Distinctive Features
Limited residency, distance learning format
Online, hybrid, and brief residency course formats provide flexibility for part-time students.
Applied focus
The program enriches your understanding of the role of information in the knowledge economy and teaches you how to apply this expertise to enhance the effectiveness of information-based organizations in the public and private sectors. You will build a solid foundation for advanced levels of information research, and develop competencies in program evaluation research methods.
Doctoral level research
Unique among practitioner-oriented doctoral degrees, the program is completed with a one-year thesis—a process through which you develop in-depth knowledge in a topic of your choice. The creation of a publication quality thesis can lead to recognition in your field through the production of a book, white papers, and other publications.
A strong peer network
You will take classes with the same small group of students, in order to promote peer learning and support throughout the course of study.
Interaction with Ph.D. in Information Science and Technology students
Ph.D. and professional doctorate students will share a blended learning environment: an overlap of intellectual domain and opportunities for resource-sharing through classes, writing groups, and editorial support.
Customizable areas of study
Concentrations and fields of research can focus on any of the school’s disciplines, including technology planning, digital libraries, electronic commerce, telecommunications policy, global networking, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, government information policy, knowledge management, among others.
Marketability
Your degree from the U.S. News & World Report number one ranked library and information studies school in information systems will open doors to career opportunity.