Thanks to constant advancements in technology, we have access to more information than ever before. This program lets you explore the intersection of information and technology, receive interdisciplinary training, conduct high-impact research, and pursue and succeed in careers in both higher education and industry.
Led by their own curiosities, our PhD students are researching 3D brain reconstruction, human-robot interaction, geoinformatics, high performance cloud computing, user-centered design, data visualization, machine learning, health informatics, and more. Graduates from this program have contributed their expertise at major research universities, research and development organizations, and international government agencies.
The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
At A Glance
Credits: 66 to 72 Duration: 5+ years to complete Format: On campus
Application Deadline: January 15 (Fall term) Next Start Date: August 24
Admissions Requirements
General guidelines for applying to a graduate program at the University of Pittsburgh should be reviewed prior to submitting an application for admission. These guidelines are available on the University’s Application for Admission Catalog page.
All applicants will be judged on their own merits. Applicants for master’s study must have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a scholastic average of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better; the doctoral programs have more stringent requirements. For those who have been in the workforce, admission will be based upon academic achievement, area of study, career orientation and work experience.
- PhD in IS Admissions Requirements
IS PhD applicants must either have or demonstrate the following prerequisite knowledge. These courses or their equivalents should be taken before seeking admission but may be taken during the first four terms of study. All courses must be at the graduate level and may have been taken in the course of pursuing another graduate degree:
- Statistics or Discrete Math (INFSCI 2020 - MATHEMATICAL FOUNDATIONS FOR INFORMATION SCIENCE)
- Cognitive Psychology (INFSCI 2300 - HUMAN INFORMATION PROCESSING or INFSCI 2350 - HUMAN FACTORS IN SYSTEMS)
- Systems Analysis and Design (INFSCI 2510 - INFORMATION SYSTEMS ANALYSIS AND DESIGN)
- Data Structures (INFSCI 2500 - DATA STRUCTURES)
- Database Management (INFSCI 2710 - DATABASE MANAGEMENT)
Applicants must have a Master’s degree from an accredited university, a recognized international program, or the equivalent is required and have attained a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.3 (on a scale with an “A” having a value of 4 points per credit). Exceptional students with a technical Bachelor’s degree may also be admitted. Such students must still satisfy all other requirements that follow. An international student’s GPA will be calculated on the basis of equivalency from universities that use a different scale.
Your application should include:
- Letters of Recommendation: identify and seek the recommendations of three individuals (e.g., professors, employers, information professionals) who are in a position to evaluate your academic performance or your potential as an information professional. Two must be from professors, preferably with PhDs.
- Transcripts: Only scanned copies of official transcripts will be accepted and processed at the application stage.
- Other Required Documentation: Please include the following with your online application:
- CV; and
- Statement of Intent (not to exceed 1,000 words) indicating, as specifically as possible, your academic and professional goals related to the Information Science doctoral program and identifying potential areas and/or topics in which the student expects to pursue dissertation research.
- For International Applicants: Graduate students must possess sufficient knowledge of English to participate successfully in graduate study. International applicants must submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo test scores (taken within two years of the date of application).
Coursework
This program requires a minimum of 48 credits, including 30 course and seminar credits beyond a master’s degree, and at least 18 dissertation credits. Students without a master’s degree will be required to take a minimum of 24 additional credits of coursework or seminars, for a total of 72 credits beyond the bachelor’s degree. For full degree requirements, view the Information Science catalog.
