The USC doctoral program is the right choice for individuals who look forward to stellar careers as leaders, teachers and scholars in the field of Library and Information Science.

Requirements

Admission to the doctoral program is competitive. Applicants are assessed as whole individuals who present different combinations of educational background, standardized test scores, work experience, and personal goals. In reviewing applicants, the school looks for students who show scholarly promise, the potential for exceptional professional contributions, and research interests that match the interests and specializations of current faculty.

Applicants must complete and submit the following materials in order to be considered for admission:

Graduate School Application Materials

1. A Graduate School Application including $50 application fee

This form must be completed and submitted electronically to the USC Graduate School .

2. Three Letters of Recommendation

The Letter of Recommendation forms should be printed and given to people you have selected to be your references. These must be mailed to: Graduate School , University of South Carolina , Columbia , SC 29208, or submitted by fax: (803) 777-2972.

3. Transcripts

Official transcripts of all academic work must be sent directly from all institutions of higher education attended to the USC Graduate School using the. Transcript Request Form

4. Official Test Score Reports

Graduate Record Exam scores must be reported directly from the respective testing service to the USC Graduate School .

For more information, students may contact the GRE main office at 866-473-4373 in Princeton NJ . Outside the US and Canada , 1-609-771-7670 and access http://www.gre.org/ttindex.html .

5. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

International students whose native language is not English must also submit an official score report from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). For more information, students may contact the main TOEFL office inside the US and Canada at 1-877-863-3546. Outside the US - 1-609-771-7100 or www.toefl.org

6. Immunization Form

An Immunization Form is required for your period of residency and campus visits. Mail the completed form to the Immunization Coordinator, Thomson Student Health Center , University of South Carolina , Columbia , SC 29208 . If you have any questions about the form call (803) 777-9511. Immunization Form

SLIS Application Materials

The SLIS Supplemental Application Form is used to assess student's scholarly interests and potential. It must be completed and received for your application to be accepted.

•  1 . Resume

A current résumé describing your educational background, work experience, special abilities and skills must accompany the SLIS Supplemental Application.

•  2. Personal Statement

A personal statement describing the applicant's professional interests and proposed research focus must accompany the SLIS Supplemental Application.

•  3. Publications

Copies of publications and presentations may be submitted.

•  4. Student, Professional, or Community Organizations

A description of organizations in which you have taken a leadership role or have committed a significant amount of time

  Personal Interview

Once your application has been reviewed, an interview will be scheduled. In most cases this requires a visit to campus, but under some circumstances it may be conducted at another location or by telephone.

Deadlines

All application materials for PhD applicants should be received at the school by February 15 for admission the following Fall Term . Applications will only be reviewed once they are complete .