PhD Curriculum

The Ph.D. in Information Science comprises coursework, practica, and dissertation components. The curriculum builds upon the strengths and expertise of our faculty.

The aim of the coursework component is to prepare students to think like information scientists and to lay the foundations for developing a dissertation in this field. Students are introduced to the origins, scope, key concepts and variables, issues, methods, theoretical frameworks, and assumptions that define the discipline of information science. Students engage with the discourse of the discipline. They debate the merits of competing or contradictory perspectives. They read the empirical and conceptual literatures of the discipline and critique the work of key theorists and researchers. They design, implement, and critique information systems. In the coursework component of the Ph.D. program, students are prepared as advocates for, and practitioners of, the discipline of information science.

Students complete the following required INSC courses:
  • INSC 500 – Faculty Seminar
  • INSC 501- Theoretical Foundations for Information Science
  • INSC 570 - Research Design
  • INSC 571 – Quantitative Methods in Information Science
  • INSC 572- Qualitative Methods in Information Science
  • Required Practica (full details on our Practica page)
  • INSC 565 – Teaching Practicum I
  • INSC 566 – Teaching Practicum II
  • INSC 575 – Research Practicum I
  • INSC 576 – Research Practicum II

Students select, in consultation with their faculty advisors, additional elective coursework. Elective courses offered by the iSchool vary, reflecting faculty research expertise and diversity, and are intended to at once deepen and broaden the doctoral student academic experience. Students are encouraged to pursue their intellectual and academic interests and needs by taking courses offered by the iSchool as well as those offered by other academic units on the UW campus.

Ultimately, students must meet the following minimum number of credits for the Ph.D. in Information Science:

  • 18 graded credits in courses at the 500 level and above (taken prior to General Exam)
  • 60 credits taken prior to General Exam
  • 27 dissertation credits (INSC 800)
  • 90 total credits, 60 of which must be from UW

In addition to meeting the minimum course and credit requirements outlined above, students must also successfully:

  • Pass a Preliminary Review in the quarter following the completion of 20 quarter hours of study in the Ph.D. program (generally the 3rd quarter of enrollment)
  • Pass 2nd Year and 3rd Year Reviews (assuming General Examination has not yet been taken)
  • Pass a General Examination upon completion of coursework and practica components to attain formal candidacy for the Ph.D. program (Candidate’s Certificate)
  • Successfully defend a dissertation proposal before a Supervisory Committee
  • Successfully defend a dissertation before a Supervisory Committee (Final Examination)