Program Overview

Information Science Ph.D.

Program Overview

The University of North Texas Information Science Ph.D. program emphasizes the interrelationship of the economic, social, cultural, and technological aspects of an evolving information society. The intent is to unify knowledge systems, problem-solving approaches, and research methodologies regardless of their disciplinary roots, and to produce graduates who will be leaders in the information age.

Program Details

• Program Type: Doctoral Degree
• Format: On Campus, Hybrid
• Estimated Time to Complete: 3-4 years
• Credit Hours: 60 (with master's) or 72 (with bachelor's)

Mission and Goals

The mission of the University of North Texas (UNT) Information Science (IS) Ph.D. Program is to provide a center of excellence in graduate education and research. Its primary goals are to:

• Nurture critical and reflective thinking on the fundamental issues and elements of problems of utilization of information
• Foster an environment of substantive and productive mentoring and apprenticeship
• Prepare scholars passionate about the role of information in human affairs
• Foster cross-disciplinary thinking and research

Areas of Emphasis

Students select two of the broad Areas of Emphasis:

• Information Theory and Design: This area explores ways to structure information and knowledge for a multitude of information systems and uses, including measures and methods for the evaluation and study of information systems, related communication processes, and subsequent systems application and design or redesign.
• Information Behavior: Studies relate to Human Information and Communication Behavior and the systematic response to these behaviors by using information technologies to advance communication and learning.
• Information Policy and Management: Inquiries focus on Organizational Behavior, with respect to information and the management of information, and of the organizations and systems that handle information.

Marketable Skills

• Research and publication
• Pedagogical practices
• Critical thinking
• Leadership ability
• Data analysis

Program Highlights

• Special lectures hosted by the college and the department feature renowned scholars who provide different perspectives and insights into the information science field.
• Students and faculty are active members of different professional associations and learned societies.
• The structure of the IS Ph.D. Program deliberately encourages and supports interactions among students and faculty in different academic units.
• The Department of Information Science offers financial support and scholarships to its students.
• Instruction is offered in a variety of formats, including face-to-face, online, and blended.

Career Opportunities

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.

Sample Courses

• Seminar in Communication and Use of Information (3 hrs): Nature of information as a phenomenon and of the communication processes. Conceptual linkage to treatments in various fields. The role of information and communication in individual, social, and institutional behavior.
• Reading in Information Science (3 hrs): Broad reading in a defined area of information science related to the student’s research interest. Requires the critical evaluation of sources with particular emphasis on methodological and theoretical issues.
• Theory Development in the Information Sciences (3 hrs): Focuses on the structural components and research processes related to the origination, construction, and evolution of theory in information science, library science, and related social science disciplines.
• Information and Communication Measurement (3 hrs): Criteria for development of measures suitable for information and communication. Includes measures from such physical sciences as entropy and such social sciences as impact measures.
• Management of Information Resources in Organizations (3 hrs): Role of information in decision making, and management as an information-intense activity. Information and productivity. Information audit in organizations. Special issues and problems in managing information in different organizational environments.