In an era where digital technologies shape human interaction and cultural expression, understanding their workings, impacts and uses is crucial. Delving deep into these pivotal issues allows for innovation, critical thinking and enhanced digital literacy.
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 evolves rapidly. This program offers extensive opportunities for future scholars to explore critical research questions and enhance their professional goals.
Monica Rogers achieved a significant personal milestone by becoming the first graduate of the University at Buffalo's online PhD in Information Science program. Balancing her career while focusing on data visualization literacy, Rogers exemplifies the program's flexibility and support for diverse professional paths. Her success story underscores the program's ability to cater to working professionals and highlights the innovative research being conducted by its students.
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.
The online Information Science doctoral program is one of only two in North America, offering a unique pathway to advanced knowledge and career advancement.
Benefit from a curriculum specifically designed to address the rapid and ongoing changes in the information science field, ensuring you stay at the forefront of this dynamic discipline.
Academic credential granted | Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) |
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Credits required for completion | 72 |
Time to completion | 4 to 5+ years |
Course delivery | Online (except for a required one-week residency each year) |
Application deadlines | Fall admission only Jan. 1 |
The program coursework is designed to prepare you for next steps. Students who complete this program successfully :
Upon acceptance into the doctoral program, you are allowed to transfer credits from your master's degree program.
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
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.
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.
In an effort 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:
Faculty Interview: After applications are submitted and reviewed, qualified candidates will be contacted for an admission interview with the faculty.
Former/Maiden Name: Please provide us with your former/maiden name if you have one. When requesting transcripts, please ask the sending institution to indicate your current name and former/maiden 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 order 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.
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:
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
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
Associate Professor
Information Science
Associate Professor
Information Science
Clinical Associate Professor
Information Science
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.
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, that’s the question that Assistant Professor of information sicence Africa Hands seeks to answer. 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.