FAQ
Doctorate of Professional Studies Program
The following frequently asked questions cover many of the details that you might have while you are preparing your application. If you still have questions, e-mail Director Michelle L. Kaarst-Brown, mlbrow03@syr.edu.
What is the difference between the Ph.D. program and the Professional Doctorate program?
The Ph.D., or Doctor of Philosophy degree is for future academics who are making a career commitment to the tenure track, academic research/teaching/service path. Students in this program earn a Ph.D. in Information Science and Technology, a multidisciplinary area that includes systems, libraries, and policy. The Ph.D. is a research degree and this program is focused on training future academics for tenure track jobs and generally takes five or more years to complete. Our Ph.D. program requires a dissertation, which is a large-scale multiyear project for most students. The dissertation must advance theory and create new knowledge in the student's chosen focus area.
The Doctor of Professional Studies (DPS) degree is a scientist-practitioner degree, focused on training future leaders in applied areas of the information professions. The DPS program is for current working professionals entering the ranks of leadership in their respective organizations. DPS students may choose to teach as part of their future endeavors, but are unlikely to want to follow the traditional tenure path in a U.S. college or university. Our DPS program is designed to take three years to complete. The Professional Doctorate thesis is a smaller scale project that can be proposed and completed in a single year. The format, tone, and style of the DPS thesis will be that of a trade book manuscript.
Both Ph.D. dissertation and Professional Doctorate thesis require a written document, oral defense presentation and committee approval.
If you want to transition from your current career to academia you should definitely do a Ph.D. This by its nature requires residential immersion in the academic culture of scholarship. Commitment to this path also extends well beyond interrupting a career to attend a residential graduate school program. The five or more years usually required to earn a Ph.D. degree is often followed by approximately seven years of active research, teaching and service to the higher academic community before achieving a tenured position at a university.
In contrast, if you plan to rise through leadership positions in an applied area of the information professions (e.g., CIO), the Professional Doctorate will provide the skills, knowledge, and outlook required for an evidence-based approach to large scale problems. Through leadership, consulting, research, and writing our professional doctoral graduates will serve as trendsetters in their respective organizations and industries.
Applying to the Professional Doctorate Program
When is the application deadline?
Admissions cycles for fall matriculation begin in June and continue on a rolling basis. Preference will be given to applications received before October 15. Applications are accepted through Syracuse University’s online graduate application system located here. A complete application contains the following elements:
What elements does a complete application contain?
A complete application comprises the following elements: the information requested in the forms in the online graduate application system; a resume showing complete educational and work history; an application essay describing motivation for the program, fit to the strength areas of the school, and post graduate career plans; two or more reference letters with at least one reference letter from a relevant individual at the applicant's current employer; an optional writing sample, preferably of published work; transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended; graduate school examination test scores (GRE recommended); and TOEFL or IELTS scores for individuals who have not completed a degree in the U.S. and for whom English is not their primary language.
Note that some elements of the application (e.g., test scores) may be waived at the discretion of the director, but applications that do not include all of the above generally receive lower priority by the doctoral admissions committee.
Can I apply to start the program in January?
No. All Professional Doctorate students matriculate in the fall semester, starting with a residency in the third week of August.
Do I need to take the GREs?
Applicants are recommended to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or other comparable standardized test and have the scores sent to Syracuse University. This recommendation may be waived at the discretion of the Professional Doctorate program director on the basis of other evidence available about the applicant. In particular, if you are a graduate of the M.S. in Library and Information Science, Information Management, or Telecommunications and Network Management programs at the School of Information Studies, generally speaking your transcript will suffice as evidence of your academic abilities.
In all cases, an absence of GRE scores in your application packet will tend to weaken your application. Given the highly competitive nature of this program and the limited availability of admission slots, you should make every attempt to include GRE scores in your admissions materials.
English is not my native language. Do I need to take the TOEFL or IELTS exam?
If you have completed a post-secondary degree (bachelors or masters degree) in the U.S., you do not need to provide TOEFL scores with your application.
For those who have not completed a post-secondary degree in the U.S., TOEFL scores must be submitted. The applicant must demonstrate conversational ability in an interview and written ability in a sample of written English. The Professional Doctorate director may choose to accept IELTS scores or other evidence of comprehension, spoken, and written English ability in place of these scores. In particular, individuals who have completed a degree in the U.S. may be deemed as having fulfilled this requirement.
Note for Fall 2008 admission only: If you are applying for admission in Fall 2008, TOEFL scores are optional. However, you will need to demonstrate proficiency in English in an interview and submit examples of written English. The exact requirements will be determined by the program director.
Do I need to submit transcripts for all the courses I have ever taken?
You should submit transcripts from all post-secondary programs, including those taken at other academic units within Syracuse University. Most transcripts will include all courses taken at a given institution. At minimum, your transcript(s) should provide information about all courses taken as part of graduate degree program(s). It is not required that you also include information regarding other classes (such as those taken as a non-matriculated student).
Note for Fall 2008 admission only: For the expedited admission process, it is sufficient to submit graduate level transcripts only. Additionally, you many submit unofficial transcripts, if necessary, to begin the application process. However, official transcripts must be provided before an accepted student may matriculate.
Do I need to complete my master’s degree before applying to the Professional Doctorate program?
Eligible applicants must hold a completed master’s degree from an accredited college or university and must have a minimum of five years of professional work experience, preferably in the information professions, broadly defined.
I have completed a graduate degree at the School of Information Studies (MS-IM, EX-IM, MLIS, MS-TNM):
Do I need to re-submit a transcript?
We can obtain an unofficial transcript from your studies at Syracuse University, but ultimately you will need to request and send an official transcript from the Syracuse University registrar.
Note for Fall 2008 admission only: For the expedited admission process, it is sufficient to submit graduate level transcripts only. Additionally, you many submit unofficial transcripts, if necessary. However, official transcripts must be provided before the accepted student matriculates.
Do I need to re-submit letters of recommendation?
The letters that accompany your application to the Professional Doctorate program should be current and address the particulars of your suitability for this program. You are required to submit two letters of recommendation as part of your application packet:
- A letter of reference from a current or recent professional colleague who is highly familiar with your work habits and capabilities
- A second letter of reference, preferably from an academic contact such as a professor from the institution where you earned your master’s degree, which attests to your ability to accomplish advanced academic work
Do I need to re-submit my GRE/GMAT scores?
If you have recent (past 7 years) scores available, you should submit them.
Do I need to re-submit my TOEFL scores?
Since you have completed a graduate degree in an English-speaking program you do not need to provide TOEFL scores with your application.
When I try to submit my application using Syracuse University’s online Embark system, my previous application is showing up. What should I do?
As a degree or certificate student at Syracuse University, your application would be considered a program transfer, and you should submit an “internal” application rather than using the Embark system. Any questions or problems regarding the online application system can be directed to Bridget Crary, bmcrary@syr.edu, 315-443-1713.
How long should the application essay be?
The essay should not be longer than 5 pages, double-spaced.
How much does the program cost? Is there any type of financial assistance available?
Unlike residential, full-time doctoral programs, professional doctoral programs generally do not provide institutionally-granted tuition remission. For tuition information, see Estimated Cost of Attendance for Graduate School.
One year of doctoral studies involves 17 credits plus student fees (about $125 per semester). Students must also pay for their own travel costs and lodging costs for residencies. The 17 credit per year load, plus fees, travel to residencies, lodging at residencies, books, and incidentals will cost approximately $21,000, depending on distance traveled.
Financial support for students in the Professional Doctorate program will not be provided by the School of Information Studies or Syracuse University. Your employer may have a tuition reimbursement program that pays part or all of the cost of your program. Syracuse University will not remit tuition for this program, so employee sponsorship through tuition support will be essential for most individuals from a purely financial standpoint. Some students may be eligible for federal grants under Title IV or Title IX. Many students will be eligible for student loans under the federal Stafford and PLUS programs. Our part-time program is ineligible for New York State TAP. Available federal programs require completion of the FAFSA form, which is due at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ prior to July 1. More information on graduate loans programs and federal grants is available here.
For those employed by Syracuse University and eligible for tuition remittance, 12 of the 17 annual credits required for the program will be covered by your university tuition benefits. It will be your responsibility to cover the remaining five credits, plus any additional expenses such as fees, books. etc.
Participating in the Professional Doctorate Program
How long is the program? Can I complete it in less time? Can I take more time to complete it?
The Professional Doctorate program is designed to take three years to complete: two years of course work plus one year to write the thesis. Through advising and evaluation processes, we will strongly urge each student to remain in step with his or her cohort. Inevitably, however, life events may interfere with the progress of some students, and the program has the flexibility to accommodate temporary delays. Note that as part of our assessment of "fit" during the admissions process, we will evaluate each applicant on whether we believe they can maintain the six credits per semester pace.
Issues related to temporary inactive status as well as permission for leaves will be addressed by the student’s advisor and the program director.
I travel frequently for my job. Will this prevent me from successfully participating in this program?
Successful participation in the online course structure of the majority of the Professional Doctorate classes will require reliable and regular Internet access and sufficient time to complete assignments. Because this is a distance program, your precise physical location is less of a concern than your ability to participate in online classes, including contributing to discussions and turning in assignments on time. All online courses offered by Syracuse University are asynchronous, meaning there will not be a predetermined class meeting time when you will be required to be present. However, at times you may need to coordinate closely with other class members on group projects. Professors will also impose deadlines for the submission of work. Although some professors will tolerate delays or flexibility in these issues, students whose jobs keep them out of Internet contact for more than a week or two per semester will have severe difficulty keeping up.
I have a vacation scheduled during the time that classes are in session. Will this be a problem?
Lack of participation in online discussions and/or failure to complete course work on time will result in poor grades and lead to problems with evaluation of the student’s progress. As noted above, however, if a student coordinates with the professor and makes up missed work, infrequent short delays can be accommodated.
What are the residency requirements for the Professional Doctorate program?
Professional Doctorate students must complete four residencies prior to entrance into candidacy for the doctoral degree. Each residency is a one credit course (IST880) for which registration is required. Normally, a student will complete his or her comprehensive examination during the fourth residency.
The Professional Doctorate Director plans and conducts two residencies each year, one at the beginning of the fall semester and one at the end of the spring semester. The residencies will span four days and all Professional Doctorate students are required to be present for the entire session.
What if I can’t make it to one of the scheduled residency sessions?
All Professional Doctorate students are required to attend four residencies prior to entrance into candidacy for the doctoral degree. Residencies are held at the beginning of the fall semester and at the end of the spring semester. If for any reason you cannot attend a residency your progress in the program will be delay by three to six months. Maintaining the scheduled sequence of residencies is of paramount importance and should be considered a top priority of all Professional Doctorate students.
Can I bring my family with me to the residency sessions? Do you offer babysitting services during the residencies?
Residencies are a one credit graded course; the portfolio evaluation process that occurs during each residency is central to the conduct of the program. Students should be prepared to give undivided attention to activities and assignments during the residency sessions. Residencies are highly intensive academic sessions consisting of scheduled activities and assignments. Students will be engaged for as many as 16 hours each day. As a result, it will not be feasible to combine family activities with participation in the residency. The School does not provide any child care services during the residencies. If you need to make arrangements for babysitting, you should contact your hotel’s concierge in advance of your stay.
Will the residency be offered on the Washington, D.C. campus?
Not at this time, however this is a possibility for the future. If you are interested in D.C. residencies for future academic years, please contact the Director Michelle L. Kaarst-Brown, mlbrow03@syr.edu.
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS: CREDITS, COURSES AND ADVISING
Do I need to have an advisor?
Every student must have a faculty advisor. The advisor is the intermediary between the University and the student. It is your advisor’s responsibility to assist you in planning a program of study and in orienting you to the formal and informal requirements of the School.
Your advisor will assist you in:
- Planning a program of study
- Completing the comprehensive examination
- Selecting a committee member (or co-advisor)
- Choosing a thesis topic
- Writing a formal thesis proposal
- Writing the thesis
- Other issues related to his/her academic program
The Professional Doctorate Director will serve as your temporary advisor when you enter the program. Most students should choose an advisor by the completion of their second or third residency.
When I apply, do I need to select a specific faculty member to be my advisor? How do I pick an advisor?
All incoming Professional Doctorate students will initially be assigned to the program director as a temporary advisor and will take a semester or two to find a permanent advisor. Any tenured or tenure track member of the iSchool Faculty may serve as a student’s advisor with the agreement of the student and the faculty member. It is important for each student to have thoroughly surveyed our faculty so that they can make a convincing case for their "fit" to the program in their application letter. Information about all faculty members and their research interests are available of the iSchool website. To understand what type of thesis a faculty member could supervise, investigate their research interests, recent publications, and the topics of dissertation and theses that faculty have supervised in the past.
Can I change my advisor?
A student may change advisors at any time by gaining the consent of the new advisor and notifying the former advisor.
Can I transfer credits from other degree programs?
(Note: Credit-hour requirements are not the primary basis of the decision that a student has completed an adequate program of study. That decision is based on the results from the student’s portfolio reviews and comprehensive examination as well as credit-hour requirements.)
A minimum of 51 credit hours are required to graduate: 36 credit hours of coursework and 15 credit hours of thesis work. The Professional Doctorate director, with the concurrence of the Ph.D. committee, has the authority to determine the specific courses and credit hour limits for transfer credit for each applicant. There are limitations to the type and amount of transfer credits that will be considered by the program director and Ph.D. Committee.
The program requires a master's degree for entry, and the normal number of credits that would be required for a doctoral degree in NYS (70-80 credits) has been reduced to 51 to account for this. Thus, no transfer credit is granted for master’s work.
In no case may more than 50 percent of the coursework credits (18 credits) be transferred from an accredited U.S. doctoral program outside Syracuse University. Transfer credits must have a grade of “B” or better. Transfer credits may not be applied against the 15 credit thesis requirement. Transfer credits may not be used to reduce the program’s research methods requirements
I have a lot of practical experience. Can I use this to reduce the credits I need to complete the program?
All students entering the Professional Doctorate program are expected to have extensive practical experience. Professional experience and non-credit bearing coursework are not transferable for course credit.
Can I specialize my degree in a specific area?
The program does not have specializations per se. You have substantial flexibility on seminars (12 credits of 700-800 level work) and practical courses (6 credits of 600 level work), and you can choose to do your thesis on any topic the faculty will support.
I’m interested in [YOUR AREA OF INTEREST]. Can I work on this in the Professional Doctorate program?
It is important for each student to have thoroughly surveyed our faculty so that they can make a convincing case for their "fit" to the program in their application letter. Information about all faculty members and their research interests are available on the iSchool website. To understand what type of thesis a faculty member could supervise, investigate their research interests, recent publications, and the topics of dissertation and theses that faculty have supervised in the past. Note that the school highly values independent thinking, search skills, and synthesis abilities, so the success of your efforts to survey and understand the faculty will be evaluated as part of the admissions process.
What are my options for online courses offered by the School of Information Studies?
A student taking coursework is expected to take two 3-credit courses per semester as well as one summer course. Additionally, each student completes two 1-credit residencies per year. A student’s choice of courses and other activities should be discussed and decided with the student’s advisor. Normally, students complete all coursework within offerings provided by the School of Information Studies; the Professional Doctorate director may waive this requirement on a case by case basis for a maximum of nine credit hours of coursework at other Syracuse University schools and colleges.
Professional Doctorate students must complete four 3-credit courses in research methods, normally numbered 700 and above. All research method courses required by the Professional Doctorate program will be offered in an online format, on a rotating basis. As part of our residential Ph.D. program, we run a two-year sequence of research methods courses in a small, face-to-face lecture format. For the blended format version of each course, these face-to-face interactions will be captured and archived into a standard distance course. The distance students will review the archived lecture materials then interact with the same professor online in discussion boards and to complete weekly assignments.
In addition to research methods course, Professional Doctorate students must complete four 3-credit doctoral level seminars related to the information professions, normally in courses numbered 700 and above. These seminars will be offered on a rotating basis on a range of information-related topics.
Professional Doctorate students may take six credits of master’s level (600 level), practically focused coursework. No more than six credits of master’s level coursework will be counted toward the 51 credit requirement for completion of the Professional Doctorate degree. Practice-based course work is de-emphasized in Professional Doctorate program because the goal of the DPS program is to train scientist-practitioners whose leadership capabilities in their profession arise from the unique skill sets they have developed. This is the key distinction from a master's program which is all about taking courses and gaining content knowledge; a professional doctoral degree is all about the skills and insights you develop by doing practice-focused research. Because the program only accepts mid-career professionals, we assume that you have extensive content knowledge already.
You can view course schedules here. For each semester, you can select Graduate Online Courses from the drop-down menu to see our current online offerings.