Program Overview

Ph.D. Communication Program Overview

The doctoral program in communication at the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, Washington State University, provides a world-class curriculum, faculty, and facilities to prepare students as scholars and educators.

Program of Study

The doctoral program is a four-year program designed for applicants with degrees from relevant disciplines. Students must complete all requirements except the dissertation within six years of their initial registration for courses to maintain their status as doctoral students in good standing in the Murrow College of Communication. Students must complete their dissertation within ten years of their initial registration for graduate courses to successfully fulfill degree requirements.

• Students are required to complete a minimum of 75 graduate credits and 45 graded semester hours.
• This includes completion of course requirements, written and oral comprehensive exams, and completion, presentation, and defense of a dissertation based on original, independent research.
• Doctoral students must complete at least 21 credits in their major and supporting areas within the Murrow College of Communication.
• Students can complete 9 credit hours of work in the major and supporting area as well as their 9 research credits outside of the Murrow College of Communication if they desire.

Core Courses

• COM 570 – Communication Theory
• COM 509 – Quantitative Research

Research Methods

(9 credits)

Major Area of Concentration

(18 credits)

Supporting Area

(12 credits)

• COM 500 – Colloquium (4 x 1 credit)
• 27 Dissertation Credits

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Knowledge of the field: Understand the breadth and depth of knowledge within the discipline, including current theories and methods, and demonstrate competency in identifying and interpreting research on topics in communication.
2. Scientific reasoning and research process: Conduct independent research to identify research questions and hypotheses and design, execute, analyze, report on original research.
3. Communication: Communicate complex problems and research effectively to diverse audiences using appropriate media and communication tools.
4. Original scholarly contribution: Make original contributions to the discipline through presentations at academic conferences and publication in peer-reviewed academic outlets.
5. Teaching proficiency: Nurture and train graduate students to become effective teachers in the field of communication.

Application Information

Application Deadlines

• Students are admitted to the Ph.D. program for the Fall semester only.
• The priority deadline for applications to the Murrow College of Communication Graduate Program is November 1 for admission the following fall.
• The final deadline for applications is January 10.

Application Requirements

• Complete a general application with WSU Graduate School, indicating an interest in a degree program.
• Include:
  • Unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate institutions
  • International students submit English proficiency scores as required
  • Current CV or resume
  • Statement of purpose
  • (Optional) Academic writing sample

Notes

• There is a $90 application fee (non-refundable)
• This program does not require any prerequisites, but applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0*
• No GRE required
• Successful applicants typically hold a master’s degree in communication or a related field.

*The minimum GPA requirement for admission into WSU Graduate School is 3.0. Applicants with a GPA below 2.99 are subject to departmental review and consideration.

Statement of Purpose

A Personal Statement of no more than 1,000 words explaining your academic and research area of interest and why you feel The Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University is a good fit for you. In your statement, please discuss the personal, professional, and academic factors that have prepared you to pursue a graduate degree.

Funding Opportunities

All applicants are automatically evaluated for funded assistantship positions without additional application requirements outside the Graduate School General Graduate Application.

Jackson Fellowship

Established by Keith M. Jackson, a Class of 1954 graduate in communications, and Turi Ann Jackson, a member of the Class of 1952, these graduate fellowships were established to supplement our regular graduate student support.