SLIS Ph.D. Program

Welcome!
Thank you for exploring the Ph.D. program in Library and Information Science at the School of Library and Information Science, College of Mass Communications and Information Studies at the University of South Carolina This site contains detailed information on the program and the educational experience we offer for students who aspire to the Ph.D.

Mission of the SLIS Ph.D. Program at USC

The mission of this program is to provide doctoral-trained teacher scholars for library and information science programs across the nation, and to promote the research-based foundation for these areas within the profession.

Residency Requirement

The intent of the University and Graduate School residency requirement is to ensure that doctoral students benefit from and contribute to the full spectrum of educational and professional opportunities provided by the graduate faculty of a research university. When establishing residency, the student should interact with faculty and peers by regularly attending courses, conferences, and seminars and using the library, library services, and other resources that support excellence in graduate education.

The doctoral residency requirement may be satisfied only after admission to a doctoral degree program. It requires enrollment in at least 18 graduate credit hours within a span of three consecutive semesters (excluding summers). Enrollment in a summer term is not required to maintain continuity, but credits earned during summer terms (including May Session) will count toward the 18 hours required for residency.

Financial Assistance:

A number of highly competitive fellowships are available that pay both a stipend and a remission of tuition.

The Ph.D. program in Library and Information Science at the University of South Carolina requires:


Phase I Coursework and Qualifying Examination

Foundation Courses (15 credits) :

• Research Issues and Questions in Library and Information Science (SLIS 801) examines a range of issues, theories, and research questions that currently shape academic thinking and discourse in library and information science.
  
• Theory and Research Methods in Library and Information Science (SLIS802) explores problems and issues in theory formulation and research methods, including quantitative, qualitative, and multi-method approaches.


• Seminar on Information and Society (SLIS 803) examines the historical foundations of library and information science and provides a basis for exploring more recent theoretical and experimental developments.


• Introduction to Pedagogy in Library and Information Science (SLIS 804) introduces new doctoral students to the process of doctoral study and the critical aspects of scholarly life.


• Seminar on Information Policy and Ethics (SLIS 805) explores the way in which information technologies are currently transforming society and the social, political and ethical issues that accompany these developments at both the individual and societal levels.


• Research Methods Courses (6 credits) : Doctoral students will be expected to develop an in-depth knowledge of the models and research methods that are used within Library and Information Science and related disciplines to provide insight into the ways that knowledge and information are created, sought, and employed within the lives of individuals and communities. In order to do so, they will be required to take at least two additional research methods courses, one of which focuses on qualitative methods and one of which focuses on quantitative techniques.

Cognate Courses (9 credits minimum):

Doctoral students will also be required to complete coursework in a second discipline that broadens their perspectives and deepens their understanding of library and information science issues. The choice of cognate area will depend on the student's interests and may be chosen, with the help of his or her advisor, from a wide range of subject areas, including sociology, education, anthropology, computer science, English, geography, history, marketing, philosophy, political science, psychology, and public administration.

LIS Electives: (12 credits minimum):

Student will choose appropriate graduate courses, such as SLIS 806 Seminar on Communication Processes and Information Seeking Behavior, from those listed in the SLIS catalog and the University Graduate School 's catalog. All courses offered for credit toward the degree must be at the graduate level.

Qualifying Examination :

Admission by the School of Library and Information Science for graduate study and completion of PhD coursework are the first steps for PhD students. Decisions concerning admission to PhD Candidacy are subsequently made on the basis of each student's record and a written qualifying examination. Students should take this qualifying examination no later than the semester in which they are taking their 15th hour of course work. A student is allowed only two attempts to pass the admission-to-candidacy exam.

    Phase II Comprehensive Examination

Once admitted to candidacy, students will establish their eligibility for Comprehensive Examination by completing the following:

•  All coursework requirements;

•  Two papers that are submitted for publication or presentation;

•  Two comprehensive literature reviews that correspond to the student's research interests with reference to the student's cognate area.

The examination process is initiated with the acceptance of the literature reviews by the student's faculty adviser. A faculty examination committee then prepares the written examination. After completing the written exam, the student takes a follow-up oral examination. It will typically be considered unsatisfactory progress if a student has not taken the exam one year after completing coursework with no other signs of progress. The student has a maximum of two opportunities to pass his or her comprehensive examination. The student will not be allowed to continue in the doctoral program if the comprehensive examination is not passed.

Proposal: Upon successful completion of the Comprehensive Examination, the student in consultation with his or her adviser forms a Dissertation Committee and prepares a dissertation proposal to present to the Committee. The proposal typically includes: an introduction; an extensive literature review; a discussion of related theory; a proposed hypothesis/hypotheses; and a detailed methodology.

Doctoral Dissertation: The doctoral dissertation is a demonstration by the candidate that he or she has mastered research techniques and is able to add new knowledge on a significant question or issue. The Dissertation must be completed n o later than five years after passing the comprehensive examination.

Dissertation Defense: The dissertation defense is an oral defense by the candidate of the written dissertation and is conducted by the student's Doctoral Dissertation Committee.

Typical Schedule of Classes

A doctoral student's program of study will vary greatly from student to student. The following is meant to be merely an example:

First Year

Fall Semester:

SLIS 801: 3 credits
SLIS 804: 3 credits
STAT 700 or 701: 3 Credits
[Doctoral Program of Study is completed]

Spring Semester:

SLIS 802: 3 credits
SLIS 806: 3 credits (or other SLIS elective)
EDRM 740: 3 credits

[Qualifying Examination]

Summer Semester:

SLIS Elective: 3 credits
SLIS Elective: 3 credits

Second Year

Fall Semester:

SLIS 803: 3 Credits
SLIS 805: 3 Credits
Cognate Elective: 3 credits

Spring Semester:

SLIS Elective: 3 credits
Cognate Elective: 3 credits
Cognate Elective: 3 credits

[Comprehensive Examination]

Third Year

Fall Semester:

SLIS 899: 9 credits
[Dissertation Proposal Defense]

Spring Semester:

SLIS 899: 9 credits
[Dissertation Defense]

SLIS Faculty Expertise and Research Interests

Faculty Committees to Assist You

As you progress through the program, a number of colleagues will assist you with your work and encourage your new interests. These include the following Committees:

Doctoral Advisory Committee: Typically this is the School's Ph.D. Committee. During your first semester in the program, the committee works with the student to submit to the Graduate School a Doctoral Program of Study. The Program of Study can be modified in the future, with the requisite approvals, to meet the evolving nature of the student's program.

Qualifying Examination Committee: This committee will administer and evaluate the student's written Qualifying Examination. Typically this committee is chaired by the student's faculty advisor, four additional members of the SLIS faculty, and at least one faculty member outside the SLIS, with requisite approvals. Passage of the Qualifying Examination is required for the student to move to doctoral candidate status.

Comprehensive Examination Committee: This committee will administer and evaluate the student's written Comprehensive Examination. Typically this committee is chaired by the student's faculty advisor, four additional members of the SLIS faculty, and at least one faculty member outside the SLIS, with requisite approvals. Passage of the Comprehensive Examination is required for the student to continue in the doctoral program.

Dissertation Proposal Defense Committee: This committee will administer the oral examination of the student's dissertation proposal. Typically this committee is chaired by the student's faculty advisor, four additional members of the SLIS faculty, and at least one faculty member outside the SLIS, with requisite approvals. Passage of the dissertation proposal defense is required for the student to continue and complete work on the student's dissertation.

Dissertation Defense Committee: This committee will administer the oral examination of the student's written dissertation. Typically this committee is chaired by the student's faculty advisor, four additional members of the SLIS faculty, and at least one faculty member outside the SLIS, with requisite approvals. Passage of the dissertation defense is required for the student to complete the degree.

Application Process

Application requirements for the Ph.D. program include completion of the Graduate School's online application form, including a written statement describing the applicant's anticipated research focus or interest; official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended; three letters of reference; GRE scores taken within 3 years of application with a combined verbal and quantitative scores of 1000 or above and one of the score registering 600 or above; a resume or c.v.; and a personal interview.

In reviewing applicants for admission to the program, the school will consider the past academic record and scholarly potential of each applicant as well as the match of the candidate's research interests with those of the school's faculty . Exceptions to these admission policies may be allowed for students with the potential for outstanding research contributions by virtue of special background or experience.

FAQ

Can I take the Ph.D. program as a part-time student?  

No, not at this time.

Can I take the Ph.D. program as a distant learner?

  No, not at this time.

Contact Information: Dr. Jennifer Arns, jarns@gwm.sc.edu