Program Overview

Ph.D. in Media and Communication

Our doctoral program in Chapel Hill nurtures a close-knit community where students learn, develop as scholars and collaborate with faculty advisers and mentors.

Overview

The program prepares students to lead in the academy and industry by teaching cutting-edge research methods and providing a deep understanding of communication theory. This enables students to develop a research program that fits their interests.

Preparing Students to Lead

Our graduates are training the next generation of scholars, improving public health, strengthening democracy, and helping leading organizations across the world innovate in a changing media environment.

Numbers of Distinction

• 9 AEJMC Nafziger-White-Salwen Dissertation Awards since 1984
• Nearly 100% of recent graduates moving straight to tenure-track positions, postdoctoral fellowships, and industry roles
• $220,000+ value of a four-year funding package
• 80+ academic publications and top-paper awards in the last four years

Fall 2026 Application Deadline

The application opens in August, with a submission deadline in December. Finalists will be interviewed, and admissions and funding offers will be made early next year. Admitted students will be hosted for a visit on the Chapel Hill campus.

A Network of Support

The program offers a supportive environment where students can work together and receive support from faculty and peers. This collaborative culture is essential for students' success and development as scholars.

What Our Alumni Say

The Ph.D. program in mass communication at UNC is recognized globally, providing a strong foundation for career advancement. Alumni have reported that the UNC connection and reputation have been beneficial in their job searches and professional development.

Graduate Study at UNC-Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a leading research university, offering a collaborative and interdisciplinary culture that fosters new knowledge, advances scholarship, and inspires storytelling.

Why Carolina?

The university's nationally recognized teaching, groundbreaking research, and dedication to public service create a unique environment for graduate study. The Hussman School of Journalism and Media is committed to addressing the big societal questions of our day through its work.

Why UNC Hussman?

The school's collaborative culture, world-class resources, and vast alumni network make it an ideal place for graduate study. The impact of the school's work is felt globally, and its reputation is a testament to the quality of its programs.