IS Ph.D Admissions Information
Admission Requirements
Application Deadline
- The program only admits students during the Fall semesters. The application deadline is November 15th for the upcoming fall semester. It is recommended that students apply by October 15th to allow time for processing. For example, applicants who wish to enter the program in Fall 2028 should apply by November 15, 2027.
GRE Requirements
- The GRE is required for admission to this program. There are no exceptions for a minimum GPA or alternative test. Please send your GRE scores to UNT Office of Admissions from ETS using the school code 6481.
GPA Requirements
Graduate applicants are evaluated holistically. In the past, successful candidates usually had a 3.5 GPA in their master's and undergraduate studies for admission to the program.
Required Degree
The IS Ph.D. is an interdisciplinary program with multiple concentrations. Therefore, no specific degree is required. Most students enter the program with a master's degree, but exceptional students with a bachelor's degree will be considered.
How to Apply
For step-by-step instructions on the application process, please visit the UNT Graduate Admissions website. This website includes details on how to submit materials, including transcripts, recommendation letters or forms, and other items.
Supplemental Document Tips
The graduate admissions site references questions about submitting the required application documents. It is recommended that you begin gathering your documents as soon as possible. Recommenders may prefer to submit a form because it takes less time to complete. The IS Ph.D. program office does not accept emailed application documents.
Recommendation Letters are Forms
Three (3) letters of recommendation or forms from former professors, employers, or others who can give evidence of the applicant's aptitude for and interest in a research career in information science. The program accepts a combination of letters and forms.
Statement of Purpose
- Applicants must submit a statement of purpose that is 300-500 words. The statement should be one (1) single-spaced page. The statement should include the following.
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doctoral research areas of interest
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identify IS Ph.D. faculty that you would like to study with
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research, professional, or community experiences that demonstrate motivation, commitment, and potential for doctoral work
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accomplishments (publications, presentations, awards)
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communication skills, including multilingual proficiency, technology skills, and contribution to the diversity of the field
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Data science applicants should describe their coding skills.
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Resume
Describe your education, professional experience, skills, coding capabilities, and publications (if any).
Academic Writing Sample
Submit a published paper, major term paper, thesis chapter, or professional paper. Applicants must be the sole author of their writing sample.
Interview
Admissions are highly competitive. Admissions depend on applicant qualifications, faculty availability to mentor doctoral students, and funding to support new students. Not all qualified applicants can be accepted. If additional information is needed to evaluate an applicant's admissibility, an interview may be requested.
Additional Application Information
The IS Ph.D. Program Application must be completed by the priority or regular deadline listed above. Applications that remain incomplete or have not been reviewed by the regular deadline will not be accepted or reviewed.
An admission committee comprised of IS Ph.D. Program faculty members representing different UNT academic units review applications. Members of the committee evaluate and balance many 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.
Questions about the IS Ph.D. Program?
Please email the program office at ci-iisphd@unt.edu.