Library and Information Science, Ph.D.
Ph.D. in Library and Information Science
Admission to the Ph.D. program is competitive and is based on the strength of the applicant’s educational background (with the expectation of an M.L.I.S. or master’s-level degree in a related field), standardized test scores, work experience, a statement of research interests, and a personal interview.
Application requirements for the Ph.D. program include:
- completing the Graduate School’s online application form, including a written statement describing the applicant’s anticipated research focus or interest and a nonrefundable $50 application fee;
- official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended;
- for international students whose native language is not English, an official report showing a minimum score of 570 (230 computer-based) on the TOEFL or a minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS Academic Course Type 2 exam;
- three letters of recommendation from persons able to comment on the applicant’s academic ability and scholarly potential -- letters of recommendation cannot come from family members;
- a resume or curriculum vitae outlining the applicant’s educational and professional achievements (sent directly to the School of Information Science);
- following the receipt of all documents listed above, an interview with a member of the graduate faculty.
Degree Requirements (54 Post-Masters Hours)
Core Courses (15 Hours)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ISCI 801 | Theoretical Issues in Library and Information Science | 3 |
| ISCI 802 | Research Methods and Design in Information Science | 3 |
| ISCI 803 | Information and Society | 3 |
| ISCI 804 | Preparation for Academic Careers in Library and Information Science | 3 |
| ISCI 805 | Information Policy and Ethics | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 15 | |
Research Methods (6 Hours)
Qualitative Methods (3 hours)
Chosen from advisor-approved options such as the following:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDFI 731 | Qualitative Inquiry | 3 |
| ANTH 719 | Field Problems in Ethnology | 3 |
Quantitative Methods (3 Hours)
Chosen from advisor-approved options such as the following:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| STAT 700 | Applied Statistics I | 3 |
| STAT 701 | Applied Statistics II | 3 |
Elective/Cognate Courses (21 Hours)
Due to the interdisciplinary nature of library and information science, students may select 700+ level courses in EDFI, EDLP, EDRM, EDTE, EPID, HPEB, ITEC, NURS, POLI, PSCY, or SOWK or 500+ level courses in STAT or any 700+ level courses from any graduate program offered at the University of South Carolina to complement their degree requirements and support their individual research interests and career objectives. Other 500 level courses may be approved by an advisor. Students should work closely with their academic advisor to identify electives that align with their research goals, enhance their scholarly preparation, and broaden their interdisciplinary knowledge base. All elective selections must meet standard prerequisite requirements and receive advisor approval. The outputs for these courses must lead to products that are designed for scholarly publication or presentation. Students are allowed to take up to six (6) credits of Independent Study or internship courses.
Comprehensive Written and Oral Examinations
Dissertation Preparation (12 Hours)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ISCI 899 | Dissertation Preparation | 12 |
| Total Credit Hours | 12 | |