Skip to Content

Library and Information Science, Ph.D.

College of Information and Communications

This research-intensive degree prepares doctoral-trained teacher scholars for library and information science faculty and administrative careers at universities, research centers and private businesses.

Our graduates distinguish themselves in advancing the ways people and organizations create and use information. We emphasize the relevance of social justice in the study and practice of library and information science, and we encourage faculty-student mentorship through publishing, grant writing and conference presentations.

Program Highlights

  • Speaker at podium icon.

    An Expert Faculty

    Learn from faculty members who combine distinguished academic careers with extensive professional experience.

  • Handshake icon.

    Cross Disciplines

    Learn to foster cross-disciplinary thinking with research and academic expectations.

  • Airplane icon.

    Funded Research Opportunities

    Apply for funding for your research and travel through The Graduate School and the School of Information Science.

  • Ribbon award icon.

    Top Program

    Study at a school ranked in the Top 20 of all American Library Association-accredited schools (U.S. News & World Report).

What You’ll Study

The program requires 54 credit hours beyond the master’s level, including 12 hours of dissertation preparation, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above. You'll take 15 hours of core courses, two research methods courses, 12 hours of electives within your research area (with a goal of producing work for scholarly publication) and a nine-hour cognate.

Program WebsiteDegree DetailsAdmissions Info

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

  • Data Analysis

    Examining and interpreting information to uncover insights and inform decision making

    Research

    Gathering and analyzing information to increase knowledge or solve problems

    Analytical Reasoning

    Breaking down complex problems or situations to identify patterns, connections and solutions

  • Collaboration

    Working with others to achieve a common goal or objective

    Critical Thinking

    Analyzing and evaluating information to make informed decisions or judgments

    Communication

    Exchanging information and ideas through speaking, writing or other means of expression

Using your degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

Potential Careers

  • Librarian
  • Archivist
  • Researcher
  • Museum Director
  • Professor

Workplace Settings

  • Libraries
  • Archives
  • Museums
  • Education

Advanced Degrees

Advance your career or options with post-graduate education.

You may also like

Related Degrees

  1. Teacher in the front of a classroom of students pointing to a smart board.
  2. Group of five alumni in graduation gowns and doctoral hoods at a commencement ceremony.
  3. Large choir singing at practice.
  4. Teacher holding an animal skull in a classroom with students
  5. A group of students walking on the brick path on the Historic Horseshoe.
  6. Students and faculty sitting at a table discussing.
  7. The courtyard in front of Wardlaw College with a statue of a man on a horse surrounded by benches.
  8. Two people looking at a computer and talking to each other.
  9. Education administrator standing at the counter in a school office.
View all degrees

Is USC Right For You?

There are many reasons we could be your ideal university. There's the award-winning academics, the globally modeled student life, and abundance of study abroad and experiential learning options. Take a closer look at what USC could mean for you.

Request InfoVisitApply Now
Degree content is provided for informational purposes only. The Academic Bulletin is the source of record for all degree information.
©