PhD Information Science

The UNT Information Science Ph.D. Program emphasizes the interrelationship of the economic, social, cultural, and technological aspects of an evolving information society. The intent is to unify knowledge systems, problem-solving approaches and research methodologies regardless of their disciplinary roots, and to produce graduates who will be leaders in the information age.

The University of North Texas Information Science Ph.D. program, responds to the varied and changing needs of an information age, increasing recognition of the central role of information and information technologies in individual, social, economic, and cultural affairs.

The mission of the University of North Texas (UNT) Information Science (IS) Ph.D. Program is to provide a center of excellence in graduate education and research. Its primary goals are to:

• Nurture critical and reflective thinking on the fundamental issues and elements of problems of utilization of information
• Foster an environment of substantive and productive mentoring and apprenticeship
• Prepare scholars passionate about the role of information in human affairs
• Foster cross-disciplinary thinking and research.

Students are recruited to the program from a wide range of disciplines and encouraged to expand and refocus their expertise and skills in cutting-edge areas of information science that cross disciplinary boundaries. The multifaceted nature of information science warrants the focusing of resources, courses, and faculties from a broad range of academic units.

The student, in consultation with the major professor and IS Ph.D. Program Associate Director selects two of the broad Areas of Emphasis:

• Information Theory and Design: This area explores ways to structure information and knowledge for a multitude of information systems and uses, including measures and methods for the evaluation and study of information systems, related communication processes, and subsequent systems application and design or redesign.
• Information Behavior: Studies relate to Human Information and Communication Behavior and the systematic response to these behaviors by using information technologies to advance communication and learning.
• Information Policy and Management: Inquiries focus on Organizational Behavior, with respect to information and the management of information, and of the organizations and systems that handle information.