Earn Your Ph.d. In Information Science and Technology at iSchool
Our Ph.D. in Information Science and Technology takes a human-centered approach to digital and information technologies. Join a community dedicated to understanding information as a manageable resource with a distinct human element. This innovative, multidisciplinary program equips you with the research skills and insights needed to become a leader in academia and the information industries.
- Human-centered approach to information, blending digital technologies with human uses of information.
- Multidisciplinary research skills drawing from sociology, psychology, policy, and communications.
- Collaboration with faculty experts in management, computing, and librarianship.
- Full funding for admitted Ph.D. students.
- Commitment to 4-5 years of full-time, residential study.
- Opportunity to immerse in advanced research and scholarship.
Program Info
Next term starts:
Fall 2025
78
Total Credit Hours
Program Duration:
4-5 years
Program Delivery:
On-campus
8
Courses
Admissions Requirements
Our graduate program seeks to attract highly motivated candidates who demonstrate strong academic potential and a passion for advancing in their field. To apply, you will need to:
- Complete Graduate Program Application
- Pay $75 Non-refundable Application Fee
- Provide Academic Credentials
- Write Statement of Research Interests (1500 Word Limit)
- Obtain Three (3) Letters of Recommendation
- Submit Exam Scores
- Include Writing Sample
Please thoroughly review the Ph.D. Application Checklist for all application requirements.
Additional admissions requirements for international students:
With a diverse community of 6,000 graduate students, a quarter of whom hail from outside the United States, our university is proud to welcome students from around the world.
To be considered for admission to Syracuse University, international students are required to complete a list of admission steps, which include submitting all official academic credentials, proof of English language proficiency, tunding requirements, and more.
Please visit International Graduate Student Requirements to learn more.
Tuition & Fees
Cost per
credit
$1,945
X
Number
of credits
18
=
Total
Tuition
$35,010
*The cost of attendance is based on enrollment of 18 credits for the academic year (fall and spring)
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the PhD program in Information Science and Technology will demonstrate advanced competencies in both theoretical and methodological approaches to addressing complex information-related issues. The interdisciplinary nature of the program ensures that students develop a comprehensive understanding of how information, people, and technology intersect across a wide range of contexts. Upon completion, students will have acquired the following key learning outcomes:
- Expertise in Information Science and Technology Theories and Practices
- Advanced Research and Analytical Skills
- Interdisciplinary Problem-Solving Abilities
- Teaching and Mentoring Expertise
- Ethical and Responsible Research Practice
- Leadership in the Future of Information Science
- Scholarly Communication and Dissemination
What Can You Do with a Ph.D. in Information Science and Technology?
Our Ph.D. in Information Science and Technology provides students with the expertise to pursue advanced roles in sectors such as academia, technology research and development, data science, cybersecurity, healthcare informatics, and more.
The skills developed during a doctoral program empower graduates to tackle complex challenges in areas like machine learning, data privacy, and algorithm design while advancing cutting-edge research in fields such as artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, and big data analytics, ultimately shaping the development of innovative technologies and the evolution of information systems.
Career opportunities
- University Professor
- Research Scientist
- Data Scientist
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Technology Consultant
- Policy Advisor
- Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
- Human-Computer Interaction Specialist
- Software Engineer
- Systems Architect
- IT Director
- Entrepreneur/Startup Founder
Pursue Your Interests.
Our program combines a flexible curriculum based on your individual research interests, and focus areas that allow you to pursue your personal areas of interest. Through a series of guided research experiences with faculty combined with courses on methods, theories of digital technologies, and theories of information, you’ll explore how the interactions between people and information technology can shape the world around us.
Advance With Expertise.
Work closely with our esteemed faculty, join a research lab, and pursue investigation in your areas of expertise. Here, you’ll have the support of a close-knit group of professionals, and the resources of a major research university. You’ll gain mastery in your field, and the experience you need to take the next step in your career.
Join Our Ranks.
You embrace interdisciplinary nature of the information field, and invite alternative views and approaches to research. As a lifelong learner, you aspire to a career in academia or are otherwise committed to research. We invite you to apply to our program.
Accreditations &
Recognitions
Accreditation guarantees that educational programs adhere to rigorous quality standards and consistently evolve to enhance students’ learning experiences.
Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies has earned reaccreditation through 2030, marking an important achievement that underscores our faculty and staff’s dedication to offering an exceptional education to our students.
For a complete list of our accreditation details, please visit Syracuse’s Accreditation Schedule.
Courses & Curriculum
Core Courses – 18 Credits
The PhD program requires 78 credits post-baccalaureate. Up to 30 of these credits can be transferred in for PhD students with a relevant MS degree. Among the 78 credits, 18 are devoted to PhD thesis- the culminating and critical component of the PhD in Information Science and Technology.
Research and Teaching Practica – 18 Credits
As such, the program is very flexible and can be constructed to meet individual student’s unique needs. The only formal requirement is that PhD students must complete 12 credits of research and teaching practica (which typically takes four semesters). These practica are apprentice-like experiences working one-on-one with faculty – these serve as the foundation of the PhD in Information Science and Technology and are the common experience shared by all students in the program.
The Remaining Credits
The remaining credits are taken through a combination of research methods courses, research seminars, and topical courses so as to maximize the PhD student’s ability to achieve mastery, advance their research skills, and develop as a faculty member.
The PhD program offers two doctoral level classes each semester. Students can choose any course from the list below, any IST800 special topics classes, any doctoral-level courses outside of the iSchool, or any masters level courses, as well as an independent study. 12 of these credits must be at the 700-level or above.
Student Success Stories
Meet Our Alumni
Join a global community of scholars dedicated to advancing our understanding of information, exploring the limits of technology, and examining their impact on society today and in the future.
Grad Student Studying AI to Detect, Reduce Inequality in Science
Lizhen Liang, G’20, ‘25, is studying information science and technology. He is focused on computational social science and how AI is researched and used to inform people’s lives.
Meet Our Experts
Our program is led by a team of accomplished professionals and industry leaders who bring a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience to the classroom. They are dedicated to supporting your academic and professional growth, ensuring you gain the skills and insights needed to thrive in the field of Information Science and Technology.
Jaime Banks
Steve Sawyer
Ingrid Erickson
How to Apply
Applications for the Ph.D. program in Information Science and Technology are accepted for the Fall Term only, beginning in August. The priority application deadline is November 15, and the general deadline is December 1.
To apply, you will need to submit the following:
- Graduate Program Application
- $75 non-refundable application fee
- Academic credentials
- Statement of Research Interests (1500-word limit)
- Three (3) Letters of Recommendation
- Exam Scores
- Writing Sample
- Additional submission instructions (if applicable)
If you have any questions or need assistance throughout the process, feel free to reach out to our Enrollment Management team at iGrad@syr.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to earn a PhD in Information Science and Technology?
It typically takes about 4 to 5 years to earn a PhD in Information Science and Technology.
Is a PhD in Information Science and Technology the same as one in computer science?
No, a PhD in Information Science and Technology focuses more on the study of information systems, data management, and human-computer interaction, while a PhD in Computer Science emphasizes programming, algorithms, and software development.
Is a doctorate in Information Science and Technology worth it?
A doctorate in Information Science and Technology can be worth it if you aim for advanced positions in academia, research, or leadership roles in the tech industry, enhancing your expertise and potentially leading to higher salaries.
How can you fund a PhD in Information Science and Technology?
There are several ways to fund a PhD in Information Science and Technology, including scholarships, grants, or personal savings. It’s also possible to seek funding from professional organizations and government agencies.
Questions? We’re here to help.
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