Library and Information Science (PhD)
Faculty
Eileen Abels, Dean
Rong Tang, Associate Professor
Description
Through a combination of required and elective courses, independent study, workshops, and guided experiences, the Ph.D. focused on library and information science prepares students for lifelong activity in research, scholarship, teaching, and service. Students work closely with faculty as they progress through the degree, and are guided by faculty advisors and annual reviews of progress as evidenced by analytical papers and other course work, experience reports related to teaching and service activities, and self-reflective essays. The doctoral program is a small, strong program composed of students who form a cohesive and collaborative cohort, and who will be nurtured from enrollment through to completion of the dissertation.
During the program, students are able to research a variety of dissertation topics within library and information science as well as information professions. Students emerge from the program with a strong research record, solid teaching experience, a high professional activity standing, and a portfolio documenting their academic achievements and scholarly expertise in their areas of study. Students work with a faculty advisor to tailor the program to their interests and career goals.
Program Attributes
- The program provides guided preparation in the three areas of scholarship, teaching, and service.
- Students emerge from the degree with a record of publications, teaching experience, a professional activity record, and a portfolio.
- Simmons is small and personal, but at the same time has excellent bibliographical and technological resources and can draw on a robust local library and information community.
- There are rich opportunities for synergy between the doctoral and master's students. Collaborative research and group work enriches the learning experience and fosters a stimulating classroom environment. Doctoral students offer colloquia open to master's students, and mentoring opportunities are available.
- SLIS has an established reputation for producing leaders in professional service at local, national, and international levels. Interaction with the SLIS alumni community (and the New England LIS community) enriches the doctoral student experience.
Learning Outcomes
A graduate of the Simmons SLIS Ph.D. program:
- articulates researchable problems and applies relevant research studies, research designs, and methodologies to tasks requiring problem solving and critical thinking;
- analyzes scholarship in the field of library, archival, and information science;
- analyzes and presents information, including research proposals and findings, clearly and accurately in a variety of formats;
- develops appropriate unit- or course-level student learning outcomes, when engaged in teaching activities, and plans and implements learning experiences that assist students to achieve those outcomes; and
- leads service activities for local, national, or international professional associations and communities.
Requirements for entry into program
All applicants for admission to the doctoral program must hold a master's degree from an ALA-accredited program in library and information science or a master's degree from a recognized institution in a related area.
Costs (Including financing and fellowships / assistantships)
$1,210 per credit hour
Activity Fee $52 per semester
Delivery Mode or Modes Available (full-time, part-time, locations, technologies, etc.)
Degree requirements
Students normally complete 36 credits to achieve the degree. Of these 36 credits, 15 are devoted to required coursework and three are devoted to the dissertation.
Below is a listing of the required courses:
| LIS 620 | History, Concepts, and Research Opportun | 3 |
| LIS 621 | Conducting Research | 3 |
| LIS 642 | Applied Statistics for Library &_Information Science | 3 |
One of the Following Courses:
Concentrations, specializations, etc.
Licensure, certification, etc.
Dual (and other) degree options (With what other degree programs may this program be combined?)
Other program information
Doctoral studies can be conducted at various intersections of setting, audience, and activity. Some examples of study areas which build on strengths among our faculty include archives and preservation, reference, metadata, scholarly communication, information retrieval, and visual information systems.