Deadline

The Department of Information Science admits students for the fall semesters. The Fall 2025 Application Deadline has been extended to January 24, 2025.

PhD Admissions Process

Admission to the University of North Texas requires an application that is submitted through the GradCas application.  Materials are collected within the application and may not be emailed. A GPA of 3.5 or higher is highly recommended. However, the department uses a holistic approach and everyone is welcome to apply. Data science concentration applicants should have experience coding. Click here to learn about the application process. There is a $75.00 non-refundable application fee.

Admissions are highly competitive, depending on applicant qualifications and the availability of faculty to mentor doctoral students. Not all qualified applicants can be accepted. If additional information is needed to evaluate the admissibility of an applicant, an interview may be requested.

Questions?

  • Contact the Information Science PhD Program Office at CI-IISPhD@unt.edu if you have question about the IS PhD program.
  • Contact the UNT Graduate Admission Office at Scrappy Says for assistance with the GradCas application.

Additional Application Materials

The following applications are collected with the application. Emails with materials will not be accepted.

  • GRE Scores.
    • Please send them directly to the university using the school code 6481.
    • GRE Scores cannot be waived.
    • Tests must be less than five years old.
    • There is no minimum score.
  • Three reference forms from former professors, employers, or others who can give evidence of applicant's aptitude for, as well as interest in, a research career in Information Science. If additional reference information is needed, the department will request the materials. Emailed letters will not be accepted unless they are requested.
  • Personal statement (300-500 words), which should include:
    • Doctoral research areas of interest
    • Identify IS Ph.D. faculty that you would like to study with
    • Research, professional, or community experiences that demonstrate motivation, commitment, and potential for doctoral work
    • Accomplishments (publications, presentations, awards)
    • Communication skills including multilingual proficiency; technology skills; and contribution to the diversity of the field
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Academic Writing Sample (a published paper, major term paper, thesis chapter, etc.). You must be the sole author of your writing sample.
  • Interview, if requested

Transcripts

The application process requires official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended before the application deadline.

Funding

The program does not guarantee funding. However, some assistantships are available for exceptional students. Assistantships are awarded on a competitive basis, must make satisfactory program progress, and have excellent oral and written communication skills. Students who receive assistantships are evaluated each semester for continuation. Applicants who are interested in an assistantship may indicate their interest when completing the application. Students who receive an assistantship are expected to attend school full-time. The program also has several scholarships.

The Admissions Committee

An admission committee comprised of IS Ph.D. Program faculty members representing different UNT academic units reviews applications. Members of the committee evaluate and balance a number of factors which, when taken together, provide evidence that an applicant possesses superior scholastic ability, has the potential for success in a rigorous graduate program of research study, and will perform well within the broad context of the information field.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency. A list of ways to demonstrate English language proficiency can be found on the UNT International website.

International Student Financial Requirements and Guarantee of Funds

The U.S. government requires international students to have proof of finances for  More information about the required funds can be found on the International Student and Scholar Services website.

Transferring to the IS PhD Program

A student who desires to transfer to the IS PhD program from another UNT department must meet the admission requirements. Current UNT students who wish to transfer to the IS PhD program must complete the application and the Change of major form. An application fee waiver can be requested. Admissions will be for the Fall semester. Students may not change their major until they their application has been evaluated and they have received a program admissions letter from the department.