University of San Francisco

What you'll study

This PhD combines advanced computer and information science topics with inquiry into support services, information access and the organisational practices that enable effective information systems. The programme balances disciplined coursework, research seminars and an independent dissertation under the supervision of faculty.

• Core research methods and theory: research design, advanced statistics for computing, qualitative and mixed methods for information research, and science of team-based research.
• Advanced technical topics: algorithms and complexity, machine learning and data science, information retrieval, databases and knowledge representation, distributed systems and networking, software engineering for large-scale systems.
• Information and support services: digital libraries and archives, human–computer interaction, user-centred design, usability evaluation, information policy and ethics, accessibility and inclusive design, and the management of technical support or information services units.
• Electives and special topics: security and privacy, cloud computing, Internet of Things, educational technologies, and domain-specific informatics (e.g. health, civic, or cultural heritage informatics), allowing tailoring of the curriculum to the candidate's research focus.
• Professional experience and pedagogy: opportunities to teach undergraduate or master’s level courses, participate in practicum placements with campus or community partners, and develop leadership skills for research group management or service provision.
• Qualifying milestones: completion of prescribed coursework, passing a comprehensive or qualifying examination, submission and defence of a dissertation proposal, and final dissertation defence.

Entry requirements

Admission is competitive and intended for candidates prepared for independent research. Typical requirements include:

• A relevant master’s degree (for example, computer science, information science, software engineering, or a closely related field). Exceptional applicants with a strong bachelor’s degree and substantial research or professional experience may also be considered.
• Demonstrated research potential shown through previous research, publications, technical project portfolios, or strong letters of recommendation from academic or professional supervisors.
• A statement of purpose outlining research interests, potential faculty mentors, and a research plan that aligns with the programme’s strengths.
• Academic transcripts and references. International applicants will be expected to meet the university’s English language proficiency requirements.
• Additional materials such as a CV, writing sample, code or project portfolio, and an interview may be requested as part of the selection process.

Career prospects

Graduates of this doctoral programme move into a range of academic, research and leadership roles. Typical career paths include:

• Academic positions: tenure-track faculty, postdoctoral researcher, or lecturer in computer science, information science or interdisciplinary departments.
• Research and development roles: research scientist or principal researcher in industry labs, government research organisations or non-profit research institutes.
• Leadership in information services: senior roles managing libraries, archives, digital repositories, IT support services, or data stewardship functions in cultural, public-sector or corporate settings.
• Technical leadership and consultancy: chief data scientist, director of information systems, chief information officer, or senior consultant in areas such as information management, systems architecture, or user experience strategy.
• Policy and advocacy roles: positions shaping technology and information policy, privacy and ethics programmes, or accessibility initiatives in policy organisations and NGOs.

Why study at University of San Francisco

University of San Francisco offers doctoral students access to a vibrant, tech-rich ecosystem in the Bay Area, with opportunities for collaboration with nearby universities, research labs and technology companies. The university’s emphasis on socially responsible scholarship and ethics aligns well with research into equitable, inclusive and human-centred information systems.

Students benefit from close faculty supervision, interdisciplinary connections across computing, education and public policy, and practical engagement through campus and community partnerships. Small cohort sizes enable personalised mentoring and teaching experience, while being located in San Francisco provides proximity to industry partners, archives, cultural institutions and civic data initiatives that can inform and enrich research projects.