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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Program

For more information see: PhD Program Information

Information about the admissions process.

Research in information studies addresses significant problems relating to information, and to the technologies, institutions and people which shape its nature and use. The PhD program in UCLA's Department of Information Studies is a rigorous and rewarding program with a strong research focus. It is designed so that students are able to:

  • demonstrate a thorough understanding of the field of information studies
  • develop expertise in using the methodologies required for investigation in the field
  • conduct effective, sustained research
  • contribute to the knowledge of the field, as evidenced by the identification and solution of a significant problem
  • acquire teaching experience in a university environment

Doctoral students can choose to specialize in:

  • information policy
  • information institutions
  • information as evidence
  • information seekers
  • information structures
  • information systems

Doctoral students have ongoing opportunities for close interaction with an outstanding faculty who enjoy international reputations in their areas of research; a carefully designed curriculum that embodies program objectives; and the vast academic resources of UCLA itself, capable of supporting sophisticated, interdisciplinary and innovative scholarly investigation.

The PhD program prepares the student to engage in creative research, ordinarily as part of a career in university teaching, or in policymaking or consulting for corporate, non-profit or governmental institutions. The program leads to the Doctor of Philosophy degree, conferred by the University in recognition of high attainment and scholarship in the field.

Doctoral study requires intellectual discipline, creativity, and dedication. UCLA offers students who undertake this demanding program an extraordinary educational experience.

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Research Colloquium

The Department of Information Studies research colloquium is an integral part of the PhD program. The colloquium series features presentations on faculty research in progress, student research work, as well as talks by visiting scholars. It is attended by students, faculty and practicing professionals in the Los Angeles area.

Stages in the Doctoral Program

  1. The student completes coursework, independent research and other work to satisfy the PhD course requirements as specified above, and to prepare for the Written Qualifying Examinations (WQEs). Students are required to take and pass a WQE in each of their three chosen areas of study. One of these areas in designated by the student as their major examination area or specialization, for which they write a research paper of publishable quality; the other two are minor areas in which students take a standardized, integrated examination. During this stage the student is supervised by a member of faculty, and reviewed annually by the Doctoral Program Committee (DPC).
  2. On passing the WQEs, the student develops a proposal for a dissertation. During this stage, the student is supervised primarily by their doctoral committee, especially by the chair of that committee (who is considered the student's principal advisor), and secondarily by the DPC. The student defends their proposal before their committee in the University's Oral Qualifying Examination (OQE). The OQE should be completed within one year of passing the WQEs.
  3. Upon passing the OQE, the student is said to be advanced to candidacy. The student writes the dissertation and defends it in a final oral examination. During this stage, the student's progress is supervised by their doctoral committee.

PhD students typically complete the program in three to six years depending in part on the extent of prior qualifications.

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Updated: 2/21/08

All materials copyright 2001 - 2008, UCLA GSE&IS Department of Information Studies.