About PhD Program,
The information science PhD program is preparing the next generation of information scientists for academic and professional careers where an in-depth knowledge of research processes and evaluation is needed.
The information science PhD program emphasizes the study of the representation, storage, retrieval, use and impact of information resources on society.
Graduates will contribute to the knowledge base of the discipline and will take on leadership roles as scholars and administrators in the discipline and the profession.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Information Studies is a STEM-designated program with Optional Practical Training (OPT) eligibility.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
- Have a cumulative GPA in coursework for the master’s degree of at least 3.5 and an undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Applicants possessing a Master of Library and Information Science, or a master’s degree in an allied discipline, are encouraged to apply.
- Information science PhD students will need to complete a minimum of 30 credits of approved coursework at the 700-level or higher.
- Foundation Courses in Information Studies (12 credits)
- Research Methods and Design (9 credits)
- Specialized area (9 credits)
- Sample PhD Course Plan– Please note this course plan is TENTATIVE and subject to change without notice.
- The complete list of SOIS courses can be found in the UW-Milwaukee Academic Catalog.
Preliminary Examinations / Preparatory Essays
Dissertation Proposal
Dissertation
Dissertation Defense
PhD Funding Coverage,
Full-time onsite information science PhD students are eligible for teaching assistantships. Typical appointments are 33% (13 hours per week) and 9-month appointments. Assistants receive bi-weekly pay, tuition remission, and health insurance coverage based on the Graduate School Schedule.
SOIS offers several funding opportunities for its PhD students based on the availability of funding. Funding opportunities can include: travel funding for conference presentations, research support to assist with costs associated with dissertation research, and adjunct teaching opportunities to support their studies.
Application Requirement,
- Transcripts:
All applicants, including UWM students, must upload transcripts from all academic institutions where a bachelor’s degree or above has been or will be earned.
If you are admitted and enroll at UW-Milwaukee, you must submit an official transcript for your bachelor’s degree with the degree and date awarded. (Additional official transcripts may be required. The Graduate School will send additional instructions to you after the official admission decision has been made.) UWM students will not have to submit their official, degree-bearing transcripts.
- International applicants should refer to International Admissionsfor more information.
- Letters of Recommendation:
If your program requires letters of recommendation, you will be able to send a request directly to your recommenders in the Graduate School Admission Application. The letter can then be loaded by your recommender directly into the application.
- Fees:
All applicants are requested to pay a non-refundable $75 application fee. Note that we do have some programs for fee waivers (contingent on registration and attendance at our in-person open house event) or fee grants (for participants in one of a list of eligible graduate school preparation programs).
If you are applying to a doctoral program and already hold a UWM master’s degree or will have completed a UWM master’s degree prior to starting the doctoral program, you do not need to pay the application fee again.
- Program Requirements:You will find additional program requirements in the Graduate School Admission Application. If you have questions about these requirements, contact your program.
Application Deadline,
Jan 10, 2025
Application Fee,
All applicants are requested to pay a non-refundable $75 application fee.
