Program Overview

Information Studies, PhD, Online

The online Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Information Studies, offered by the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's School of Information Studies, focuses on the representation, storage, retrieval, use, and impact of information resources on society. This program is designed to contribute knowledge to the field and learn how to use information to shape society.

Program Details

• Start Dates: Fall
• Cost per Credit: $800 (Total Cost: $24,000*)
• Credit Hours: 30 *Total cost will vary based on the number of credits transferred into UWM.

Program Type

• Doctoral

Program Format

• Online

Why Information Studies at UWM?

• Participate in Information Studies doctoral seminars through livestreams with local students and faculty.
• Earn a PhD in Information Studies through a STEM-designated program with Optional Practical Training (OPT) eligibility, offering international students the opportunity to extend their work authorization, gain valuable U.S. experience, and enhance their career prospects in STEM fields.
• Learn from leaders in the field. Information Studies faculty rank 10th in productivity among U.S. LIS and iSchool faculty.
• Benefit from the School of Information Studies ranking fourth internationally and second in the U.S./Canada in department contributions to library and information science (LIS) literature.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the online PhD in Information Studies program, applicants must meet Graduate School requirements plus the following departmental requirements:

• Have a cumulative GPA in coursework for the master's degree of at least 3.5 and an undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
• Submit three letters of recommendation from qualified people who can attest to your aptitude for doctoral study.
• Submit a one- to two-page reason statement outlining your background and your educational, research, and career goals.
• Submit a writing sample that demonstrates your analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Submit a curriculum vitae.
• Verbal and quantitative scores for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) taken within the past five years are optional but not required for admission consideration.
• Applicants are encouraged to bring at least two years of relevant professional experience prior to entering the PhD program.

Program Requirements

• Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits of approved coursework at the 700 level or higher to earn a PhD in information studies.
• Note: Standard Graduate School minimum and maximum credit loads apply. Full-time students are discouraged from taking more than 9 credits per semester.

Courses

Required courses include:

• INFOST 901: Current Issues in Information Studies
• INFOST 910: Doctoral Seminar in the Organization of Information
• INFOST 960: Doctoral Seminar in Information Policy
• INFOST 970: Doctoral Seminar in Information Retrieval Research methods and design courses include:
• INFOST 903: Qualitative Research Methods
• INFOST 904: Quantitative Research Methods Students must select a minimum of three additional credits in approved research methods coursework.

Specialized Area

Select a minimum of nine credits related to the specialized area(s) of the dissertation topics from the following:

• Approved existing graduate courses within SOIS
• Advanced special topics classes offered within SOIS at the 700-level or higher
• INFOST 999: Independent Research
• Courses offered outside of SOIS

Technology Requirement

Review the following technology requirements for earning an information studies PhD online:

• Internet Connection: Broadband internet connection with 5Mbps download and 5Mbps upload and a home network to reliably support these speeds
• Computer: Intel i5 CPU, 8GB RAM, 160GB HDD
• Computer Accessories: Monitor capable of displaying 1920×1080 or higher, Webcam capable of 1080p resolution, Microphone, Quality Headphones
• Operating System: Windows 10 (preferred), macOS Sierra
• Physical Environment: A comfortable and quiet space that is free from environmental noises.

Concentrations

The information studies PhD curriculum covers foundation courses, research methods and design, and a specialized area of your choice. You can choose from the following concentrations:

• Information Policy
• Information Retrieval
• Information Studies
• Organization of Information

Career Opportunities

Recent graduates of the Information Studies PhD program have secured faculty positions at top universities in the U.S. and abroad. Others have taken on prominent research careers in industry, academia, and private organizations.

Dissertation Titles by Year

A list of dissertation titles by year is available, showcasing the diverse research areas and topics explored by PhD graduates.

In-Person Requirement

As an online information studies student, you will be required to attend a one- to two-day orientation on campus at the beginning of the program. You also must be physically present for all major program milestones, including preliminary exam defense, dissertation proposal defense, and formal defense of the dissertation.