PhD Program in Information Science and Technology

Innovative Program in Information Studies

The Syracuse University School of Information Studies (iSchool) was not only the first program of its kind in the U.S., but is also ranked number 1 in information systems by "U.S. News and World Report." The program draws from a wide range of academic fields to "create a unified diversity tied together by the theme of information." As a small graduate school with an enrollment of nearly 700 students, the iSchool strongly encourages interdisciplinary collaborations and teaching. The school does not have traditional academic departments, but employs the concept of a "faculty of one." The iSchool embraces 5 central themes throughout its teaching and research activities. These include information and telecommunications management, information in the marketplace (via organizational interactions), information representation and retrieval, human-information interaction, and information and society. The iSchool has also achieved a high level of graduate success. A recent survey found that 75 percent of program graduates had full-time jobs at graduation.

A Range of Graduate Degrees and Certificates

The iSchool at Syracuse University offers 5 master's degrees, 2 doctorates, and several graduate certificates with a choice of cutting-edge specializations. For extra flexibility, all master's degree and certificate programs are available via distance learning or campus-based formats to full-time and part-time students. This option has proven to be popular, attracting approximately 1,250 graduate students from 33 different states and 5 different countries. The iSchool also offers an executive Master of Science option, with a reduced credit hour requirement, for students already working in the information management field.

Highly Interdisciplinary Approach

The program leading to the Master of Science in Information Management is highly interdisciplinary in focus, drawing from the disciplines of strategic information management, organizational psychology, information economics, telecommunications policy, e-business, information technology, and data management and retrieval. Students may specialize in data management, electronic business, electronic government, information security, information and telecommunications, or project management and resource planning.

Nationally Recognized LIS Programs

The iSchool offers 2 options in its Master of Science (M.S.) in Library and Information Science program -- a general focus and a specialized option in school media. These programs have been ranked third and fourth in the nation, respectively, by "U.S. News and World Report." The school media program prepares graduates to work in academic libraries and public libraries as librarians for children's and young adult services.

Master of Science in Telecommunications and Network Management

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Telecommunications and Network Management program takes a holistic view of the field, encompassing coursework in technology, policy, and management. The focus of the program is to enable IT professionals to use networking technologies to solve business problems.

Doctoral Programs in Research and Professional Studies

The iSchool offers 2 doctoral programs. The first, the Ph.D. in Information Science and Technology, is a research-oriented degree focused on the design, use, and evaluation of information systems, services, and policies for various stakeholders. The second degree, the information studies professional doctorate, is geared toward mid-career professionals in the information professions who are interested in advancing in their fields.

Certificate of Advanced Study Programs

The School of Information Studies at Syracuse University also offers Certificate of Advanced Study programs in school media, information systems and telecommunications management, information security management, digital libraries, and a newly introduced program in cultural heritage preservation.

"Washington Connection"

The iSchool has embraced a strategy to "educate professionals in all sectors of the federal government, as well as government contractors and consultants around the globe." As such, it has developed partnerships and programs with many federal agencies and programs, referred to as its "Washington Connection." These connections include the school's inclusion as one of only six academic partners in the U.S. General Services Administration's CIO University for federal sector chief information officers; its partnership with the National Defense University to offer graduates of its CIO Certificate program enrollment in the iSchool with advanced standing; its designation by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security as a national Center of Academic Excellence in information assurance education and in information assurance research; and its participation in the Department of Defense Information Assurance Scholarship and the federal Scholarship for Service.

Extensive Research Opportunities

Research opportunities at the iSchool are extensive, and include 10 centers focusing on such topics as digital literacy, emerging network technologies, information and systems assurance and trust, natural language processing, and convergence.

Corporate Collaboration

Syracuse University and JPMorgan Chase and Co. have partnered in a unique corporate-university collaboration and joint venture called the HUB. Through this program, master's and doctoral students work with industry practitioners to solve real business problems related to financial services information technology.

Numerous Funding Opportunities

Each of the master's programs and doctoral programs at Syracuse University provide a number of financial aid opportunities for students, including leadership scholarships, assistantships, fellowships, employer tuition reimbursement matching, and program-specific awards.

Supportive Student Organizations

The iSchool hosts many student organizations that support different interest groups, such as women and minority students. Graduate students may also participate in iConsult, an initiative that allows them to participate in real world entrepreneurial ventures.