How to Apply

Doctoral Program Admission

Admission decisions are based on a composite of all documentation in the application file. All documents become the property of Dominican University. All application materials, including transcripts and test scores (if necessary), must be submitted to be considered for entry into the program.

Deadline

Applications are accepted year-round and will be reviewed by the PhD Advisory Committee after the deadline. The next PhD cohort will begin in fall 2026. All application materials must be submitted by February 28, 2026 for the applicant to be considered for the fall 2026 cohort. Any application materials submitted after February 28, 2026 will be considered for the 2028 cohort.

Admission Requirements
  • For the doctoral program. A master's degree from an ALA-accredited library and information science program or a master's degree from a recognized institution in a related area
  • For the Accelerated MLIS/PhD option. A bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally-accredited institution
  • For both the doctoral program and the Accelerated MLIS/PhD option. 3.0 GPA (GRE test score required for applicants whose GPA is below 3.5)
  • For both the doctoral program and the Accelerated MLIS/PhD option. Submission of a complete application; see checklist below
Admission Application Checklist
  • Completed application form
  • Statement of Purpose. Submit a 1,500-word essay on how the program will be of value to the applicant and what the applicant brings to the program. The applicant should address research interests and career progression of goals, and how the program and faculty will support those goals and interests. The PhD Advisory Committee is also interested in the applicant's goals to assume key leadership positions in the field.
  • Resume
  • Scholarly or research writing sample. A published article, a paper written for a class, a thesis, a research report, a grant proposal, a book chapter, or other written document that shows the applicant’s ability to succeed at PhD-level research. Applicant must be the sole author of the writing sample.
  • Official transcripts from all degrees awarded. Applicants who were educated outside the U.S. may be asked to have official credential evaluations completed by an agency such as Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. at their own expense. Please visit International Student Admission for more information.
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation from professors or employers. Letters will be submitted online by recommenders.
  • GRE score within the past five years for applicants whose GPA is below 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
  • After all admission materials have been received, selected candidates will be invited for interviews with the PhD Advisory Committee. The interview is meant to help the Committee ascertain the candidate’s readiness for doctoral work and suitability for Dominican’s PhD program. In addition to the minimum requirements, candidates will be assessed based on their potential within the cohort model. Admission is highly competitive and not all qualified applicants will be selected. Expenses related to the interview are the responsibility of the candidate. The interview will be conducted at Dominican University or by voice/video web conferencing.
International Students

International students requiring an I-20 or DS 2019 may not apply, since this program is offered primarily online with required in-person components.

To find out more, please contact the director of the doctoral program, Karen Snow, PhD or call (708) 524-6077.