Information Science, PhD
In an era where digital technologies shape human interaction and cultural expression, understanding their workings, impacts and uses is crucial. Exploring these pivotal issues allows for innovation, critical thinking and enhanced digital literacy.
Take On Information Science Challenges
The information science PhD program equips you with advanced quantitative and qualitative research skills, preparing you to address complex information challenges faced by modern society and organizations. The field of information science is evolving rapidly. This program offers extensive opportunities for future scholars to explore critical research questions and enhance their professional goals.
Beyond the Fairway
Doctoral student Kayla Burt brings golfer’s focus—strategy, discipline, adaptability—to her research in information science. As a data analyst at MIT’s Office of Institutional Research, she explores how students find belonging and thrive while also expanding access to golf through community initiatives. Her story highlights how graduate education can nurture both intellectual curiosity and real‑world impact.
Points of Distinction
The online information science doctoral program is one of only two in North America, offering a unique pathway to advanced knowledge and career advancement.
This program offers a unique one-week annual residency that allows students to engage with peers and faculty, fostering invaluable connections and hands-on learning opportunities outside of the online environment.
Benefit from a curriculum designed to address the rapid and ongoing changes in the information science field, while ensuring you stay at the forefront of this dynamic discipline.
Program Overview
| Academic credential granted | Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) |
|---|---|
| Credits required for completion | 72 |
| Time to completion | 4 to 5+ years |
| Course delivery | On campus or online |
| Application deadlines | Fall admission only Jan. 1 |
The program coursework is designed to prepare you for next steps. Students who complete this program successfully:
- have a broad understanding of the theories of information science, as well as theories from cognate disciplines which have been applied in information science.
- have a broad understanding of qualitative and quantitative methods, which are commonly applied in information science research.
- demonstrate deep and broad knowledge of one or more domain topics within information science.
- demonstrate the ability to execute research in their domain area using appropriate methods and theory.
Master's Degree (30-36 credits)
Upon acceptance into the doctoral program, you are allowed to transfer credits from your master's degree program.
Core Courses (14-18 credits)
LIS 601 Qualitative Methods in Information Science
LIS 602 Quantitative Methods in Information Science
LIS 603 Theoretical Foundations of Information Science
LIS 604 Statistics I
LIS 605 Statistics II
Electives in Discipline (9 credits)
Specialization will occur through elective courses and, where appropriate, independent study elective courses.
You will work with your advisor to assemble a dissertation committee conforming to UB graduate guidelines. The committee composition must reflect the intellectual diversity of the Department of Information Science, and must be approved by the director of the PhD program. The committee may include one external member.
You will decide on a research topic and produce a short research proposal (dissertation prospectus) that includes the research questions to be pursued; a short literature review; a description of one or more possible theoretical frameworks that will inform the research; and a summary of the methods expected to be applied. Your research proposal is expected to be approximately 20 pages in length.
You will pass an oral examination on the background knowledge required to conduct the research in your proposal. The committee will provide a written list of topics to be covered in the examination. This requirement must be met no later than the end of the fourth semester in the program (for full-time students). Upon successful completion of the oral examination, you may file for candidacy.
Qualifying Requirements
Dissertation (12-18 credits)
The final dissertation will be a refinement and expansion of the your dissertation prospectus. Your final dissertation must be completed by the end of the sixth semester in the program (for full-time students). You will defend your fully publication-ready dissertation at a public defense that will include an oral examination by your PhD committee.
Standardized Testing No Longer Required
To make the application process more equitable, the GRE/MAT is no longer required for admissions consideration. If you still plan to take the GRE/MAT exam, you can send your scores through the testing agency, and they will automatically be added to your application; however, they are not required for admission consideration to this program.
You must have a bachelor’s and master’s degree.
We have a small program that values strong faculty and student relationships. Before applying, explore our faculty’s research interests by viewing our Research Centers, Institutes and Profiles and Faculty Directory. Feel free to contact faculty with similar interests to yours to see if they are taking on new students. If you are unsure who to contact, Program Director Dr. Amy VanScoy (vanscoy@buffalo.edu) is happy to discuss your interests and recommend faculty to talk to.
Submit your completed online application, which includes:
- Application fee: A $50 non-refundable application fee, submitted electronically through UB's ePayment system.
- Contact information for at least three individuals who will each be asked to provide an electronic recommendation letter. You should ask individuals who can assess your achievements and potential as a student and a researcher. If there is no individual who can evaluate your achievements as a student, you may want to enroll in a course, such as LIS 575: Research Methods. The prof for this course could serve as an academic reference for your application.
- Unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended. (UB transcripts are automatically submitted for current UB students and alumni.)
- Sample of academic writing (e.g., article, essay, thesis)
- Statement of research interest: The statement of research interest should be a concise statement about your academic and research background and future interests. Please be specific in explaining how the course offerings and faculty expertise of this program fit your educational and career objectives. Be sure to include the specific faculty you would like to work with and why. We consider a 1000-word statement as an appropriate length.
Finding the right doctoral program requires that doctoral candidates specify and describe their research interests so they can evaluate whether there is a good fit between what they want to study and faculty research expertise. Start by reviewing our faculty directory and faculty web pages and once you are familiar with faculty research areas, read some of the faculty publications that you find most interesting. That will help you determine if there is a good fit between your scholarly interests and what our faculty members are currently researching. Everyone knows that grade point average and letters of reference are important in the decision-making process; however, alignment with faculty research interests and the academic program can often be a determining factor in admission decisions. - Statement of educational and career goals: The statement of educational and career goals should outline your reasons for applying to this program. Please include a candid analysis of your long- and short-term professional objectives and indicate how this program will help you achieve your objectives. Your statement should be at least one to two pages in length.
- Resume or CV
Faculty Interview: After applications are submitted and reviewed, qualified candidates will be contacted for an admission interview with the faculty.
Former/Birth Name: Please provide us with your former/birth name if you have one. When requesting transcripts, please ask the sending institution to indicate your current name and former/birth name.
Admission Decision: The admission decision will be communicated to you as soon as review is complete. The decision is based on a number of factors and is the result of a thorough and deliberate process. All decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
In-State Residency Tuition
To qualify for the in-state residency tuition rate, you must provide residency documentation indicating you have lived in New York State (NYS) 12 months before your semester start date.
If accepted, you will need to upload three documents to qualify for the in-state tuition rate. See Required Documents for Residency Application for more information.
International Applicant Additional Requirements
- Official original proof of your degree
- A copy of your passport biographical page
- Official test scores—dated within two years of submitting your application—for either the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic Test, the PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic, or DET (Duolingo English Test).
- TOEFL minimum score is 250 for computer-based test, 600 for paper-based test and 79 for internet-based test
- IELTS Academic Test minimum score is 6.5 overall
- PTE minimum score is 55 overall
- DET minimum score is 120 overall
- Financial documentation: International graduate applicants must document their ability to pay for all costs incurred while studying in the U.S.
- An official bank statement
All financial forms and supporting documentation with required signatures must be uploaded with your application and dated within one year of your intended enrollment date.
Graduates of our program become:
- Faculty/scholars of information science at a university
- Researchers at a profit or nonprofit organization
- Senior managers of a large public library
- Senior managers of a university campus library
Professor
Information Science
Research Areas: Human Computer Interaction; Information Retrieval; Information Science
Assistant Professor
Information Science
Department of Information Science Graduate School of Education University at Buffalo 524 Baldy Hall (North Campus) Buffalo, NY 14260–1000
Buffalo, NY 14260
Phone: 716-645-1488
Email: smdodson@buffalo.edu
Assistant Professor
Information Science
Research Areas: Access and Equity; Higher Education; Information Science; Library Science; Online and Distance Learning; Qualitative Research Methods
Professor
Information Science
Research Areas: Digital literacy; Information behavior; Information Literacy; Information practices; Information Science; Library Science; Misinformation; Qualitative Research Methods; Research Design; Research Methods
Assistant Professor
Information Science
Baldy 517
Buffalo, NY 14260
Email: xlu30@buffalo.edu
Research Areas: Human Computer Interaction
Assistant Professor
Information Science
Department of Information Science University at Buffalo 549 Baldy Hall (North Campus) Buffalo, NY 14260–1000
Buffalo, NY 14260
Phone: 716-645-1481
Email: sagunash@buffalo.edu
Research Areas: Information practices; Information Science
Associate Professor
Information Science
Research Areas: Big Data; Human Computer Interaction; Information Retrieval; Information Science; Quantitative Research Methods; Research Design; Science Education
Associate Professor
Information Science
Research Areas: Diversity; Global Issues; Information behavior; Information practices; Information Science; Library Science; Qualitative Research Methods
Associate Professor
Information Science
Research Areas: Information Retrieval; Information Science
Clinical Associate Professor
Information Science
Research Areas: Access and Equity; Assessment; Digital literacy; Diversity; Higher Education; Information behavior; Information Literacy; Information practices; Information Science; Library Science; Multicultural Competence; Online and Distance Learning; Politics of Education; Research Methods
Assistantships are available in a variety of areas that change from year to year. Compensation for positions ranges from hourly pay only to a stipend to tuition remission plus a stipend. Generally, assistantships require 20 hours of work per week.
The application process for assistantships is separate from the program admission process. Assistantship opportunities are posted for the following academic year in mid-January, from offices on campus such as Campus Living, Career Services, Student Engagement, Intercultural and Diversity Center, among others.
While assistantships are limited, new opportunities become available throughout summer and into the fall semester.
Faculty Expertise
How can libraries demystify the admission and college-going experience for undergraduate and graduate students? After a career in admissions, academic advising and library science, Assistant Professor Africa Hands seeks to answer that question. Through her research, she aims to improve access to and awareness of information, resources and services that move people toward their personal, professional and community goals. Her scholarship focuses on the doctoral student experience, the cultural and social capital of first-generation students, and public library support for college-bound patrons.