Information Science, PhD

As human interaction and cultural expression continue to be facilitated digitally, the workings of digital technologies, their impact and their uses need to be understood. Our doctoral degree in information science will provide the opportunity to study these issues in depth. A PhD in information science will give you the opportunity to develop sophisticated quantitative and qualitative research skills to equip you to delve into the complex information problems facing humanity and contemporary organizations.  The information field is changing rapidly, and offering myriad opportunities for future scholars of information science. This program is best suited for those interested in exploring research questions in information science, looking to fill a faculty position in the field, or who are working to enhance leadership experience in libraries.

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Why Information Science at UB?

The features of our program include:

  • a curriculum that addresses the rapid and ongoing changes in the information science field
  • a residency period of one week each year for students to interact directly with their peers, as well as with the faculty
  • it is one of only two online information science doctoral programs in North America

Program Overview

Academic credential granted Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Credits required for completion 72
Time to completion 4 to 5+ years
Course delivery Online (except for a required one-week residency each year)
Careers
  • Faculty/scholar of information science at a university
  • Researcher at a profit or nonprofit organization
  • Senior manager of a large public library
  • Senior manager of a university campus library
Application deadlines Fall admission only
Nov. 15

Program Faculty

Samuel Dodson

Samuel Dodson

Assistant Professor
Information Science

Department of Information Science University at Buffalo 524 Baldy Hall (North Campus) Buffalo, NY 14260–1000
Buffalo, NY 14260

Phone: 716-645-1488

Email: smdodson@buffalo.edu

Research Areas: Human Computer Interaction; Information behavior; Information literacy; Information practices; Information Retrieval; Information Science; STEM education

Africa S. Hands

Africa S. Hands

Assistant Professor
Information Science


Buffalo, NY 14260

Phone: 716-645-1412

Email: africaha@buffalo.edu

Research Areas: Access and Equity; Higher Education; Information Science; Library Science; Online and Distance Learning; Qualitative Research Methods

Saguna Shankar

Saguna Shankar

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 behavior; Information practices; Information Science

Amy VanScoy

Amy VanScoy

Associate Professor
Information Science

546 Baldy Hall North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260

Phone: 716-645-1487

Email: vanscoy@buffalo.edu

Research Areas: Diversity; Global Issues; Information behavior; Information practices; Information Science; Library Science; Qualitative Research Methods

Jianqiang Wang

Jianqiang Wang

Associate Professor
Information Science

528 Baldy Hall North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260

Phone: 716-645-2412

Email: jw254@buffalo.edu

Research Areas: Information Retrieval; Information Science

Brenda L. Battleson White

Brenda L. Battleson White

Clinical Associate Professor
Information Science

545 Baldy Hall North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260

Phone: 716-645-1486

Email: blb@buffalo.edu

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

Frequently Asked Questions

We have a collection of frequently asked questions that may help you. If your questions are still unanswered, we are glad to help! Contact our admission office.

Questions About the Admission Process?

Graduate School of Education
366 Baldy Hall, North Campus
716-645-2110
gseinfo@buffalo.edu