Information Science, PhD

• 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

• Graduates will have a broad understanding of the theories of information science, as well as theories from cognate disciplines which have been applied in information science.
• Graduates will have a broad understanding of qualitative and quantitative methods, which are commonly applied in information science research.
• Graduates will demonstrate deep and broad knowledge of one or more domain topics within information science.
• Graduates will demonstrate the ability to execute research in their domain area using appropriate methods and theory.

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.

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/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.