Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Graduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Communication (PhD)


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs

Return to Department.  

Please see the Program Policy Document  for more information.

Program Educational Goals:


A graduate of our Ph.D. in Communication program will be able to:

  • Articulate the central theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts of the discipline.
  • Apply communication science theory and methods to conduct research on complex questions and societal problems.
  • Demonstrate a capacity to communicate research findings to academic and lay audiences.
  • Conduct independent and cooperative research that is publishable in the communication discipline’s core peer-reviewed journals.
  • Establish competency in teaching at the undergraduate level.
  • Incorporate ethical communication principles and practices into their research and teaching.
  • Recognize the cultural basis of communication and acknowledge their own standpoint, with respect for the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Employ communication strategies to resolve challenges and empower people.
  • Appreciate the landscape and norms of pursuing an academic career in the communication discipline.

Requirements for the Degree:


The Doctor of Philosophy in Communication requires 60 credits including 45 credits of graduate level coursework, 6 credits of graduate research (to be completed in the second year), and 9 credits of dissertation for students entering the program with a baccalaureate degree. Students entering the program with a Master’s degree will require a minimum of 33 credits of coursework, including declaring a concentration, and 9 credits of dissertation. The program is designed to be completed in four years (three years of coursework and candidacy exams, one year of candidacy for dissertation completion).

Communication Core Requirements:


No one class may be used to fulfill more than one requirement in completion of the PhD.

Theory:


9 credits.

Research Methodology:


9 credits.

Statistical Methodology:


9 credits.

Second Year Graduate Research:


6 credits.

During their second year, in addition to coursework, each student will complete 6 credits of research. The student is to develop, design, and implement a piece of original research, with guidance from a faculty committee of the student’s choosing. Students are to enroll in 3 credits during their fall semester and 3 credits during their spring semester.

Focused Program of Study:


18 credits.

Program built with advisor to best serve the research and programmatic interests of the student. No more than 9 of these 18 credits may be taken from outside of the Department of Communication. Students may take no more than two 3-credit independent study (COMM 866 - Special Problem ). If a student would like to take a course from outside of the Communication Department they may with prior approval by their academic advisor and the Department of Communication’s Graduate Director.

Communication Colloquium:


Students must enroll in the Communication Colloquium each semester they are enrolled in coursework for a total of up to six semesters.

Dissertation:


9 credits.

Credits to Total a Minimum of 60


Last Revised for 2022-2023 Academic Year


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs