Our PhD program here at Dominican University provides a unique approach to research and advanced study in the field of library and information science. We're offering a strong yet flexible pathway that helps professionals expand their vision as well as advance their careers. To find out more or to apply to the PhD program, please contact Tonyia Tidline, director, PhD program at ttidline@dom.edu or (708) 524-6604.
A three-year program in which all courses take place on weekends
This is not a residential program where you would need to quit your job or delay your current
career advancement to go back to school. You will be able to earn your doctorate without ignoring
other important aspects of your professional or personal life. We currently launch one new cohort
group each fall semester.
A cohort model designed to ensure intellectual engagement
Since our students may have a master's degree in a related discipline as well as in
library science, you can be assured that your fellow classmates will bring a rich array of
knowledge and experience to each discussion. You'll gain insights from colleagues with different
backgrounds and points of view.
Theory combined with practice
The course schedule is arranged to immediately provide you with working tools. For
example, you'll begin to study research methods during the first session, so you can immediately
begin work on your individual research.
Study under highly regarded leaders
The professors involved in our PhD program are well known for their teaching skills
as well as their independent research. You'll also benefit from national leaders who serve as
professors of the practice who teach in the program and mentor students.
A degree that builds capabilities as well as credentials
Some of our potential doctoral students come to us with an idea, something they
wish to research. Others arrive with a specific career or educational goal, such as teaching or
consulting. We work with each to help him or her develop plans and reach objectives.
To find out more or to apply to the PhD program, please contact Tonyia Tidline, director, PhD program at ttidline@dom.edu or (708) 524-6604.
Meet some of the current students in our PhD Program
"I hold a BA in communication from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and a master's
degree in library and information science from Dominican University. In my master's program, I
followed a general career path taking courses in reference services and readers advisory as well as
children's and young adults' literature. I was already working in a public library so I took
classes that would help me there. My career goal is to become a director of a large public library
system."
Liz Garcia, PhD student
The basic premise of my research is to examine the relationship that occurs between school social workers and librarians when the social worker is using bibliotherapy as a counseling technique. In a nutshell, bibliotherapy consists of selecting reading material that has relevance to someone's life situation. A few good examples are abusive relationships, loss of a parent, same-sex marriages and other family situations.
