Future Graduate Students
Why come to IST?
Technology has dramatically changed the way people interact and solve problems, raising fascinating research questions that must be addressed by integrating disciplines that range from business and economics, to psychology and sociology, to computer science and mathematics. IST’s graduate programs produce thought leaders who are able to formulate and pursue interdisciplinary questions like these.
IST offers graduate programs at both the Ph.D. and M.S. level; we also offer two Professional Masters programs in collaboration with the university’s World Campus unit: MPS in Information Sciences and MPS in Homeland Security.
We are a diverse community of scholars and researchers, with women making up nearly 40 percent of our graduate population. Our graduate students represent a broad mix of disciplinary perspectives that include computational, social, organizational and engineering sciences.
Ph.D. in IST
IST’s Ph.D. program emphasizes an interdisciplinary research perspective, in terms of both research topics and research methods. Students take a set of core courses complemented by more specialized study, while in parallel articulating and pursuing their own research agenda.
Milestones include:
- A candidacy exam at the end of the first year
- A comprehensive exam (dissertation proposal) in the second or third year
- A dissertation final defense at the end of the program.
Throughout, students are advised by and collaborate with an outstanding group of graduate faculty. Most students complete a Ph.D. within 4-5 years.
M.S. in IST
Our M.S. program is similar to the Ph.D. program, but with fewer requirements and a shorter timeline. It is also more flexible, given that some students are less interested in research and more interested in advanced training that will expand their job opportunities. However, M.S. students take many of the same courses as the Ph.D. students, and most complete a thesis project worthy of publication. Most students complete an M.S. within 2 years.
MPS in IST
IST offers two Masters of Professional Studies degrees; many of the courses offered in support of these degrees are available online through the university’s World Campus unit.
In contrast to the research orientation of the Ph.D. and M.S. programs, the MPS programs are aimed at providing advanced training in specific technical arenas. The online education options offer flexibility for individuals who are currently working full-time but wish to advance their skills and understanding.
Faculty advisors
While in IST, your research and professional development will be guided by our exceptional faculty, who are research leaders in their fields and have substantial experience as leaders in industry and government.
We have more than 40 graduate faculty, including:
- 1 ACM CHI Lifetime Achievement award
- 4 IEEE Fellows
- 2 ACM Fellows
- 8 NSF Young Investigators and CAREER award recipients
- 2 Fulbright award winners
In addition to the IST faculty members, our graduate students and researchers also collaborate with affiliates from,Computer Science and Engineering, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, Anthropology, English, Chemistry, Psychology, Geography, Public Administration, Chemical Engineering and Math.
Curriculum
The College of IST offers a research-based M.S. and Ph.D. program and professional master's degree programs in Information Sciences and Homeland Security.
The Ph.D. curriculum is flexible and can be tailored to fit your research interests.
