University of Wisconsin–Madison

Overview

The PhD in Information at the University of Wisconsin–Madison is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to conduct pioneering research in information-focused disciplines. This program emphasizes close mentorship from faculty and a collaborative cohort experience, fostering an environment conducive to academic growth and innovation. Students will engage in rigorous coursework, develop research methodologies, and ultimately produce a dissertation that contributes to the field of information studies.

What you'll study

The program structure integrates doctoral coursework and research training, ensuring a comprehensive approach to developing research capabilities. Students will progress through various stages, from foundational courses in research methods to advanced dissertation scholarship.

Core coursework

• Research and Assessment for Information Professionals
• Communication Research Methods
• Numerical Literacy
• Analytics for Decision Making
• Applied Statistics for the Life Sciences

Research and dissertation

• Faculty-guided research: Develop an independent research agenda with continuous faculty support.
• Dissertation work: Complete a dissertation based on original research that offers a unique scholarly contribution.
• Scholarly communication: Prepare research findings for presentation and publication in academic contexts.

Note: The specific sequencing of courses, credit requirements, and dissertation milestones may vary based on individual progress and faculty guidance.

Entry requirements

Applicants to the PhD program are typically required to submit standardized test scores, a statement of research interest, and academic records. An interview may also be part of the selection process. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is generally expected for admission consideration.

Career prospects