Program Overview

Ph.D. in Media & Communication

Texas Tech University offers a doctorate in Media & Communication that explores both social scientific and humanistic approaches to human communication research. By following the program of study, a doctorate can be earned in three years.

Program Overview

Our Ph.D. students work with internationally-recognized faculty to create knowledge in both the broad area of human communication and in specialty research areas. Graduates of our program are positioned to be leaders of research and teaching in the university setting, the private sector, for the government, and for non-profit organizations.

Application Process

The application deadline for those wishing to begin studies in the fall is January 1, though we review applications as we receive them. GRE score requirements are waived until further notice. Taking the GRE and submitting a GRE score as part of the application is optional. All applicants who apply will be considered for a full funding package. Best-fit applicants will likely have a master's degree in media or communication disciplines, however those with other backgrounds are considered.

Funding

All full-time Ph.D. students are fully funded. Tuition and fees are covered by funding, and students earn a monthly stipend and scholarships in addition. International students are required to purchase health insurance.

Ph.D. Scholarship & Financial Aid Information

Find more information about scholarships and financial aid for doctoral students.

Additional Research Funding Opportunities for Current Ph.D. Students

Current Ph.D. students may also be eligible to apply for other internal research funding opportunities.

Areas of Study

Students are trained to advance knowledge through conducting specialized research in one or more sub-disciplines of the following broad areas of study:

• Advertising
• Corporate & Organizational Communication
• Crisis Communication
• Entertainment & Pop Culture
• Global & International Communication
• Health Communication
• Hispanic & Intercultural Communication
• Interpersonal Communication
• Journalism
• Media Psycho-physiology
• Political & Civic Communication
• Public Relations
• Science Communication
• Social Media
• Speech & Rhetoric
• Sports Media
• Visual Communication

Research Facilities

Our students are trained to use and have access to the state-of-the-art Center for Communication Research (CCR). The CCR houses labs for collecting various types of data, including continuous and asynchronous audience response, content analysis, experiments, eye-tracking, focus groups, and psychophysiology.

Faculty

Faculty members in the College of Media & Communication are world-renowned experts at the forefront of their fields. As researchers, teachers, and mentors, our faculty includes a Fulbright fellow, award-winning professionals, leaders of international communication organizations, academic and popular press book authors, academic journal editors, media consultants, and lead investigators on federal and private grants.

Graduates

Graduates of our program are positioned to be leaders of research and teaching in a variety of settings, such as:

• University of Alabama
• University of Arkansas
• Boston University
• DePaul University
• Disney MediaScience Research Lab
• EDI Media
• Florida State University
• Kansas State University
• Mississippi State University
• NC State University
• University of Nebraska
• University of South Carolina
• San Diego State University
• Stephen F. Austin State University
• Texas State University

Current Doctoral Students

Learn about current doctoral students including biographical information, educational history, and research interests.