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University of Washington Information School

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Doctorate in Information Science

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Ph.D. Academics

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The Ph.D. in Information Science is composed of coursework, practica, and dissertation components. The aim of the coursework component is to prepare you to think like an information scientist and to lay the foundations for developing a dissertation in this field. See a list of completed dissertations. 

Students are introduced to the origins, scope, key concepts and variables, issues, methods, theoretical frameworks, and assumptions that define the discipline of information science. You will debate the merits of contradictory perspectives, read the empirical and conceptual literature of the discipline and critique the work of key theorists and researchers. You will design, implement, and critique information systems.

Students complete the following required INSC courses:

  • INSC 500 Faculty Seminar (Autumn)
  • INSC 501 Theoretical Foundations for Information Science (Winter)
  • INSC 570 Research Design (Autumn)
  • INSC 571 Quantitative Methods in Information Science (Winter)
  • INSC 572 Qualitative Methods in Information Science (Spring)
  • INSC 573 Design Inquiry and Methods in Information Science (Spring)*

Required Practica

  • INSC 565 Teaching Practicum I
  • INSC 566 Teaching Practicum II
  • INSC 575 Research Practicum I
  • INSC 576 Research Practicum II
  • Course descriptions can be found in the UW Course Catalog.

In consultation with a faculty advisor, you will also select additional elective coursework. Elective courses offered by the iSchool vary, reflecting faculty research expertise and diversity, and are intended to broaden the doctoral student academic experience. You are encouraged to pursue your intellectual and academic interests by taking courses offered by the iSchool as well as those offered by other academic units on the UW campus.

*INSC 573 is a required course for Ph.D. students who enter the program in Autumn 2017 and later.

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News

Jakob Collins and Joanne Dallas

MLIS Capstone project has kids reading and moving

Friday, May 20, 2022
With pandemic precautions and wariness lingering, Information School Master of Library and Information Science students Jakob Collins and Joanne Dallas combined reading with outdoor activity for Longview residents this...
Read more
Nicola Kalderash

MSIM student named a Slade Gorton Leaders Fellow

Monday, May 16, 2022
Nicola Kalderash, a Master of Science in Information Management (MSIM) student, was recently named a Slade Gorton Leaders Fellow at the National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR). Kalderash is pursuing the Early-Career Accelerated track...
Read more

Events

May 24
 
4:00-6:30PM

iSchool Capstone Gala: Night 1

Online
May 25
 
9:30-10:20AM

Seminar: writing for general audiences

Virtual
May 25
 
10:00-11:00AM

Informatics Program Overview

online
May 25
 
4:00-6:00PM

21st Century Careers in Information Science and Graduate Programs Fair

Virtual
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