They help students prepare for future research careers. Besides taking classes and carrying out research projects, students are expected to participate in school-sponsored events, meet with international visitors, and attend talks. Those requirements cannot be completed online. Doctorate programs from other universities have similar requirements. Students who wish to continue online studies beyond the Master's level may consider enrollment in a doctoral program in Archival Administration , Public Librarianship, Information Management, or similar degrees. There are some doctoral degree programs in library science or related areas available.

Emporia State University PhD in Library and Information Management

Emporia State offers four Doctor of Philosophy in Library and Information Management degree programs. Three have concentrations in Informatics, Information Systems, or Instructional Design. Having a Master's degree is not necessarily required to gain admittance into the online doctoral programs, and undergraduate and graduate work in library science are not required. Applicants have to take an exam to qualify for candidacy. Those without a Master's degree may have to complete added graduate-level courses to satisfy the requirements of the doctoral program.

Walden University Doctor of Information Technology

Walden University offers a Doctor of Information Technology that is designed to enhance technical expertise while developing leadership skills to guide an organization. Experience and knowledge within IT are synthesized through:

• Leadership simulators that delve into issues relevant to Information Technology
• Face-to-face residencies that permit networking with other doctoral students and expert faculty members
• Seminar courses that explore current IT topics such as grid and cloud computing, software engineering, and information security

The Doctorate in Information Technology is offered in two Tracks. Track I is for students with a Master's degree in some technical field. Track II is for those with a Bachelor's degree in a technical field. Entry requirements are a completed online application, official transcripts, and employment history. An enrollment advisor helps candidates gather required materials from the application through the first day of class.

Capella University Doctor of Information Technology

Capella offers a Doctor of Information Technology with specializations in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity, General Information Technology, or Project Management. The university reshaped online education to put students in control. They can learn on-demand, manage costs, and leverage their experiences to advance on their own terms.

Typical Coursework for this Degree

A doctoral program is structured to provide students with a general understanding of the field of information and library science as well as expertise in specific research areas. Programs usually take two to five years to complete and consist of the following:

• Required coursework
• 18-hour review
• Research presentation
• Comprehensive examination
• Dissertation, including proposal, dissertation work, and defense

Research principles

Doctoral students customize their education by choosing a specialized research topic on which to focus their studies. Research topics vary in scope and subject matter but are uniquely relevant to the Library Science field. Core research principles are introduced through required coursework, specifically in classes like research design, research methods, and data analytics. Students can expect to conduct at least 36 hours of directed research aside from a dissertation, reading courses, and formal courses.

Top courses

Doctoral students take a broad range of courses that cover a variety of subjects. Some courses examine introductory principles while others explore more specialized topics relevant to the Library Science field. Some doctoral programs require students to take two research methods courses in consecutive semesters as well as up to six hours of statistic coursework. Statistics coursework must include an introduction to inferential and descriptive statistics, computational techniques, and analysis of variance. Students can satisfy this requirement with classes in other departments, such as education, psychology, or sociology. Appropriate courses are chosen with the help of a faculty advisor. All courses taken should be at the graduate level.

18-Hour Review

The review is usually held at the end of a student’s first year. The committee is chaired by the student’s advisor includes all faculty members who taught the student. The student’s mastery of selected subjects and the ability to identify opportunities for research and the means to address problems associated with research are addressed. Students are told of any identified deficiencies and suggested strategies to improve. If deficiencies are severe, the student may be counseled to depart the program.

Year Reviews Each subsequent year, students prepare and present a statement of progress to the associate dean and advisor. The statement includes a reflection on progress, a statement of research interest, a summary of completed coursework, and a list of papers written during the year. Continuing in the program depends on a satisfactory review.

Coursework Completion and Pre-Comprehensive Requirements

Full-time students usually complete all necessary coursework between two and two-and-a-half years. It’s generally considered unsatisfactory if a full-time student isn’t making progress within three years. Part-time students’ progress is based on individual circumstances. However, part-time students are expected to progress at a comparable rate. Before taking the comprehensive exam, doctoral candidates must:

• Complete all required coursework
• Conduct a literature review of a specialized research topic
• Present two papers submitted for publication

Comprehensive Exam

After completing necessary coursework and preliminary research, students assemble a research package for the comprehensive examination. This typically includes an overview of a student’s research interests, a literature review that specifies areas of theory, methodology, and research, and a brief dissertation prospectus. After the examining committee accepts the research package, an oral exam is conducted. The oral exam has the same scope as the research package.

Doctoral Dissertation

Students register for a dissertation by filing out advisory surveys, completing a registration form, and signing a learning contract. After the comprehensive exam has been completed successfully, the student and advisor consult to form a dissertation committee. Students then prepare a dissertation proposal to present to the committee. Typically, a student completes and defends the proposal or makes substantial progress toward that goal within six months. It’s generally considered unsatisfactory if a student hasn’t made progress after a year.

The doctoral dissertation is an original contribution of knowledge that involves identifying and defining a research topic, applying appropriate research methodology, organization, and data analysis to the investigated topic, and interpreting and presenting the research findings. The dissertation defense is a final oral examination and presentation. The dissertation committee that administers the exam typically includes a minimum of one scholar outside the program.

List of the Top Online Doctorate of Library Science Programs

The Doctor of Philosophy in Library and Information Science program, in the Department of Information culture and Data Stewardship (ICDS), prepares students for careers in research, education, and professional practice. The primary purpose of the PhD program is to develop an understanding of library and information science beyond the master’s degree, with particular emphasis on the conduct of original research, the production of significant research findings, and the contribution of such findings to public knowledge.

Admissions Requirements

The following are requirements for admission to the PhD/LIS Program:

• A master’s degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association, a recognized international program, or the equivalent in a closely related field of study. Students must submit official transcripts as evidence.
• Attainment in previous graduate work of a minimum quality point average of 3.50 (on a scale with A having a value of four points per credit). An international student’s quality point average will be calculated on the basis of equivalency from universities that use a different scale.
• Submission of scores from a predictor test, such as the Graduate Record Examination (or other test listed below) taken within the last three years.
• At least three references from persons in the academic and professional communities. The LIS Committee on Doctoral Studies may, on occasion, require additional references.
• An interview (in person, by telephone or using web conferencing tools) may be required as part of the admissions process for selected candidates, after an initial screening of their application materials.
• Submission of an application fee.

The Department of Information Culture and Data Stewardship seeks students with diverse educational and career backgrounds. By nature, LIS degrees are multi-disciplinary, and we welcome applicants with Bachelor’s degree and/or advanced degrees from diverse disciplinary backgrounds. Our multi-disciplinary nature is reflected in the wide range of standardized tests that are accepted by our admissions committee, which include the GRE, MAT, MCAT, GMAT, and LSAT 

Supporting Documents for Admission

As evidence of the ability to undertake doctoral work, the student’s application must be accompanied by: 

• An essay (not exceeding 1,000 words) indicating, as specifically as possible, the student’s detailed academic and professional goals in relation to the Library and Information Science doctoral program and discussing in detail potential areas and/or topics in which the student expects to pursue dissertation research. Students SHOULD identify one or more ICDS faculty members with whom they want to work. 
• A complete curriculum vitae that provides an overview of education, publications, work, and other activities. 
• At least one example of scholarly research or professional writing in any format (print or electronic), which should be authored solely by the applicant. The applicant should explain the status of any published or unpublished research, thesis, contributions to the professional or scholarly literature, and other professional or academic experience relevant to an assessment of his or her capacity to pursue research successfully. If the only suitable writing sample available for submission is a co-authored publication, the applicant must explain the nature and extent of his or her contribution to the work (e.g., percentage of the finished work written by the applicant), and should attach additional evidence as verification (for example, a statement by the primary author or co-author of the work, confirming the parts of the work contributed by the applicant). 
• If the candidate has had appropriate professional work experience in libraries, information centers, publishing, the information industry, education, or similarly related areas of professional activity, a brief description should be provided. 

Credentials of prospective students are reviewed by the ICDS Committee on Doctoral Studies. 

However, students who are applying for financial aid should be aware that they must be admitted and meet financial aid deadlines to ensure consideration for funding. 

Beyond the criteria and materials previously outlined for application submission, these programs do not require specific coursework for admissions consideration. 

Application Deadline

All admissions materials must be submitted by January 15 th of each year for beginning studies in the forthcoming fall term and for consideration for financial aid.

Commencement of Study

PhD students may begin their studies only in the Fall Term in order to ensure a coherent program of study.

Matriculation

On-Campus English Proficiency Test: Upon arrival, students who have not met the minimum TOEFL or IELTS scores will be given the on-campus administered English Language Proficiency Test. If remedial courses in English as a foreign language are recommended, the student must complete the remedial course during the first two terms of study. This may extend the length of the program of study.

Academic Advising and Plan of Studies

An advisor will be assigned to the student upon entering the program; however, the student is free to select a different advisor for subsequent advising and registration. The PhD student should seek a faculty Program Advisor who is knowledgeable in the student’s major area of study. The advisor must be a member of the graduate faculty in the Information Culture and Data Stewardship Department who is able to spend the time and effort necessary for the advising role, will be available for examinations, and with whom a productive and comfortable working relationship can be established. 

Program Advisor 

The advisor selected by the student for the period before the dissertation stage of the program is the Program Advisor. The Program Advisor and the Dissertation Advisor may be the same person, but the student has the option to select a different advisor for the dissertation. Upon agreement of the faculty member to act as the student’s advisor, the signed agreement is placed in the student’s folder. Any subsequent change of Program Advisor should be submitted in writing to the Chair of the ICDS Committee on Doctoral Studies and placed on record in the student’s folder. 

Doctoral students are ultimately responsible for their own direction and progress through the program and are encouraged to seek advice from any member of the SCI faculty or other University faculty in this endeavor. The Program Advisor, however, is the one primarily responsible for providing guidance, insight, advice, information, explanation of University and School policies, and general assistance in the pursuit of the PhD degree. The Program Advisor will also approve those actions requiring a faculty signature. 

The Program Advisor assists the student in  

• developing a plan for the program of study and 
• arranging for the preliminary and comprehensive examinations.

Degree Requirements

This PhD degree requires a minimum of 54 credits beyond the master’s degree with a total credit minimum of 72. A minimum of 36 credits must be taken in advanced course work. The student must receive a letter grade in each course taken in this 36-credit requirement, except for the teaching practicum course.  

An additional 18 credits are required which must be applied to dissertation research and writing; however, regardless of the number of credits taken, no more than 18 credits for dissertation research and writing may be applied toward graduation. The grade for these credits will appear as an “S” on the student’s transcript. In order to register for, and successfully complete, dissertation credits, students must show evidence of work toward the dissertation by completing the “Dissertation Credit Tracking Checklist” and updating it at the end of the term.  

The minimum of 36 credits of course work, all of which must be on the graduate level, must be distributed as follows: 

• 3 credits: LIS 3000 - INTRODUCTION TO DOCTORAL STUDIES    
• 9 credits: 3000-level doctoral seminars offered by SCI
• 3 credits: LIS 3950 - TEACHING PRACTICUM    or FACDEV 2200 - PRACTICUM ON UNIVERSITY TEACHING    
• 6 credits: Courses in research methodology and statistics
• 6 credits: Courses in the cognate field
• 3000-level independent studies or doctoral seminars offered by SCI
• Additional 3000-level doctoral seminars offered by SCI
• Additional cognate courses (up to six credits)
• Additional research methodology courses
• 2000-level courses in SCI (subject to be approved by the student’s advisor)

Additional Requirements

Gpa requirement.

PhD degrees are conferred only on those students who have completed all courses required for the degree with at least a 3.50 GPA.

Cognate Requirement

Doctoral students are required to devote some portion of their studies to work on other disciplines in order to broaden their perspectives and deepen their understanding of library and information science. To fulfill the cognate requirement, students are required to take a minimum of six credits and a maximum of 12 credits in some area of graduate study outside the field of library and information science. These credits may be from more than one department or school. 

Students may enroll for all or part of their cognate course work at institutions other than the University of Pittsburgh, but only when prior approval has been obtained from the ICDS Committee on Doctoral Studies. Courses in the School of Computing and Information generally cannot be used to fulfill the cognate requirement. Cross-listed courses may be counted as cognates if they originate outside the School. SCI courses may occasionally be approved as cognate courses if the subject matter is highly specialized and distinct from the student’s disciplinary focus; students must petition the ICDS Committee on Doctoral Studies for approval in advance of registering for the course. Cognate areas and courses shall be selected with consultation and approval by the student’s advisor. 

If a student has significant course work at the graduate level or an advanced degree in another discipline and desires that it be considered as the cognate field, the student has the right to petition the ICDS Committee on Doctoral Studies for exemption from the cognate requirement. A minimum of 36 course credits and 18 credits of dissertation writing and research will still be required for the PhD students who opt to petition for exemption from the cognate requirement. Such a petition should be submitted as early as possible, preferably in the first term, in order to plan a coherent program of study. 

Research Methodology Requirement

Research methodology courses may include courses in statistical analysis, general research methodology, and specific research methods or research methods used in specific fields of study, for instance, historiography, ethnography, or case and field study. Doctoral students should work with their advisors to identify the appropriate research methodology courses.

Research methodology courses may be taken within SCI or in another School. Research methodology courses taken from schools outside SCI cannot be used to fulfill the cognate requirement.

The research methodology course requirement must be fulfilled prior to taking the Preliminary Examination.

Teaching Practicum

A three-credit teaching practicum is required for all doctoral students in order to provide the student with teaching experience that may become part of the student’s professional dossier. The teaching practicum is usually taken after the completion of two terms of study. The student is responsible for identifying an appropriate course related to their area of interest and obtaining the agreement of the instructor of record. Appropriate activities as part of the teaching practicum include involvement in course design, attendance at all class sessions, presentation of some course materials, office or tutorial hours, and involvement in grading. The student’s teaching responsibility should involve preparation and presentation of specific topics throughout the term and sole responsibility for at least one class session. The teaching practicum is graded on a pass/fail basis.

Doctoral students may also fulfill this requirement by completing the University Teaching Practicum course offered through the Faculty of Arts and Science. The course, FACDEV 2200   , is a graduate seminar designed for Teaching Assistants and Teaching Fellows who will be teaching a class independently for the first time.

Public Presentation Requirement

During the course of the PhD program, each student is required to make a formal presentation to faculty and students in the School or in another academic setting. The topic of this presentation may be a research project the student is engaged in or preliminary results of the dissertation project. This presentation may be a guest lecture in a course, a public colloquium, a presentation sponsored by the Doctoral Guild or a presentation at an academic conference. Documentation of the presentation should be provided for inclusion in the student’s file.

Attendance at colloquia is required of students in their term of residence and is recommended throughout the PhD program.

Probation and Termination

All students pursuing the LIS doctoral degree are required to maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 after admission to graduate study for all course work applicable to the degree. Students are automatically placed on academic probation when their cumulative GPA falls below 3.5. The graduate faculty may choose to terminate students on probation for two consecutive terms. A cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better is required for admission to LIS doctoral study and for the award of the LIS doctoral degree. In addition, students must show adequate progress in the subsequent benchmark examinations and defenses.

Each student will submit a LIS Doctoral Student Annual Progress Report in the spring term for review by the ICDS Committee on Doctoral Studies.

Residence and Registration Guidelines

The University’s Regulations Pertaining to Doctoral Degrees contains myriad policies related to registration and residence. Students must review these regulations as well as those governed at the School level.  In addition, PhD students should adhere to the following guidelines. 

A student may not register for dissertation credits until the successful completion of the preliminary exam. 

Full-time dissertation study is achieved once all required courses (36 credits minimum) and all dissertation credits (18 credits of LIS 3999 minimum) are completed. Once the preliminary exam is successfully completed (after a minimum of 24 credits of coursework) students may begin taking a combination of dissertation credits and required credits until both requirements have been completed. Students may, with the approval of their dissertation advisor, register for up to nine dissertation credits per semester until the 18 credits are achieved, but a combination of dissertation credits and required coursework can also be taken in each semester, so long as at least nine credits of one or the other or both are taken in each fall and spring semester. If additional coursework (beyond the required 36 credits) is desired by the student or recommended by the advisor (for example, classes in statistical methods, programming, additional cognate courses, etc.), a mix of dissertation credits and such additional coursework may be taken as well (for example, six credits of dissertation and one three-credit additional course, or three credits of dissertation and six credits of additional coursework). 

Doctoral students who have completed all credit requirements for the PhD degree, including the 36 required credits and the 18 dissertation credits (54 credits total), have had their Dissertation Proposal approved, and are working full time on their dissertations, should register for “Full‐time Dissertation Study.” Enrollment in this course fulfills the University requirements for registration in the term of graduation. 

International students studying on an F-1 visa must maintain full-time registration status on an exact and regular basis that is stricter than the residency rules required by the school as stated above. Due to federal immigration regulations, if the term preceding a student entering full-time dissertation status occurs during the fall or spring terms, the student must enroll full-time (nine or more credits). A “reduced course load” request cannot be approved by the Office of International Services (OIS) unless the request is made for the student’s term of graduation. Even if a student needs to complete only six credits before entering full-time dissertation status, federal regulations trump the school’s program requirements and they must enroll full-time in all fall and spring terms excepting their term of graduation. 

Preliminary Examination

Eligibility.

To be admitted to the preliminary examination a student must:

• Have completed 24 credits of study or be completing 24 credits in the exam term, including 6 credits from courses in research methodology and/or statistics
• Be registered in the term in which the preliminary examination is taken;
• Apply in writing and with the advice and consent of a faculty advisor to ICDS support staff by the announced deadline.

Students (whether full‐time or part‐time) are encouraged to take the preliminary examination, with the advice of the faculty advisor, as early as possible. Full-time students MAY take the preliminary examination near the end of the 1st year spring term and SHOULD take it no later than the 2nd fall term.

Preliminary Examination Procedure

Upon completion of 24 credits of coursework, the student will submit a portfolio comprising the best representation of their work completed so far to the faculty for review. Each student will also be required to present this portfolio to the ICDS Committee on Doctoral Studies as a whole, and the whole committee will vote on whether or not the portfolio is acceptable. A date for the portfolio presentation for the Preliminary Examination will be set at the beginning of each term. Students are required to submit their portfolio to ICDS Department support staff two weeks in advance of the Preliminary Examination. Preliminary Examinations are held in the fall and spring terms.

Preliminary Examination Portfolio

The preliminary evaluation will be based on the breadth and depth of knowledge as addressed through coursework, as well as whether the coursework taken will support the research plan of the student. This portfolio will minimally consist of the following elements:

1. Course plan

• List of courses completed with dates
• Projected list of remaining courses with dates
• Notations concerning how all course requirements are to be met

2. Research prospectus

• Research prospectus or plan and how this relates to coursework (taken and planned). This section will consist of a proposed area of concentration for the dissertation, justification for the research, and description of the methodological approach in some detail. It will also include an analysis of what types of resources will be needed to carry out the plan and to support the student through the completion of the dissertation.

3. Two examples of major work

• Two examples of major work completed while working towards the PhD (for example, a substantial coursework assignment, and a published or submitted conference paper or journal article). At least one of these should be a significant piece of writing, authored solely by the candidate. The other can also be a paper or could be another type of work demonstrating depth of knowledge and research in an area. If a jointly authored paper is included in the portfolio, the candidate should be named as the first author, and they must explain the nature and extent of the contributions of each co-author.

4. Additional items

• Professional activities (e.g., papers presented at conferences)

Preliminary Examination Outcomes

The Chair of the ICDS Committee on Doctoral Studies will respond to the presentation with an evaluation memo to the student either noting the acceptability of the portfolio or noting the areas in which the student is deficient. The memo may be very specific and prescribe specific types of courses, work products, or other elements necessary for the student to complete their research plan or the required course work. If a portfolio is not passed by a majority of those hearing the case, the student may make a second attempt in a later term.

With the successful completion of the preliminary examination, the Chair of the ICDS Committee on Doctoral Studies will notify the student in writing of admission to doctoral study and will note the results on the Preliminary Examination Results Form .

Failure to pass the Preliminary Examination on the second attempt will result in dismissal from the doctoral program.

Failure to pass the Preliminary Examination by the end of the second spring term (or third spring term for part-time students) will result in dismissal from the doctoral program.

Comprehensive Examination

To be admitted to the comprehensive examination a student must:

• Have completed 36 credits of study
• Be registered in the term in which the comprehensive examination is taken;
• Apply in writing using the Application to Sit for the Comprehensive Exam form and with the advice and consent of a faculty advisor to the ICDS Department support staff at least six weeks before the scheduled exam time.

Full-time students should take the comprehensive exam in the fall or spring term of the second year. All students must successfully complete the Comprehensive Exam within 18 months of passing the preliminary examination (24 months for part-time students).

Comprehensive Examination Procedure

In the Information Culture and Data Stewardship Department, the Comprehensive Examination will have written and oral components, and will normally be offered in the fall and spring terms. Students will notify their advisor and the Chair of the ICDS Committee on Doctoral Studies of their interest in taking the Comprehensive Examination at least six weeks before the examination date, using the form provided. The dates for each student will be determined in consultation with the student and the student’s comprehensive examination committee. 

Students will be examined in two areas: 

• A broad perspective on current issues in library and information science, or archival studies, and 
• The student’s designated research focus. 

In the PhD Library and Information Science program, the following procedures apply: 

• The examination will be conducted by a three-person committee: the student’s advisor and two faculty members chosen by the student and the faculty advisor. Faculty members chosen to serve on the committee must give their consent. 
• The examination will consist of two parts: a written, take-home exam over two weeks (three weekends) and an oral examination conducted by the student’s committee. 
• The written examination will consist of four questions, two in each of the areas of the examination. The student will choose one of the two questions in each area. Though the student is required to answer only two questions, there is the expectation that the response will be comprehensive and include a high level of analysis of the material. In terms of length, 12-15 pages would constitute a minimal answer for each question though longer papers are expected. The student will be given two weeks (including three weekends) to complete the written examination. 
• The second part of the examination will be an oral examination expanding on any points from the written work that the committee wishes to address or any questions arising from the broad, general area of interest. The oral examination (approximately two hours) will take place as soon as possible after the written component has been evaluated. 

Comprehensive Examination Outcomes

The result of the comprehensive examination will be a pass or fail. If a student fails, they may retake the exam one more time. Students use the Comprehensive Examination Results Form to document this benchmark. Failure to pass the Comprehensive Examination on the second attempt will result in dismissal from the doctoral program.

Failure to pass the Comprehensive Examination within the required time frame of within 18 months of passing the preliminary examination (or 24 months for part-time students), will result in dismissal from the doctoral program.

Dissertation

Dissertation advisor.

Students must gain the agreement of a member of the ICDS graduate faculty to chair the Dissertation Committee that will advise on the area of research and the design of the study. The advisor’s agreement must be obtained and recorded in the student’s file. Any request to change the Dissertation Advisor must be submitted in writing to the Chair of the ICDS Committee on Doctoral Studies after discussion with the Dissertation Advisor. Students retain the right to change advisors with impunity. It is important for students to be aware of and sensitive to various issues, including: 1) the importance of mutual consideration in the relationship between advisor and advisee; and 2) the academic benefits of continuity in the relationship with a major advisor and other members of the dissertation committee. Approval for the change and the selection of another Dissertation Advisor is filed in the student’s folder. 

The student’s dissertation advisor: 

• Assists in choosing the members of the Dissertation Committee and in confirming the eligibility of all members selected; 
• Arranges with ICDS support staff to schedule the dissertation proposal presentation; 
• Reviews progress toward completion of the research; 
• Arranges with LIS support staff to schedule the dissertation defense; 
• Chairs the dissertation defense; 
• Secures appropriate signatures from Dissertation Committee members and assures that all required paperwork is submitted in accordance with the ICDS, School of Computing and Information, and University procedures. 

Dissertation Committee

The Dissertation Committee, selected by the student and major dissertation advisor, shall consist of at least four members, with the majority being from the graduate faculty of the School of Computing and Information. At least one, but not more than two, should be from another School of the University. Work in the cognate area may provide the student with the opportunity to select an appropriate outside member for the Dissertation Committee from a discipline related to the student’s area of specialization. Upon the recommendation of the Dissertation Advisor, and with the approval of the LIS Committee on Doctoral Studies, a member may be appointed from outside the University. Outside members of the Dissertation Committee are not obligated to attend dissertation related events in person. If an outside person from another University or agency does attend in person, the ICDS Department is not responsible for covering any expenses involved in the attendance of the outside member at meetings. Finally, the major advisor proposes the members of the committee for approval to the ICDS Doctoral Program Chair and the Dean, using the Doctoral Committee Form found under “PhD Student Forms” to document approval of committee composition.

Meetings of the doctoral candidate and the Dissertation Committee must occur at least annually from the time the student gains admission to Doctoral Candidacy. During these meetings, the committee should assess the student’s progress toward the degree, discuss objectives for the following year, and project a timetable for completing degree requirements.

Any language requirement relates to proficiencies necessary for successful completion of doctoral research. Depending upon the student’s program, proficiencies in modern languages, linguistics, and/or computer languages may be specified. The student’s Dissertation Advisor will determine the language requirement in consultation with the Dissertation Committee at the time the proposal is accepted. 

Dissertation Procedural Requirements

The student must submit all forms, letters, and questionnaires related to the dissertation research to the ICDS members of the Dissertation Committee for approval before any such documents are publicly distributed.

The student is also responsible for meeting University requirements when human subjects are used in research. These requirements are enforced by the University’s Human Research Protection Office (HRPO) and the Institutional Review Board (IRB). The school has a faculty representative on the Institutional Review Board who may be contacted with questions of procedure.

Bibliographic style is best determined by the subject of the dissertation; a style manual of the student’s choice may be used for the content of the dissertation and must be applied consistently throughout.

The final approved version of the dissertation must be submitted electronically to the University. For the full instructions on the formatting and submission of Electronic Thesis and Dissertation (ETD), please visit the University’s ETD Web site and the SCI Current Student Web site .

Dissertation Proposal Defense

Before scheduling the dissertation proposal defense, the student must have completed all required coursework, and successfully completed the Preliminary and Comprehensive Examinations, which may not be scheduled in the same term as the dissertation proposal defense.  Please complete the required form containing the scheduling information and the abstract .

The student should defend the proposal of the dissertation within 18 months of successfully completed the comprehensive exam (24 months for part-time students). All students must successfully complete the Dissertation Proposal Defense within 24 months of passing the Comprehensive Examination (36 months for part-time students). Failure to successfully complete the dissertation proposal defense within the required period of time will result in dismissal from the doctoral program.

The student should work closely with the Dissertation Advisor during the preparation of the proposal for dissertation research. Only when the proposal is reviewed and approved by the Dissertation Advisor will the student initiate the proposal defense process. The proposal must be submitted to the members of the Dissertation Committee at least two weeks before the scheduled time of the proposal defense. The presentation portion of the proposal defense is an open event and will be announced to the faculty and students in the school. If scheduling problems for committee members occur, telephone conferencing may be used. Faculty discussion about the presentation is closed and only the members of the Dissertation Committee will participate.

The Dissertation Committee must unanimously approve the dissertation topic and research plan before the student may be admitted to candidacy for the doctoral degree. However, approval of the proposal does not imply either the acceptance of a dissertation prepared in accordance with the proposal or the restriction of the dissertation to this original proposal. Please use this Proposal Defense Results form to document the results of the defense. 

For admission to formal candidacy for the PhD in LIS degree, a student must have fulfilled the following requirements:

• Passed the Preliminary Examination;
• Completed a minimum of 36 credits beyond the master’s degree with a GPA of 3.5 or higher;
• Passed the Comprehensive Examination;
• Successfully defended the dissertation proposal and received permission from the Dissertation Committee to begin research.

When these steps have been taken, the chairperson of the student’s Dissertation Committee will notify the Chair of the ICDS Committee on Doctoral Studies, the Chair of the Information Culture and Data Stewardship Department, and the Dean of SCI that the student has achieved formal candidacy.

In accordance with the University Regulations Pertaining to the Doctor of Philosophy, each student must write a dissertation that presents the results of a research project carried out by the student. An appropriate research project involves a substantive piece of original and independent research, grounded in an appropriate body of literature, and employing systematic methods and procedures to investigate a defined question or problem. It is relevant to an identifiable field as it is currently practiced, and provides a significant contribution or advancement in that field. It presents either a hypothesis tested by data and analysis, or an analysis of data supporting the development of a theory, or leading to new or substantially improved insights. It is the responsibility of the student’s doctoral committee to evaluate the dissertation in these terms and to recommend the awarding of the doctoral degree only if the dissertation is judged to demonstrate these qualities.

Characteristics which a dissertation should demonstrate are: 

• The establishment of a historical context for the presentation of an innovative and creative approach to the problem analysis and solution; 
• A clear understanding of the problem area as revealed by analysis and synthesis of a broad literature base; 
• A well-defined research design; 
• The clarity in composition and careful documentation; 
• Results of sufficient merit to be published in refereed journals or to form the basis of a book or monograph 
• Sufficient detail so that other scholars can build on it in subsequent work; 
• The preparation of the author to assume a position within the profession. 

Dissertation Defense

The student should work with the Dissertation Advisor to decide the right time for their dissertation defense. The student must obtain the Dissertation Advisor’s approval before initiating the dissertation defense process. The student is responsible for presenting one copy of the dissertation in final form to each member of the Dissertation Committee at least two weeks before the date of the defense. The deliverable format is to be determined by each individual committee member.

The date, time, location, and subject of the dissertation defense shall be publicized in The University Times four weeks before the defense is held. All members of the Dissertation Committee and such other persons as are interested may attend the final defense, but acceptance of the dissertation is determined by a vote of members of the Dissertation Committee. Only members of the Dissertation Committee may be present during the final deliberations and may vote on the passing of the candidate. A report of this examination, signed by all the members of the Dissertation Committee, must be sent to the ICDS Department Chair and the Dean. If the decision of the committee is not unanimous, the case is referred to the Dean for resolution. The Chair of the Dissertation Committee should ensure that the dissertation is in its final form before requesting signatures of the members of the committee.

A student who defends the dissertation, but with conditions to be met before the degree can be awarded, must meet those conditions within the required time frame: 

• Minor corrections (largely presentation, e.g., typographical errors) - to be completed within one calendar month, subject to approval by the Dissertation Advisor; 
• Substantial amendments (involving more significant revisions and/or additions, e.g., rewriting sections of chapters) - to be completed within three calendar months, subject to approval by members of the Dissertation Committee. 

In both of the above cases, the student’s statute of limitations will automatically be extended if necessary for the period specified, without the need for a petition.

A student who does not successfully defend the dissertation may revise and resubmit the dissertation for examination within the time frame allowed by their statute of limitations.

Students must be registered for at least one credit or full-time dissertation credit in the term in which they defend their dissertation. 

The student must have successfully defended their dissertation and received final approval of the dissertation, including all corrections, by the Dissertation Committee. All students apply to graduate; receipt of the graduation application initiates a review of the student’s coursework, grades, and milestone completion. As well, an international student’s SEVIS record will be updated with a new “program end date.” Registration is required for a minimum of one credit (or full-time dissertation) in the term of graduation although exceptions may be approved by the Dean’s Office on a case-by-case basis. Finally, the student’s Dissertation Chair and the School’s Director of Records must approve the submission and publication of the Electronic Thesis and Dissertation (ETD). 

For the full instructions on the formatting and submission of ETDs, please visit the University’s ETD Web site and the SCI Current Student Web site .

Statute of Limitations

All requirements for the PhD degree must be completed in not more than six calendar years from the time of first registration (or eight calendar years for part-time students). Students may, in extenuating circumstances, submit a formal request for extension of their statute of limitations or for a leave of absence from the program. Requests for either an extension to a statute of limitations or for a leave of absence are submitted through online forms; these forms are shared with the student’s advisor and then presented to the ICDS Committee on Doctoral Studies for a decision.

In all other matters of policy, see the University and School’s Catalogs, then consult with the School’s Director of Academic Records. 

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Ph.D. Programs in Library and Information Sciences

Written by Kelly Davis

MLIS – Clarion University | Youth Services Librarian

A Ph.D. in library science or information science provides scholars with the tools to produce individual research, collaborate with other researchers, and teach library and information science in higher education. The standards are not as concrete for Ph.D. programs as for Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) programs, but there are a few ways to rank a program’s quality. One way is to look at the school of information offering the Ph.D. and the other programs they offer, including if the school provides an MLIS degree and if the degree is accredited by the American Library Association. Another sign of a quality program is seeing the research and progress made by graduates and faculty and how much access a Ph.D. student will have to quality research opportunities.  

In this article, we highlight some of the most comprehensive Ph.D. programs in the U.S. based on these two significant factors. We also try to provide a few programs in each region of the U.S. in the hopes that one of the programs will be near you. Additionally, we will look at many other aspects of each program as well, including the format, what the coursework involves, and how to apply and become qualified for each Ph.D. program in library and information science. 

All of the following Ph.D. programs come from a school that is accredited by the American Library Association and offers students the ability to work with decorated and world-class scholars and professors. Additionally, the programs we chose are in areas that provide ample career opportunities following the program. If you want to know more about each program and what may be a good fit for you, keep exploring below.

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Ph.D. in Information from the University of Michigan

Doctoral students will work one on one with professors in information, many of which specialize in communication technologies, collective research capabilities, and how to change social relations. All professors know a wide range of research and topics and look at information and how individuals and communities interact with information and technology. Additionally, in your application, you will pick which professors you want to work with out of the 100 in the program. 

Many Ph.D. graduates receive careers as professors at prestigious schools including Brown University, Stanford University, and the National University of Singapore. Many receive fellowships at prestigious universities including Harvard University and Brown University. Other careers they received shortly after graduating include UX researcher for Google, Yahoo, and Facebook, design researcher for IBM, and data analysis for Microsoft. 

How to apply

First, apply online and pay the application fee. Send in a Statement of Purpose essay which will include the area of research you want to contribute to and past research done. Additionally, you will need to send in a personal history statement, a resume, three letters of recommendation, and transcripts. Your admission acceptance will be multifaceted in the factors the program will examine. Namely, they will look at past research, work experience, and your goals moving forward. 

Ph.D. in Information Studies at Long Island University

The Ph.D. program includes a dissertation and requires 60 credit hours. There are two areas of study for students which are Information Access and Systems, and Information Studies and Services. Additionally, this program can be taken part-time or full-time to accommodate students’ schedules. The on-campus classes can be taken between 6 PM and 9 PM. It is also the only program of its kind in the Metropolitan New York area, and it is within a school that is accredited by the American Library Association. 

How to Apply

You need a master’s degree to qualify, which can be in any area of study. Admissions will also evaluate you based on previous research, work experience, and the interest you have in research going forward. Then apply online , and pay the application fee. You will also need to send in transcripts, three letters of recommendation,  a statement of research and area of study, a resume, a personal statement, and a sample of scholarly writing. 

Ph.D. in Information Science and Technology at Syracuse University

Syracuse University offers its Ph.D. scholars opportunities to work and research one on one with professors and other doctoral students. The research opportunities are in areas of philosophy, psychology, sociology, computers and digital information, policy studies, librarianship, and information communication. This program is not offered online or part-time. It is a four to five-year program of full-time residential coursework. The Ph.D. student is funded by the school, and for this reason, the program is very selective. 

Apply online , pay the application fee, and send in transcripts and any other research or work experience completed. Applicants will be evaluated by a committee based on their readiness for the program, their intellectual ability and academic record, research interests as they relate to faculty interests, communication skills, and research preparedness. 

Ph.D. Philosophy in Information and Library Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 

Chapel Hill is the most respected information science department in North Carolina and its MLIS program is often ranked first or second by the U.S. News and World Reports. Their doctoral program is sure to hold to the same standards. Many of the faculty for the MLIS program are also professors in the doctoral program. The difference is that Ph.D. students work one on one with these world-class professors. The program is rigorous, but it provides some flexibility for those holding a job, or have families to care for. There is financial support for Ph.D. students and many receive full support for the first four to five years of the program; typically, students finish within that period. Students learn more about library and information science and they enhance their research and presentation of research capability. 

How to apply 

Accepted students in this program are often seeking to be information leaders, have a knowledge of diverse research methods, enjoy being an independent investigator, are committed to finding information to address critical questions, and enjoy intellectual challenges.  Applicants must have either an MLIS degree or an equivalent of study and research completed. To apply, go online and fill out the online application and pay the application fee. Also, send in all transcripts, an updated resume, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose that includes your area of research interest. 

Ph.D. in Communication and Information at Kent State University

The Ph.D. program in communication and information from Kent State University in Ohio is part of the information science school, which has been around for over sixty years. The program is offered online and in person and is a 70-credit hour degree program including a dissertation. Doctoral students must also pass the doctoral comprehensive examination to graduate. 

The degree program is for those interested in research, information communication, teaching higher education and academic librarianship administration, and administration in other information fields. The school of information science provides and encourages outreach opportunities for those pursuing a degree in library and information science. The outreach programs give students more experience and knowledge in conducting scholarly research and analyzing the needs of communities and the diversity within those communities. 

How to Apply 

To qualify you must have a master’s degree and a minimum of a 3.30 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Then applicants must fill out an online application and pay the application fee. Applicants should also send in official transcripts, an updated resume, a goal statement, a sample of scholarly writing, and three letters of recommendation.

Gateway Ph.D. in Library and Information Science at San Jose State University

San Jose, California is a great place to earn a doctoral degree in librarianship and information science because of the various research options and a number of opportunities due to the variety of ethnic groups and cultures in the cities of California. The Gateway doctoral degree program in library and information science teaches students to become independent scholars as well as collaborate with other researchers and colleagues.  Ph.D. students complete the program mostly online, however, there is an annual meeting that is a week-long and focuses on collaborative research. San Jose’s Gateway program also holds a partnership with the Manchester Metropolitan University, which offers doctoral students the opportunity to work with their professors as well in their research and to learn from them in coursework. With this program, students from both schools have won prestigious awards for their individual and collaborative research. 

The application process is one of the more extensive doctoral programs, and the program is highly selective. There are three stages of the application process. The first is filling out an online application , paying an application fee, and sending in a statement of purpose, an updated resume of related work, unofficial transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a 1000-word research proposal. In the second stage, the applicant is interviewed by faculty members, and they may ask for more writing samples. If the applicant makes it past the first two stages, then Manchester Metropolitan University will go over the final applicants and approve or disapprove of them. 

Doctorate in Information Science at the University of Washington

The information science department at the University of Washington is known for the research their doctoral students and their faculty do. They also teach students to become professors in their field and to be administrators in librarianship. The doctoral program puts emphasis on collaboration between students and faculty, plus they care about diversity in ethnicity and culture with the idea it brings richer research due to a mix of different backgrounds. The Ph.D. students also learn about UX, or User experience, which is how to evaluate a culture or group and its relationship with information and technology. Doctoral students are also taught to use various research methods and various ways to present information and research results. 

To qualify for the doctoral program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with an average 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, and a master’s or other additional higher education degree is preferred. However, admissions also look at your experience, interest and goals, and scholarly research.  Applicants can apply online . You will need to pay the application fee, send in transcripts, a personal statement, a diversity statement, a research statement, three letters of recommendation, and your interest in areas of research and which faculty member(s) you prefer to work with.

Ph.D. in Library and Information Science at Simmons University

Simmons University is located in Boston Massacutes which provides an ideal environment for research and study. Boston is full of history, diversity, and cutting-edge technology. The area also has a multitude of career opportunities after graduation. This degree program provides a flexible format for those who do not live in the area because the courses can be taken online. Additionally, students can take a mix of courses online and in person. The main focus of the degree program is to further skills in research and teaching within the library and information science.  Doctoral students also gain skills in organizing, analyzing, retrieving, and managing information. Students also learn how to preserve materials and learn more about archiving physical documents and digitizing documents for online archives. Simmons University also partners with other universities in other countries for higher quality and diversity of research. 

To qualify for the program, applicants need either an MLIS degree or an MS degree in Library and Information Science from a program accredited by the American Library Association. To apply, go online and fill out the application and pay the application fee. Also, submit all transcripts from any colleges or universities you attended, and send in a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, a writing sample of previous research, and a comprehensive curriculum vitae. 

University of Texas at Austin Ph.D. in Information Studies

The University of Texas at Austin has a well-funded Ph.D. program in information studies that allow for new technology to be a part of the curriculum and research. The doctoral students also can learn and then teach other institutions about various new technologies and the best ways to implement them to meet their community’s needs. Additionally, Austin is an advancing and thriving city in the midst of technological growth, and the city offers opportunities for research and careers in information science. The program includes a dissertation and 39 hours of coursework. During this time, students will produce two peer-reviewed scholarly journals. 

You do not have to have a master’s degree to qualify for this program, but you do need a bachelor’s degree and an average 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 grading scale. 

Then, apply online and pay the application fee. Afterward, send in three letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. 

The University of North Texas’ Information Science Ph.D. Program

The Doctoral program at the University of North Texas is the nation’s largest Ph.D. program in the Information Science discipline. It is also interdisciplinary so that students can work with students and faculty in various other degree programs including geography, computer science, engineering, linguistics, and merchandising. The program also has concentration options and dual degrees in data science consumer behavior and experience management, journalism cybersecurity, geospatial information systems, health informatics, and linguistics.

To qualify for any doctoral program you must have at least a 3.50 in either your undergraduate degree or your master’s degree. Also, talk to the admissions department for the information science department. Then apply online , send in transcripts, pay the application fee, and send any other documents or scholarly writing the application requests. 

Florida State University PH.D. in Information

Florida is a great state to earn a Ph.D. in library and information because of the diversity in the state of Florida as well as the environmental and marine biology research that is done in Florida. This is good for research opportunities as well as career opportunities. The number of good colleges in FLordia provides many career opportunities as well. 

Florida State has a program called the iSchool and it is ALA-accredited. Additionally, their doctoral students are able to travel across the U.S. for presenting at conferences like the ALA conference, ACM CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, and the Association for Information Science and Technology conference.

To qualify you must have a master’s degree and at least a 3.0 GPA. To apply, fill out the online application and send in a resume, statement of purpose, writing sample, and three letters of recommendation. Right now the GRE requirement is waived. Be sure to speak to an admissions counselor for any additional application requirements or recommendations. 

Library and Information Science Ph.D. Programs Final Thoughts

Ph.D. programs in library and information science are worth pursuing if you have a passion for sharing information through various modes to communicate with other scholars, but more importantly, with the world and its many communities. Many of these programs are lengthy and require dedication, but if you believe you have the drive to become a Ph.D. in Information and Library Science, then I hope this article helps you find a good match for your professional research and career goals. 

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Best Doctorates in Library Science: Top PhD Programs, Career Paths, and Salaries

A PhD in Library Science can open up a world of opportunities for library professionals. With a PhD, you can work as a librarian in a public or academic library, conduct research, or teach at the college or university level. There are many library science jobs available to those with a library science PhD degree .

So if you’re looking to level up your career and want to enroll in the best PhD in library science, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll discuss the top PhD programs in library science, as well as career opportunities and salaries for those with a library science degree.

Find your bootcamp match

What is a phd in library science.

A PhD in Library Science is a research degree that prepares students for careers in library and information science. Students in a library science PhD program conduct research on topics such as information retrieval, library management, digital libraries, and user behavior. They also learn about the history of libraries and the ways they have changed over time.

How to Get Into a Library Science PhD Program: Admission Requirements 

The requirements to get into a library science PhD program are a Master’s Degree in Library Science, school transcripts, and an acceptable GPA. some library science programs require that you take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). You’ll also need to provide a statement of purpose, a written sample of your previous research, and letters of recommendation.

Admission requirements for library science PhD programs vary. Some strictly require a master’s degree from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited institution, while others don’t. Some programs may also require you to have experience working in a library.

PhD in Library Science Admission Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Library Science from ALA-accredited institute
• Transcripts of all previous education
• Statement of purpose
• Writing sample of prior research
• Letters of recommendation

Library Science PhD Acceptance Rates: How Hard Is It to Get Into a PhD Program in Library Science?

It’s hard to get a PhD in Library Science. In fact, getting admission in PhD in any subject is not easy. The acceptance rate for library science PhD programs varies but is generally very competitive. For instance, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill only has a 24 percent overall school acceptance rate, which also indicates that PhD acceptance there can be challenging.

How to Get Into the Best Universities

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Best PhDs in Library Science: In Brief

Best universities for library science phds: where to get a phd in library science.

Some of the best universities for library science PhD include Simmons University, University of South Carolina, and University of Pittsburgh. You’ll also get the best library science doctoral degree from Indiana University, Rutgers University, and Emporia State University. In this section, you’ll learn about more of these schools and their library science PhD programs.

Dominican University was founded in 1890 as a private university. It comprises eight schools, offering 19 master's and PhD programs. The student-to-faculty ratio is 10-to-one, making it easier for students to get individualized attention. Dominican University is consistently ranked as the fourth best value school by US News & World Report .

PhD in Library and Information Science

This PhD program is an accelerated four-year degree. The first year of the program is dedicated to graduate-level coursework, and the next three years are devoted to PhD study. Some of the major courses offered include Studies in Core Values, Ethics, and Issues in the Library and Information Professions, Organization of Knowledge, and Big Data & Competitive Intelligence.

PhD in Library and Information Science Overview

• Program Length: 4 years
• Acceptance Rate: 76% (overall school acceptance rate)
• Tuition and Fees: $850/credit
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Scholarships, financial aids

PhD in Library and Information Science Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institute
• 1500-word statement of purpose and resume
• Research writing sample
• Official transcripts of all educational degrees

Emporia State University (ESU) has one of the oldest schools of library sciences in the western half of the US. This public research university was founded in 1863. Now, it has more than 200 academic programs across four colleges.

PhD in Library and Information Management

The program consists of four advanced courses, four research courses, and four foundational courses in a concentration. It’s offered in three concentrations: Instructional Design and Technology, Information Systems, and Informatics. This doctorate program prepares students for higher education roles, such as researchers, instructors, and administrators.

PhD in Library and Information Management Overview

• Program Length: 3 years
• Acceptance Rate: 86% (overall school acceptance rate)
• Tuition and Fees: $3,467/semester (in-state), $7,425/semester (out-of-state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Graduate assistantships, scholarships, fellowships

PhD in Library and Information Management Admission Requirements

• Cumulative GPA of 3.25 in master’s degree
• Minimum GRE score of 304
• 3 letters of recommendation
• 200-300 word statement of purpose
• Written work sample

Indiana University Bloomington is a public research university. Founded in 1820, it’s the main campus of Indiana University and the largest of its seven campuses by enrollment. Over 43,000 students are enrolled in this school, making it the largest campus of Indiana University. Most of Indiana University Bloomington's programs are highly ranked nationwide.

PhD in Information Science

Indiana University Bloomington is one of the oldest information science doctoral programs in the nation. Areas of research include archives, critical information, library science, digital libraries, philosophy of information, and information ethics. The program has produced many notable alumni who have gone on to careers in academia and industry.

PhD in Information Science Overview

• Acceptance Rate: 80% (overall school acceptance rate)
• Tuition and Fees: $7,092/semester (in-state), $20,967/semester (out-of-state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Teaching assistantships, scholarships

PhD in Information Science Admission Requirements

• CGPA of 3.2 in bachelor’s degree and 3.5 or better in master’s degree
• Writing sample (may be a publication, a grant proposal, or a technical white paper)

Rutgers University is known as a research powerhouse. This university has three campuses, 29 schools and colleges, and more than 300 research institutes throughout New Jersey. It offers more than 400 graduate programs and is home to nearly 69,000 students. The university was founded in 1766 and is one of the oldest and largest universities in New Jersey.

PhD Library and Information Science

Rutgers University is a world-renowned institution for PhD in Library and Information Science. The program faculty are at the forefront of knowledge in their fields, with numerous publications to their credit. The research areas in this PhD program include but are not limited to human information behavior, information retrieval, and information and technology.

PhD Library and Information Science Overview

• Acceptance Rate: 67% (overall school acceptance rate)
• Tuition and Fees: $43,807/year (in state), $61,892/year (out of state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Teaching assistantships, graduate assistantships, and fellowships, grant funding

PhD Library and Information Science Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s and master’s transcripts
• Personal statement
• Writing sample

San Jose State University (SJSU) is located at the center of Silicon Valley, making it a prime location for students interested in technology and innovation. The university is research-focused and is known for its world-class education. SJSU was founded in 1857 as a state normal school, and today has nine colleges and 36,000 enrollments.

Gateway PhD in Library and Information Management

SJSU's Gateway PhD in Library and Information Management is an international doctoral degree program that partners with Manchester Metropolitan University, England. It’s focused on research and prepares scholars for faculty and research positions. Students have the opportunity to get knowledge, supervision, and experience from the faculty of both universities.

Gateway PhD in Library and Information Management Overview

• Program Length: 4-7 years
• Tuition and Fees: $10,794/year
• PhD Funding Opportunities: No funding opportunities

Gateway PhD in Library and Information Management Admission Requirements

• Master's Degree in Communication, Information Science, Library Studies, Media Studies or another related academic or professional field
• A minimum 3.5 GPA from a relevant master’s degree
• Demonstrate research experience gained in master’s (master’s thesis or the research publication at master’s level)
• 250-word statement of interest and a letter of recommendation
• 500-word research proposal and a resume
• Copies of transcripts of all previous degrees

Simmons University is a private research university founded in 1899 focused on advancing education for women. With over 4,500 graduate students, it’s now a coeducational university offering more than 60 majors and programs. Simmons University is committed to providing students with opportunities for both on-site and off-site research.

Simmons University is one of the nation's leading institutions for library and information science. Its Library and Information Science program is ranked 11th in the country by US News & World Report. The program is focused on envisioning the library's function in academic communication, strategic priorities in academic libraries, and library technology management.

• Acceptance Rate: 83% (overall school acceptance rate)
• Tuition and Fees: $1,345/credit
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Teaching assistantships, scholarships, fellowships
• Master’s degree
• Statement of purpose 
• Character references (academic or professional)
• Official transcript of previous education

University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill is one of the oldest public research universities in the US. This school was chartered in 1789. It now offers over 160 graduate and doctoral degrees and is known for its high-quality and affordable education. It’s also ranked as the sixth most innovative university in the World by Reuters.

PhD in Information and Library Science

UNC at Chapel Hill offers an outstanding Doctor of Philosophy in Information and Library Science program. It provides students with opportunities in research, leadership, and teaching. Admission to the program is competitive. Scholars who complete the program have career opportunities in schools, corporate settings, and government libraries.

PhD in Information and Library Science Overview

• Acceptance Rate: 24% (overall school acceptance rate)
• Tuition and Fees: $586/credit (in state), $1,602/credit (out of state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Financial aid, research and teaching assistantship, fellowships, external awards

PhD in Information and Library Science Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher
• Unofficial transcripts of previous education
• Resume 

University of Pittsburgh is one of the most prestigious public universities in Pennsylvania. Founded in 1787, the university has grown to include four regional campuses, 16 schools and colleges, and 645 degree and certificate programs. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 14-to-one, the University provides its students with an intimate and interactive learning experience.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Library and Information Science program prepares scholars for careers in education, research, and professional practice. Students will learn about archives and information science, school librarianship, and web-based information systems. The program requires a minimum of 54 credits of coursework and 18 credits of research and dissertation.

• Acceptance Rate: 64% (overall school acceptance rate)
• Tuition and Fees: $1,031/credit (in-state), $1,767/credit (out-of-state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Scholarships, awards, fellowships, assistantships
• Master’s degree accredited by American Library Association (ALA) in a related field
• Minimum of 3.5 GPA
• Essay 
• Letters of reference (academic or professional)
• Official transcripts

Founded in 1801, University of South Carolina (USC) has 13 graduate schools offering over 250 graduate programs. USC is an R1 institution designated by the Carnegie Research Classifications. It has 56 graduate programs ranked nationally. USC has over 6,000 graduate students and is committed to the diversity and inclusion of African-Americans.

The PhD program is research-intensive and trains students for jobs as academics and administrators in research institutes and universities. Admission to this PhD program is competitive. This 54-credit curriculum covers a broad range of topics, so students may do research in a number of areas with the aid of this program.

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• Acceptance Rate: 68% (overall school acceptance rate)
• Tuition and Fees: $599/credit (in-state), $1,257/credit (out-of-state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Sponsorships, awards, grants
• Official transcripts from previous colleges and universities
• Minimum of 3.0 GPA 

Founded in 1848, University of Wisconsin-Madison is one of the leading research institutions in the US. It’s among the top schools for research spending and has Nobel Prize winners among its faculty. It has 13 schools and colleges, including over 160 master's and doctoral programs, and about 9,700 graduate students.

PhD in Library and Information Studies

The program is highly writing-intensive, with all students required to complete a comprehensive dissertation prior to graduation. Classes in this PhD degree program are small, with only a handful of students admitted each year. The program offers two concentrations, which include information studies and print culture history. PhD students may get a five-year fully funded scholarship.

PhD in Library and Information Studies Overview

• Program Length: 3-5 years
• Acceptance Rate: 57% (overall school acceptance rate)
• Tuition and Fees: $12,220/year (in-state), $25,548/year (out-of-state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Scholarships, assistantships, loans, research and travel grants, fellowships

PhD in Library and Information Studies Admission Requirements

• Master’s degree in a related field 
• Minimum of 3.0 GPA

Can You Get a PhD in Library Science Online?

Yes, you can also get a PhD in Library Science online. Some universities offer online programs for Library Science degrees that are flexible and convenient for working professionals. Some of the best online PhDs in library science are given in the below table.

Best Online PhD Programs in Library Science

How long does it take to get a phd in library science.

It typically takes three to five years to complete a PhD in Library Science. This time is spent on earning coursework credits, conducting research, and writing a dissertation. The first year is usually spent on coursework, while the rest is spent on your research, thesis, and final defense.

Is a PhD in Library Science Hard?

Yes, a PhD in Library Science is hard because you have to work independently most of the time. Plus, the burden of meeting deadlines is only on you. In fact, taking a PhD in any subject is challenging to complete, as it requires discipline, dedication, and hard work.

However, the rewards of obtaining a PhD are many. With a Doctorate in Library Science, you can pursue a career in library science in the academia or research fields. You’ll also be able to command a higher salary.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a PhD in Library Science?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), it costs an average of $19,792 per year to get a PhD in Library Science. The average cost to get a PhD from a public university is $12,410 per year. In comparison, the average cost of getting a PhD from a private university is $26,597 per year, according to NCES.

How to Pay for a PhD in Library Science: PhD Funding Options

You can pay for a PhD in Library Science through student loans, scholarships, or fellowships. Some students also apply for grants from their schools, the government, or private organizations. Others may work as research assistants or teaching assistants to help pay for their education.

Best Online Master’s Degrees

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What Is the Difference Between a Library Science Master’s Degree and a PhD?

The main difference between a Library Science Master’s Degree and a PhD is that a doctoral degree is more of a research degree, while a master’s degree is a professional degree. A PhD prepares students for careers in academia or research. A master’s degree prepares students for careers as librarians or information professionals.

Another difference between these two is the program length. A PhD in Library Science typically takes three to five years to complete. A Master’s Degree in Library Science can be completed in one and a half to two years.

Master’s vs PhD in Library Science Job Outlook

The job outlook for both Master’s and PhD Library Science graduates is positive from 2020 to 2030. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job projections for librarians with master’s degrees will grow by nine percent . On the other hand, the job growth forecast for those with PhD degrees is 12 percent .

Difference in Salary for Library Science Master’s vs PhD

The difference between the salaries of master’s and PhD holders is not significant. According to the BLS, the median salary for PhD degree holders is $1,909 per week. The median weekly salary for those with a master’s degree as their highest educational attainment is $1,574.

Related Library Science Degrees

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Why You Should Get a PhD in Library Science

You should get a PhD in Library Science if you’re looking for a career in academia or research. With a PhD, you’ll be able to teach at the university level and conduct research. You’ll also have the opportunity to work in high-level positions in libraries or information organizations.

Reasons for Getting a PhD in Library Science

• More job opportunities. With a PhD in Library Science, you’ll have access to more job opportunities than with a master’s degree. You’ll also be qualified for jobs that require higher levels of education and experience.
• Higher salary. If you have a PhD in Library Science, you can pursue higher-level positions and command a greater salary. Having a PhD will give you an edge in the job market and help you land the job of your dreams.
• Research contribution. A Doctorate in Library Science gives you the opportunity to conduct research and investigate different library practices. You can contribute to the knowledge base in the field. Your research can be used to inform policy decisions and help shape the future of libraries.
• High expertise. A PhD in Library Science makes you an expert in your field. You’ll be able to offer leadership and direction to library services. You’ll conduct research, manage projects, and help people find the information they need.

Getting a PhD in Library Science: Library Science PhD Coursework

The coursework for a library science PhD program covers a broad range of topics including archival arrangement, information retrieval, and organization of knowledge. Students also learn about information technology and research in library and information science. Below are brief descriptions of each course.

Archival Arrangement

In this course, students will learn about the principles of archival arrangement. They will learn about different archival theories and practices, such as provenance and original order. They will also learn about how to arrange digital archives.

Organization of Knowledge

In this course, students will learn about different models of organizing knowledge, such as the Dewey Decimal System and the Library of Congress Classification system. They will also learn about how knowledge is organized in digital environments.

Information Retrieval

This course covers different aspects of information retrieval, such as search engines and information literacy. Students will learn about different information retrieval systems, such as Boolean searches. They will also learn about how to evaluate and select information sources.

Information Technology

This course covers different aspects of information technology, such as hardware and software. Students will learn about different types of information technology, such as databases and digital libraries. They will also understand how to manage information technology projects in relation to library science.

Research in Library and Information Science

This course covers research methods and design in library and information science. Students will learn about different research approaches , such as qualitative and quantitative research. They will also learn how to develop research proposals and conduct literature reviews.

Best Master’s Degrees

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How to Get a PhD in Library Science: Doctoral Program Requirements

The requirements to get a PhD in Library Science include a comprehensive exam, coursework credits, teaching practicum, dissertation process, and final thesis defense. It also requires getting taking a research methodology course and maintaining a required GPA.

The comprehensive exam is a written and oral examination that tests your knowledge of library science. You’ll be expected to answer questions about library theory, research methods, and information technology.

You’ll need to complete a certain number of credit hours to graduate with a PhD in Library Science. The required coursework credits vary by school, but most programs require between 36 and 60 credit hours.

Most PhD in Library Science programs require a research methodology course. This course will teach you about different research methods. You’ll learn about how to design research studies, collect data, and analyze data.

Many PhD programs in Library Science require a teaching practicum. This is an opportunity for you to gain experience teaching library science courses. You’ll be required to teach one or two classes during your practicum.

To graduate with your PhD in Library Science, you’ll need to maintain a certain GPA. The required GPA varies by school, but most programs require a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

A thesis is required for a PhD in Library Science. Your thesis will be a research project that you complete during your time in the doctoral program. You’ll need to choose a topic, conduct research, and write a dissertation.

After you complete your thesis, you’ll need to defend it before a panel of faculty members and students. During your defense, you’ll be asked questions about your research. You’ll need to convince the panel that your research is valid and that your conclusions are sound.

Potential Careers With a Library Science Degree

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PhD in Library Science Salary and Job Outlook

PhD in Library Science salary and job outlook are good. With a PhD, you can become a postsecondary teacher, librarian, archivist, or library media specialist. The job outlook for these positions ranges from eight to 19 percent, which is as fast or faster than the outlook of other occupations. The demand for qualified librarians is expected to grow in the coming years.

What Can You Do With a PhD in Library Science?

There are many different types of jobs that you can get with a PhD in Library Science, including digital librarianship, archive manager, and information scientist. You can also be a postsecondary teacher and database administrator.

Best Jobs with a PhD in Library Science

• Computer and Information System Manager
• Database Administrator
• Librarian and Library Media Specialist
• Library Science Postsecondary Teacher

What Is the Average Salary for a PhD in Library Science?

The average salary for a PhD in Library and Information Science is $55,000 per year, according to PayScale. However, the average annual salary for a PhD degree holder in any subject is $100,000. Ultimately, the salary of a library science PhD holder depends on the school they graduated from, the position they assume, and the experience they have, as seen in the table below.

Highest-Paying Library Science Jobs for PhD Grads

Best library science jobs with a doctorate.

The best library science jobs with a doctoral degree are those that are in high demand, have a positive job outlook, and offer a good salary. Some of the best jobs for library science PhDs are discussed below.

A computer and information system manager is responsible for the overall planning, implementation, and maintenance of an organization's electronic data and information systems. They are also in charge of the security of an organization's electronic data.

• Salary with a Library Science PhD: $165,940
• Job Outlook: 11% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 482,000
• Highest-Paying States: New York, California, New Jersey, Washington, District of Columbia

Database administrators (DBAs) use specialized software to store and organize data. They make sure that users can access the information easily. DBAs develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure the database is used effectively. They also maintain and update the databases.

• Salary with a Library Science PhD: $98,860
• Job Outlook: 8% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 168,000
• Highest-Paying States: New Jersey, Massachusetts, Washington, New York, Rhode Island

Library science postsecondary teachers teach courses in library science in universities. They prepare and deliver lectures, create syllabi, and assess student learning. They also conduct research and publish scholarly papers.

• Salary with a Library Science PhD: $77,100
• Job Outlook: 12% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 1,276,900
• Highest-Paying States: California, South Carolina, Indiana, Rhode Island, Oregon

Librarians and library media specialists are responsible for library administration, including acquisition, cataloging, and circulation of library materials. They also provide reference materials and research services to library patrons. They may also develop and implement library programs.

• Salary with a Library Science PhD: $62,550
• Job Outlook: 9% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 143,500
• Highest-Paying States: District of Columbia, Washington, California, Maryland, New York

Archivists preserve historical records. They organize and store records, documents, and artifacts. Archivists also provide reference services to library visitors. They also protect the old records by making digital copies of them.

• Salary with a Library Science PhD: $50,120
• Job Outlook: 19% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 35,000
• Highest-Paying States: District of Columbia, Maryland, Connecticut, New York, Rhode Island

Is a PhD in Library Science Worth It?

Yes, a PhD in Library Science is worth it. With a PhD, you’ll be able to work as a professor and researcher. You can also become a librarian, archivist, information officer, or library media specialist. If you’re interested in research, a PhD in Library Science will give you the skills you need to conduct research and write scholarly papers. Overall, a PhD in Library Science is a good investment.

Additional Reading About Library Science

[query_class_embed] https://careerkarma.com/blog/best-schools-for-library-science/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/how-to-become-a-librarian/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/best-schools-for-information-science/

PhD in Library Science FAQ

Based on our list, the salary for library science professions ranges from $50,120 to $165,000 per year. This pay may vary depending on the role, tenure, and years of experience.

Yes, a Postdoc in Library Science can be worth it if you’re a knowledge-seeker and you want to further pursue your career in research and academia. A postdoc may give you an edge in getting a promotion in academia. If you’re a librarian, archivist, information specialist, or in any library science field other than academia, you’re not required to get a postdoc.

The four types of libraries are public libraries, academic libraries, school libraries, and special libraries. Public libraries serve the general public. Academic libraries serve the students and faculty of colleges and universities. School libraries serve the students and faculty of K-12 schools. Special libraries serve specific organizations or groups of people.

Yes, library science is in demand, with the job outlook for library science professions ranging from eight to 19 percent. There is a growing need for qualified librarians and library media specialists. This is due to the increasing use of libraries and the increasing amount of information that needs to be organized and accessed.

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ALA-Accredited Programs

ALA-accredited master's programs can be found at colleges and universities in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. These programs offer degrees with names such as Master of Library Science (MLS), Master of Arts, Master of Librarianship, Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS), and Master of Science. ALA accreditation indicates that the program has undergone an external review and meets the ALA Committee on Accreditation’s Standards for Accreditation of Master’s Programs in Library and Information Studies .

The Directory, available in two formats, provides information about library and information studies programs that are accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). The ALA Office for Accreditation publishes the Directory annually, and provides the opportunity for programs to update their entries when information changes. This Directory offers summary information only. Please consult the school directly for in-depth information regarding programs, course offerings, distance education programs, admissions, financial aid, and degrees.

• Directory of ALA-accredited programs in a searchable database format
• Directory of ALA-accredited programs in PDF format (clicking this link will download the entire directory, current as of date listed)
• Trended data by program, including student-to-faculty ratios, enrollment, graduation and more (Excel format)

For more information on how to read or interpret this report, contact the Office for Accreditation . For more information about a specific program, contact the school directly.

For a career as a school librarian in a pre-kindergarten through 12th grade setting, a master’s degree with a specialty in school librarianship from an educational unit accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) (formerly NCATE) and recognized by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) is also appropriate.

• Directory of AASL-recognized master’s programs in school librarianship

See the guidelines for choosing a master's program in library and information studies for help in selecting the master's program that is right for you.

The above directory contains listings for currently accredited programs only.

• Historical List of ALA-Accredited programs for all programs accredited since 1925

The following programs are in Candidacy status seeking ALA accreditation:

• University College London Master of Arts Library and Information Studies (Accreditation decision in June 2024)

Report problems with the directories to [email protected] .

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The 3 Best Doctor of Library Science (D.L.S.) Degree Programs: Salary and Information

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It’s easy to find an online Master’s degree program in Library Science, but a Doctor of Library Science… Well, not so much! Most doctorate programs require some face-to-face interaction with students and faculty, and the residencies and dissertation process requires hands-on, on-campus attendance.

In fact, online programs in this field may be a challenge to find at all and on-campus programs are limited as well.

Albert Einstein once said, “The only thing that you absolutely have to know is the location of the library.” Do you think that Mr. Einstein would have approved of today’s technology and the wealth of knowledge we have at our fingertips through the use of the Internet? Do you know where your local library is located? Do you own a library card?

Without a doubt, avid readers are thrilled by four walls, enveloping them in bound books, from ceiling to floor, that offer a plethora of knowledge to the scholar or anyone who is just plain curious.

The library is an integral part of any community, as it is a special place for most. What about the smell of an old book? Does it bring back memories? Or, what about the history it has seen? What about the atmosphere of a library?… the silence, the reverence and respect for others, the total emersion of taking yourself to another place and time? Perhaps, all you hear is the occasional turn of a page.

At a library, kids get to enjoy the feel of a book in their little hands, people can learn a foreign language there, book clubs host get-togethers to discuss a common interest and at a library, you can hold someone’s innermost thoughts right in your hands. Libraries bring people together, young and old. The library is where “knowledge” lives!

Thank you Benjamin Franklin… for creating the first public library. Let’s make him proud and continue the sharing of valuable information, especially through the form of an open book. And okay, perhaps we can all agree that Mr. Einstein and Mr. Franklin would have approved of today’s digital accessibility – but only if they were in a time crunch!

Best Doctor of Library Science Schools

A Doctor of Library Science gives librarians a chance to rise to the top of their field and work in some of the top libraries in the country. Librarians with a Doctor of Library Science expand ordinary librarian skills to include the preservation of corporate records and research that may be concentrated around marketing and sales, statistics, or the study of clinical trials.

Check out these schools offering valuable coursework taught by top-notch faculty members. A PHD in Library Science is the way to go! Library Science programs will help you get that promotion you deserve!

THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH SCHOOL OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATION

Program Standouts:

The Doctor of Philosophy in Library and Information Science program at the University of Pittsburgh School of Computing and Information “prepares students for careers in research, education, and professional practice.”

According to the program website, the purpose of the Ph.D. is to assist students in understanding library and information science at the highest level. Emphases in the program include producing original and significant research findings and contributing those findings to public knowledge.

Campus Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Admission Requirements:

• Letters of Recommendation
• Transcripts
• Statement of Intent

Focus Options:

• Archives and Information Science
• Information Behavior
• Health Information Behavior and Health Education Interventions
• Social Information Systems
• Web-based Information Systems
• School Librarianship

Degree Outcomes: With 6-degree focus opportunities, the Doctor of Library Science at the University of Pittsburgh gives students diverse options for their future as well as their current studies and employment.

From a career in School Librarianship to a job researching Information Science, students who graduate from this research-driven program become experts in their field of choice.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTOR OF LIBRARY SCIENCE DEGREE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH SCHOOL OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATION

Illinois school of information sciences.

With guaranteed financial support for five years, the Ph.D. in Information Sciences at the Illinois School of Information Sciences is reputable and affordable. Known as the iSchool, the Illinois School of Information Sciences gives students the opportunity to excel in library and information studies.

The program at iSchool is interdisciplinary and research-oriented. The focus of the program is to give students and graduates the ability to respond to new technological and social opportunities for researching and producing information.

Campus Location: Champaign, Illinois

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

• Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Information Science or a related degree
• GPA of 3.0 or above
• Statement of Purpose
• Research Statement
• Letters of Reference
• Writing Sample

Focus Opportunities:

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

Degree Outcomes: According to the iSchool website, graduates with a Ph.D. in Information Sciences will have acquired the following learning outcomes:

• Global Information Consciousness
• Intellectual Reasoning and Knowledge
• Creative Inquiry and Discovery
• Social and Cultural Awareness and Understanding
• Effective Leadership and Community Engagement

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTOR OF INFORMATION SCIENCES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

Simmons university.

Students at Simmons University work closely with fellow master’s and doctoral students as well as experienced faculty. These engagements occur through analytical research, experience reports, self-reflective essays, and teaching and service activities.

Graduates of the Ph.D. in Library and Information Science program at Simmons University have a strong record of professional experience, publications, and a broad portfolio.

Campus Location: Boston, Massachusetts

Accreditation: Simmons University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, 3 Burlington Woods Drive, Suite 100, Burlington, MA 01803-4514

• Updated Curriculum Vitae
• Official Transcripts
• Academic or Professional References

Course Sample:

• Applied Statistics for Library and Information Science
• Qualitative Research
• Teaching Methods, Course Design, and Assessment

Degree Outcomes: According to the school’s website, “the School of Library and Information Science at Simmons University has an established reputation for producing leaders in professional service at local, national, and international levels.”

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTOR OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE DEGREE AT SIMMONS UNIVERSITY

What is library science.

Don’t think that being a librarian is dull and boring. Nothing could be further from the truth. If you have a love of research and your community, you will excel in library science as you combine the two. This field involves many components, such as education, statistics, management, as well as information systems, and digital technology.

You will be responsible for the collection and organization of information, as well as the preservation and distribution of integral facts and knowledge. Library science also includes protecting historical findings and cultural information, along with records management.

Librarians are found in traditional community libraries, government offices, educational institutions, and in corporation research departments. They assist others in the research process by providing historical information on paper or online.

How are your investigating skills? If you enjoy a good mystery, often librarians are given a treasure-hunting assignment for a particular subject of publication.

In addition, librarians often organize and host public and private events, as well as organize children’s summer reading programs. With a Ph.D. in Library Science, you may oversee projects such as studying clinical trials, preserving corporate records, and researching marketing and sales statistics.

How do I earn my Doctor of Library Science degree?

Depending on your choice of school, you may or may not need to have a master’s degree to enter a doctorate degree program in library science, although you may be required to pass an admittance exam. In addition, if needed, you may be allowed to add on the necessary graduate work needed to complete the doctoral program entry requirements.

Coursework in a Doctor of Library Science program may include communication and leadership work, as well as programs such as:

• advanced research methods,
• teaching library information science,
• regulations and information science,
• theories in library science.

Your program will include a dissertation.

Library Science degree?

Positions for librarians are projected to grow by 3% between 2022 and 2032, according to the BLS. As current librarians retire and the need for well-qualified personnel to take their places continues to increase, libraries need excellent management as well as committed keepers of organized information.

What kind of salary can I expect?

Generally, the librarian’s salary ranges from $36,260 to $98,650 per year .

What are some career choices in the field of library science, you ask?

A Web Archivist maintains online sources such as websites, and they transfer hard copy materials into digital form. A School Librarian works closely with students assisting them in their academic research.

Library Directors and Administrators are needed to efficiently oversee the day-to-day operations of public or corporate libraries. The Director of Content Acquisition searches for content to add to the library.

With your Ph.D. in Library Science, you may also choose to focus on research or teaching at the university level.

Do I need to obtain certification in the field of Library Science?

You will need to check with your state’s regulations; however, certification is required in most states. Some states may require you to obtain a teaching license, as well. Voluntary certifications are available, too.

What schools offer Doctor of Library Science degrees?

The following schools offer their students the opportunity to earn a Ph.D. in Library and Information Science degree, primarily through an on-campus format: The University of Pittsburgh School of Computing and Information , located in Pittsburg, PA, the Illinois School of Information Sciences in Champaign, IL and Simmons College in Boston, MA.

The Bottom Line

If you would like to do your part in keeping your community’s library an interesting and informative resource for future use, then sign on to earn a doctorate program focused on library science today.

As today’s technology is ever-changing, the field of library science must keep up and evolve with it. You can be a part of the change… oh, and always know the way to the library!

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Best Library and Information Studies Programs

Ranked in 2021

An advanced degree in library and information studies is vital for future librarians

An advanced degree in library and information studies is vital for future librarians who wish to work in schools, government agencies, hospitals and more. These are the top schools for a master's degree in library and information studies. Each school's score reflects its average rating on a scale from 1 (marginal) to 5 (outstanding), based on a survey of academics at peer institutions. Read the methodology »

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Ph.D. in Information

Program Information

College: Communication & Information Degree: PhD in Information Limited Access: Yes Contact: iSchool Student Services Address: Louis Shores Building (LSB) Florida State University Tallahassee, Florida 32306-2100 Phone: (850) 645-3280 Email: [email protected]

The Ph.D. in Information is a research degree designed to produce astute and creative researchers for academic, corporate, nonprofit, or governmental settings. Doctoral students analyze, evaluate, and explain a variety of information phenomena and become familiar with and develop backgrounds in such areas as the social sciences, information science, and/or the humanities, as they relate to information phenomena. Doctoral students will also become aware of the multiplicity of problems in the information field to which these research techniques may be applied. To demonstrate this familiarity, they will perform original research, and report the results of their research in a clearly written dissertation.

The degree is granted only to students who:

• Have mastered definite fields of knowledge so that they are familiar not only with what has been done in their specific fields but also with the potential and opportunity for further advances;
• Have demonstrated capacity to do original and independent scholarly investigation or creative work in their selected fields; and
• Have the ability to integrate their selected fields of specialization with the larger domains of knowledge and understanding (Graduate Bulletin).

Doctoral students participate in research at the Information Use Management & Policy Institute, the eHealth Lab, the Social Media Lab, the iSensor Lab, DETOUR, Innovation Hub, the Institute for Digital Information and Scientific Communication, and the Data Center Server Lab.

FSU’s iSchool PhD students travel nationally and internationally to present research at conferences including the annual meetings of the Association for Information Science and Technology, iSchools, American Library Association, ACM CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems and more.

Most PhD students at FSU receive assistantships in research or teaching with tuition waivers and competitive stipends, health insurance subsidies, opportunities for additional scholarships and travel support, and work in research collaborations with iSchool professors.

Request Information

Admission requirements.

Applications to the Ph.D. program are accepted for the summer semester only.  Students admitted to the Ph.D. in Information for the summer 2025 semester will be expected to arrive on campus to begin orientation activities by June 16, 2025 .

• All application materials must be received by the application deadline for consideration.

Admission to the Ph.D. in Information is highly competitive. The decision is made based on a holistic review of applicants’ academic merit, research and analytical mindset and skills, and potential match with the research expertise of iSchool faculty.

• Completed Undergraduate Degree from a regionally or nationally accredited U.S. institution, or a comparable degree from an international institution with a minimum upper-division Grade Point Average of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale).
• NOTE: Applicants currently completing a graduate degree may be considered for admission if the graduate degree is completed before the start of the PhD degree program.
• “Good standing” status at the last institution attended
• NOTE : This requirement has been waived for the Ph.D. in Information for the Summer 2024 and Summer 2025 admissions cycles.
• Minimum Writing Score of 24
• Minimum Writing Score of 6.5
• Minimum Production Subscore of 125

NOTE:   If you have earned a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree from a U.S. institution, the applicant may request that this requirement be waived. 

Application Requirements

Applicants are required to submit the following credentials for the Ph.D. in Information to be reviewed by the Doctoral Admissions Committee.

• University Graduate Application and a $30 Application Fee online via the University Graduate Admissions Application Portal.
• Current Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• This form is available within the University Graduate Application and identifies three eligible faculty members with whom you would like to study.  Eligible faculty must be in your area of interest and can be selected from the following:

Christy Chatmon Nancy Everhart Melissa Gross Zhe He Chris Hinnant Shuyuan Metcalfe Michelle Kazmer Don Latham Mia Lustria Marcia Mardis Paul Marty Lorri Mon Gretchen Stahlman Besiki Stvilia Margaret Sullivan

• Write a personal statement of purpose that discusses your: reasons for pursuing a Ph.D. in Information, areas of research interest and potential research problems that you would like to investigate, and career objectives after earning a Ph.D. degree . Also, list three School of Information faculty with whom you would like to work with and explain why. A list of eligible faculty are listed above. The Statement of Purpose should be 2 – 3 pages, double-spaced, with 1-inch borders, and use 10–12-point sans serif font (e.g., Arial, Helvetica).
• Not to exceed 20 pages
• May be from previous coursework
• May be an excerpt of a research paper or thesis
• Must be submitted in English
• Format : Each letter should be on a formal company or institution letterhead and include the date and signature of the recommender. All letters should be uploaded to the online University application portal.
• How long they have known the applicant and in what capacity
• Intellectual ability
• Oral and written communication skills
• Research and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently and with others
• Emotional maturity
• Potential for success in the profession
• Why do you want to obtain a Ph.D.?   
• Why are you interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in Information from the FSU School of Information?  
• What research area(s) are you interested in? Within this area(s), discuss potential research problems or questions you are interested in investigating.  
• Name three professors at the FSU School of Information with whom you would like to study. Briefly explain how your research interests align with theirs.    
• Before recording your video, read each question carefully and, organize your thoughts before answering them. Tailor your responses to the questions and be sure to answer each question.  
• Dress appropriately and treat this as an in-person interview. Be sure to look into the camera. Be yourself!  
• Limit your video to approximately five minutes .  
• Upload the video interview on YouTube as an unlisted video . This means that it will only be viewable to those who are given the link.  

NOTE: If you are unable to upload your video to YouTube due to restrictions in your country, please contact us at [email protected] .

• NOTE: Beginning in summer 2024, the GRE requirement will be temporarily waived for all Ph.D. in Information applicants through the summer 2025 application cycle.
• See minimum requirements detailed above.  
• Florida State University Office of Graduate Admissions 222 South Copeland Street Westcott Building, Room 314 Tallahassee, FL 32306-1410 USA
• NOTE : If you previously attended FSU, you do not need to submit an official FSU transcript. If you attended a college or university located in the United States, you may be able to request an official electronic transcript from your institution to be sent directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions at [email protected].
• Required Evaluation of all Non-U . S . Institution Transcript /S from a NACES-approved Evaluator  

The Florida State University Office of Graduate Admissions requires a course-by-course credential evaluation for all applicants who have either earned degrees or are currently completing a degree from a non-U.S. institution. International and domestic applicants with degrees earned from international institutions must submit their official transcripts through a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) approved evaluator.  

SpanTran, a NACES-approved evaluator, has created a custom application for Florida State University (available on the application checklist – https://connect.fsu.edu/apply/status ) that will provide a Divisional Course Analysis to will assist you in selecting the appropriate evaluation at a discounted rate.  

Applicants who use a NACES-approved evaluator other than SpanTran will need to work directly with the evaluation agency to ensure that the evaluation provided is equivalent to SpanTran’s Divisional Course Analysis ( https://spantran.com/services/evaluations ).  The official evaluation must be sent by the evaluation agency directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions at [email protected] ; any evaluation uploaded by the applicant will be considered unofficial and cannot be used in the application review process.  

If you have questions about your application, please contact:

Amy Mosher Graduate Academic Program Specialist Phone: (850) 645-3280 Email:  [email protected]

Program's Faculty

Burnett, Gary

Burnett, Kathleen

F. William Summers Professor

Chatmon, Christy

Assistant Professor

Everhart, Nancy

Gross, Melissa

Associate Professor

Hinnant, Lynne

Teaching Faculty III

Hinnant, Chris

Director, School of Information & Associate Professor

Kazmer, Michelle

Professor & Dean

Latham, Don

Lustria, Mia Liza A.

Mardis, Marcia A.

Professor; Associate Dean for Research

Marty, Paul

Metcalfe, Shuyuan

Stahlman, Gretchen

Stvilia, Besiki

Sullivan, Margaret

Upon entering the program, each student will be assigned a first-year advisor to help guide him/her through the first year of the program. During the first year of study, doctoral students should discuss ideas for possible dissertation topics with their First Year Advisor, and once the student has settled on a general area of research, the student should select and formally declare a supervising Major Professor. The Major Professor:

• serves as chair of the student’s Supervisory Committee;
• conducts the student’s annual reviews;
• helps the student identify opportunities for research collaborations;
• directs the student’s preliminary examinations; and
• supervises the development of the candidate’s prospectus and dissertation.

Student Services

iSchool Student Services is the primary point of administrative contact for all graduate students enrolled in the School of Information. Some of the tasks performed include: providing information about admission and program requirements, answering questions about orientation and registration, and clarifying College as well as University policies and procedures.

Kimberly Amos-Tata Assistant Director – Academic and Student Services Voice: (850) 644-8121 Email:  [email protected]

Tuition and Financial Support

• Tuition and Fees

Reduced Tuition Program – Academic Common Market

• Funding Your Education
• School of Information Scholarship Opportunities
• School of Information Assistantship Opportunities
• FSU Graduate School Funding and Award Opportunities
• External Funding Opportunities
• Financial Literacy

Tuition and Fees – Estimated for the 2023-2024 Year:

Tuition and Fees for all online graduate courses offered by the School of Information include a combination of state-required tuition/fees plus an additional fee called an auxiliary fee that is assessed for online classes. The specific breakdown of tuition and fees depends upon your residency status for tuition purposes. Below are the estimated costs per credit hour for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Florida Residents – $579.32/semester hour Non-Florida Residents – $1,210.72/semester hour

Additional Fees

In addition to the per hour rate listed above, the University also assesses the following fees to all students:

• Facilities Use Fee – $20 flat fee per semester
• Technology Fee – $5.16/semester hour
• FSU Card Term Fee (Fall & Spring only) – $5.00 flat fee per semester

Doctoral students may take online master’s-level courses with the approval of their First Year Advisor or Major Professor. Tuition rates for online master’s-level courses include additional fees. For more information about the cost of master’s-level courses, please contact Student Services .

The Academic Common Market (ACM), a program of the Southern Regional Education Board, is an interstate agreement among southern states for sharing academic programs. Participating states enable their residents who qualify for admission to enroll in specific on-campus and online graduate programs in other states without having to pay out-of-state tuition. Arrangements traditionally are limited to programs not offered by the public institutions within the student’s state of residence. In short, students who obtain ACM certification pay tuition at FSU’s in-state rate.

Currently, the following states will certify ACM for the individual programs listed below.

Doctoral Program Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Virginia

Visit the  Southern Regional Education Board  for more information.

PhD Student Handbook

The PhD Student Handbook contains the academic guidelines and information about the School of Information Doctoral Program.

View/Download the iSchool PhD Handbook Here.