The interdisciplinary doctoral program with a major in information science responds to the varied and changing needs of an information age. There is increasing recognition of the central role of information in individual, social, economic and cultural affairs, along with recognition of the widespread application and influence of information and communication technologies. Graduates of the program are prepared to contribute to the advancement and evolution of the information society in a variety of roles and settings as administrators, researchers and educators.

The mission of the program is to provide a center of excellence in doctoral education and research. Its primary goals are to

develop scholars passionate about the role of information in human affairs;
nurture critical and reflective thinking on fundamental issues and problems related to information;
promote cross-disciplinary thinking and research; and
foster an environment of substantive and productive mentoring and apprenticeship.

Students are attracted to the program from a wide range of disciplines and are encouraged to expand their expertise in cutting-edge areas of information science that cross disciplinary boundaries. The multifaceted nature of information science warrants the integration of resources, courses and faculties from a broad range of academic units. The following units actively participate in the doctoral program:

• Department of Computer Science and Engineering, College of Engineering
• Department of Criminal Justice, College of Health and Public Service
• Department of Information Technology and Decision Sciences, College of Business
• Frank W. and Sue Mayborn School of Journalism
• Department of Learning Technologies, College of Information
• Department of Information Science, College of Information
• Department of Linguistics, College of Information
• College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism

Degree requirements for a general program of study

• 21 credit hours in core areas (information science core and research core)
• 18 credit hours in two areas of emphasis
• 9 credit hours of electives for students with a master’s degree; 21 credit hours of electives for students without a master’s degree
• Minimum of 12 credit hours of dissertation research

Degree requirements for a concentration program of study

• 21 credit hours in core areas (information science core and research core)
• 27 credit hours in a concentration core and electives for students with a master’s degree; 39 credit hours in a concentration core and electives for students without a master’s degree
• Minimum of 12 credit hours of dissertation research

You must pass a comprehensive qualifying exam with written and oral components before you begin your dissertation research.