Program Overview

Communication Studies (PHD)

The graduate program in Communication Studies is dedicated to cultivating scholar-teachers capable of advancing the study of relational and civic dimensions of communication.

Description

The program reflects the pluralism of the communication discipline by offering two primary areas of study: Interpersonal, Family & Health Communication and Rhetoric & Public Culture. The mission of the faculty and students is to examine human symbolic activity as it shapes and is shaped by relationships, institutions, technology, and culture. The department's research and teaching devote particular attention to three cross-cutting strategic initiatives: Health and Well-Being, Civic Engagement, and Identity and Difference.

Academic Pathways

• Communication Studies (MA)
• Communication Studies (PhD)
• Communication Studies (Dual MA/PHD)

Specializations

• Ethnic Studies
• Great Plains Studies
• Women's & Gender Studies

Applying for Admission

Standard Requirements

• Application for Admission with $50 non-refundable application fee
• Transcripts (unofficial): Uploaded as part of application form
  • If International: Uploads must include all college- or university-level transcripts or mark sheets (records of courses and marks earned), with certificates, diplomas, and degrees plus certified English translations
• Verification of English proficiency if applicant's native language is not English
• Financial information if applicant is not a US citizen and expects an F or J visa
• Applicants must also fulfill any additional requirements the department specifies at the time of application

Additional Requirements

• GRE
• Minimum English proficiency: Paper TOEFL 600, Internet TOEFL 100, IELTS 6.5
• Three recommendation letters
• Curriculum Vitae
• Personal Statement: including discussion of overall academic goals, review of undergraduate and graduate experiences, and clear articulation of perspective on potential intersections between department research endeavors and scholarly initiatives and current research interests
• Writing sample
• Demonstration of teaching effectiveness: A summary of teaching experience or a discussion of teaching potential
• Assistantship: If applicant wishes to be considered for an assistantship, they must check the appropriate box(es) in the Funding section

Admission Application Deadlines

January 15

Program Faculty

• Angela Palmer-Wackerly: Interpersonal, Family, and Health Communication
• Jordan Soliz: Interpersonal, Family, and Health Communication

Department and Graduate Chair

• Department: Communication Studies
• Graduate Chair: Casey Kelly
• Campus Address: 305 Louise Pound Hall, 512 N. 12th Street

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees information is available upon request.

Program Overview

The doctoral program in Communication Studies is designed to nurture scholars who appreciate and embrace the interconnectedness of the primary areas of study and other faculty foci. The program aims to prepare students for academic appointments upon graduation. The MA program will prepare students for continuing their doctoral studies in prestigious doctoral programs. Students will develop programs of study that serve their individual focus based on their primary area of study and the department's strategic initiatives.