Program Overview

Journalism and Mass Communication, PhD

The Doctor of Philosophy program in journalism and mass communication is a highly individualized program that attracts seasoned media professionals transitioning to academia, as well as recent graduates of master's degree-level programs in journalism and communication, social and behavioral sciences, or the humanities.

Program Description

Students have access to the resources, training, and mentorship they need to answer critical questions that challenge the fields of journalism, digital and social media, strategic communication, and audience studies, and global mass communication. The program is designed around core values of inclusive excellence, collaboration and mentoring, transdisciplinarity, and original research.

At a Glance

• College/school: Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication
• Location: Downtown Phoenix
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Degree Requirements

• 84 credit hours
• A written comprehensive exam
• An oral comprehensive exam
• A prospectus
• A dissertation
  • Required Core (18 credit hours)
  • Electives (18 credit hours)
  • Other Requirements (24 credit hours): previous master's degree or additional hours approved by the supervisory committee
  • Research (12 credit hours)
  • Dissertation (12 credit hours)
  • Additional Curriculum Information: Students should see the academic unit for an approved course list.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
• U.S. applicants:
  • Must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.
  • Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
• International applicants:
  • Must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
  • TOEFL scores must be at least 100 on the internet-based test; a Duolingo score must be at least 120.
• Additional Application Information:
  • The personal statement of interest should be approximately 1,000--1,500 words and explain why the student wants to pursue a doctorate in mass communication as well as why the Cronkite School program fits their career and personal aims.
  • The statement of research goals should indicate at least two Cronkite research faculty members with whom the student would like to work, supported by relevant citations of the faculty members' scholarly publications.

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Application Deadlines

• Fall:
  • Session A/C: In Person, Deadline: 12/01, Type: Priority

Global Opportunities

The Cronkite doctorate program is multicultural, with students and alumni hailing from all over the world and bringing their experiences into seminar discussions and research. There are also opportunities to work on international grant-funded research projects led by Cronkite faculty to broaden students' perspective on issues within the discipline.

Career Opportunities

Graduates with a doctorate in journalism and mass communication are prepared for a number of career opportunities, including:

• Industry researcher or trainer
• Media analyst
• Media consultant
• University professor

Program Goals

The goal of the program is to train scholars capable of identifying key questions, designing appropriate studies to investigate those questions, and conducting independent and impactful research. Students are exposed to a wide variety of theories and methods, enabling them to forge their own scholarly identity based on interests and aptitudes.