Best Doctorates in Library Science: Top PhD Programs, Career Paths, and Salaries

Dominican University was founded in 1890 as a private university. It comprises eight schools, offering 19 master's and PhD programs. The student-to-faculty ratio is 10-to-one, making it easier for students to get individualized attention. Dominican University is consistently ranked as the fourth best value school by US News & World Report.

PhD in Library and Information Science

This PhD program is an accelerated four-year degree. The first year of the program is dedicated to graduate-level coursework, and the next three years are devoted to PhD study. Some of the major courses offered include Studies in Core Values, Ethics, and Issues in the Library and Information Professions, Organization of Knowledge, and Big Data & Competitive Intelligence.

PhD in Library and Information Science Overview

• Program Length: 4 years
• Acceptance Rate: 76% (overall school acceptance rate)
• Tuition and Fees: $850/credit
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Scholarships, financial aids

PhD in Library and Information Science Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institute
• 1500-word statement of purpose and resume
• Research writing sample
• Official transcripts of all educational degrees
• Letters of recommendation

Emporia State University (ESU) has one of the oldest schools of library sciences in the western half of the US. This public research university was founded in 1863. Now, it has more than 200 academic programs across four colleges.

PhD in Library and Information Management

The program consists of four advanced courses, four research courses, and four foundational courses in a concentration. It’s offered in three concentrations: Instructional Design and Technology, Information Systems, and Informatics. This doctorate program prepares students for higher education roles, such as researchers, instructors, and administrators.

PhD in Library and Information Management Overview

• Program Length: 3 years
• Acceptance Rate: 86% (overall school acceptance rate)
• Tuition and Fees: $3,467/semester (in-state), $7,425/semester (out-of-state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Graduate assistantships, scholarships, fellowships

PhD in Library and Information Management Admission Requirements

• Cumulative GPA of 3.25 in master’s degree
• Minimum GRE score of 304
• 3 letters of recommendation
• 200-300 word statement of purpose
• Written work sample

Indiana University Bloomington is a public research university. Founded in 1820, it’s the main campus of Indiana University and the largest of its seven campuses by enrollment. Over 43,000 students are enrolled in this school, making it the largest campus of Indiana University. Most of Indiana University Bloomington's programs are highly ranked nationwide.

PhD in Information Science

Indiana University Bloomington is one of the oldest information science doctoral programs in the nation. Areas of research include archives, critical information, library science, digital libraries, philosophy of information, and information ethics. The program has produced many notable alumni who have gone on to careers in academia and industry.

PhD in Information Science Overview

• Program Length: 3 years
• Acceptance Rate: 80% (overall school acceptance rate)
• Tuition and Fees: $7,092/semester (in-state), $20,967/semester (out-of-state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Teaching assistantships, scholarships

PhD in Information Science Admission Requirements

• CGPA of 3.2 in bachelor’s degree and 3.5 or better in master’s degree
• GRE scores
• Statement of purpose
• Letters of recommendation
• Resume
• Writing sample (may be a publication, a grant proposal, or a technical white paper)

Rutgers University is known as a research powerhouse. This university has three campuses, 29 schools and colleges, and more than 300 research institutes throughout New Jersey. It offers more than 400 graduate programs and is home to nearly 69,000 students. The university was founded in 1766 and is one of the oldest and largest universities in New Jersey.

PhD Library and Information Science

Rutgers University is a world-renowned institution for PhD in Library and Information Science. The program faculty are at the forefront of knowledge in their fields, with numerous publications to their credit. The research areas in this PhD program include but are not limited to human information behavior, information retrieval, and information and technology.

PhD Library and Information Science Overview

• Program Length: 3 years
• Acceptance Rate: 67% (overall school acceptance rate)
• Tuition and Fees: $43,807/year (in state), $61,892/year (out of state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Teaching assistantships, graduate assistantships, and fellowships, grant funding

PhD Library and Information Science Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s and master’s transcripts
• Personal statement
• Letters of recommendation
• Writing sample
• CV

San Jose State University (SJSU) is located at the center of Silicon Valley, making it a prime location for students interested in technology and innovation. The university is research-focused and is known for its world-class education. SJSU was founded in 1857 as a state normal school, and today has nine colleges and 36,000 enrollments.

Gateway PhD in Library and Information Management

SJSU's Gateway PhD in Library and Information Management is an international doctoral degree program that partners with Manchester Metropolitan University, England. It’s focused on research and prepares scholars for faculty and research positions. Students have the opportunity to get knowledge, supervision, and experience from the faculty of both universities.

Gateway PhD in Library and Information Management Overview

• Program Length: 4-7 years
• Acceptance Rate: 67% (overall school acceptance rate)
• Tuition and Fees: $10,794/year
• PhD Funding Opportunities: No funding opportunities

Gateway PhD in Library and Information Management Admission Requirements

• Master's Degree in Communication, Information Science, Library Studies, Media Studies or another related academic or professional field
• A minimum 3.5 GPA from a relevant master’s degree
• Demonstrate research experience gained in master’s (master’s thesis or the research publication at master’s level)
• 250-word statement of interest and a letter of recommendation
• 500-word research proposal and a resume
• Copies of transcripts of all previous degrees

Simmons University is a private research university founded in 1899 focused on advancing education for women. With over 4,500 graduate students, it’s now a coeducational university offering more than 60 majors and programs. Simmons University is committed to providing students with opportunities for both on-site and off-site research.

PhD in Library and Information Science

Simmons University is one of the nation's leading institutions for library and information science. Its Library and Information Science program is ranked 11th in the country by US News & World Report. The program is focused on envisioning the library's function in academic communication, strategic priorities in academic libraries, and library technology management.

PhD in Library and Information Science Overview

• Program Length: 3 years
• Acceptance Rate: 83% (overall school acceptance rate)
• Tuition and Fees: $1,345/credit
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Teaching assistantships, scholarships, fellowships

PhD in Library and Information Science Admission Requirements

• Master’s degree
• CV
• Statement of purpose 
• Character references (academic or professional)
• Writing sample
• Official transcript of previous education
• GRE scores

University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill is one of the oldest public research universities in the US. This school was chartered in 1789. It now offers over 160 graduate and doctoral degrees and is known for its high-quality and affordable education. It’s also ranked as the sixth most innovative university in the World by Reuters.

PhD in Information and Library Science

UNC at Chapel Hill offers an outstanding Doctor of Philosophy in Information and Library Science program. It provides students with opportunities in research, leadership, and teaching. Admission to the program is competitive. Scholars who complete the program have career opportunities in schools, corporate settings, and government libraries.

PhD in Information and Library Science Overview

• Program Length: 3 years
• Acceptance Rate: 24% (overall school acceptance rate)
• Tuition and Fees: $586/credit (in state), $1,602/credit (out of state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Financial aid, research and teaching assistantship, fellowships, external awards

PhD in Information and Library Science Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher
• Unofficial transcripts of previous education
• Statement of purpose
• Letters of recommendation
• Resume 

University of Pittsburgh is one of the most prestigious public universities in Pennsylvania. Founded in 1787, the university has grown to include four regional campuses, 16 schools and colleges, and 645 degree and certificate programs. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 14-to-one, the University provides its students with an intimate and interactive learning experience.

PhD in Library and Information Science

The Doctor of Philosophy in Library and Information Science program prepares scholars for careers in education, research, and professional practice. Students will learn about archives and information science, school librarianship, and web-based information systems. The program requires a minimum of 54 credits of coursework and 18 credits of research and dissertation.

PhD in Library and Information Science Overview

• Program Length: 3 years
• Acceptance Rate: 64% (overall school acceptance rate)
• Tuition and Fees: $1,031/credit (in-state), $1,767/credit (out-of-state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Scholarships, awards, fellowships, assistantships

PhD in Library and Information Science Admission Requirements

• Master’s degree accredited by American Library Association (ALA) in a related field
• Minimum of 3.5 GPA
• Essay 
• Letters of reference (academic or professional)
• Official transcripts
• Writing sample
• Resume

Founded in 1801, University of South Carolina (USC) has 13 graduate schools offering over 250 graduate programs. USC is an R1 institution designated by the Carnegie Research Classifications. It has 56 graduate programs ranked nationally. USC has over 6,000 graduate students and is committed to the diversity and inclusion of African-Americans.

PhD Library and Information Science

The PhD program is research-intensive and trains students for jobs as academics and administrators in research institutes and universities. Admission to this PhD program is competitive. This 54-credit curriculum covers a broad range of topics, so students may do research in a number of areas with the aid of this program.

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PhD Library and Information Science Overview

• Program Length: 3 years
• Acceptance Rate: 68% (overall school acceptance rate)
• Tuition and Fees: $599/credit (in-state), $1,257/credit (out-of-state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Sponsorships, awards, grants

PhD Library and Information Science Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher
• Essay
• Official transcripts from previous colleges and universities
• Minimum of 3.0 GPA 
• Resume
• Letters of recommendation

Founded in 1848, University of Wisconsin-Madison is one of the leading research institutions in the US. It’s among the top schools for research spending and has Nobel Prize winners among its faculty. It has 13 schools and colleges, including over 160 master's and doctoral programs, and about 9,700 graduate students.

PhD in Library and Information Studies

The program is highly writing-intensive, with all students required to complete a comprehensive dissertation prior to graduation. Classes in this PhD degree program are small, with only a handful of students admitted each year. The program offers two concentrations, which include information studies and print culture history. PhD students may get a five-year fully funded scholarship.

PhD in Library and Information Studies Overview

• Program Length: 3-5 years
• Acceptance Rate: 57% (overall school acceptance rate)
• Tuition and Fees: $12,220/year (in-state), $25,548/year (out-of-state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Scholarships, assistantships, loans, research and travel grants, fellowships

PhD in Library and Information Studies Admission Requirements

• Master’s degree in a related field 
• Minimum of 3.0 GPA
• GRE scores
• Statement of purpose
• Letters of recommendation

The comprehensive exam is a written and oral examination that tests your knowledge of library science. You’ll be expected to answer questions about library theory, research methods, and information technology.

You’ll need to complete a certain number of credit hours to graduate with a PhD in Library Science. The required coursework credits vary by school, but most programs require between 36 and 60 credit hours.

Most PhD in Library Science programs require a research methodology course. This course will teach you about different research methods. You’ll learn about how to design research studies, collect data, and analyze data.

Many PhD programs in Library Science require a teaching practicum. This is an opportunity for you to gain experience teaching library science courses. You’ll be required to teach one or two classes during your practicum.

To graduate with your PhD in Library Science, you’ll need to maintain a certain GPA. The required GPA varies by school, but most programs require a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

A thesis is required for a PhD in Library Science. Your thesis will be a research project that you complete during your time in the doctoral program. You’ll need to choose a topic, conduct research, and write a dissertation.

After you complete your thesis, you’ll need to defend it before a panel of faculty members and students. During your defense, you’ll be asked questions about your research. You’ll need to convince the panel that your research is valid and that your conclusions are sound.

A computer and information system manager is responsible for the overall planning, implementation, and maintenance of an organization's electronic data and information systems. They are also in charge of the security of an organization's electronic data.

• Salary with a Library Science PhD: $165,940
• Job Outlook: 11% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 482,000
• Highest-Paying States: New York, California, New Jersey, Washington, District of Columbia

Database administrators (DBAs) use specialized software to store and organize data. They make sure that users can access the information easily. DBAs develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure the database is used effectively. They also maintain and update the databases.

• Salary with a Library Science PhD: $98,860
• Job Outlook: 8% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 168,000
• Highest-Paying States: New Jersey, Massachusetts, Washington, New York, Rhode Island

Library science postsecondary teachers teach courses in library science in universities. They prepare and deliver lectures, create syllabi, and assess student learning. They also conduct research and publish scholarly papers.

• Salary with a Library Science PhD: $77,100
• Job Outlook: 12% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 1,276,900
• Highest-Paying States: California, South Carolina, Indiana, Rhode Island, Oregon

Librarians and library media specialists are responsible for library administration, including acquisition, cataloging, and circulation of library materials. They also provide reference materials and research services to library patrons. They may also develop and implement library programs.

• Salary with a Library Science PhD: $62,550
• Job Outlook: 9% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 143,500
• Highest-Paying States: District of Columbia, Washington, California, Maryland, New York

Archivists preserve historical records. They organize and store records, documents, and artifacts. Archivists also provide reference services to library visitors. They also protect the old records by making digital copies of them.

• Salary with a Library Science PhD: $50,120
• Job Outlook: 19% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 35,000
• Highest-Paying States: District of Columbia, Maryland, Connecticut, New York, Rhode Island