Information Management, DPS

Contact:

Dr. Steve Sawyer, Program Director, Hinds Hall, (315) 443-5630, profdoc@syr.edu

Website:

Doctorate of Professional Studies

Overview:

The Doctorate of Professional Studies in Information Management (DPS-IM) is a 51-credit, part-time program for working professionals interested in leadership and applied research in the information field. This 36-42 month program prepares innovators to be the catalyst for positive change within their organizations.

The Doctorate of Professional Studies (DPS) in Information Management program is designed for elite information professionals whose career trajectory is directed to taking on visible leadership in professional practice. This highly selective, non-traditional doctoral program accepts students who can establish powerful working partnerships between the iSchool and their own organizations.

Distinctive Features:

Interactive Delivery Format: Combines periodic brief residential periods with distance learning experiences; students remain working full time within their home organizations.
Centered on Apprenticeship: Students immediately enter collaboration with the iSchool through shared projects with their faculty guidance committees and the iSchool leadership.
Research in Action: Students sharpen their analytical, research, and critical thinking skills through a variety of instructional interactions with faculty.
Outcome Oriented: The program focuses on showcasing these skills through professional writing of academic analyses.
Tailored Curriculum: We undertake broad-based development of the doctoral candidate through immersion in the activities and projects of faculty members and the school.
Personalized Mentoring and Professional Development: Doctoral students enter with an appreciation of the role of information in the knowledge economy and leave with the tools, skills, and network to influence that economy.
Problem-Solving Orientation: Gaining the necessary expertise and outlook prepares the student to address the issues and challenges faced by information-based organizations across the sectors of society.
In Situ Inquiry: Explores the operations, environment, and people in a living organization.
Publication Quality Thesis: May lead to enhanced visibility and recognition in the field through the production of a book, white papers, and other publications.

Student Learning Outcomes

1.Develop research questions

2.Read & synthesize relevant literature

3.Select theories

4.Understand the research approaches in the field and select and apply the appropriate ones

5.Do analysis and synthesize data

6.Develop skill in scholarly writing

7.Application to changing or impacting practice

Curriculum:

The Doctorate of Professional Studies in Information Management curriculum involves coursework, comprehensive examinations, and thesis research completed over 36-42 months starting at the beginning of a summer semester.

The 51-credit Program of study involves:

Intensive residential seminars each semester
Gateway/orientation learning experience
Methods courses and workshops
Practical courses selected from our graduate curricula in Library Science, Information Management, or Telecommunications and Network Management
Advanced courses, possibly leading to the completion of a Certificate of Advanced Study in addition to the doctoral degree
Thesis hours - close faculty mentoring over thesis development

The degree program begins with an intensive residential Intensive Seminar and Methods Workshop at the beginning of the summer semester (usually in May) for the year in which a student is admitted. During the first residential seminar, students will become more familiar with the program’s coursework, faculty, technology, and each other.

Additional Information

Note the final year of the program may extend to 18 months, as it is recognized professional or personal circumstances may require some flexibility in completing degree requirements.