PhD in Communication and Media Studies

The doctorate in communication is a research degree for students who want to propose, test and refine communication theory using empirical social science. The program is small and aims to prepare students for academic and nonacademic work. Concentrations include human-computer interaction, organizational communication, media and society, and science and health communication. First-year courses precede the qualifying exam, and field reviews take place each December and May. A special committee of faculty guides each student, and progress is tracked through milestones set by the Graduate School and the field. Applicants should look closely at faculty research interests before applying, because the fit between a student's goals and the available mentors shapes the whole experience. Details of the field and its requirements are published in the university catalog.