Name

Brad Demarest

School

Indiana University

Degree Program

Second year PhD student in Information Science

Previous Degrees

Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from New York University, 2003; Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Rice University, 2001

Dissertation Topic

Not yet chosen

Research Interests

Online discourse; Scholarly communication; Sentiment analysis

Advisor

Susan Herring

Advisor’s Research Focus

Computer media discourse analysis

Hobbies

Piano

Graduate School – Application Process

How did you select your graduate school and program?

I selected my PhD program in information science at Indiana University because I was already in a masters degree program here for information science. I first enrolled in a masters degree program in information science but after a few classes I realized I did not enjoy the subject matter at the masters level. I decided to transfer my coursework credits to a PhD program in information science. I considered enrolling in a PhD program in information science somewhere else, but I was fond of the faculty here at Indiana University, particularly my advisor, Dr. Herring.

What did you do to prepare yourself for graduate school?

In order to prepare myself for graduate school, I read a few introductory texts on information science, to familiarize myself with the subject matter. When I applied to my PhD program, I was already in a dual masters degree program, and that helped prepare me for PhD level study. My masters degree program allowed me to make connections with faculty for letters of recommendation, and also provided me with reading samples for my PhD program application.

Did your application requirements include standardized test scores?

When I applied to my PhD program in information science, I did not have to submit standardized test scores because I had already submitted GRE scores with my application to the masters degree program at Indiana University.

What kind of information did you include in your personal statement?

In my personal statement I included information about my background and what led me to the PhD program. I explained my educational history and described what I had learned in the information science masters degree program. I also described why I was interested in earning a PhD.

How did you choose faculty to approach for letters of recommendation?

For my letters of recommendation, I approached faculty who I knew from my masters program at Indiana University. I chose professors who I had formed a rapport with and whose research I found interesting, because I wanted the chance to collaborate with them.

Do you have any other tips for a student who is considering applying to graduate school in information science?

If you are considering applying to a PhD program in information science, I have 2 suggestions.

First, investigate the faculty at every school that you consider. Because information science is a broad subject, departments in that field can have gaps in research areas. It is important to decide on a direction that you might like to take and then find faculty who can help you in that research area.

Second, you should become familiar with programming and technology. I recommend learning UNIX and HTML, and make sure you know how to put up a website. Consider taking an introductory programming class, because these skills will help you in an information science graduate program.

Graduate School – The Program

How long is your program and how is the curriculum distributed?

My PhD program in information science takes 7 years to complete. During the first 3 years, students take courses, including introductory classes in the subfields of information science and classes that introduce research methods. Students in my PhD program at Indiana University are also required to have a minor, similar to an undergraduate minor. So students also take coursework in the area of their minor.

After the third year of courses, students write a qualification paper on a substantial piece of research. The qualification paper can be in the same research area as the later dissertation, but it is not required. When the qualifying paper is complete, students write a dissertation proposal and defend the proposal to a panel of faculty. If the student passes the dissertation defense, then dissertation work can commence.

What is the focus of your dissertation research?

At this stage in my education, I have not chosen a dissertation topic. I have many ideas, but I am currently trying to decide which ideas has the potential to generate enough research for my dissertation, and I will narrow it down from there.

Does your program have a practicum component?

Yes, students are required to complete 3 research practicums. The requirements are flexible, but students typically choose a faculty member to collaborate with on a research project for 1 semester. There is no set time in the program when each practicum must be completed.

What role does your advisor play in your education?

My advisor is a mentor to me. She helps me decide what classes to take and I discuss my research with her. She gives me feedback and looks over my work so that I don’t overlook any sources of research.

Does your doctoral program require comprehensive exams prior to graduation?

   

No, the third-year qualifying paper takes the place of comprehensive exams.

How does a doctoral program differ from graduate study at the masters level?

The biggest difference between studying at the masters degree level and studying at the PhD level is the expected outcome. In my masters degree program, the idea was to complete the program and get a job, and everything in the program focused on that eventual goal. In my PhD program, the focus is more academic. PhD study is meant to prepare students to continue with research in academia, rather than earn a job in the field.

Graduate School – Paying for It

How much does your PhD program cost?

I don’t know how much my tuition costs because I receive a funding package from the university. I do not have many costs associated with school because I can access journal articles through the library for free and I do not often need to buy textbooks.

How are you funding your education?

I am funding my educations through a funding package that Indiana University provides. In addition to my tuition funding, I work as a teaching assistant to earn a living stipend. I received my assistantship through a professor who asked around and secured the position for me.

In addition to my teaching assistantship, I have the opportunity to work as a research assistant or a course instructor. I plan to take advantage of the opportunity to teach my own course in the future.

Graduate School – Living Life

What are the time commitments for a PhD in information science?

Each week, I spend 9 hours in class and probably an additional 27 hours on classwork. In addition to my own coursework, my assistantship takes another 15 hours each week. Although it is not required, I also attend regular lectures and colloquia for a few hours a week.

How has graduate school affected your family life?

There is a balancing act between graduate school and my family. I am married and have a small child, and sometimes it is a struggle to make time for them. In order to manage my time efficiently and leave time for my family, I try to do as much work as I can early in the semester. That way, I avoid the rush at the end of the term and have more time for my family. In addition to getting things out of the way early, I also use software that prevents me from spending too much time on certain websites. That keeps me from getting distracted from my work for very long.

Graduate School – After Graduation

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years, I hope to be finished with my dissertation. I also hope to have at least 1 journal publication. In addition, I would like to teach a class in the future, or be involved with creating the syllabus for a class. I plan to eventually become a faculty member at a university in a tenure-track position.

Graduate School - Advice

What insights can you offer a student who is interested in pursuing a PhD in information science?

If you are interested in pursuing a PhD in information science, I advise you to be prepared for a lot of reading and writing, as well as statistics. You might be shocked by the amount of reading that will be required during your first few years. You will also have to read and absorb the material rather quickly. In addition, you will need to be comfortable with math, particularly statistics. Even in subfields of information science that aren’t related to math and computers, there will be a lot of statistical analysis. Be sure to have a grasp on your math skills before you enter a PhD program in information science.