University of Colorado Boulder

What you'll study

The PhD programme emphasises original research situated at the intersection of technology, people and information. Students undertake advanced coursework in theoretical and methodological foundations before concentrating on a sustained research project leading to a dissertation.

• Core topics and research areas: human–computer interaction (HCI), data science and machine learning as applied to information problems, information retrieval, social computing, health informatics, information policy and ethics, socio-technical systems, and science of team science.
• Typical modules and skills: advanced research methods (quantitative and qualitative), experimental design, user-centred design and usability evaluation, information visualization, statistical learning, data management and curation, and ethics in information research.
• Programme structure: a combination of coursework and seminars in the first years, passing a qualifying or candidacy assessment, followed by focused dissertation research under the supervision of a faculty advisor. Components often include research rotations, teaching or mentoring experience, and participation in journal clubs and lab meetings.
• Interdisciplinary opportunities: students commonly take courses and collaborate with units across the university—such as Computer Science, the ATLAS Institute, the Institute of Cognitive Science, the business school and public policy—aligning projects with engineering, social science or health domains.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a strong undergraduate degree (honours or equivalent) or a master’s degree in information science, computer science, cognitive science, statistics, engineering, social science or a related discipline. Successful applicants typically demonstrate evidence of research potential.

• Academic transcript: official records showing strong performance in relevant coursework.
• Research experience: prior research projects, publications, technical reports or substantial independent study are advantageous.
• Application materials: a research statement outlining proposed interests, a CV, academic references (usually two or three), and official transcripts. Some applicants also provide sample publications or writing samples.
• English language proficiency: if your previous degree was not taught in English, you will need to meet the university’s English language requirements.
• Standardised tests: the programme’s expectations for tests such as the GRE may vary; consult the department’s admissions guidance to confirm current policy.
• Fit with faculty: admissions decisions place strong weight on alignment between an applicant’s research interests and faculty expertise; contact potential supervisors to discuss fit before applying.

Career prospects

Graduates from the PhD in Information Science pursue a broad range of careers across academia, industry and government. The programme prepares scholars and practitioners who can lead research, develop new technologies, and shape policy.

• Academic careers: tenure‑track faculty positions in information science, computer science, HCI, library and information science, and allied disciplines.
• Industry research and product roles: research scientist or engineer positions in technology companies and corporate research labs, UX research and design leadership, data science and machine learning roles focused on information-centric problems.
• Public sector and non-profits: research and policy roles addressing digital inclusion, privacy and information governance, health informatics, and civic technology.
• Entrepreneurship and consulting: leadership roles in start-ups, technology transfer, and specialist consulting on data strategy, information architecture and user research.

Why study at University of Colorado Boulder

The University of Colorado Boulder hosts an active, interdisciplinary information science community with faculty whose research spans HCI, data-intensive science, information policy and beyond. The department encourages collaborative work across colleges and research centres, giving students access to complementary expertise in computer science, cognitive science, engineering and the social sciences.

• Research culture: opportunities to join established labs and centres, present at seminars and collaborate on funded projects that span theory and applied work.
• Facilities and resources: access to computational resources, usability and prototyping facilities, data repositories and partnerships with campus research institutes.
• Location and connections: Boulder’s vibrant technology ecosystem and proximity to research organisations and start-ups provide networking, internship and employment opportunities outside the university.
• Training and mentoring: structured advising, teaching experience and professional development activities prepare students for diverse career paths in research, teaching and industry leadership.