The interdisciplinary doctoral program with a major in information science responds to the varied and changing needs of an information age. There is increasing recognition of the central role of information in individual, social, economic and cultural affairs, along with recognition of the widespread application and influence of information and communication technologies. Graduates of the program are prepared to contribute to the advancement and evolution of the information society in a variety of roles and settings as administrators, researchers and educators.

The mission of the program is to provide a center of excellence in doctoral education and research. Its primary goals are to

1. develop scholars passionate about the role of information in human affairs;
2. nurture critical and reflective thinking on fundamental issues and problems related to information;
3. promote cross-disciplinary thinking and research; and
4. foster an environment of substantive and productive mentoring and apprenticeship.

Students are attracted to the program from a wide range of disciplines and are encouraged to expand their expertise in cutting-edge areas of information science that cross disciplinary boundaries. The multifaceted nature of information science warrants the integration of resources, courses and faculties from a broad range of academic units. The following units actively participate in the doctoral program:

• Department of Computer Science and Engineering, College of Engineering
• Department of Criminal Justice, College of Health and Public Service
• Department of Information Technology and Decision Sciences, College of Business
• Frank W. and Sue Mayborn School of Journalism
• Department of Learning Technologies, College of Information
• Department of Information Science, College of Information
• Department of Linguistics, College of Information
• College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism

Admission requirements

Students may enter the doctoral program in the fall semester. Prospective students must apply and be admitted first to the Toulouse Graduate School and then to the doctoral program (see respective web sites for details). To ensure full processing by all offices, including international admissions and scholarships if appropriate, all application materials are due by November 1 of the year preceding the fall semester of initial enrollment. Applicants must meet all general admission requirements of the Graduate School and requirements of the doctoral program, as follows:

1. Completed Masters or Bachelors degree from a regionally accredited institution.
2. Overall grade point average of  3.5 (4.0 scale).
3. Competitive Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores including verbal, quantitative and analytical writing (must be on file at the time the application is reviewed) or successful completion of UNT Graduate Preparation Course (GPC).
4. For international students, a satisfactory score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or successful completion of the UNT Intensive English Language Institute (IELI) through level 6.
5. Three recommendation letters from former professors, employers or others who can give evidence of the applicant’s academic potential, interest in and aptitude for a research career in information science.
6. Personal statement (300–500 words) of career objectives, which may include doctoral research areas of interest; research, professional or community experiences that demonstrate motivation, commitment and potential for doctoral work; accomplishments (publications, presentations, awards); communication skills including multilingual proficiency; technology skills; and contribution to diversity of the field.
7. Curriculum vitae.
8. Sample of formal academic writing (published paper, major term paper, thesis chapter, etc.).
9. Optional: Interview with program faculty prior to application and may be requested by the admission committee. An admission committee of interdisciplinary faculty members reviews applications. Admissions are highly competitive, depending on applicant qualifications and the availability of faculty members to mentor doctoral students. Not all qualified applicants can be accepted. 

An admission committee of interdisciplinary faculty members reviews applications. Admissions are highly competitive, depending on applicant qualifications and the availability of faculty members to mentor doctoral students. Not all qualified applicants can be accepted.