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Journalism and Mass Communications, Ph.D.

College of Information and Communications

If you’re looking for a career in teaching and research at the highest levels, or research and management with mass media companies, consider our small, selective and flexible Ph.D. program.

This doctorate is intended to be an interdisciplinary program. You'll take classes beyond our school to develop outside areas of expertise, and you'll graduate as a scholar capable of conducting original research, creating new knowledge and disseminating your work through publications, presentations and teaching.

Program Highlights

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    An Expert Faculty

    Study under faculty members who are experts in strategic, political, science, health, environmental, race and media communications.

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    A Tight Community

    Learn in a small community of scholars with connections to and ties with top organizations and institutions in the field.

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    Social Media Lab

    Get experience collecting, managing, interpreting and using data through the college's Social Media Insights Lab.

What You’ll Study

You'll take 57 credit hours: 45 hours of coursework and a minimum of 12 dissertation hours. The 45 hours are divided among five core courses, seven electives in mass communications and nine hours of electives from another field of study. Your dissertation is a substantial research project conducted over the course of your enrollment.

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

  • Analytical Reasoning

    Breaking down complex problems or situations to identify patterns, connections and solutions

    Collaboration

    Working with others to achieve a common goal or objective

    Data Analysis

    Examining and interpreting information to uncover insights and inform decision making

  • Presentation Skills

    Preparing and delivering effective and engaging presentations to inform, persuade or inspire

    Research

    Gathering and analyzing information to increase knowledge or solve problems

    Scientific Writing

    Communicating scientific research and findings in a clear, accurate and compelling manner

Using your degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

Potential Careers

  • Professor
  • University Researcher
  • Mass Communications Industry Researcher

Workplace Settings

  • Education
  • Media
  • Governmental Agencies
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