Program Overview

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Ph.D. in Advertising

The Stan Richards School is the only program in the world to offer a Ph.D. in Advertising. The Ph.D. program focuses on interdisciplinary coursework from multiple fields of study to allow students to focus on a unique thesis of varying interest. For example, students interested in the psychological impact of advertising would combine courses in both the advertising and psychology departments. This allows students to focus their program of study, meet their own particular goals, and become a true expert while gaining expertise in specific research areas.

About the Ph.D. Program

Combine field-specific expertise with methodological and theoretical rigor to become a leader in academia and industry. The doctoral program is designed to be flexible, and students are encouraged to draw upon the full range and interests of the faculty, both within the department and across other departments in the university.

Important Dates

• Ph.D. applications due for Fall 2026: 1/15
• Ph.D. admission decisions released: 3/15

Program Details

The Ph.D. program focuses on interdisciplinary coursework from multiple fields of study to allow students to focus on a unique thesis of varying interest.

Admissions and Application Process

Application Requirements

• Online Application: A completed and submitted Electronic Online Admissions application.
• Three Letters of Reference: Three letters of reference from academic or professional sources.
• Statement or Essay: A statement of purpose or short essay defining and discussing goals in pursuing graduate work in advertising, intended research areas, and previous training, education, and preparation.
• Optional GRE Score: An optional report from Educational Testing Service of the required GRE.
• Official Transcripts: Transcripts of undergraduate and graduate work at all schools previously attended.
• Official Resume: A resume in PDF format describing work background or professional experience, if any.

Admissions

Details about the application procedure are available in the Graduate Brochure. The applicant evaluation process is holistic and will consider all components of your application materials.

Test Scores

• GPA: A minimum GPA of 3.0
• GRE: Optional
• TOEFL: Required for applicants whose first language is not English

Additional Requirements

• Letters of Reference: Contact information will be submitted online as part of your application for three references.
• Statement of Purpose: A short essay defining and discussing goals, intended research areas, and previous training/education/experience.
• Official Resume: Once your application is uploaded and acknowledged, upload your resume.

Program Length

The time needed to complete a Ph.D. is varied. Some or most of the coursework taken during the master's program may be counted toward the Ph.D., depending upon how applicable a course is to the student's area of study. On average, most students take about 4 years to complete their Ph.D. program.

Program Prerequisites

All students must complete a basic marketing course and a basic statistics course prior to their first semester in the program.

Grad School Eligibility

To be eligible for graduate study, you should satisfy the following requirements:

1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or proof of equivalent training at a foreign institution.
2. At least 3.0 grade-point average in all undergraduate upper-division work.
3. OPTIONAL: A satisfactory score on the Graduate Record Examinations General Test (GRE) is not required.
4. Written and oral English skills must be sufficient for participation and contribution in classes and all written work. Non-native English speaking applicants must submit either a TOEFL or an IELTS exam score.

Financial Aid

Fellowships

The Graduate School provides a limited number of university fellowships to graduate students. Fellowships are awarded competitively on the basis of three main criteria.

Scholarships

The Moody College of Communication scholarship application is open each January to admitted and continuing students. Students do not need to apply for each scholarship individually.

Graduate Professional Development Award

If you present at a recognized conference, you may submit an application for support. The amount of support will be determined by the amount of money available and the number of students presenting.

Teaching/Graduate Assistantships

The Stan Richards School of Advertising & Public Relations awards a very limited number of graduate teaching assistantships. Ph.D. students are given priority and are guaranteed funding for the first three years of study.