Ph.D in Information Science
Pursue your Ph.D. in Information Science at IU Bloomington’s Luddy School and become a leader in the evolving field of information technology.
Shape Tomorrow’s Digital World
What you'll learn
Through the Ph.D. in Information Science, you’ll engage in cutting-edge research in areas such as data mining, cultural analytics, and knowledge organization. This flexible program encourages you to explore and contribute new insights into how people use information systems, allowing you to drive innovations in communication technologies and information management.
This prestigious program equips you to advance research in areas like information and communication technologies (ICT), database design, user experience, and information architecture. You’ll gain the expertise to shape the future of technology management and information systems, preparing you for impactful roles in academia and beyond.
Program details for Ph.D. in Information Science
Degree requirements for the Ph.D. in Information Science are listed in the University Graduate School academic bulletin. To review your specific requirements, explore the bulletin.
Curriculum
The Ph.D. in Information Science is designed to prepare you for a career in research and teaching. You’ll gain a strong understanding of the research process and learn to identify and tackle important research problems, contributing new knowledge to the field. We encourage you to explore the ideas and questions that excite you most. Recent areas of focus include, but are not limited to:
- Archives
- Biodiversity information and culture
- Computer-mediated communication
- Critical information and library science
- Cultural analytics
- Digital curation and libraries
- Data and text mining
- eScience
- Gender and technology
- Social media mining
- Knowledge organization (KO)
- Technology and diversity
No matter your career path, you’ll graduate ready to work as a researcher, teacher, and consultant in the field of information science.
Choose a minor
All Luddy School doctoral students are required to complete either a minor within the school or an approved minor outside the school. Your minor should relate to your research, as determined by your advisory committee.
Explore the Ph.D. minors offered by the Luddy School. To learn more about Ph.D. minors outside of the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, visit the websites of IU Bloomington’s 16 degree-granting colleges and schools.
"Being part of the PhD in Information Science program has been an inspiring journey. The department’s supportive, interdisciplinary community constantly encourages me to push my critical and creative boundaries, helping me to grow as an enthusiastic researcher."
Shohana AkterPh.D. in Information Science
One School. Two Campuses. Infinite Possibilities.
More pathways at Luddy Indianapolis
Explore the Information Science program available at IU's urban research campus in the heart of downtown Indianapolis.
The Luddy Student Experience
Real Research. Real Experience.
Discover Luddy Research
At Luddy and across IU, students and faculty tackle bold research in areas like bioinformatics, computational biology, security, and privacy.
Advising and Student Resources
Find Extra Help
Whether you’re an Information Science major or still exploring your options, Luddy School advisors are here to help you navigate degree requirements, seize academic opportunities, and tailor your journey to fit your goals.
International Students
Welcoming Everyone
Many of our graduate students, as well as our faculty, in ILS come to Bloomington from outside the United States. Indiana University draws students from around the globe for other programs of study. IU offers many types of support for you and our global community.