About PhD Program,
The University of Arizona PhD in Information prepares students to excel as researchers and thought leaders in academia, government and industry.
Offered at our main campus in Tucson, Arizona, the PhD in Information is typically completed in five years, requiring 54 units for primary work plus 9-15 units for the PhD minor.
The College of Information Science is committed to creating an inclusive intellectual space for all, irrespective of background or characteristics, and we seek a wide range of students with diverse research interests and experiences, including machine learning, natural language processing, artificial intelligence, virtual/mixed reality, game development, immersive technologies, new media and internet studies, human-computer interaction, digital curation, archival studies and the future of work.
As the state’s only member of the iSchools consortium, we foster interdisciplinary understanding, preparing students for advanced information and data careers as professors, scientists, consultants, directors and more.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
Our faculty consider the overall package when making candidate evaluations, including:
- An undergraduate or graduate academic record that is indicative of significant achievement (typically a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale)
- A minimum of three letters of recommendation that clearly speak to your promise as a graduate student and as a doctoral student
- A resume or CV indicating both employment and educational experience to date
- A statement of intent outlining why you are applying to this particular program and what you consider the outcome of doctoral study will be
- An interview, on campus or by phone, with selected members of the faculty may occur
See also minimum admission requirements from the University of Arizona Graduate College. Also refer to our information for international applicants if needed.
PhD Funding Coverage,
The College of Information Science successfully supports all PhD students in securing funding, including full tuition plus a stipend for living expenses, through at least four years of the program.
Funding sources may include research assistantships, teaching assistantships or other forms of support. Additional sources of funding may be available, such as summer funding secured through sponsored research and summer teaching opportunities.
The University of Arizona Graduate College does not waive application fees to the PhD in Information. The College of Information Science may be able to pay the application fee for select applicants, based on conditions and University of Arizona guidelines. If you are seeking application fee funding assistance, please complete this form. We will accept requests through November 4th. Please create, completely fill out, and save your PhD application prior to this date or you will not be considered. Applicants will be notified whether they have been chosen or not by November 15th.
Application Requirement,
You are required to submit the following materials as part of your online application. Your application will not be processed until all required information is received.
Statement of Purpose
The Statement of Purpose is an important component of your application to the PhD program; the admissions committee will use it to evaluate your research experience, fit with the college/faculty, and ability to be successful in the PhD program.
Please limit your Statement of Purpose to no more than 2,500 words, and be sure to describe:
- Your research interests, including one potential project you would like to pursue. You will not be required to undertake this project if admitted; we understand that research interests evolve over time. We want to better understand the kinds of problems you want to solve, and whether we have faculty who can support you in that work. We are also looking for evidence of intellectual curiosity and motivation.
- Your past research experience/skillsand other relevant background information. Why are you interested in pursuing a PhD and what has prepared you for this work?
- Your career objectives.What would you like to do after your PhD?
- Your interest in the University of Arizona College of Information Science.Why are you specifically interested in our doctoral program? Please identify at least two College of Information Science faculty who you would like to work with.
Transcripts
Upload unofficial transcripts from all higher educational institutions attended as part of the online application. (Please note that unofficial transcripts are needed from each individual institution even if they are listed on the final transcript where the degree was issued.)
Official e-transcripts can be sent to transcripts@grad.arizona.edu directly from the institution. Official transcripts can be requested after the graduate college has provided requirements in their letter once admittance has occurred.
English Language Proficiency
Proof of English proficiency is required for any international applicant born in a country where English is not the official language. Please check our English Requirement list to verify your need to submit an English proficiency test. These tests must be dated within 2 years of the enrollment term to be considered valid.
Acceptable English proficiency tests are:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language(TOEFL): Minimum score of 79 IBT (or 60 on the revised PBT with no section score lower than 15). Individual MyBest scores must also be dated within 2 years of the enrollment term to be considered valid.
- International English Language Testing System(IELTS): Minimum composite score of 7, with no subject area below a 6
- Pearson PTE Academic: Minimum score of 60
- Graduate English Language Endorsementfrom the Center for English as a Second Language (CESL)
- CEPT Full Academic test: Offered by our Center for English as a Second Language (CESL), minimum Total score of 110.
Those exempt from submitting English proficiency scores are:
- Applicants from countries where English is the official language.
- Applicants who have completed a bachelor’s or graduate degree at a regionally accredited institution in the United States, or an approved institution in an official English speaking country. Degree must not be older than 2 years from the term of enrollment.
- Applicants who have completed 2 years of full-time academic study must have 48 upper division, graded undergraduate semester units or 30 graded, graduate semester units.
Upload your unofficial TOEFL scores as part of the online application. You must also submit official scores through ETS using institution code 4832.
Letters of Recommendation
Provide email addresses and contact information for three recommenders in the ‘Letters of Recommendation’ section of the online application.
Resume/CV
Upload a current resume or curriculum vitae (CV) as part of the online application in the Supplemental Questions section.
Writing Sample (Optional)
You may choose to include a sample of your prior research. This can be a formerly published research paper, a class project or anything else that you feel demonstrates your research expertise and writing skills.
Application Deadline,
Jan 20, 2025
Application Fee,
- Non-Degree Seeking, $45.00 *
- Degree Seeking, $90.00
- Certificate, $90.00 (Application fee is waived for currently enrolled University of Arizona graduate degree seeking students.)
- Graduate Exchange Programs, $90.00
