Nov 21, 2024  
2024-2025 University Bulletin 
    
2024-2025 University Bulletin

Doctor of Philosophy in Information Studies


The PhD in Information Studies is a highly regarded and desirable credential for those interested in pursuing research in library information science, teaching at the post-secondary level, and increasingly those seeking or working in leadership positions in libraries, information centers, and a variety of other organizations and research positions. The PhD offers concentrations in library and information science and in information management.

Dominican’s PhD in information studies was created with working professionals in mind. Unlike traditional, residential PhD programs at large universities, our cohort-based program can be completed in just three years, with all courses offered on weekends, primarily online via Zoom. Four in-person weekends are required during the first two years of coursework.

Combining the rigor of a top-level research degree with the collaborative and personal approach that is the hallmark of a Dominican education, the PhD provides a strong yet flexible pathway that helps professionals expand their vision as well as advance their careers.

Students work closely with a team of faculty advisors, professors, and peers committed to both intellectual engagement and the professional skills needed to advance their careers. The cohort will progress through 12 intensive courses over six semesters (two years), with a third year devoted to individual dissertation work.

Degree Requirements


Successful completion of the doctoral program includes:

  • Completion of a minimum of 36 semester hours of doctoral coursework in the Dominican University SOIS program;
  • Passing both parts of the qualifying process;
  • Completion of at least 6 credit hours of LIS 999 -Dissertation;
  • Satisfactory completion and defense of a dissertation proposal and dissertation;
  • A minimum grade point average of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale;
  • Continuous enrollment in the degree program;
  • Completion of the degree program within three years* and;
  • Filing an Application for Graduation by the filing deadline with the Office of the Registrar the semester before the anticipated graduation date.

*The program is a three-year program requiring continuous enrollment in fall, spring and summer semesters for two years of coursework, with dissertation work in the third year. If a student needs to extend their time in the program beyond the 3 years, they may repeat the dissertation course for a period not to exceed an additional two years.

Required Courses


Course Rotation:

PhD Cohort 11 Course Schedule

 

Library and Information Science Concentration Information Management Concentration 

Fall 2024

LIS 901 - Introduction to Doctoral Information Studies  

LIS 964 - Strategic Communication in Practice and Scholarship  

Fall 2024

LIS 901 - Introduction to Doctoral Information Studies  

LIS 964 - Strategic Communication in Practice and Scholarship  

Spring 2025

LIS 955 - Advanced Seminar: Information Policy  

LIS 950 - Advanced Seminar: Information Behavior  

Spring 2025

LIS 955 - Advanced Seminar: Information Policy  

LIS 950 - Advanced Seminar: Information Behavior  

Summer 2025

LIS 962 - Advanced Seminar: Literacy and Learning  

LIS 965 - Advanced Seminar: Information Systems Research Theory and Practice  

Summer 2025

IM 940 - Advanced Seminar: Data Management Theory  

LIS 965 - Advanced Seminar: Information Systems Research Theory and Practice  

Fall 2025

CASS 910 - Research Foundations and Literacy for Social Justice  

LIS 990 - Advanced Independent Study in Library and Information Science  

Fall 2025

CASS 910 - Research Foundations and Literacy for Social Justice 

LIS 990 - Advanced Independent Study in Library and Information Science   

Spring 2026

LIS 969 - Doctoral Research Methods and Design I  

LIS 971 - Doctoral Research Methods and Design II  

Spring 2026

LIS 969 - Doctoral Research Methods and Design I  

LIS 971 - Doctoral Research Methods and Design II  

Summer 2026

LIS 970 - Dissertation Preparation  

LIS 990 - Advanced Independent Study in Library and Information Science  

Summer 2026

LIS 970 - Dissertation Preparation  

LIS 990 - Advanced Independent Study in Library and Information Science  

 

LIS 999  (Dissertation Hours) -Six credit hours for first three semesters (zero credit hours for subsequent semesters)

All PhD students must take a minimum of six credit hours of LIS 999