Ph.D Programs in Mass Communications
The College of Communications offers advanced study leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree in mass communications. The purpose of the program is to prepare graduates for entry into college and university teaching and research and for a variety of communications-related professions.
The program integrates preparation in teaching and research as complementary endeavors. Doctoral students begin the program in the fall semester and, during the first year, complete two semesters of the doctoral proseminar, colloquium, and typically at least one course in communications research methodology. By the end of the first year, doctoral students must form a committee of faculty members to guide their subsequent course of study. The remainder of the Ph.D. program is determined, in close consultation with the student, by his/her doctoral committee who is responsible for the formal approval of the proposed program.
The College's graduate program emphasizes the following six areas of academic strength around which doctoral students and their committees may wish to organize the selection of courses and program plans:
- Critical and cultural studies
- International communications
- Law, government and politics
- Media effects
- Strategic communications
- Telecommunications, technology and information policy
These are not formal options and do not have required courses or dedicated faculty. Rather they represent areas of scholarly expertise of the College's graduate faculty. Doctoral students may--and are encouraged to--integrate coursework across more than one of these areas.
