ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The University of North Texas Information Science PhD Program (IS PhD Program) responds to the varied and changing needs of the information age by offering a general plan of study. This plan is intended to prepare graduates for success in a wide range of positions and information settings within both private and public organizations. It is the most flexible plan offered in the Information Science PhD Program. Each student collaborates with a faculty advisor to create an individualized program that reflects their career goals. Students will take courses designed to prepare them for conducting research on critical issues related to the interdisciplinary nature of information science.

General Degree Plan

Course Requirements

Students enrolled in the General Concentration in Information Science will complete courses from the following four areas:

1. Information Science Core Area (12 graduate credit hours)

• INFO 6000 - Seminar in Information Science
• INFO 6660 - Readings in Information Science (taken in the last semester of course work with the major professor)
• INFO 6700 - Seminar in Communication and Use of Information
• INFO 6945 - Doctoral Seminar in Information Issues 

2. Research Courses (minimum of 21 graduate credit hours, including doctoral dissertation hours)

• INFO 6940 Inquiry and Research Design
• Quantitative Research Methods/Statistics (3 graduate credit hours in consultation with advisor)
• Qualitative Research Methods (3 graduate credit hours in consultation with advisor)
• Doctoral Dissertation Hours (minimum of 12 hours of INFO 6950 to be completed after passing the qualifying exam)

3. General Concentration Areas of Emphasis (18 graduate credit hours):

Students must select two of the following three areas of emphasis, completing 9 graduate credit hours in each area. Courses are selected with the approval of the major advisor.

A. Information Theory and Design (9 graduate credit hours)

This area focuses on the organization, structure, and design of information and knowledge systems. It includes the evaluation of information systems, communication processes, and the development and improvement of information systems and their applications.

B. Information and Behavior (9 graduate credit hours)

This area examines human information and communication behavior, including how individuals and groups seek, access, use, and share information. It also explores the use of information technologies to support communication and learning.

C. Information Policy and Management (9 graduate credit hours)

This area focuses on organizational behavior, information policy, and the management of information resources, organizations, and systems. It examines how information is managed and used in organizational settings.

4. General Electives (9 graduate credit hours)

Students must complete 9 graduate credit hours of elective courses selected in consultation with and approved by their major advisor. Electives may be chosen from Information Science or other relevant graduate disciplines based on the student's research interests and academic goals.