Doctor of Philosophy in Information Studies (PhD)

The Doctor of Philosophy in Information Studies (PhD) program at Maryland’s INFO College offers an interdisciplinary approach to research and teaching provided by faculty at this leading public research university. Small classes and wide-ranging research projects enable students to work closely with faculty mentors to gain experience in identifying knowledge gaps, investigating both theoretical and practical solutions, evaluating results, and creating and disseminating new knowledge. A range of required research courses, two foundational doctoral seminars, and electives chosen by the students and their faculty mentors provide both the structure necessary for individuals to become successful researchers and the flexibility that allows them to pursue the research areas about which they are most passionate. Students have opportunities to work on research projects that lead to published papers, as well as benefit from one-on-one mentoring relationships with faculty members.

Program Courses:

• INST 800 – The Engaged Intellectual: An Introduction to Research and Academic Work (3 credit hours)
• INST 801 – Theoretical and Epistemological Foundations in Information Studies (3 credits hours)
• INST 802 – Pragmatic and Methodological Foundations for Information Studies (3 credits)

Learn more about the INFO PhD curriculum and schedule planning.

Enrolled Students: be sure to consult the PhD handbooks, policies, and forms.

• #3 in USA – UMD as a Public University
• #7 in USA – UMD as a University for Entrepreneurship
• #10 in USA – UMD – Public Institution for Patents Awarded (IPO Assoc)
• #10 in USA – UMD – Public Institution for Research Spending (NSF Survey)

How people access, use and communicate information has become critical to professional success, life-long learning, and even government policies. Information retrieval now is heavily dependent on computer systems, the Internet and mobile devices. Given this diverse and complex landscape, students with wide-ranging interests or interdisciplinary experience are well served by the INFO College’s Ph.D. program. Graduates of the program have accepted positions at leading universities and research institutions around the world.

The INFO College’s location near Washington, DC, the information capital of the world, offers unparalleled opportunities for students to pursue research and employment opportunities. Our Ph.D. students hold internships at and conduct research in government agencies, top technology and design firms, and the nonprofit sector; and graduate to jobs in academia, industry, and government.

Be sure to check out the INFO College’s Ph.D. Alumni.

Explore the INFO College’s Ph.D. Alumni

Driven by the pursuit of new ideas and big discoveries, faculty, researchers, and students at the UMD College of Information (INFO) are combining principles of information science with cutting-edge technology to foster access to information, improve information interfaces, and expand how information is used. We tackle significant, real-world information challenges from diverse perspectives such as communication, information retrieval, policy, computer science, education, archives, business, human factors, law, humanities, and more. Our discoveries empower, inspire, and connect individuals and communities.  Learn more about Research at INFO.

EXPERTISE AREAS   RESEARCH GROUPS   PROJECTS

With a history of activism, the UMD INFO College continues today to champion accessibility, diversity, inclusion, and democratization of information. Our faculty, staff, and 2600+ students come to us from over 61 countries and create a welcoming and encouraging environment. The HCIM program accepts students from all backgrounds, irrespective of racial and gender identities. Diversity and inclusion are central to the mission of the college, with many of our courses, research projects, events, and community partnerships designed to address challenges and promote inclusion of historically excluded communities.

2024 Virtual Open House Slides

Tuition

View our detailed breakdown of tuition & fees.

Financial Aid

The UMD INFO College provides financial aid to select current students who demonstrate academic excellence. Students may also reduce their tuition costs by serving as a TA or GA at UMD, but please note that these positions are competitive. There are also additional sources of financial aid offered by the University and by outside sources. Learn more about financial aid.

Admission to the UMD College of Information (INFO) graduate programs is through the UMD Graduate School, with supplemental program-specific application criteria and materials as described below. The UMD’s Graduate School accepts applications through its TerpEngage application system. If you still have questions, please contact us at infophd@umd.edu.

Completed applications are reviewed by an admissions committee in each graduate degree program. The recommendations of the admissions committee are submitted to the Dean of the Graduate School, who will make the final admission decision. Students seeking to complete graduate work at the University of Maryland for degree purposes must be formally admitted to the Graduate School by the Dean.

More About INFO PhD Admissions

The purpose of this document is to articulate our collective commitments to doctoral student mentorship that centers the core values of the College, and creates an accountability structure to ensure that students are given mentorship and resources that will enable them to thrive. The values and expectations outlined here extend, rather than replace, the core UMD ethical values of honesty, integrity, collegiality, mutual respect, responsibility, and accountability. Read the full document here.