Program Overview (PDF, 1.07 MB)

The GSLIS doctoral program marked its 60th anniversary in 2008, making it the oldest such program in the nation. It continues to grow and change in response to new social and technological opportunities for producing, disseminating, and accessing information. The program is research-oriented and interdisciplinary.

A Ph.D. in Library and Information Science (LIS) opens up many possibilities for individuals from multiple disciplinary backgrounds. Graduates pursue careers in academia, public institutions, and private corporations. For example, recent graduates have joined the faculty at academic institutions such as the University of Buffalo-The State University of New York, Florida State University, the University of Alabama, and Syracuse University. Others have gone on to work in Research and Development labs at Microsoft, Siebel Systems, and MITRE, and some manage collections at the Library of Congress and the University of Chicago.

The program seeks outstanding students who have demonstrated the necessary educational background, professional experience, scholarly potential and keen interest to conduct independent and exemplary research in the LIS field. Applicants who can demonstrate the intellectual capacity, leadership, communication and analytical skills, potential to contribute significantly to research and education in LIS, and the enthusiasm to do so at the highest levels are welcome to apply to this doctoral program. The admissions committee, known as the Doctoral Studies Committee (DSC), also considers the fit between an applicant's research interests and the research directions supported by the School.

Profiles of current doctoral students