Program Overview

Journalism and Mass Communications, Ph.D.

College of Information and Communications

The Ph.D. program in Journalism and Mass Communications is designed for individuals seeking a career in teaching and research at the highest levels or research and management with mass media companies. This interdisciplinary program allows students to take classes beyond the school to develop outside areas of expertise, graduating as scholars capable of conducting original research, creating new knowledge, and disseminating their work through publications, presentations, and teaching.

Program Highlights

• Expert Faculty: Study under faculty members who are experts in strategic, political, science, health, environmental, race, and media communications.
• Tight Community: Learn in a small community of scholars with connections to and ties with top organizations and institutions in the field.
• Social Media Lab: Gain experience collecting, managing, interpreting, and using data through the college's Social Media Insights Lab.

What You’ll Study

The program requires 57 credit hours, consisting of 45 hours of coursework and a minimum of 12 dissertation hours. The 45 hours are divided among five core courses, seven electives in mass communications, and nine hours of electives from another field of study. The dissertation is a substantial research project conducted over the course of enrollment.

Building Skills

• Analytical Reasoning: Breaking down complex problems or situations to identify patterns, connections, and solutions.
• Collaboration: Working with others to achieve a common goal or objective.
• Data Analysis: Examining and interpreting information to uncover insights and inform decision-making.
• Presentation Skills: Preparing and delivering effective and engaging presentations to inform, persuade, or inspire.
• Research: Gathering and analyzing information to increase knowledge or solve problems.
• Scientific Writing: Communicating scientific research and findings in a clear, accurate, and compelling manner.

Using Your Degree

• Potential Careers:
  • Professor
  • University Researcher
  • Mass Communications Industry Researcher
• Workplace Settings:
  • Education
  • Media
  • Governmental Agencies

Related Degrees

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• Law, J.D.: Joseph F. Rice School of Law