This program prepares students for careers in research, education, and professional practice. The primary purpose of the PhD program is to develop an understanding of library and information science beyond a master’s degree, with particular emphasis on the conduct of original research, the production of significant research findings, and the contribution of such findings to public knowledge. This is a research-driven program for students interested in areas like archives and information science, information behavior, health information behavior and health education, social information systems, web-based information systems, and school librarianship.
The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
At A Glance
Credits: 72 Duration: 5+ years to complete Format: On campus
Application Deadline: January 15; July 15 if not being considered for aid (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 LIS Admissions Requirements
The following are requirements for admission to the PhD in LIS Program:
- Official transcripts from bachelor’s and/or master’s study.
- Attainment in previous degrees of a preferred minimum of 3.00 average GPA (on a scale with A having a value of 4 points per credit). An international student’s quality point average will be calculated on the basis of equivalency from universities that use a different scale.
- Participation in an interview (in person, by telephone or via video conference), after an initial screening of their application materials.
- Submission of an application fee.
The Department of Information Culture and Data Stewardship (ICDS) welcomes applicants with bachelor’s degree and/or advanced degrees from diverse disciplinary backgrounds. We especially encourage applicants from historically underrepresented groups. Applications from prospective students are reviewed by the ICDS Committee on Doctoral Studies.
Students who are applying for financial aid should be aware that they must be admitted and meet financial aid deadlines to ensure consideration for funding.
Coursework
This degree requires a minimum of 72 credits. A minimum of 36 credits must be taken in advanced course work. View full PhD in Library and Information Science degree requirements in the Pitt Course Catalog.