online phd in media and communication

PhD in Strategic Media Online Lead with Insight

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Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Become an Expert in Strategic Communications with a PhD in Strategic Media

Today’s world is buzzing with digital conversation. From politics to healthcare and human services, every industry is impacted by the media. By pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Strategic Media, you can grow your organization and your career by understanding the theory behind effective communication and the application of practical techniques to 21st-century problems.

Imagine utilizing the latest trends in video, graphic, and online visual persuasion to take your organization to new levels. Paired with the management and leadership skills you can cultivate in our PhD in media studies, your new expertise can help you shape the future direction of policies, goals, and objectives within the communication sector.

Liberty’s PhD in media studies blends theory with praxis. Through this online program, you can develop a strong background in communication theory, strategic media communication, and applications for nonprofit, for-profit, and higher education sectors. So whether you work in an academic, corporate, or faith-based setting, this degree can equip you with the social media and strategic communications tools you need to bring fresh insight to your company. And with a degree taught from biblical principles, you can become a trusted, ethical voice in media and communication.

Ranked in the Top 10% of Niche.com’s Best Online Schools in America

• What Sets Us Apart?
• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
• No Standardized Testing for Admission
• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Why Choose Liberty’s Strategic Media PhD Degree?

Choosing Liberty for your PhD in Strategic Media means beginning the path to equipping yourself to become an expert in various digital and strategic media channels. Expand your mind and your skill set under professors who hold advanced degrees and have years of related professional experience. This online doctoral degree can introduce you to new ideas as well as scholarship, research, and professional practices from around the world.

With the mentorship of your professors and the biblical integration you’ll get in every program at Liberty, you can graduate with a doctorate that prepares you for a fulfilling career both personally and professionally. You can become more equipped to pursue positions including public relations specialist, social media executive, university administrator, professor, or researcher. This degree can help you get where you want to go.

But a doctorate from Liberty does more than set you up for professional success. Your advanced studies can also open you up to new peers, perspectives, and research opportunities that can shape you and empower you to make a difference in the world around you.

What Will You Study in Our PhD in Strategic Media Degree?

A PhD in media studies degree can help provide the foundation in data-gathering and insight tools you need to effectively impact your field. With courses in interactive media design and strategic communications media analytics, you can become an expert in the field of strategic communications.

Within our PhD in Strategic Media, you will take courses in 4 major areas: advanced core, research, application, and dissertation courses. The advanced core courses are designed to help you master communication theory so you can apply that knowledge to your other courses and career. On the other hand, our professional application courses can help you gain tactical principles and practices in integrated communications.

Finally, the research and dissertation component of your degree brings the theories and applications together. This can help you fine-tune your communication capabilities and set you up for publication and future career success.

Potential Career Opportunities

• Advertising/public relations executive
• Chief customer experience officer
• Communications executive
• Director of online sales and services
• Research manager
• Social media executive
• University administrator
• University professor
• Vice president of customer satisfaction

Featured Courses

• DIGI 700 – Digital and Strategic Communication Orientation I
• DIGI 710 – Communication Research Methods
• DIGI 720 – Qualitative Data Analysis
• DIGI 825 – Seminar: From Digital Analytics to Communication Action 

Degree Information

• This program falls under the  School of Communication and the Arts .
• View the  Graduate School of Communication and the Arts Course Guides   (login required) .

Degree Completion Plan (PDF)

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• Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour ( learn more ) .

Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.

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Admission Information for Our PhD in Strategic Media Degree

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
• Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

Admissions Office Contact Information

(800) 424-9596

(888) 301-3577

Email for Questions

[email protected]

Email for Documents

[email protected]

Liberty University Online Admissions Verification

1971 University Blvd.

Lynchburg, VA 24515

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Submit your application online or over the phone.

Apply by phone: (800) 424-9595

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

• Active Duty
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/Retirees
• Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees

Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want – at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour . Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work toward your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession – for less.

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Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)

We rank the best online PhD degree programs in communications.

Key Takeaways

• A number of graduate schools offer an online PhD in communications.
• A communications PhD program is a good fit for students with an interest in linguistics, media studies, organizational communication, post-secondary education, and more.
• The best online communication doctorates are regionally and programmatically accredited and prepare students for success in the job market.

Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs in 2025

• University of Colorado Boulder +2
• University of Alabama –1
• American University –1
• Texas Tech University +1
• Colorado State University +1
• Clemson University –2

University of North Dakota

Liberty university, regent university, walden university, featured programs, the best online communications doctorates (phds).

The online PhDs and doctorates in communication identified here are ranked based on influence, with weighting for graduation rate and full-time online enrollment.

Last Year’s Ranking:

American university, university of colorado boulder, colorado state university, texas tech university, clemson university, university of alabama.

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• #2 Best Online Colleges in Colorado 2024

Tuition + fees

Student body

Median SAT/ACT

Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Colorado Boulder

University of Colorado Boulder’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Earth Sciences
• Computer Science
• Mathematics
• Anthropology
• Engineering

Most Influential Alumni

• George Gaylord Simpson
• Sidney Altman
• Scott Carpenter
• Jeffrey Beall
• Jack Williamson
• Steven M. Wise
• Marc Bekoff
• Kenneth R. Miller
• Terrence Deacon
• Theodore Maiman
• Eugene Myers

What do we love about the University of Colorado Boulder?

The University of Colorado Boulder was founded in 1876 and was, in fact, established five months before Colorado achieved statehood. This makes it the flagship university in the state’s public university system.

The University of Colorado Boulder, located in the mid-sized city of Boulder, is home to a decidedly large student population. Roughly 38,000 students are currently in pursuit of their undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at Boulder.

Among its noteworthy graduate degree programs, the University of Colorado Boulder offers a PhD in Communication to students who have earned a master’s degree in a related subject.

Are pursuing advanced degrees. Boulder ranks among R1: Doctoral Universities, so noted for their very high level of research activity.

Are looking for an intimate college experience. Though the Boulder campus is routinely ranked among the most beautiful colleges in the nation, it is also the largest school in the state of Colorado.

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Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Alabama

University of Alabama’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Social Work
• Political Science
• Edward O. Wilson
• Timothy Leary
• George Armitage Miller
• Bernie Madoff
• Nathan Jacobson
• John Ridley Stroop
• George W. Snedecor
• Mohammad Ataul Karim

What do we love about University of Alabama?

University of Alabama was founded in the city of Tuscaloosa, Alabama in 1820. Emerging in the immediate aftermath of Alabama’s statehood, Bama is the oldest institution of higher learning in Alabama.

And today, a student body of more than 38,000 undergraduates and postgraduates makes this public research university the largest school in the state of Alabama.

University of Alabama’s Communication and Information Sciences doctoral degree program is noted for its multidisciplinary approach to the study of communication and information sciences.

Enjoy a strong athletics program. The University of Alabama Crimson Tide enjoy a heated cross-state rivalry with the Tigers of Auburn University.

Prefer a more intimate learning environment. University of Alabama is noted for the size of its student body, the scope of its academic offerings, and the expansiveness of its campus facilities.

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Career Outlook for Communications degree at American University

What do we love about american university.

American University is a private research university located in Washington D.C. American University was actually formed by an act of Congress in 1893.

Today, American University is home to more than 8000 undergraduates and more than 6000 graduate students.

Its doctoral-level communications program demonstrates the close connection between American University and the city it calls home. The AU School of Communication’s Doctor of Philosophy in Communication gives PhD candidates a chance to conduct independent research at the intersection of media, technology, and democracy. /p>

Have an interest in public service, political affairs, and government work. Its location in the nation’s capital makes American University a feeder school for many government opportunities.

Are seeking a more affordable degree program. American University provides generous student amenities but these expenses are reflected in the cost of attendance.

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Career Outlook for Communications degree at Texas Tech University

What do we love about texas tech university.

Texas Tech University began life as the Texas Technical College with its founding 1923. Based in Lubbock, Texas Tech is considered the primary institution among the five schools making up the Texas Tech University System.

Taking its present name in 1969, Texas Tech University would become the sixth-largest institution in the state of Texas. Today, there are more than 40,000 students earning degrees at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels at the public research university.

Texas Tech is particularly noteworthy as a destination for prospective PhDs. Texas Tech is classified among R1: Doctoral Universities, so noted for their very high research activity. This includes opportunities for doctoral level students interested in Texas Tech’s PhD in Media and Communication .

Like a college with strong school spirit. Students repeatedly note that the school spirit is a major feature of campus life, which can make Texas Tech feel like one big community.

Are looking for a small campus. Like a lot of other things in Texas, Texas Tech is a sprawling campus. Students note that the sheer distance of walking between classes can sometimes be exhausting.

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Career Outlook for Communications degree at Colorado State University

Colorado State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Jean Bethke Elshtain
• Steve Hanke
• Yusef Komunyakaa
• Elaine Ingham
• Mark Mattson
• Rebecca Skloot
• Ibrahim Abdulaziz Al-Assaf
• William Tietz
• James van Hoften
• Jenna Ellis
• Martin J. Fettman
• Anwar al-Awlaki

What do we love about Colorado State University?

Colorado State University was formed in 1870 as the flagship institution in what would become the Colorado state school system. The Fort Collins-based public research university is noted today for including the biomedical sciences, engineering, environmental science, and more.

Colorado State University was formed as a small agricultural school in the years leading up to Colorado’s 1876 statehood. Today, Colorado State serves more than 34,000 students.

Colorado State University is noted for its top-ranked graduate courses and degree programs, such as its PhD in Communication .

Are pursuing careers in healthcare. Colorado State ranks high for spending on its various medical sciences programs.

Are seeking a small campus experience.

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Career Outlook for Communications degree at Clemson University

Clemson University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• James Dickey
• Strom Thurmond
• John Edwards
• Jo Jorgensen
• Anthony Bradley
• James F. Byrnes
• Warren E. Dixon
• Dolph Lundgren
• Thomas Naylor
• Horace Grant
• Dwight Clark
• Deshaun Watson

What do we love about Clemson University?

Clemson University was founded in 1889 and began life as the Clemson Agricultural College. Today, the public land-grant university occupies 1400 acres alongside Lake Hartwell in Clemson, South Carolina.

With more than 25,000 students pursuing degrees at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, Clemson University ranks as the second largest university in the state of South Carolina.

Clemson is included in the list of R1: Doctoral Universities, those noted for their high level of research activity. Clemson offers an array of unique advanced degree programs, such as its doctoral program in Rhetorics, Communication, and Information Design , which emphasizes “an overall balance of ecologies in rhetorics and communication with emphasis on rhetorics and digital information design.”

Enjoy college athletics. Clemson’s Tigers enjoy an enormous cultural presence both on campus and in the surrounding region.

Are looking for a college in a lively area. Clemson is located in the foothills of the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, but this also means that the university is a two hour drive from the nearest city.

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Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of North Dakota

University of North Dakota’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Communications
• Phil Jackson
• Maxwell Anderson
• Vilhjalmur Stefansson
• Chuck Klosterman
• Thomas McGrath
• George A. Lundberg
• Jonathan Toews
• Michael Rustad

What do we love about the University of North Dakota?

The University of North Dakota’s history actually predates North Dakota statehood by a full six years. Formed in 1883 by the Dakota Territorial Assembly, this Grand Forks-based university began as a liberal arts institution before expanding to include scientific research.

Today, the University of North Dakota is classified among R2: Doctoral Universities, noted for their high level of research activity. UND is currently home to more than 13,000 students pursuing degrees at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

The University of North Dakota is noted for its excellent array of doctoral level research programs such as its Communication PhD .

Are seeking options for getting involved. Current students praise the wide range of clubs and activities offered to UND students.

Don’t have a high tolerance for cold weather. Temperatures on campus dip well below freezing throughout the winter months.

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Career Outlook for Communications degree at Liberty University

What do we love about liberty university.

Liberty University is one of the largest Christian universities in the world as well as one of the largest private non-profit universities in the U.S. Much of this size is based on its online enrollment.

Liberty University enrolls roughly 15,000 residential students across its 17 colleges, and an additional 80,000 through its extensive online course and degree offerings.

Liberty University is noted for the sheer volume of advanced degrees and online degrees earned by its student body. With more than 47,000 students pursuing advanced degrees, Liberty offers an extremely wide range of online doctoral programs, including its PhD in Communication Online program.

Wish to attend the world’s largest seminary—Liberty University’s Rawlings School of Divinity.

Students who do not identify with Evangelical Christianity.

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• #10 20 Fastest Accelerated Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #13 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024

Career Outlook for Communications degree at Regent University

What do we love about regent university.

Regent University is a private Christian University that provides an array of both undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Founded in 1977 by Southern Baptist Minister Pat Robertson, Regent University offers a wide range of both online and on-campus degree programs.

Regent University serves more than 10,000 students today, with many pursuing online degrees at the master’s and doctoral degree levels.

Regent University is also noteworthy for its extremely diverse range of online doctoral degree programs, including an Online PhD in Communication .

Are pursuing advanced degrees online. More than 60% of Regent’s students are in post-graduate programs.

Prefer a secular educational experience.

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Career Outlook for Communications degree at Walden University

What do we love about walden university.

Walden University is a private online school with headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Walden operates on a for-profit business model.

Walden University was established in 1970 with the goal of helping working adults–specifically those in education–earn their doctoral degree. Today, Walden serves nearly 50,000 students in countless areas of study.

Walden University offers several online doctoral programs through its Departement of Business Administration and Communication including its PhD in Management, which is available as both a full program and a completion program.

Are studying nursing, public health, and healthcare administration. Walden is one of the nation’s top degree providers in these fields.

Plan to earn PhDs in psychology. Walden’s PhDs do not have accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA).

Online doctoral degree programs are growing in availability and credibility. However, only a select number of universities offer a full selection of PhD in communication programs online.

In most fields, an online PhD is considered a terminal degree, which means it is the highest degree that you can earn in your field. This means that online doctoral programs for PhD students in communication can lead to opportunities for leadership, public consultation, research, and post-secondary education in your field.

Online PhD in communication candidates are typically already working at a high level in their field. This means that students seeking their doctorate must balance existing work and personal responsibilities with a challenging course of education. For many graduate students, online courses and fully online programs provide a way to achieve this balance.

For a look at how these online doctoral programs stack up against traditional on campus programs, check out our look at the The Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees .

Or see the complete University Rankings Guide .

Otherwise, read on and learn more about how you can earn an online PhD in communication through a top-ranked online doctorate program.

About Accredited Online PhD in Communication Degree Programs

Online doctoral students have plenty of options, but quality and credibility are important when it comes to finding an online PhD. The best online doctorate programs will have proper accreditation:

• Institutional Accreditation : Accreditation is vital for online doctoral programs. It signifies that the online PhD programs offered by the graduate school are in compliance with the standards of a Department of Education-approved accrediting body.

A school must also be accredited in order to offer federal financial aid to its online doctorate candidates. When looking for an online doctoral program, seek out options with accreditation from a colleges and schools commission in your region. This stamp of approval is critical for ensuring the quality and credibility of your online program.

• Programmatic Accreditation : In addition to institutional accreditation, look for online doctorate degree programs with programmatic accreditation. Specialized programmatic accreditation can be an indication that certain online PhD programs are respected in your field. The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC) is the key specialized accrediting agency in communications.
• Carnegie Classification : The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, or as it is more commonly known, the Carnegie Classification, is a framework for categorizing all accredited, degree-granting institutions in the United States. Originally formulated in 1970 by The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, and administered through the University of Indiana’s Center for Postsecondary Research since 2014, the Carnegie Classification is “the leading framework for recognizing and describing institutional diversity in U.S. higher education.”

Under this classification, top research universities for doctoral degrees and PhD candidates are identified as either R2: Doctoral Universities for “high research activity” or R1: Doctoral Universities for “very high research activity.” Look for these classifications when considering options for your online Phd programs.

Key Point: The best online doctoral programs will have both institutional and programmatic accreditation.

Admission Requirements

Schools that offer online doctorate programs have different admission requirements. However, most online doctoral in communication programs will carry the same basic threshold for admission:

• A completed online application
• Official undergraduate college transcripts
• A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
• GRE scores, MAT scores, or GMAT scores
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal interviews
• Personal statement or essay
• Plan of study

Key Point: In some cases, you’ll be eligible to enter a doctoral degree online after earning a bachelor’s degree. However, manyu specialized online PhD programs may require you to have earned a master’s degree as well.

Curriculum and Courses

As with other advanced degree and graduate programs, research is the central component of your online communications doctoral program. This is true for fully online doctorate degrees as well as hybrid degrees combining online education with traditional on-campus courses.

Regardless of whether you complete a traditional, hybrid or online doctoral program, the typical time to completion is three to five years.

The typical components of your online PhD program may include:

Foundational Courses

Your online PhD program will typically begin with a number of core courses in areas like technical communication, mass communication, strategic communication, and more. You will likely also take foundational courses in your area of concentration.

PhD program concentrations may include media and communication studies, health communication, political communication, and more. Foundational courses will also provide critical research skills including how to apply both quantitative research methods and qualitative research methods. You may be able to complete many of your communications program requirements through online classes.

Examinations for PhD Candidacy

Many online doctoral students are required to complete certain examinations to enter into online PhD candidacy. This will typically occur after you’ve completed one to two years of foundational courses.

Dissertation

The central component of most online PhD in communications programs will be the completion of a dissertation. After gaining status as an online PhD candidate, you will typically work closely with a professorial advisor or mentor to develop an original research question.

This research question will form the basis of your dissertation—an ongoing project designed to address this research question through applied research. While you will work closely with your advisor or mentor, much of your dissertation will be rooted in independent research. This is especially true for students pursuing an online PhD.

Oral Defense

Upon completion of the written portion of your dissertation—which will typically present the findings from your original research project—you will be expected to defend your findings. This “oral defense” will typically be conducted by a commission of professors and experts in your field. PhD candidates in some online degree programs may be able to conduct this defense via teleconferencing.

Teaching Requirements

Some online PhD programs will also include a teaching component, which will require you to work as an adjunct professor or teacher’s assistant in an undergraduate or graduate school. It may be possible for students in the online doctoral degree program to also serve teaching requirements by instructing online students.

Key Point: The online communications PhD is a research-focused degree. Your dissertation will be a central part of your online doctoral degree program.

Careers for Students Who Complete Online Communications Doctoral Degree Programs

Accredited online doctoral programs are generally terminal degree programs. This means that students who complete credible online doctoral programs in their field are generally eligible for top positions and opportunities in their field. This may indicate high paying opportunities for public policy research, post-secondary education, and editorship.

For instance, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the top 10% of earners in the field of Editing earned nearly $130,000 in 2021.

These higher earnings are reflective of the rarified professional opportunities that await those with a PhD in communications. Working professionals who earn an accredited online doctorate may be eligible to work in the following areas.

• Marketing and Consumer Research
• Publishing and Editing
• Public Relations
• Post-Secondary Education
• Public Policy Consultation
• Political Campaign Management

Key Points: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, students with a doctorate n communications will earn more than graduates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

What’s the difference between online doctoral programs and online PhD programs?

Technically, a PhD is a type of doctorate degree. This means that all online PhD candidates are doctoral students. By contrast, not all doctoral students are PhD candidates.

The primary distinction is that doctoral students are primarily focused on putting existing theories into practice. Depending on your chosen field, your online doctoral degree may require participation in an educational leadership program, engagement in clinical practice, work as a resident in a nursing program, and much more.

By contrast, online PhD students are focused on creating new knowledge in their area of study. This usually means that online PhD candidates are focused on introducing new theories, creating research projects around these theories, and presenting new findings that demonstrate a mastery of existing knowledge and the insight to introduce new ideas into the field.

Today, more working professionals than ever before are pursuing both online doctoral degrees and online Phd programs.

Other Options for Aspiring Communication PhDs

Students considering an online doctoral in communications should also check out the best on-campus options to compare features like cost, curriculum, acceptance rate, and more.

New York University

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• #2 Best Colleges in New York 2024
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• #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
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• #15 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #18 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #23 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
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Career Outlook for Communications degree at New York University

New York University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Erich Fromm
• Robert Mueller
• Martha Nussbaum
• John Archibald Wheeler
• Glenn Greenwald
• Howard Zinn
• Eric Kandel
• Lewis Mumford
• Alvin Toffler
• Louis Nirenberg

University of Michigan

• #4 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online
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• #9 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
• #9 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
• #14 Best Universities in the World 2025
• #22 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities in Michigan 2025
• #1 Best Grad Schools in Michigan 2024
• #1 Best Colleges in Michigan 2024
• #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Michigan 2025
• #1 Best Public Colleges in Michigan 2024
• #2 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
• #2 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
• #3 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees 2025
• #4 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees 2025
• #8 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
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• #12 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
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• #13 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
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• #1 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2025
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• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Michigan
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Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Michigan

University of Michigan’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Claude Shannon
• Arthur Miller
• Alvin Plantinga
• George Dantzig
• Edgar F. Codd
• Hans-Hermann Hoppe
• Stephen Smale
• Urie Bronfenbrenner
• John Henry Holland
• Amos Tversky
• Marshall Sahlins

Boston University

• #3 Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
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• #1 Best Online Master's in Marketing and Advertising
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• #1 Best Online Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
• #1 Best Online Degree Completion Programs for Returning Students
• #2 Best Online Master's in Project Management 2025
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• #2 10 Best Online Master's of Music Education Degree Programs
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• #2 Best Online Master’s in Finance
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• #3 Best Online Master’s in Communications
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Career Outlook for Communications degree at Boston University

Boston University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Religious Studies
• Martin Luther King Jr.
• Sheldon Glashow
• Neal Stephenson
• Norman Vincent Peale
• Tipper Gore
• Albert-László Barabási
• Kim Stanley Robinson
• Bernard Berenson
• Daniel C. Tsui
• Bill Simmons

University of Texas at Austin

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• #1 Best Public Colleges in Texas 2024
• #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Texas 2025
• #1 Best Research Universities in Texas 2024
• #1 Best Colleges in Texas 2024
• #4 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
• #9 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees 2025
• #10 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees 2025
• #17 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees 2025
• #17 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
• #17 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #18 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
• #19 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #21 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #21 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #24 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #25 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Texas 2024
• #2 Top 8 Best Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhDs (Doctorates)
• #2 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024
• #3 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
• #3 Best Online Master’s in Engineering 2025
• #5 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
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• #6 Best Online Master's in Management 2025
• #8 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students 2025
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Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Texas at Austin

University of Texas at Austin’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Walter Cronkite
• Bill Moyers
• Edsger W. Dijkstra
• Robert Rauschenberg
• Bruce Sterling
• C. Wright Mills
• Neil deGrasse Tyson
• Steven Best
• J. M. Coetzee
• Robert Taylor
• Abhay Ashtekar

University of Southern California

• #17 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
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• #3 Best Private Colleges in California 2025
• #5 Best Colleges in California 2024
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• #5 Best Research Universities in California 2025
• #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
• #5 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
• #9 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees 2025
• #13 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #16 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees 2025
• #16 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
• #16 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #16 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
• #17 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees 2025
• #17 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
• #17 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
• #17 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
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• #19 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
• #22 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #1 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025
• #1 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs 2025
• #1 Best Online Master's in Project Management 2025
• #1 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2025
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• #1 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice 2025
• #1 Top 7 Best Online Social Work PhDs (DSW Programs) 2024
• #1 Best Online Master’s in Communications
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• #1 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
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• #1 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Public Relations Ranked 2024
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• #1 Best Online Master’s in Finance
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• #2 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies 2025
• #2 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2025
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
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• #2 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Social Work PhDs (Doctorates)
• #2 Best Online MBA Programs in California
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Engineering 2025
• #3 Best Online Master's in Nursing MSN
• #4 Best Online PhD of Computer Science Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
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Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Southern California

University of Southern California’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Criminal Justice
• Frank Gehry
• Neil Armstrong
• Jack L. Warner
• John Mearsheimer
• Boris Podolsky
• Michael D. Griffin
• Maulana Karenga
• O. J. Simpson
• Robert Ballard

Learn more with a look at our List of Online Programs .

Communication Ph.D.

Study the different ways people communicate, so you can prepare for leadership roles across the globe.

Communication plays a fundamental role in our global society and it is imperative for us to recognize and appreciate the international and intercultural contexts in which it occurs. With a Ph.D. in Communication from UND, you'll learn about human communication across diverse cultures and through multiple systems.

Why earn a Ph.D. in communication?

*Priority deadline

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Understanding the different ways people communicate around the world will help you address socially and globally pressing communication challenges. The Communication Ph.D. at UND is a competitive program that provides you with knowledge and skills that will set you apart as a leader in international and intercultural communication.

A recent GRE score is required of all applicants. The department does not waive this requirement on a case-by-case basis.

Intensive Communication Research Ph.D. Program

Through both the on-campus and 100% online program tracks, you'll work hand-in-hand with research faculty recognized for their work in:

• Interpersonal and persuasive communication
• Risk and crisis communication
• New media and cyberculture
• Strategic communication in digital and social media environments

Online students must be enrolled full-time; on-campus students have the option of enrolling full-time or part time. This is to ensure adequate support for research initiatives.

Due to the research intensive nature of the program we encourage you to review our program's faculty profiles to learn more about individual faculty research interests and expertise. All students will be assigned a faculty advisor directly when conducting research.

Undergraduate to Ph.D. in Communication

Unique to our program, undergraduate students are allowed to apply directly to this Ph.D. program. If you have a bachelor's in Communication , our curriculum allows you to earn your master's in Communication at the same time you are working on a Ph.D.

UND's Communication Ph.D.

Learn from recognized leaders in the field of international and intercultural communication.

Develop your research interest in strategic communication, health communication, interpersonal and organizational communication, and much more.

Take part in graduate teaching assistantships. Positions available for students in both on-campus and 100% online tracks.

Earn a non-thesis master's degree on your way to completing your doctorate in our program.

S tudy closely with faculty across the broad range of communication areas to prepare for both careers and citizenship.

Understand how information processes and communication technologies affect and benefit diverse local and global communities.

Communication Ph.D. Careers

Projected job outlook for post-secondary teachers from 2022 to 2032

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Median annual salary for post-secondary teachers, 2023

Upon completion of your Communication doctoral program, you'll emerge as a proficient communication specialist, equipped to excel in academia or thrive in media-related field.

Graduates of the University of North Dakota's Communications Ph.D. program have embarked on leadership roles in global and cross-cultural communication. The have job titles such as:

• Director of Communications: Spearheading communication strategies, our alumni often assume pivotal roles directing and shaping organizational messaging.
• Researcher: Equipped with advanced research skills, our graduates contribute valuable insights to the dynamic field of communication studies.
• Consultant: Our alumni serve as consultants, offering strategic guidance to organizations seeking to enhance their communication effectiveness.
• Policymaker: Some of our graduates leverage their communication acumen to influence policies. They participate in shaping regulations and standards on a local and global scale.

A substantial number of our graduates choose to contribute to higher education through teaching and advanced research. These paths have led them to roles such as:

• Department Head: Our alumni guide the direction of communication studies by taking on leadership positions within academic departments.
• Professorship: Achieving the pinnacle of academic success, our graduates secure professorships, where they shape the next generation of communication professionals.
• Associate Professorship: In roles as associate professors, our alumni engage in both teaching and research endeavors.
• Lecturer: Our graduates bring their practical experience and academic insights to the classroom.

Communication Ph.D. Courses

COMM 530. Communication, Society, & Diversity. 3 Credits.

An examination of how people from similar and different cultural, ethnic, national, racial, religious, and/or sexual backgrounds interact with each other, institutions, and society. The course covers issues of representation, identity, and difference. On demand.

COMM 525. Interpersonal Relations and Communication. 3 Credits.

Face-to-face and mediated transactions between two people or people in small groups in diverse settings. Deals with inquiry, conflict management, interpersonal sensitivity, individuality, and conformity.

COMM 535. Intercultural Communication. 3 Credits.

This course incorporates critical conceptualizations of identity, "the Other", and multiculturalism. It explores theoretical reflections of the symbolic systems of unfamiliar cultures, and the emergence of mutual understanding.

COMM 540. Communication and Organizations. 3 Credits.

Examines the general communication processes and dynamics within and among organizations and explores the dynamics in network organizations, with a particular focus on communication in interpersonal groups and inter-organizational working teams. Theories of power and politics in and among organizations, as well as of decision-making, conflict management, and strategic communication are explored.

COMM 550. International and Global Communication. 3 Credits.

An analysis of international media, comparative telecommunications systems and globalization. Covers issues such as transnational communication, global journalism, satellite broadcasting and communication in diplomacy and international affairs.

COMM 523. Social Network Analysis & Visualization. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to introduce you to the theory, methods, and procedures of network analysis with emphasis on applications to communication and social behavior. The goal of the course is to provide a working knowledge of the concepts and methods used to describe and analyze social networks so that you can apply it to important questions in your profession. S.

Best Ph.D. in Communications

UND's Communications Ph.D. ranks among the best for educational quality, affordability, and career outcomes.

#7 BEST ONLINE COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM

Online Communication Ph.D.

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The entire degree program is fully online. You are never required to come to campus.

Online Communication Ph.D. students are highly encouraged to attend live, synchronous online courses in order to get the most out of class participation. However, online courses are recorded and can be viewed at another time, to fit your schedule.

Top-Tier Online Communication Ph.D. Program

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs. No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

• Same degree:  All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) . Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
• Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
• Real interaction:  You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
• Your own academic advisor:  As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
• Free online tutoring:  We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
• Unlimited academic coaching:  Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
• Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
• 24/7 technical support:  UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
• Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

• Affordability
• Student satisfaction (retention rate)
• Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
• Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

Leaders that Do

Students at UND take chances, seek challenges and become leaders in the community.

Check out the faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional education opportunities.

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Doctor of Philosophy Media, Culture, and Communication

Grounded in an interdisciplinary approach to the study of media and culture, our doctorate draws from a rich array of disciplines and theoretical frameworks. Department expertise spans the globe: the Middle East, East Asia, the Global South, Africa, and Europe. Our faculty generate some of the most original scholarship in their respective fields, creating a stimulating environment in which to pursue graduate work.

Degree Details

Official degree title.

PhD in Media, Culture, and Communication

Research Focus

Alumni placements, funding for full-time phd students.

Five research areas operate as guiding frameworks for intellectual inquiry across the department: Global Communication and Media, Technology and Society, Visual Culture and Sound Studies, Media Industries and Politics, Interaction and Experience.

Your work as a doctoral student will be shaped by our faculty's commitment to:

• Engaging with theoretical concepts from a range of disciplines—media and cultural studies, visual culture, history, science and technology studies, anthropology, sociology, disability studies, sound studies, political science.
• A multi-methodological approach to research—from semiotics, global ethnography, gender and queer theory, critical race theory, qualitative and quantitative discourse analysis, to political/cultural economy, among other critical frameworks.
• A global perspective—conceiving of the global mediascape as transnational and transcultural.
• Recognizing media and technology’s long history and antecedents.

Read some sample dissertation abstracts .

After graduating, alumni join academic departments of media and communication, with placement in the social sciences and interdisciplinary humanities becoming increasingly common. MCC PhDs who graduated in the past ten years are now tenure-track or tenured professors at the University of California, Berkeley; University of Washington, Seattle; Cornell University; Stanford University; UCLA; Rutgers; Fordham; University of Michigan; George Mason University; University of North Carolina; University of Arizona; College of Charleston; Memorial University of Newfoundland; University of San Francisco; Scripps; Pratt; University of Maryland; American University of Beirut; American University of Paris, Ryerson University; Trent University; St. Joseph’s College.

Over the past decade, our PhD graduates have received numerous prestigious postdocs, including a Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Humanities in the Department of Comparative Media Studies/Writing at MIT; Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship at MIT's Center for Art, Science, and Technology; Postdoctoral Fellow, Berkman Klein Center, Harvard University; Postdoctoral Researcher, Max Planck Institute for the History of Science; Postdoctoral, Center for Information Technology Policy, Princeton University; Postdoctoral Fellowship at Rice University in Technology, Culture, and Society; Research Associate, Center for Digital Humanities, Princeton University; Postdoctoral Fellow, Media, Inequality & Change Center, University of Pennsylvania.

If you are accepted as a full-time NYU Steinhardt PhD student without an alternate funding source, you are eligible for our competitive funding package, which includes a scholarship and tuition remission.  Learn more about our funding opportunities .

Graduate Leadership

Associate Professor of Media, Culture, and Communication; PhD Director

If you have additional questions about our degree, please contact us at [email protected] .

Alumni Profiles

Jacob Gaboury (PhD 2014)

Jacob is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Film & Media at the University of California, Berkeley. His dissertation "Image Objects: An Archaeology of Computer Graphics, 1965-1979" investigated the early history of computer graphics and the role they play in the move toward new forms of simulation and object oriented design.

Xiaochang Li (PhD 2017)

Xiaochang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication at Stanford University. Her teaching and research interests include the history of computing and information systems, AI and algorithmic culture, speech and language technology, and software/platform studies. Before joining Stanford, she was a postdoctoral fellow at the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science in Berlin.

Hatim El-Hibri (PhD 2012)

Hatim is Assistant Professor of Film and Media Studies at George Mason University. His research examines media technologies and urban space in the Middle East. His dissertation traced the history of the visualization of Beirut, from the politics of aerial photography and mapping during the French Mandate, to the visual economy of postwar construction, to the materiality of Hizballah's live satellite television.

Liz Koslov (PhD 2017)

Liz is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Urban Planning and the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability at UCLA. Previously, she was a Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow at MIT. Her research examines the cultural, political, and sociological dimensions of climate change adaptation. Her first book project, Retreat: Moving to Higher Ground in a Climate-Changed City , is under advance contract with the University of Chicago Press.

Devon Powers (PhD 2008)

Devon is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Advertising, Media & Communication at Temple University. Powers' research interests include popular music, 20th century history, and cultural intermediation – the people and processes that operate "in between" the production and consumption of culture. Powers completed a fellowship at the University of Leeds in 2014, and was recently elected Vice Chair of the Popular Communication Division of the International Communication Association.

Matthew Powers (PhD 2013)

Matthew is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Washington-Seattle. His dissertation "Humanity's Publics: NGOs, Journalism and the International Public Sphere" examined reporting roles assumed by international NGOs as legacy media outlets cut their foreign news budgets, and received the Gene Burd Outstanding Dissertation in Journalism Studies award from the International Communication Association. 

Media, Culture, and Communication

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Communication (PhD)

You will acquire the leading-edge theory and research methodologies you need to shape a more ethical and just world. 

Whether you seek a career in academia, the industry, or governmental and non-governmental organizations, you will become a critical educator and researcher of communication through rigorous coursework, independent and collaborative research projects, and teaching opportunities.

You will work side by side with your peers and our distinguished faculty to advance knowledge in the field while creating interdisciplinary solutions to complex societal and organizational problems. At the same time, you will build a professional network of worldwide and lifelong connections with fellow scholars and practitioners.

USC Annenberg’s location at the heart of a top-tier research university and in the dynamic city of Los Angeles provides you with the ideal setting to explore ways to inventively fuse your scholarship and expertise in communication studies with disciplines such as political science, international relations, sociology and information sciences as well as gender, media and popular culture studies.

Program Information

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By the numbers

Student and faculty work.

Changing the world through better communication

Former U.S. Navy Blue Angels team member Amber Lynn Scott became interested in studying high-reliability organizations for her dissertation to make a positive impact for military and first responders.

Requiem for a meme

Alexandria Arrieta researches how the intersection of memes and music are having a profound impact on people’s communication and connection across social media.

Making social media a better tool for political activism

With his lifelong interest in politics, Alfonso Hedge realized Annenberg’s doctoral program would be the perfect place to study how grassroots political organizations use social media.

From music to AI

Event promoter and DJ Stephen Yang examines the on-the-ground practices of technologists and media professionals as they reshape the culture of production.

Jermaine Anthony Richards named 2023 Paul & Daisy Soros Fellow

The merit-based program provides funding for Richards to explore his research on how transmedia storytelling animates human security politics, security cultures, and political movements.

Exploring identity through social media

Samah Sadig shares her passion for identity, expression and education — and how it all brought her to USC Annenberg.

Work on groundbreaking research with expert faculty

As innovations in information and communication technologies continue at a rapid pace, USC Annenberg remains at the forefront of efforts to explore these social, cultural, rhetorical, and organizational processes. You will work and collaborate with fellow doctoral students, our world-class faculty, and industry and public/private sector professionals to advance research and insights across a wide range of interdisciplinary areas of study. You will also have the opportunity to lead research endeavors that impact scholarship and practice across the contemporary communications landscape.

Explore the research of USC Annenberg faculty and students. View the areas of study available to our PhD students.

Get to know your fellow students

The communication doctorate program enrolls students from diverse backgrounds, nationalities and educational experiences. Connect with fellow students by viewing their profiles and get to know USC Annenberg through their eyes.

Communication (PhD) faculty

Doctorate in Communication

With one of the nation's premier doctoral programs in Communication, the Annenberg School is a tight-knit, supportive community of scholars committed to advancing knowledge of our media environment.

Founded through the generosity and vision of publisher, diplomat, and philanthropist Walter Annenberg, the Annenberg School for Communication is devoted to furthering our understanding of the role of communication in public life through research, education, and service. Our five-year doctoral program has a strong reputation as one of the best in Communication, based on Annenberg’s unparalleled combination of world-class faculty , students , and alumni , as well as access to the larger intellectual and cultural resources of the University of Pennsylvania and Philadelphia .

In an inherently interdisciplinary field, Annenberg researchers are engaged with a spectrum of topics related to health, politics, media systems, networks and digital culture, journalism, race and gender, and more, using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.

Our Ph.D. program allows students to tailor a curriculum to suit their specific interests, and provides them the financial resources to launch their academic career. 

In addition to a full tuition waiver, our students currently receive an annual stipend as well as a budget for research and travel and health insurance for all five years.

Annenberg is the smallest of the 12 schools at Penn, and it functions as close-knit community of scholars whose doors are always open to one another. Our students also appreciate our staff , who routinely go above and beyond to support them.

Please note that we do not have a standalone master’s degree program at this time. All students are admitted directly into the doctoral program.

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Our Students By the Numbers

Here are some fast facts about our students and the admissions process . Get to know Annenberg!

Students currently in the program

Different nationalities represented by our students, applicants each year, students accepted each year, average undergraduate gpa of applicants, average toefl of admitted candidates, of students came from a previous graduate degree program, of students worked in a career before joining annenberg, of students came straight to annenberg from an undergraduate degree.

Our Faculty

Our graduate faculty is at the heart of the school. Their innovative work, often in collaboration with students, pushes the field of Communication forward.

Students on Video

Hear from some of the Annenberg School's doctoral students as they talk about their work and what brought them to Annenberg.

What is it like to be a doctoral student at the International Communication Association annual conference? We followed four students to find out.

During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, doctoral candidate Kelly Diaz used her phone to document the many signs displayed in yards and windows around her West Philadelphia home. She has now collected that body of work into a  photo essay .

Doctoral Candidate and artist Roopa Vasudevan studies the ways that the everyday technologies shape our daily lives.

What is it like to be a Ph.D. student? We followed five of our students through their daily activities.

Prateekshit Pandey works with the Communication Neuroscience Lab to study how the brain reacts to humor. 

Buenos Aires-native María Celeste Wagner looks at how gender influences credibility in news. 

Jennifer Henrichsen studies the way that journalists adopt information security technologies to protect themselves and their sources.

Our Students

Annenberg's doctoral students represent a broad spectrum of interests, methodologies, and backgrounds. Here are just a few of our incredible students.

Arlene C. Fernández

Azsaneé Truss

Danielle Clark

Neil Fasching

Tom W. Etienne

Adetobi Moses Awarded 2024 Penn Global Dissertation Grant

Penn Global has announced that Annenberg School doctoral candidate Adetobi Moses is an awardee of its newly established Penn Global Dissertation Grants program. The program provides support to Penn Ph...

From Philly to Delhi: the Inaugural Global Media Cultures International Doctoral Institute

Congratulations to Annenberg’s 2024 Ph.D. and M.A. Graduates

Student Profile Video: Kate Okker-Edging

Proust, Smith, and Truss Win 2024 James D. Woods Award

Explore the Program

Learn more about life in the Annenberg Ph.D. program.

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Applications for 2025-2026 will open by October

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College of Media & Communication

• Graduate Programs
• Ph.D. in Media & Communication
• Ph.D. Program Application

Ph.D. in Media & Communication Application Process

Here are the steps you need to follow to apply to the Ph.D. Program :

Fill out the graduate school application at https://ttugradschool.force.com/admissions/ApplicationLogin .

• Cover letter stating your interest in applying and outlining your background. This letter can be short.
• Personal Statement (250 words to 500 words) describing why you want to pursue a Ph.D. degree, why you are interested in Texas Tech, and what you would outline as your area of research interests and the faculty members at TTU with whom you share that interest .
• Samples of academic / professional work in communication (if you have any)
• Ask three current or former professors/employers to recommend you to the program. The online system will ask you to enter the email addresses of the recommenders. They will have the opportunity to evaluate you on a set of scales, and they will also be asked to upload a letter of recommendation. The recommenders should not send their letter to the CoMC graduate director; the letters must be uploaded into the system.
• GRE scores are not required of Ph.D. applicants at this time.
• Language proficiency scores are required for some international students. Check online for Language Proficiency Proof on the International Undergraduate Admissions webpage to see if you need to upload scores and what scores are acceptable. 
• Official transcripts from all of the colleges and universities that you have attended.

Please Note!

• You may also be prompted to mail some materials in to the Graduate School. The application portal will provide details.
• We do not require that applicants contact a potential faculty supervisor before applying. Applicants should review graduate faculty profiles on our website and determine their fit with faculty research agendas.
• 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. Program Application Deadline

The official application deadline is January 1 for a fall semester start. We encourage you to submit a completed application by this deadline to receive full consideration for admissions and funding.

Applications received after January 1 will only be considered if funding is still available. If you have missed the deadline and would like to apply, contact the director of the doctoral program Coy Callison, Ph.D. ( 806.834.5344 ) Media & Communication Building, Room 158.

Funding Information

All applicants who apply will be considered for the full funding package. Applicants do not need to submit a separate application for funding.

• All full-time PhD 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. 

Texas Tech M.A. Students Applying to the Ph.D. Program

Students who are currently enrolled in an M.A. program in the College of Media & Communication at Texas Tech must apply in order to transfer to the Ph.D. program. The admission standards for the Ph.D. program are more stringent than for the M.A., and not all M.A. students will be admitted to the Ph.D. program. 

Expected Background of Ph.D. Applicants

The CoMC graduate faculty believe that students with a variety of academic backgrounds are well qualified to pursue a Ph.D. in Media & Communication. While the majority of students in the program have a bachelor's or master's degree or both in a media and/or communication area, many students also come from extensive backgrounds in areas such as psychology, marketing, sociology, etc.

We do not require that applicants contact a potential faculty supervisor before applying. Applicants should review graduate faculty profiles on our website and determine their fit with faculty research agendas. 

GRE Score Requirements (WAIVED until further notice) 

All Ph.D. program applicants must submit recent GRE scores (on the new scale of 130-170 per section). While GRE scores are not in and of themselves the most important part of your application, the CoMC graduate faculty does consider GRE scores in evaluating applicants.    Successful applicants generally have a minimum combined score of 300 on the Quantitative Reasoning and the Verbal Reasoning Sections and a minimum of a 3.5 on the Analytical Writing Sections. Applicants with scores below these levels may still be accepted into the program depending on the overall strength of the remainder of the application. Scores above these levels do not guarantee acceptance.  

Most Ph.D. students begin the program in the fall semester of each year. Under special circumstances, an incoming student may be allowed to begin matriculation in the summer. It is very rare for a student to be allowed to begin the program in the spring semester.

For International Applicants

TTU accepts seven different English proficiency tests from which the student can choose. Find important information for international students. 

All international students must submit English proficiency scores UNLESS the students is a citizen of one of these English proficiency-exempt countries . 

Texas Tech mandates that international students purchase mandatory health insurance. The insurance costs roughly $3,000 per year. The College of Media & Communication does not cover this expense. It will be deducted automatically from a funded student's stipend.

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How to Get a PhD in Communications & Media

The 21 st century has emerged as a golden age in communications media. Digital technology is creating innovative new approaches to visual and verbal communication, with a range of new electronic media. Some of the new media transforming mass communications today include streaming audio and video, podcasts and RSS feeds, blogs, satellite radio, video conferencing, and online classrooms.

A PhD in art & design with a specialization in communications & media immerses you in the timeless fundamentals of human communication as well as the exciting possibilities of new media. A leading doctoral program observes that today’s PhD students in communications “are at the scholarly forefront of the communication revolution.” Choose your research area and emerge from the doctoral program a leader in communications scholarship, higher education, or professional practice.

A Guide to the PhD in Communications & Media

Communications emerged as a distinct academic discipline in the mid-twentieth century. A broad and applied discipline, communications sits at the intersection of humanities and social sciences. Early in its development, the field focused on classical rhetoric and political communications. In recent years, communications has evolved to touch a broader range of social science contexts and media applications. New developments in communications scholarship focus on issues in mass communications and digital media, intercultural communication, linguistic theory, and business communication.

To learn more about the communications discipline, visit WorldWideLearn.com’s Guide to Majors, where you’ll find a specific section devoted to communications.

Specializations

Communications is a broad discipline applicable in a variety of contexts. As a doctoral student, you’ll have the opportunity to define a research project within a communications specialty area. The National Communication Association defines the following areas of specialization:

Specialties within the communications & media discipline include:

• Communication Theory
• Electronic Media
• Mass Communication and Media Literacy
• Visual Communication

Communications specialties with a business or professional application include:

• Applied Communication (organizational communication)
• Language and Social Interaction
• Legal Communication
• Mediation and Dispute Resolution
• Public Relations

Interdisciplinary communications specialties typically focus on the intersection of communications and a social science such as psychology, social science, or political science. Examples include:

• Family Communication (psychology)
• Gender Communication (psychology, gender studies, sociology)
• Health Communication (public health)
• Educational or Classroom Communication (education)
• Risk and Crisis Communication (political science)
• Political Communication (political science)
• International and Intercultural Communication (anthropology, political science, business)

Career Track

A PhD in communication & media can lead to either an academic career or a leadership role in professional communications.

Academic careers center on teaching and research. University professors produce original research advancing scholarship in communications and media studies. In addition, they develop undergraduate courses and train students in communications.

Professional careers can take many shapes, depending on the context and doctoral degree specialty. PhD graduates find jobs at broadcast media companies, business marketing departments, in political campaigns, public health agencies, and more. Sample post-graduate professional job titles include:

• Program Director, Institute of Community Health Research
• Manager of Global Research, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
• Senior Consultant for a litigation consulting firm
• Executive Coach for a corporate training firm
• Research Director, Independent Film and Television Alliance
• Senior Research Director for Nickelodeon’s digital marketing analytics program

Plan for a PhD in Communications & Media

A vision of your research interests and career goals is an important prerequisite for applying to PhD programs in communications & media. This perspective will guide your program research and help you develop a plan for completing the PhD.

The following steps take you through the logistics of the application process, from finding the right program to submitting strong applications.

Step One: Find the Right Graduate Communications & Media Program

The most important phase of your graduate school preparation is finding that perfect alignment between your goals and a PhD program’s unique set of resources. The resources should help you zero in on schools that meet your requirements.

1. Find Accredited PhD Programs

First, survey your options by developing a comprehensive list of campus and online PhD programs in communications & media. Make sure all schools on your list are accredited by an independent authority. The U.S. Department of Education maintains a database of approved regional and national accreditation agencies . Accreditation is a mark of program quality; it ensures the value of your PhD to future employers and influences your eligibility for financial aid.

The National Communication Association features a communication program database. Search a comprehensive list of communication programs by degrees offered and program specialization.

WorldWideLearn.com represents accredited online and campus doctoral programs in communications. Search Degrees by Subject or browse a list of university partners.

Peterson’s publishes Graduate Programs in the Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences , an annually updated guide to graduate degrees in the U.S. The comprehensive directory offers a section on Communication and Media, with specialized sections for media studies, mass communication, Internet and interactive multimedia, rhetoric, corporate and organizational communication, interpersonal communication, publishing, and technical communication.

2. Choose Campus or Online Format

Communications PhD programs have been quicker to embrace online education than most humanities and social science disciplines. The digitally-mediated format offers an object lesson in 21 st -century communications as well as a convenient transmission medium.

Campus degrees remain a popular choice among students with academic career ambitions. On-site education offers crucial advantages for aspiring scholars and teachers–namely, access to campus research facilities, close interaction with faculty mentors, undergraduate teaching experience, and unparalleled networking with academic peers. All of these factors play a decisive role in securing a university professor job.

Online degrees offer the advantage of convenience for mid-career adults balancing work and family commitments. The digital format works best for communications students with professional ambitions. Many doctoral candidates take advantage of the independent, flexible online format, devising dissertation projects that engage issues they encounter at work. In this way, online doctoral degrees are creating a dynamic synergy between academic communications and professional practice.

Ultimately, the decision to study online or on campus comes down to your career ambitions, life circumstances, and access to research resources.

To explore campus and online PhD options, check out WorldWideLearn.com’s Online Degree Programs and Campus Education sections. The site also features a list of campus doctorates searchable by location.

3. Explore Academic Programs

The breadth of the communications & media discipline demands in-depth research into individual academic programs. The following factors will give you a sense of the program’s academic resources and specialties:

• Program name (“Communications & media” indicates something different than “communications & journalism”, or simply “communications”)
• Academic school or division (humanities or social science? Business or journalism? The context of the communications department can tell you a lot about the program’s academic orientation)
• Faculty research areas
• Research facilities, including technology labs and library collections
• Specializations, course curriculum, and PhD degree requirements
• Special programs (research centers, conferences, publications, etc.)
• Internship opportunities

This is likely to be the most time-consuming stage of your program research, but don’t cut corners–it’s important to find a program with potential faculty mentors who share your interests and resources to support your research.

WorldWideLearn.com helps you save time and cover more ground by automatically matching you with a school that meets your basic requirements. Simply fill out an online form indicating your academic program criteria, and representatives of matching schools will contact you directly to answer your questions.

School Web Sites post much of the information listed above. Look for links to faculty CVs and publications, research centers and special programs, course catalogs and syllabi, student dissertation topics, and more.

Academic Journals help you identify the programs and faculty producing groundbreaking research in your area of interest. Major journals in Communications & Media include:

• Critical Studies in Media Communication (NCA Journal)
• Journal of Applied Communication Research (NCA Journal)
• The Review of Communication (NCA Journal)
• International Journal of Communication
• American Communications Journal
• Journal of Media and Communication Studies

In addition, you’ll find journals representing just about any communications and media specialty, such as the Quarterly Journal of Speech .

4. Evaluate Program Quality

Finally, create a final list of five to ten PhD programs in communications to which you’ll submit an application. The key is to identify respected programs in your field that admit applicants with your academic background.

Assess a school’s quality and reputation on factors such as:

• Graduation rate
• Job placement statistics
• Applicant admissions data
• Graduate student demographics

To gauge your own competitiveness as an applicant, take into account your undergraduate GPA, standardized test scores, and letters of recommendation.

Rankings offer a convenient means of comparing the reputation and selectivity of different PhD programs in communications & media. The major rankings include:

• The National Research Council , Assessment of Research Doctorate Programs. This ranking includes a detailed taxonomy of communications sub-fields, including broadcast/video studies, communications technology and new media, critical and cultural studies, health communication, organization communication, speech and rhetorical studies, and more.
• The Center for Measuring University Performance , The Top American Research Universities, 2008 Annual Report.
• U.S. News & World Report is perhaps the best-known ranking, but it does not offer a specific assessment of graduate communications programs. The closest approximation is the Best Graduate Schools–English ranking.

School Admissions Data give you an unvarnished look at selectivity and the value of the PhD degree . Admissions department make available demographic information such as average applicant GPA and test scores, as well as detailed job placement information. Data may include employers, percentage of academic and professional graduates, starting salaries, and tenure rates.

Campus Visits can help you decide among schools. You can meet with potential faculty advisors, tour campus research facilities, talk with graduate students, visit classes, and get a feel for the campus location.

Step Two: Apply to PhD Programs in Communications & Media

Once you’ve decided on a list of schools, the application process becomes fairly straightforward. Application requirements are more or less the same from program to program, with some variations. Expect to encounter the following steps as you prepare your doctoral applications:

1. Complete Prerequisites

Eligibility requirements for the PhD program in communications may include:

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in communications or a related field, such as English, rhetoric, journalism, etc. If your degree is in another area, you may have to supplement your background with prerequisite courses in communications and media.
• Standardized tests such as the GRE and TOEFL (for international students)
• Work experience and research publications are not requirements, but can carry weight in admissions decisions.

WorldWideLearn.com’s Education Resources Guide offers information to help you complete your prerequisites–you’ll find online courses, test preparation materials, and more.

2. Prepare Application Materials

Fill out an applicant information form and gather the following materials to support your application:

• Faculty or professional letters of recommendation. Most schools require two or three.
• Academic transcripts
• Standardized test scores
• Personal statement of research interests
• Resume, CV, or writing sample, if requested

Be sure to leave plenty of time for materials to arrive ahead of the applications deadline. Letters of recommendation are especially vulnerable to delays, since the writer (a professor or work supervisor) typically submits the document directly to the admission committee.

3. Secure Financial Aid

Finally, line up financial aid to cover the costs of your education. Start with university financial aid applications, which include access to the following types of doctoral funding:

• University scholarships and grants
• Federal grants and low-interest student loans
• Teaching and research assistantships
• Tuition waivers
• Work-study programs

If these sources fall short, explore alternate avenues of graduate school funding:

• Employer tuition grants or sponsorships
• Private scholarships
• Private student loans (the last resort)

For more information, visit the following page on graduate education funding.

Step Three: Join the Academic Community

With your applications en route to the admissions committees, you’re free to focus on the real business of becoming a graduate student in communications: joining an intellectual fellowship. You can get your bearings in the academic discourse and make connections with your peers by:

1. Subscribing to journals

The journals listed above give you an inside look into the issues current in your field, and introduce you to the scholars leading the debate.

2. Attending conferences

Conferences offer a ‘live’ venue for experiencing and participating in the intellectual community. Start building relationships with peers and future mentors.

3. Join professional associations

Professional associations in communications and media offer resources, networking opportunities, and valuable industry perspective to orient your academic study. The major communications organization is the National Communications Association . Look for associations in your particular area of interest as well.

A PhD in communications and media offers a ticket into the upper echelons of an exciting and dynamic discipline. You’ll have the opportunity to transform how we communicate, expand our understanding of communication, or train future generations to communicate more effectively. Best of all, you’ll be part of a vibrant community of scholars who share your passion for communications and media.

• Assessment of Research Doctorate Programs, National Research Council.
• Best Education Schools, U.S. News & World Report (2009).
• Communication as an Academic Discipline, National Communication Association.
• Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs, U.S. Department of Education.
• Doctoral Program in Communication, USC Annenberg School for Communications & Journalism.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Communications, The Journalism School, Columbia University.
• National Communication Association.
• Peterson’s Graduate Programs in the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences . Peterson’s: A Nelnet Company (2009).
• Ph.D. Program in Communications Media and Instructional Technology, Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
• The Center for Measuring University Performance.
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2024 Best Online PhD in Communications Programs

If you’re interested in the relay of information, including through digital media and mass communication, then pursuing a PhD in Communications online program may be the right path for you.

Earning your doctoral degree in communications can provide you with the opportunity to work in a variety of fields.

Communications experts play an important role in managing the communication of information from one person, group, or organization to another.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Universities Offering Online PhD in Communications Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

American University

American University offers an online Doctor of Philosophy in Communications program. The program is designed to be completed in 3 years by providing courses for 11 months a year. A total of 54 credits are needed to graduate. Applicants must submit 2 letters of recommendation, a resume, GRE scores, and a master’s thesis.

American University  is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

Clemson University

Clemson University offers a PhD program in Rhetorics, Communication, and Information Design.

Students need to complete 30 credits hours and 6 credit hours of research to defend a dissertation. Exams and the defense of the dissertation must be completed on campus. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and a portfolio of past graduate work.

Clemson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Colorado State University

Colorado State University offers a PhD in Communications. Students may choose courses in the following fields: Rhetoric and Civic Engagement, Relational and Organizational Communication, or Film and Media Studies. Applicants must complete 81 credits to graduate. Applicants need 3 letters of reference and a resume to apply.

Colorado State  is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, a Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.

Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Indiana University of Pennsylvania offers a PhD in Media and Communication Studies. A total of 60 credits are needed to graduate, with 12 hours used for a dissertation. Students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher to graduate. Applicants must submit official transcripts and 2 letters of recommendation when applying.

The Indiana University of Pennsylvania is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Liberty University

Liberty University offers an online PhD in Communications program. Students must complete 60 credit hours and may apply to transfer in up to half of the credits required. Courses are 8 weeks long. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 and need to submit official transcripts to be eligible for the program.

Liberty University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Regent University

Regent University offers a PhD in Communications. The program can be completed online, though a week-long residency in Virginia Beach during the summer is required. Students must complete a minimum of 56 credit hours to graduate.

Applicants must submit official transcripts and a past graduate program academic paper and need to complete an academic background questionnaire.

Regent University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Robert Morris University

Robert Morris University offers an online PhD in Information Systems and Communications program. Students must complete 60 credit hours, with 12 dedicated to writing a dissertation. At the end of each school year, students must finish a milestone.

Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 and submit 3 letters of recommendation. An interview with the program director and admissions committee is also required.

Robert Morris University  is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Technical Communication and Rhetoric. Applicants must submit 3 letters of recommendation, a writing sample, and transcripts from previous college work.

Students must complete at least 72 hours to graduate from the program. They also have the option to add one of five areas of emphasis to their degree, including Technical Communication and Rhetoric of Science and Healthcare.

Texas Tech University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of Alabama

The University of Alabama offers a Doctorate in Communications and Information Sciences. Students may choose to add a concentration in one of seven different areas, including Media Processes and Effects and Books and Publishing Studies.

To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and submit 3 academic references and their transcripts.

The  University of Alabama  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota offers a PhD in Communication. The program can typically be completed in 5 years and requires 90 credit hours.

To be eligible for the program, applicants must either have a master’s degree in communications or a GPA of 3.0 or higher from their undergraduate studies. GRE scores and 3 letters of recommendation must be submitted when applying.

The  University of North Dakota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Online PhD in Communications Programs

Online PhD in Communications programs can help you develop your expertise in areas of public relations, mass communication, digital and social media, and journalism.

Common careers in this field include:

• Teacher or professor
• Chief communications officer
• Director of public relations
• Public relations manager
• News media correspondent
• Technical writer

Becoming a teacher within a postsecondary school is a common career path for graduates of a communications PhD program. As a postsecondary teacher, you may develop course curriculum, instruct students on various communication topics, and evaluate student performance through assessments, tests, and other measures.

There are a number of other career options outside of academia that you may also qualify for. Some graduates advance their careers as public relations specialists or managers.

Working in the area of public relations may require drafting press releases and communicating with the media on a regular basis. PR professionals help businesses manage public relations crises and maintain their reputation or public image.

Specific course curriculum can vary depending on the school and program that you choose to attend. Here are some topics, though, that are commonly covered in a communications program:

• History of communication
• Communication theories
• Digital media and mass communication
• Communication in politics
• Media and the environment
• Research methods
• Professional writing

In most cases, PhD communication programs require you to complete coursework as well as a research project in the form of a dissertation.

Communications Careers & Salaries

Earning an online PhD in Communications can help you qualify for a variety of advanced positions. Leadership and management positions can include chief communications officer or director of public relations.

PhD graduates tend to teach at postsecondary schools, pursue academic research, or embark on rewarding careers in finance, law, policy development, nonprofit organizations, or government agencies.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , positions in the field of communications are far-reaching and can span across various areas and industries. One of these professional areas includes media, such as journalism, news correspondence, or broadcasting.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that a number of positions in the communication field will experience positive job growth in the next ten years. These positions include top executives (4% job growth), marketing managers (7%), public relations specialists (7%), and postsecondary teachers (9%).

Communications Doctorate Curriculum

Courses in doctoral communications programs can provide you with advanced knowledge in areas related to public relations, digital media, mass communication, media studies, and research. Courses may include:

• Communication Research Methodologies : This course is an in-depth look at standard methodologies used in research in the field of communications and the arts and social sciences more generally.
• Quantitative Research in Communication : You’ll review quantitative research practices in social science, including the use of statistics.
• Qualitative Research in Communication : This course is an overview of qualitative research methods in communication, including interviewing techniques, observation, and the use of focus groups.
• Advanced Communication Theory : You’ll take a look at key theories in the field of communication, including scholars, existing research, and emerging trends and theories.
• History of Communication : This course is an analysis of communication throughout history, including a look at recent changes in technology and the impact that those changes have had on communication.
• Writing for Publication : You’ll examine the approaches used in writing for publication, including conference papers, chapter books, academic papers, and more.
• Social, Mobile, and Online Media Analytics : You’ll look at various social, mobile, and media tools available, along with the metrics, analytics, and big data related to each that help explain the experience of end-users.
• Social Media Strategy : This course is an overview of various digital channels that exist in the realm of communications studies and media, and you’ll learn about leveraging those channels to persuade and interact with an audience.
• Content Communication : This course is a review of content communication strategies used in the pursuit of delivering a message to a target audience and capturing the intended result.
• Analytics in Digital and Strategic Communication : You’ll look at how research in communication has evolved over time, including the increased use of digital analytics.

In addition to regular coursework, you may be required to complete a dissertation, thesis, or research project option as part of your degree program.

Admissions Requirements

In order to enroll in one of the available communication doctoral programs, you may be required to meet a number of admissions requirements. Criteria can vary from one school to the next, but here are a few common requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree . It’s necessary to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school and to submit your official transcripts.
• GRE or GMAT scores . Although this requirement is becoming less common, some schools still require the submission GRE or GMAT scores.
• Letters of reference . Delivery of one or more letters of reference from academic or professional supervisors and colleagues is often requested.
• Resume . You may need to submit a copy of your resume, detailing your academic and workplace experience.

Additional admissions criteria can include completing a written essay, submitting an online application, and completing a writing test.

Accreditation

Regional accreditation is a status that verifies that a postsecondary school and its programming meet a specific set of academic quality standards.

Attending a regionally accredited school can impact your ability to transfer credits to another program or join various professional associations. The accreditation status of the school you choose to attend can also influence the hiring decisions of potential employers.

You can visit the US Department of Education ’s website to find out the accreditation status of a particular school or program.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

There are a number of financial aid and scholarship opportunities that may help you fund your doctorate in communication. Financial aid is available to qualifying students in the form of grants and loans from federal and state governments.

Another option is employer training programs. If you’re currently employed, you can check to see if you’re eligible to receive educational funding from your employer through professional development or employee training programs.

In many cases, postsecondary schools also offer funding to PhD students. While funding amounts and options can vary from one school to the next, some examples include tuition rebates or cost of living stipends. For more information regarding financial aid, you can visit the US Department of Education ’s website.

Communications Professional Organizations

Joining a professional association or organization for communications professionals can provide you with the opportunity to network with others in your field. Professional organizations may also highlight new employment opportunities.

Some communications professional organizations include:

• American Advertising Federation (AAF)
• International Association of Business Communicators (IABC)
• Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)

Professional organizations can also be a great resource for learning and networking if you’re interested in starting your own business.

Is Communications a Good Career?

A career in communications may allow you to explore positions in education, finance, law, policy development, nonprofit, or government.

While it is common for graduates of a PhD in Communications program to pursue positions in teaching, a number of other career options are available. These include positions in public relations, management, research, and media.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that a number of positions in the field of communications will experience growth over the next several years. These positions include top executives (4% job growth), marketing managers (7%), public relations specialists (7%), and postsecondary teachers (9%).

What Can You Do with a PhD in Communications?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, earning your PhD in Communications online may allow you the opportunity to work in a variety of positions. Public relations, media, and education are just some of the industries where your communications skills are applicable.

Common careers in this field include chief communications officer, marketing manager, advertising and promotions manager, public relations manager, postsecondary school teacher, and public relations specialist. Other career options include writer, author, reporter, correspondent, and broadcast news analyst.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Communications Online?

Completing a PhD in Communications online may take 3 to 5 years when attending on a full-time basis.

Depending on the school you choose to attend, you may be able to enroll on a part-time basis, which could lengthen the amount of time it takes for you to obtain your degree. Some online communications programs , including those offering an accelerated communications degree online , offer shorter 8 week terms that may allow you to finish your coursework sooner.

Similar to most masters in communications programs , it is common for communications PhD programs to be theory- and research-intensive. A large portion of academic time can be absorbed by work on a dissertation, which is generally required in order to graduate.

What’s the Difference Between Marketing vs. Communications?

While there are some overlapping areas of study between communications and marketing, there are also a few key differences.

Careers in marketing and communications can have some overlapping options, such as advertising, promotions, and marketing managers.

Is a PhD in Communications Worth It?

Yes, a PhD in Communications is worth it for many students. Pursuing a terminal degree in communications can allow you to explore topics related to history, writing, research, and social media.

Common careers in this field include marketing manager, advertising and promotions manager, public relations manager, public relations specialist, writer, author, reporter, and broadcast news analyst. PhD graduates often pursue research or postsecondary teacher positions.

Getting Your PhD in Communications Online

A Ph.D. in Communications can help equip you to pursue career paths in education, research, leadership, public relations, or media communications.

A doctoral degree may allow you to benefit from a flexible career path. There may be a variety of opportunities available to you in many different industries, such as government, nonprofit, finance, law, academia, or news media.

If you’re wanting to advance in this highly versatile and lucrative field, you can start today by exploring online communications doctoral programs from accredited universities.

Find the degree that’s right for you—click “Find My Program” today.

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• PhD: Strategic Communication

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Fall Application Deadlines

US applicants:  Nov. 15 International applicants:  Nov. 15

In the online application, select Advertising, Public Relations and Media Design (APRD)  as the department, Media Research & Practice  as the degree, and Strategic Communication  as the subplan/track.

How to Apply

The PhD in Strategic Communication offered by the Department of Advertising, Public Relations and Media Design is one of three separate and distinct tracks of the Media Research and Practice doctoral program within the College of Media, Communication and Information.

A PhD in Strategic Communication is a distinct track that is designed to provide students with rigorous training in theory and research. Students gain an understanding through coursework that explores theories and methods that shape strategic communication research. This program emphasizes how theory informs practice, critically analyzing how advertising and public relations operate in ways that can—or could—constructively contribute to the successful, ethical and resilient functioning of society.

The strategic communication and journalism studies tracks for the PhD are administered together by the departments of Advertising, Public Relations and Design and Journalism. Students in both tracks are taught by and have access to the faculties of both departments. The curriculum includes an overview of mass/public communication literature with specific modules and courses dedicated to advertising, journalism and public relations. Classes also focus on areas that straddle each industry such as social media, political communication, ethics, media organizations, health communication and video games. We welcome and appreciate both qualitative and quantitative approaches to research. Graduates pursue teaching and research positions at universities as well as work in the private sector. 

APRD is proud to share its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion mission statement: APRD strives to be a community whose excellence depends on diversity, equity, and inclusion. We aim to understand and challenge systems of privilege and disadvantage in higher education, such as those based on class, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and dis/ability. We seek to reach across social and political divides and to make space for voices historically underrepresented in higher education and marginalized in society. In other words, diversity is not just a future reality for which we try to prepare students. It is a priority we want to put into practice here, now, and together, in order to foster places of learning where all members can thrive.

Why enroll?

• One of the few doctoral programs offered in an advertising and public relations department
• Study with award-winning researchers and teachers who are committed to assisting students achieve mastery of their work and chart a successful post-doctoral career
• Faculty who have conducted research in an array of specialties (see list below)
• Design a personally-designed plan of study to suit your interests
• Collaborate with faculty and fellow graduate students on research projects
• Study within a supportive environment, with the opportunity to teach courses relevant to your area of interest

Research interests of faculty teaching in the program

• Advertising and Public Relations Pedagogy: Erin Schauster
• Activism and Organizations: Krishnamurthy Sriramesh , Jordan Morehouse , Kay Weaver
• Corporate Branding and Image Management: Burton St. John III , Seow Ting Lee , Erin Willis
• Corporate Social Responsibility: Krishnamurthy Sriramesh , Burton St. John III , Seow Ting Lee
• Crisis Communication and Risk Management: Burton St. John III , Seow Ting Lee ,  Krishnamurthy Sriramesh ,  Jordan Morehouse
• Critial Theory:  Kay Weaver
• Digital Advertising: Chris J. Vargo , Harsha Ganga , Toby Hopp , Bridget Barrett
• Digital Games and Society: Harsha Ganga , Toby Hopp , Jolene Fisher , Mia Wang
• Global Public Relations: Krishnamurthy Sriramesh ,  Kay Weaver
• Health Communication: Seow Ting Lee , Erin Willis ,  Mia Wang
• Media Effects: Harsha Ganga ,  Mia Wang ,  Kay Weaver
• Media Ethics: Erin Schauster , Seow Ting Lee
• Moral Psychology: Erin Schauster
• Organizational Culture: Erin Schauster ,  Krishnamurthy Sriramesh
• Persuasion and Digital Media: Harsha Ganga , Erin Willis , Seow Ting Lee ,  Jordan Morehouse ,  Mia Wang
• Propaganda: Burton St. John III ,  Kay Weaver
• Public Diplomacy: Krishnamurthy Sriramesh , Seow Ting Lee
• Social and Economic Effects of Advertising: Harsha Ganga
• Social and Media Analytics: Chris J. Vargo , Toby Hopp ,  Bridget Barrett
• Strategic Public Relations Management: Krishnamurthy Sriramesh , Seow Ting Lee ,  Jordan Morehouse ,  Kay Weaver
• Strategic Communication for Social Change: Burton St. John III , Jolene Fisher ,  Mia Wang ,  Kay Weaver
• Sustainable Development and Communication: Krishnamurthy Sriramesh , Burton St. John III
• Technology and Advertising: Harsha Ganga ,  Mia Wang ,  Bridget Barrett
• Quantitative Methodology: Seow Ting Lee , Chris J. Vargo , Toby Hopp , Harsha Ganga , Kelty Logan ,  Mia Wang
• Qualitative Methodology: Erin Schauster , Erin Willis , Jolene Fisher ,  Jordan Morehouse ,  Bridget Barrett ,  Kay Weaver

It is expected that a student will devote her or his full time to the doctoral program and assistantship duties during the fall and spring semesters while in the program, unless other arrangements have been made with the department.

The following is a summary of minimum requirements to earn a Ph.D. in Strategic Communication or in Journalism Studies. Students will take two semesters of Proseminar, two semesters of methods, four semesters of Doctoral Professionalization Seminar and 30 credits of electives, which must include 9 credits of advanced methods electives. Students are expected to take courses numbered at the 6000 or above levels. There are some exceptions to this in which doctoral students can receive permission to take 5000-level courses.

• Proseminar in Mass Communication (6 Credits): All doctoral students are required to enroll in JRNL/APRD 7001 in their first semester of study, and in JRNL/APRD 7003 in their second semester. These courses are designed to introduce students to the major paradigms within the field of mass communication.
• Doctoral Professionalization Seminar (4 Credits): All first- and second-year doctoral students will be required to enroll in JRNL/APRD 7004. The course, which is 1 credit each semester, prepares students for life in a doctoral program and for life after one, all while providing a sense of community amongst multiple doctoral cohorts and both departments’ faculty. 
• Methods (15 Credits): All first-year doctoral students enroll in Quantitative Research Methods in the fall, and in Qualitative Research Methods in the spring. These general courses deal with a variety of research methods used within the field. PhD students are also required to take three additional graduate level courses in the areas of research methods (9 hours). These may be taken inside or outside the departments.
• Area of Concentration (18 hours): Doctoral students are required to take a minimum of 18 hours of course work selected on the basis of the student’s area(s) of research interest. These courses should come from a combination of both inside and outside electives. For example, for a student interested in media effects, a combination of classes from both APRD/JRNL and psychology would make sense.
• Independent study: Ph.D. students may take a  maximum  of two independent study courses in their course of study, either inside APRD and JRNL or outside of those home departments. Generally, these will be taken no earlier than the third semester of the program.
• Comprehensive examinations: Each doctoral student will be required to pass comprehensive examinations, consisting of four questions, which are generally administered after the last semester in which the student takes course work. The examinations are individually tailored for each student and comprise both written and oral examinations.
• Dissertation: A minimum of thirty hours of dissertation credit, APRD 8991, must be taken. Various restrictions apply to these hours.
• No more than 10 dissertation credit hours may be taken in any one semester
• No more than 10 dissertation credit hours may be taken prior to the semester in which comprehensive examinations are taken.
• No more than 10 dissertation credit hours may be taken in the semester in which comprehensive examinations are taken.
• After passing comprehensive examinations, student must enroll for at least 5 dissertation credit hours (full time) or 3 dissertation credit hours (part time) each semester until graduation.

Typically students enroll for 10 dissertation hours in the semester they are taking comprehensive examinations and 10 dissertation hours each in the following fall and spring terms. Students must be aware of Graduate School rules regarding registration for dissertation hours.

Applicants to the Strategic Communication track of the PhD program in Media Research and Practice are expected to hold the master’s degree or equivalent graduate work. In exceptional cases, applicants without a master’s degree may be considered for admission.

Completed domestic and international applications must be received by the program no later than November 15 prior to the fall semester for which entrance is sought. Late applications may be considered under special circumstances.

Successful applications typically have an undergraduate cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.2 and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 in previous graduate work.

Applicants are required to:

• Provide three letters of recommendation.
• Provide a 700-word Statement of Purpose.
• Provide a resume or CV that includes academic and employment experience.
• Provide a writing sample that exhibits the ability to undertake the conceptual and empirical studies required of doctoral students (e.g., a chapter from a master’s thesis or graduate-level term paper).

Meeting these criteria does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Because we accept relatively few new doctoral students each fall, we may have more qualified applicants than available openings.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are not requiring GRE scores at this time.

In the online application, select  Advertising, Public Relations and Media Design  as the department,  Media Research & Practice  as the degree, and  Strategic Communication  as the subplan/track.

For review and decision purposes you are required to upload an unofficial copy of your transcript(s) in the online application. We require one copy of the scanned transcript from each undergraduate and graduate institution that you attended. This includes community colleges, summer sessions, and extension programs. While credits from one institution may appear on the transcript of a second institution, unofficial transcripts must be submitted from each institution, regardless of the length of attendance, and whether or not courses were completed.    Failure to list and submit transcripts from all institutions previously attended is considered to be a violation of academic ethics and may result in the cancellation of your admission or dismissal from the university.

ONLY after you are recommended for admission will you need to provide official transcripts. 

Instructions for Uploading Unofficial Transcripts to Your Application  (scroll to 'Uploading Unofficial Transcripts in the Application')

FAQ  |  Online Application  |  International Students Online Application

Research or teaching assistantships, including a tuition waiver and stipend, as well as fellowships, are available. PhD students may receive assistantships for a maximum of four years.

Erin Schauster

Associate Chair for Graduate Studies

In this section: APRD

• Department Home
• APRD Faculty and Staff
• Undergraduate Program: Strategic Communication
• MA: Corporate Communication
• MA: Strategic Communication Design
• Our Graduate Students
• Recent Publications
• Explore CMCI Academics

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Thanks for your interest in CU Boulder’s College of Media, Communication and Information.  We welcome your questions or comments and will respond as quickly as possible.

Doctoral Program

Our doctoral program is among the best programs in journalism and media in the U.S.  Led by faculty with distinguished research and publication records – many with professional journalism or media experience – our program is designed to equip students with a strong theoretical grounding and versatile research methods.  Graduates of our four-year program can go on to positions in the academy, and they also may join think tanks, advocacy and non-governmental organizations and professional associations working with information and media systems.   

We offer a far-reaching array of electives and research opportunities. The faculties’ fields of interest broadly include news and media engagement; online incivility; digital media; mis and disinformation; the digital divide and information equity; media law and policy, including the impact of Artificial Intelligence and algorithms on media; journalism and democracy; global media systems; media and representation; visual communication studies; critical data studies; social media and platform studies; media economics, among other topics.  Please look at  faculty bios  and description of research opportunities  to learn more about current projects.   

Our program incorporates many opportunities to undertake research independently or to work with groups associated with research centers, institutes or research groups. We have an excellent record of participation with the major professional associations including the Association for Education in Journalism and Media Communication ( AEJ MC ), the International Communication Association ( ICA ),  the International Association of Media and Communication Research ( IAMCR ), the Association of Internet Research ( AoIR ), as well as smaller highly focused forums such as The Research Conference on Communications, Information and Internet Policy. 

Interdisciplinary Work

Our students also participate with the many interdisciplinary  Portfolio Programs  on campus.  Moody College is home to three such programs, including the  Communication, Information and Cultural Policy  program focused on media systems, directed by some of our faculty.  Additionally, summer internships with professional or research programs are sometimes sponsored by associated research institutes.  Students have taken advantage of UT’s  Archer Program , and the multi-University COMPASS program associated with the Technology and Information Policy Institute.   

Program of Work 2023-2024

Doctoral Handbook 2023-2024

• Research Centers, Institutes and Programs
• Graduate Research
• Portfolio Programs
• Admissions Info
• Admissions FAQs
• Funding & Student Employment
• Texas One Stop

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Top Online PhDs in Communications

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Communications is a very broad and interdisciplinary area of study. It focuses on the methods, tools, and platforms that people use to communicate and interact with one another. This is a type of degree with sweeping applications in the professional world. Mass media, social engagement, professional interaction, and more all fall under the communications umbrella. As a field, it is easiest to sum communications up as the study of the rules and social structures used to convey and obtain information.

There are multiple forms of communication such as verbal, written, and even bodily. This area of study also extends to public relations , social media, linguistics, psychology, sociology, politics, and more. This field is one that has a lot of depth to it and a broad range of career options. Due to its sweeping nature, it can be easy to write it off as a liberal arts degree that would be difficult to apply in the professional world but that is starkly incorrect. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that media and communications occupations will grow at a rate of 6% between 2016 and 2026. This puts the field in line with the national average rate for all careers.

Earning a PhD in Communications

Choosing to earn your PhD in Communications is a big step but it is one that can propel you to new heights in your career. High-level positions in any area of the field are going to show a strong preference for those who hold a PhD. That is because a PhD is the highest level of academic honor in the country and less than 1% of the population will ever obtain one. Nothing shows that you are more prepared than a terminal degree. A PhD in Communications can also equip you with the skills you need to teach a communications course at the university level.

In fact, a lot of people think that the only professional outcome for a PhD in Communications is a teaching position. However, there are a number of other careers you could pursue. You could choose to work in journalism, advertising, a corporate office, a government agency, and more. With a PhD in Communications, you are also likely to see a higher annual salary. The median salary for PhD graduates in their first year of employment is $80,000. The average salary in all of America comes in much lower at $56,516 per year.

While earning a PhD in Communications, you will be given a strong foundation in many different areas, particularly those relating to Media, Psychology, Marketing, and Communications. Some of the courses you will likely take include:

• Communication in a Global Environment
• Media, Culture and Community
• New Media and Technology
• Information, Political Economy and Entertainment
• Groups, Organizations and Networks

Of course, there are many other topics that are covered and many of them depend on the area you choose to focus on when earning your PhD. Some concentration examples include Marketing Communications, Corporate Communication, or Media Industries and Institutions.

Online PhD in Communications Programs

There are very few programs offered when you’re searching for an online PhD in Communications. In fact, we only found one program that met our ranking criteria. However, this is likely to expand as the field continues to grow. Universities do what they can to adapt to the needs of their evolving student bodies.

With that said, you can still earn this degree online . Even though there are only a few relevant options at this time, a distance-based degree may be better for you. Especially for those of you who are at the stage in your career that you’re ready to pursue a PhD.

Online programs tend to be more flexible. You will most likely be able to work full-time while you study and many online programs will integrate the job that you already do into the curriculum, allowing you to fulfill certain requirements just from doing your job! Online programs don’t require you to relocate and typically have fewer costs associated with them. On top of that, many institutions (the majority of them, in fact) allow online students to receive scholarships, grants, financial aid , and even stipends.

Taking the time to sift through your options and choose the best school for you is often the most difficult part of going to college online . For that reason, we’ve done the research for you and compiled a ranking of the best online doctorates in the field of communications. All schools were ranked according to the following.

Methodology

In order to create this ranking, we started by gathering a list of school that offered PhD programs in communications at a distance. Due to the lack of such programs that met our initial ranking criteria, we also chose to include relevant doctoral programs in communications that were available online. In order to be considered, in addition to offering a doctorate level program in communications in a distance-based format, schools had to be based in the United States, hold proper accreditation, and could not operate as for-profit institutions.

Once we gathered our list of schools, we ranked them based on the following three factors:

• Freshman Retention Rate (⅓ of final score)
• Graduation Rate (⅓ of final score)
• Affordability (⅓ of final score)

Each school could have earned a total possible score of 300 points. They were ranked according to their scores and presented in ascending order below. All of the information used was gathered from the schools’ websites whenever possible. In the even that we needed some additional information, we also utilized the databases of the National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. News & World Report , Niche.com, and Collegedata.com.

It is important to note that no school is ever given preferential treatment by OnlineCollegePlan for any reason. Some schools that would have otherwise ranked are omitted here due to insufficient data or per their own request. We’d also like to note that cost information and affordability are based on the residential cost of attendance and are simply estimates. We do not guarantee the tuition rate of any school or program.

Doctor of Philosophy in Technical Communication & Rhetoric

Texas Tech University offers a great option for those of you who would like to earn a PhD in Communications, and that is the PhD in Technical Communication & Rhetoric. This program is designed to help strengthen your skills in five very broad areas. These include Rhetoric, Composition, and Technology; Technical Communication; Rhetorics of Science and Healthcare; Technology, Culture, and Rhetoric and; Visual Rhetoric, New Media, and User-Centered Design.

This is a 60-credit program that you must have a master’s degree to be eligible to enroll in. In addition to the core requirements, 15 of your credits can come from a minor that you choose. You can add a field you’d like to work in so you can better understand the relationship between technical communication and the field you’d like to work in. This degree is typically geared towards those who would like to teach at the university level; however, this is the highest level of education you can receive in any area, so you don’t need to feel limited.

There is a two-week workshop in May of every year that you will be required to attend, but the rest of the program is completely online. The courses are delivered through a mix of asynchronous and synchronous components. In a typical course, you will meet once or twice weekly in a live session with your cohort and your professors; the number of weekly meetings depends on the semester.

PhD in Communications

Regent University offers an online PhD in COmmunications that requires just one visit to campus. This one visit is a week-long summer residency on campus in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The entire program consists of a minimum of 56 credit hours, but some students may complete as many as 64. There are eight session start dates throughout the year, and thus, eight sessions. This helps you get done faster because there are fewer breaks.

You will take a variety of courses that will prepare you for a range of careers. You could get a higher level position in media relations, market analysis, research, or even teaching at the university level. You will be able to conduct effective research, have a deep understanding of communications theory, and have strong academic writing skills when you complete the program.

Some of the courses you’ll encounter as part of this program include Theology & Communication; Communication in a Global Environment; Academic Writing for Publication; and more. You will also virtually attend doctoral seminars, take basic research courses that are put in context for communication, and you will be required to complete a dissertation.

What is Communications?

Communications is any form of media that is used to convey one’s idea or message to another person or a group of people. People that aim to get a degree in Communications do so in order to learn how to inform and influence with the most efficacy by choosing the most appropriate delivery method of the information that needs to be provided. This could be via the web, print, audio, video, or still images, among others.

While studying to get a degree in the field of Communications, students will be provided with a solid foundation in the core areas of Communications on which they can choose build up towards a specialization that will enable them to focus their education path for a specific career. Students that are studying in Communications often choose to take courses in areas pertaining to Anthropology, Linguistics, Sociology, Cultural Studies or Health Care Communications, among others. These specialization courses would be taken concurrently with the core credit courses, such as Economics, Marketing, Management Theory, Media and Mixed Media Studies, Organizational Communication, and Ethics. Even if a student decides to not pursue a more focused education in the field of Communications, they will still obtain a strong understanding of the core values that many employers are looking for when they are looking for new hires to do a multitude of different professional tasks.

If you think you may have an interest in pursuing a career in Communications or any Communications-related field, we recommend you research your options when it comes to finding a school that will best suit your needs and goals. There are many great schools out there that provide many different degree options in Communications, and choosing the right school to provide you with a comprehensive and affordable education that fits into your schedule is the single most important thing that you can do to ensure your path towards a career in Communications gets off to the best possible start.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Communications Degree?

There are, of course, ways to speed up many degree options. These degree paths are generally what is known as an “Accelerated” degree path. An Accelerated degree path can really help a student to obtain their desired degree in a shortened amount of time, which will benefit them greatly later, as they will be able to establish themselves in their field of choice more quickly. An Accelerated degree is often a great option for students that are able to attend full-time and dedicate more of their time to their education. Accelerated degrees often utilized online programs to supplement the normal in-person classes that are needed to fulfill the required credits for degree completion.

Many well-known and prestigious schools around the country offer Associate’s degrees, Bachelor’s degrees and PhD degree programs in the field of Communications that can be completed in a fully asynchronous and online manner or in a blended education offering, meaning that most of the mandatory courses can be completed online or in a more traditional on-campus format. A lot of these schools even offer Accelerated degree options to their full-time students, both online and on-campus.

What Can You Do With a PhD in Communications?

Some of the fields that rely heavily on the expertise of professionals that have a strong background in the field of Communications include:

• Broadcasting;
• News Agencies;
• Advertising Agencies;
• Courts of Law, and;
• Marketing Research Firms.

What Jobs Can You Get With a Communications Degree?

• Public Relations and Fundraising Manager;
• Technical Writer;
• Journalist, and;
• Marketing Manager, among many others.

This is just a small sample of jobs that you would be qualified for with a PhD in Communications. There are many other career paths that would be open to you as a Communications major. These career paths would have you doing specific tasks relating to the field of Communications, but the field that you could be performing your Communications work could be anything. Virtually every company, association, and organization have varying degrees of need for an employee with a degree in Communications. Due to the background that individuals with a PhD in Communications will possess in numerous highly desired areas-of-expertise, many associations and organizations will have a strong desire to have a Communications professional on their payroll. If you are thinking about enrolling into a PhD in Communications program, or you wish to pursue a career in Communications at all but are worried about your future career prospects, you can rest assured that you will be able to find a rewarding job with any number of industry leaders in the United States–or around the world–due to how in demand and how pivotal Communications is in running a successful business. For most companies, the skills and knowledge that is provided by completing a PhD program in Communications is the crux of their day-to-day functions.

What is the Average Communications Degree Salary?

• A Technical Writer will earn on average $71,850 per year;
• An Author will earn on average $62,170 per year;
• An Editor will earn on average $59,480 per year;
• A Public Relations and Fundraising Managers will earn on average $114,800 per year, and;
• A Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians will earn, on average $43,660 per year.

What Associations or Organizations Can You Join With Careers in Communications?

• Public Relations Society of America (PRSA): PRSA is a not-for-profit trade association that founded in 1947 by the merger of the American Council on Public Relations with the National Association of Public Relations Councils. PRSA is a long-time member of the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB) and provides its members with a suite of tools that will help them to hone their skills and to further their education.
• American Advertising Federation (AAF): The American Advertising Federation’s members are comprised of almost 100 prestigious corporate members that specialize in the fields of advertising and media. AAF’s network also represents nearly 40,000 advertising professionals individually.
• International Communication Association (ICA): ICA is a large academic association that helps to bring together scholars with an interest in the study, teaching and the various applications of all aspects regarding personal and mediated communication.
• International Association of Business Communicators (IABC): The International Association of Business Communicators, which is more commonly called the IABC, is a global network of Communications professional and which hosts a yearly three-day event–the World Conference–in which professional development seminars and activities take place alongside symposiums hosted by industry leaders and researchers.
• Society for Technical Communication (STC): The STC is an association that was formed in order to advance the professional understanding and application of Technical Communications. STC publishes a magazine eight times a year, which provides new insights into Technical Communications. Additionally, the Society for Technical Communications hosts an annual international conference known as the STC Technical Communication Summit, where professionals gather to discuss and exchange ideas relating to the field. STC also provides its members with live webinars, online certificate courses, and virtual conferences with Communications experts, among others.

These are just a few of the many different associations and organizations that will be open to you after you have obtained a PhD in Communications. Many of these organizations have a multitude of helpful tools for networking, researching, educating, and sharing ideas. By becoming a member of one or more of these organizations, you will be able to broaden your horizons and open up new opportunities in your Communications career. Additionally, by becoming a member of a Communications oriented organization or association, you will be able to socialize with your peers and those that hold the same career and academic interests as yourself, which should never be underestimated as a benefit.

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Communication and media are among the most powerful forces shaping the world today. In our Communication and Media Studies PhD program, you’ll work with some of the world’s top media and communication experts to research and contribute to this crucial field. Our school is one of the nation’s oldest accredited schools of journalism and communication, housed within an Association of American Universities R1 research institution.

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Doctoral Degree in    Communication and Media Studies

Launch a trailblazing career in media research.

In our doctoral program, you’re more than just a student. You’ll work as a co-author, scholar, and teacher as part of a welcoming and inclusive community influenced by perspectives from across many disciplines and cultures around the world. You’ll also conduct impactful research that contributes to the field and your research portfolio under the guidance of SOJC faculty advisors.

Our faculty are internationally recognized experts in many media and communication research topics, including science, health, and environmental communication; technology and society; game studies; global media; critical/cultural approaches to communication; persuasion and media psychology; media and public life; immersive and visual media; film; and more.

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Applications for the 2025 cohort are open, with a final deadline of December 1, 2024 .

Questions? Reach out to us at [email protected] .

Take flight with a Communication and Media Studies Doctoral Degree

Students in our doctoral program develop the knowledge, skills, experience, and research portfolios to claim teaching and research posts at top universities and think tanks around the world. But their ethics, analytical skills and innovative thinking set them apart in any field. 

Meet More PhD Alums

Bryce Macher ’13   is a data scientist for Hilton Innovation Lab. →

Sonia De La Cruz ’14   is a professor and documentary filmmaker. →

Erica Ciszek ’14   studies how communication affects understandings of gender. →

Take flight   with a Communication and Media Studies Doctoral Degree

Students in our doctoral program develop the knowledge, skills, experience, and research portfolios to claim teaching and research posts at top universities and think tanks around the world. But their ethics, analytical skills and innovative thinking set them apart in any field.

Communication and Media Studies PhD Program News

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Named for renowned journalist Eric W. Allen , who founded the SOJC over 100 years ago, Allen Hall sits at the heart of the verdant University of Oregon campus. During your studies in Eugene, you’ll enjoy expert guidance, hands-on experience with the latest technology, and opportunities for collaboration.

You'll also have access to our state-of-the-art  Experience Hub —part production studio, part research center, part hands-on learning lab—a place where students and faculty collaborate to develop innovative content and examine the media from every angle.

See a Sample PhD Schedule

Study in the Beautiful Pacific Northwest

Fully funded phd.

You bring the intellectual curiosity, we’ll take care of the tuition: Our doctoral candidates are fully funded for four consecutive years*, including health benefits and a stipend. We also offer resources for conducting research that contributes to the field while preparing you for a career in higher education or meaningful work in the public and private sectors.

*Eligibility for continued funding requires maintaining satisfactory academic progress.

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Student research

Our doctoral candidates work with internationally renowned SOJC faculty experts to do groundbreaking research on today’s most pressing communication and media realities.

See More Student Work

Meet Our Faculty View All Communication and Media Studies PhD Faculty →

Whitney Phillips     Assistant Professor of Digital Platforms and Ethics

Whitney Phillips uses her research and teaching to help students and consumers of media navigate the potentially treacherous terrain of what she’s coined the “information hellscape.” The modern media landscape is fraught with political biases, implicit messages, and harmful communication, but it is also a powerful tool. So Phillips challenges and inspires her students to incorporate self-care and mindfulness into their media-consumption regimens.

Learn about Whitney’s Research

Seth Lewis     is an expert on the digital transformation of journalism. →

Gabriela Martínez     is a gender studies researcher and award-winning documentary filmmaker. →

Maxwell Foxman     researches how play manifests in nongame contexts. →

Janet Wasko     is an expert in the political economy of media and all things Disney. →

Meet Our Faculty

Whitney Phillips    Assistant Professor of Digital Platforms and Ethics

Seth Lewis    is an expert on the digital transformation of journalism. →

Gabriela Martínez    is a gender studies researcher and award-winning documentary filmmaker. →

Maxwell Foxman    researches how play manifests in nongame contexts. →

Janet Wasko    is an expert in the political economy of media and all things Disney. →

View All Communication and Media Studies PhD Faculty →

Next Steps:

Request more information   Fill out a quick form and our graduate recruiter will be in touch soon!  →

Check out campus   Schedule an in-person tour of Allen Hall or watch our virtual tour video.  →

Start your application   Ready to join us and become a Duck? Get started now.  →

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Best Online Doctorates in Communication: Top PhD Programs, Career Paths, and Salary

The best online PhD in Communication offers you a flexible higher education path that will allow you to increase your earning potential and employability without having to step foot on campus. If getting your communication PhD online sounds appealing to you, read on to find out more about the top PhD programs in the country as well as the best communication jobs you can get after earning yours.

In this guide, you’ll get an in-depth look at how you can earn your doctorate without having to put the rest of your life on hold and a breakdown of the cost, admission requirements, and other details about each program. This article will help you with your school search by giving you a detailed look at the best online PhDs in Communication in the country.

Find your bootcamp match

Can you get a phd in communication online.

Yes, you can get a PhD in Communication online. There are several institutions that offer either fully online or hybrid PhD programs for students looking for a more flexible learning format. While there are some key differences between online and on-campus programs, both of these research-based degrees typically require the completion of the same number of credit hours.

Is an Online PhD Respected?

Yes, an online PhD is respected. Any PhD earned from an accredited institution is respected and holds the same weight no matter the learning format. Online classes are of the same quality as in-person classes and are optimized for distance learning. While on-campus students may have access to more physical resources, online programs take this limitation into consideration and compensate for it. Hence, online degrees are respected by many employers today.

What Is the Best Online PhD Program in Communication?

The best online PhD program in communication is the PhD in Media and Communication offered by Indiana State University, which provides a flexible learning method. Designed for part-time and full-time students, this program only takes three years to complete at most and offers its students plenty of hands-on experience through its online courses.

Why Indiana State University Has the Best Online PhD Program in Communication

Indiana State University has the best online communication PhD program because not only is it one of the most affordable doctoral programs on our list, but it’s also one of the most flexible, allowing students to adjust their course load to best accommodate their schedules. It is also the shortest of all doctoral programs on our list, even when taken part time.

Best Online Master’s Degrees

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Online PhD in Communication Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for an online PhD in Communication are different from one school to another. That being said, you’ll typically need to submit an online application form and provide your official transcripts from any institute you’ve previously attended, a scholarly writing sample, your resume, a list of references, your GRE test scores , and a personal statement.

• An online application form
• All of your postsecondary transcripts
• A writing sample
• Your current resume
• A list of references or reference letters
• A personal statement
• Your GRE scores

Best Online PhDs in Communication: Top Degree Program Details

Best Online PhDs in Communication: Top University Programs to Get a PhD in Communication Online

The top university programs to get a PhD in Communication online are all terminal degrees, meaning that they are the highest level of education you can get in the field. These programs are designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to achieve their career goals and earn a high annual wage after graduating. Here’s our list of the best online PhDs in Communication.

Boasting internationally-renowned faculty and being highly ranked among all schools and colleges across the country, American University is a research university that was established in 1893. Headquartered in Washington DC, The university offers flexible learning options across its various online programs specializing in numerous disciplines.

PhD in Communication

American University uses an interdisciplinary program to approach its coursework and offers its PhD students a highly-structured program that addresses political and social challenges. This three-year program teaches its students about the relationship between media, technology, and politics and how to analyze it critically.

PhD in Communication Overview

• Accreditation: Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges, and Universities 
• Program Length: 3 years
• Acceptance Rate: Not specified, but only 5 applicants are admitted each year
• Tuition: $1,866/credit

PhD in Communication Admission Requirements

• Submit a completed online application form.
• Submit an admissions essay, two letters of recommendation, and your master’s thesis.
• Submit your GRE scores.
• Provide an updated resume.
• Provide your transcripts from all previous universities and colleges attended.
• Complete an interview if requested by the program director. 

Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) is a research institute that was established in 1875. The university offers over 140 undergraduate programs of study, 56 master's degree programs, and 14 doctoral degree programs. Prospective students at this accredited school can choose between an in-person program, an online program, and a hybrid program in most fields of study.

PhD in Media and Communication

The media and communication studies online program at IUP is flexible, teaching students the skills they need to be able to work in communication and training for the corporate space, health and political communication, media and management, and more. Prospective students wanting to enroll in this program can adjust their course load to fit their needs.

PhD in Media and Communication Overview

• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Program Length: Two to three years
• Acceptance Rate: 72%
• Tuition and Fees: $516/credit (in state); $593/credit (out of state)

PhD in Media and Communication Admission Requirements

• Create your admissions profile.
• Provide your official transcripts from all attended colleges and universities.
• Complete the online application.
• Upload your goal statement, two letters of recommendation, and a writing sample.
• Attend an interview if requested by the admissions faculty.

Established in 1972, Liberty University is a Christian, private, non-profit institution headquartered in Lynchburg, Virginia. Liberty University prides itself in providing a high-quality education at an affordable cost. One of the largest private universities in the country, Liberty University is currently home to almost 94,000 students.

The PhD in Communication degree program at Liberty University is delivered fully online. This 60-credit doctoral program in the study of communications focuses on qualitative research methods and theory, equipping you with the skills needed to become a leader in a variety of areas of business or become a researcher or a college professor. 

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Acceptance Rate: N/A
• Tuition and Fees: $595/credit
• Fill out and submit your online application.
• Have a minimum college GPA of 3.0.
• Pay the $50 application fee.
• Submit your official transcripts of all previously attended postsecondary institutions. 

Michigan State University (MSU) was founded in 1855 and is among the top research universities in the country. With over 200 academic programs offered at its East Lansing, Michigan campus, students can choose from a wide variety of specialties among its comprehensive doctorate programs. The communication programs offered at the institute are all highly ranked.

As early as 1961, the PhD in Communication at MSU has been recognized as being one of the most prestigious in the world. The structure of this graduate degree program focuses on communication theory, quantitative methods, and teamwork, allowing students to work in behavioral research, teaching, and communication consultancy or even specialize in hospitality research.

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Program Length: 4 years
• Tuition and Fees: 817.25/credit (in state); 1,605.75/credit (out of state)
• Complete the online MSU Graduate School Application and pay the application fee.
• Provide a list of three referees and their email addresses.
• Submit an academic statement and a personal statement.
• Provide a copy of your resume.
• Submit a copy of your official transcripts to the Department of Communication PhD Program.
• Submit your GRE scores (optional).

Regent University was founded in 1978 and offers 60 programs for its online school graduate students to choose from. The institute has consistently ranked among the top national universities by US News & World Report. Prospective students can choose from a wide range of programs spanning many different fields of study at Regent University.

Regent University’s PhD in Communication is offered online alongside a one-week summer residency in Virginia Beach. This graduate degree takes an interdisciplinary approach to training, scholarly writing, and research and allows students to improve their communication and research skills . Common careers for graduates of this program include working as a writer, teacher, speaker, or thought leader.

• Program Length: 2-3 years
• Tuition and Fees: $950/credit
• Submit your application using the Regent University online application portal.
• Submit a minimum five-page scholarly or published writing sample that demonstrates your research, writing, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Submit your unofficial college transcripts.
• Complete Regent University’s Academic Background Questionnaire.
• Provide a scanned copy of a government-issued ID.

Established in 1921, Robert Morris University (RMU) is a private institution that offers 60 bachelor's degree programs and 35 master's and doctoral programs. Home to approximately 4,100 students, most of which are undergraduate students, Robert Morris University’s doctoral degree in communication is one of the few PhD programs the school offers.

PhD in Information Systems and Communication

The PhD in Media and Communication at RMU is an executive-style doctor of philosophy program structured to give students the tools they need to become scholarly researchers and leaders. Through a blended learning format, the school uses an interdisciplinary approach to help students analyze the connections between technology and human communication.

PhD in Information Systems and Communication Overview

• Tuition and Fees: $1,207/credit

PhD in Information Systems and Communication Admission Requirements

• Have a master’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
• Submit an online application.
• Submit your official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework.
• Provide three letters of reference and a current resume.
• Provide an academic writing sample.
• Complete an interview with the Doctoral Program Director and Doctoral Admissions Committee. 

Founded in Lubbock, Texas, in 1923, Texas Tech University is a public research institution offering degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral-level. Home to over 40,000 students, Texas Tech has produced a large number of notable alumni across a wide variety of fields of study.

Doctor of Philosophy in Technical Communication & Rhetoric

The PhD in Technical Communication & Rhetoric at Texas Tech allows students to develop their knowledge of rhetoric, writing, technical communication, and composition. Students can specialize in technical communication and user-centered design, rhetorical theory and practice, composition, writing, and literacy studies.

Doctor of Philosophy in Technical Communication & Rhetoric Overview

• Tuition and Fees: $8,653/year (in state); $16,180/year (out-of-state)

Doctor of Philosophy in Technical Communication & Rhetoric Admission Requirements

• Submit a graduate course paper or the equivalent that demonstrates your ability to develop a thesis using research and analysis.
• Submit a statement of purpose.
• Submit a copy of your resume, three letters of reference, and a signed copy of the Distance Learning Agreement.

Established in 1820, The University of Alabama has consistently produced award-winning graduates. These include sixty Goldwater Scholars, 16 Rhodes Scholars, 16 Truman Scholars, 37 Hollings Scholars, and 16 Boren Scholars. The school is well known for its programs in social sciences and business.

Doctorate in Communication and Information Sciences

The PhD in Communication & Information Sciences at The University of Alabama prepares students to work as library professionals and leaders in information environments. This online program has a curriculum that blends scholarly research and synchronous online courses to develop well-rounded graduates.

Doctorate in Communication and Information Sciences Overview

• Program Length: 2-4 years
• Tuition and Fees: $440/credit

Doctorate in Communication and Information Sciences Admission Requirements

• Have a Master’s Degree in Communications or in a related field with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Complete a graduate school application form and pay the application fee.
• Provide a statement of purpose and a copy of your resume.
• Provide the names and contact information for three academic references.
• Provide your unofficial college transcripts. 

The University of Colorado Boulder was founded in 1876 and offers 124 master's, doctoral and professional degree programs. The institute is one of the country’s top-ranked Tier 1 research institutions and is one of only 35 public research institutions in the Association of American Universities (AAU). 

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PhD in Strategic Communication

This program’s coursework trains students in communication theory and research, as well as strategic communication research methods. The curriculum focuses on mass communication and public communication studies, literature and academic journals, social media trends , political communication, media organizations, and video games.

PhD in Strategic Communication Overview

• Program Length: 5 years
• Tuition and Fees: $866.29/credit

PhD in Strategic Communication Admission Requirements

• Have a master’s degree with a minimum graduate GPA of 3.5.
• Submit a personal statement, three letters of reference, and a scholarly writing sample.
• Submit an academic and professional resume.
• Provide the unofficial transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate courses you’ve taken.

Established in 1883, the University of North Dakota (UND) is a public research university recognized for leading research in engineering, medicine, aviation, space, and unmanned aircraft systems. The university also has the largest number of fully-online students among all universities in its region.

The PhD in Communication degree program at UND teaches students about the role of communication within the global community, as well as the international and intercultural contexts surrounding it. The curriculum focuses on critical thinking and the diverse nature of human communication across various cultures and systems.

• Program Length: 3-5 years
• Tuition and Fees: $660.08/credit 
• Create an admissions account on the school portal.
• Submit an online application and pay the application fee.
• Submit your official transcripts and GRE scores.
• Submit a statement of interest detailing your personal goals and the relevance of the Doctor of Philosophy in Communication to those goals.
• Submit an original academic paper that shows your ability to articulate and synthesize ideas.
• Provide three letters of recommendation from sources familiar with your potential as a doctoral student in communication.

Online Communication PhD Graduation Rates: How Hard Is It to Complete an Online PhD Program in Communication?

It is somewhat hard to complete an online PhD program in communication. While the curricular content can be quite complex, most online programs are structured to be flexible, meaning that students can more easily take the time they need to learn what they’re being taught. Online PhDs require hard work, dedication, and motivation to complete even more than on-campus programs.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Communication Online?

It takes about two to five years to get a PhD in Communication online. The amount of time it takes you to complete your program depends heavily on whether you study part time or full time, if you have any transfer credits from other institutions, and the structure and curriculum of your chosen program. Most universities have a seven-year cap on their PhD programs.

How Hard Is an Online Doctorate in Communication?

An online doctorate in communication is not very hard to get if you are able to dedicate the time and effort required. A doctorate is the highest level of formal education that is available, meaning that it will be challenging, and while an online PhD may offer more flexibility, it doesn’t make the learning aspect of it any easier. Online programs only make it easier to fit other commitments into your life while pursuing your degree.

Best PhD Programs

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What Courses Are in an Online Communication PhD Program?

The courses in an online communication PhD program include Organizational Communication, Communication and Technology, Interpersonal Communication, and Health Communication, to name a few. Each program offers a different variety of introductory courses, advanced core courses, and elective courses.

Main Areas of Study in a Communication PhD Program

• Organizational communication
• Communication and technology
• Interpersonal communication
• Health communication

How Much Does Getting an Online Communication PhD Cost?

It costs $19,314 per year to get a PhD in Communication, on average, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. The actual cost of your degree is dependent on the institution you attend and whether it is private, public, or non-profit. Public universities typically cost the least to attend, and private and for-profit institutions will cost more.

How to Pay for an Online PhD Program in Communication

You can pay for an online PhD program in communication by either choosing from a selection of fully-funded doctoral programs, qualifying for a scholarship, applying for financial aid , or making an arrangement for a long-term pay-off plan. Many scholarships are offered through the research departments of some schools. Make sure to research what opportunities the school you’re interested in provides.

How to Get an Online PhD for Free

You cannot get an online PhDs for free. Online PhDs all require some form of payment. The only exception is those that offer full funding. Even then, this is done through an application and selection process, and not everyone qualifies for it. If you require financial aid, your best bet is to choose one of the aforementioned methods to reduce your financial burden.

What Is the Most Affordable Online PhD in Communication Degree Program?

The most affordable online PhD in Communication degree program is the PhD in Media and Communication offered by the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. This program will only cost you $319 per credit, making it much less expensive than the other programs on our list, which can cost up to $1,866 per credit.

Most Affordable Online PhD Programs in Communication: In Brief

Why You Should Get an Online PhD in Communication

You should get an online PhD in Communication because of the flexible and more convenient learning format it offers. Online programs give you the option to work or have time for other commitments such as your family. Online degree programs also tend to be less expensive than in-person degree programs.

Additionally, as previously mentioned, an online degree from an accredited institution is as valid as an in-person degree program. Having a PhD will increase your earning potential, allow you to work in a wider range of areas, and allow you to climb the corporate or institutional ladder more easily.

Top Reasons for Getting a PhD in Communication

• Career options. Because the knowledge and skills you’ve gained during your communication degree are useful and applicable in many industries, you’ll have a wider variety of options for career paths that you can pursue.
• Career outlook. The projected job growth for the common careers available to communication PhD grads indicates that, over the next decade, there is a good chance of finding employment upon completing your doctoral degree program.
• Higher-paying jobs . Since a PhD is the highest form of formal education you can get, that gives you a leg up when searching for employment opportunities. Employers generally seek out the most qualified candidates for the jobs they are offering. With a PhD, you will be among the most qualified and will be able to negotiate for a higher salary.
• Interest in expanding knowledge. Arguably, the best reason to get a PhD is the desire to learn more about an area you have a keen interest in. If you have the privilege of pursuing a degree in a topic you are passionate about, that in itself is reason enough to do it.

Best Master’s Degree Programs

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What Is the Difference Between an On-Campus Communication PhD and an Online PhD in Communication?

The difference between an on-campus communication PhD and an online PhD in Communication is the learning format and flexibility that an online degree program offers to its students and isn’t available to on-campus students. Whether you choose to get your PhD in Communication online or in person, the quality of the education you are receiving won’t change.

Online PhD vs On-Campus PhD: Key Differences

• Flexibility. The flexibility offered by online learning is perhaps the most notable difference between an online PhD and an on-campus PhD. Online programs are specifically designed for busy professionals and generally are more conducive to part-time enrollment.
• Cost. Typically, it costs less to enroll in an online degree program than it does to attend on-campus classes because distance learning students use fewer of the university’s resources. Additionally, when you factor in costs related to travel and supplies, the total expense of studying online tends to be significantly lower.
• College options. Another aspect of not having to travel to campus is that it opens up many more options when it comes to where you can choose to study. Not being limited by distance allows you to consider schools that you might have otherwise not been able to attend.
• Study locations. Whether you choose to study from home, in a library, or any other location, your learning environment is up to you. That being said, the benefit of studying on campus is that the formal environment often makes it easier to stay focused during your communication studies.

How to Get a PhD in Communication Online: A Step-by-Step Guide

To get a PhD in Communication online, you need to submit an application on the school website or portal, complete all of the required coursework set by the program, get your dissertation topic approved by the program’s faculty, pass all qualifying and comprehensive exams, and finally defend and submit your dissertation.

The first step to getting your communication PhD is applying. In most cases, you’ll need to fill out an application form with your personal details and the details of the degree you want to pursue and submit any additional materials to support your application. These usually include transcripts, a resume, and letters of recommendation, among others.

All doctoral students must complete a certain number of required courses throughout their PhD studies. The total number of courses you need to complete will differ from one institution to the next, but your academic advisor will be able to help you plan out your schedule in accordance with whether you are attending a program part time or full time.

At the same time as you work through your required courses, you will also need to present a dissertation topic that will be the focus of your PhD research. After its approval by your supervisor and the program director, you’ll be able to start your research. At multiple points during your research, you’ll need to demonstrate your progress to your supervisor.

To earn your doctoral degree in communication, you’ll need to pass qualifying and comprehensive exams. PhD faculty use these exams to ensure that their students are able to retain and use the knowledge they are gathering during their courses. Keep in mind that simply passing may not be enough. Most programs require that students maintain a minimum GPA throughout their studies.

The last thing you need to do to earn your PhD is to defend your dissertation in front of the program committee and director. If you succeed and have completed all of your coursework and maintained an acceptable GPA throughout your studies while staying in good academic standing, you will be able to apply for graduation.

Online PhD in Communication Salary and Job Outlook

The job outlook for online PhD in Communication holders from 2020 to 2030 looks promising. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, media and communication occupations have a projected 14 percent growth . This is faster than the average projection for all occupations, which indicates that communication PhD graduates should not face many challenges in their job search.

What Can You Do With an Online Doctorate in Communication?

With an online doctorate in communication, you can explore various career paths, including sales management, technical writing, human resources management, and marketing management. In addition, you can also become a professor .

Best Jobs with a PhD in Communication

• Sales Manager
• Technical Writer
• Human Resources Manager
• Marketing Manager
• Postsecondary Teacher

Potential Careers With a Communication Degree

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What Is the Average Salary for an Online PhD Holder in Communication?

The average salary for an online PhD holder in communication is $74,000 per year , according to PayScale. That means that you have the potential to earn a slightly higher salary than the average American employee’s salary . The actual amount you earn will depend heavily on your location, employer, job title, and experience.

Highest-Paying Communication Jobs for PhD Grads

Best Communication Jobs for Online PhD Holders

The best communication jobs for online PhD holders are all jobs that heavily utilize your understanding of how humans interact with one another as well as how factors such as technology and media affect this. In the following section, we break down some of the best jobs you can get with a PhD in Communication, including their salary, outlook, and the highest-paying states.

Marketing managers work in industries such as advertising, finance, healthcare, hospitality, education, and retail to execute strategies that raise consumer awareness. These strategies include promotional work that appeals to the consumers and maximizes profits and, ultimately,  the company’s success.

• Salary with a Communication PhD: $133,380
• Job Outlook: 10% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 316,800
• Highest-Paying States: New York, New Jersey, California, Delaware, Virginia

Human resources managers play an incredibly vital role in the proper functioning of any business. HR managers are tasked with hiring new employees and serving as the liaison between a company and its employees. HR managers are charged with the important responsibility of finding the best-suited candidates who will help push the company to new highs.

• Salary with a Communication PhD: $126,230
• Job Outlook: 9% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 161,700
• Highest-Paying States: New York, New Jersey, District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Rhode Island

Postsecondary teachers, also called professors, teach students at universities and colleges, conduct research, and publish materials related to their field of study. You can choose to be a professor in any academic subject that is related to your PhD and teach at almost any academic level, depending on your level of experience.

• Salary with a Communication PhD: $79,640
• Job Outlook: 12% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 1,276,900
• Highest-Paying States: California, Alaska, New York, District of Columbia, New Jersey

The job of a technical writer is to write academic journal articles, develop product manuals that teach people how to use products, write website help sections, and write about any other informational content that requires technical knowledge. Strong academic and corporate communication skills are vital for this position.

• Salary with a Communication PhD: $78,060
• Number of Jobs: 52,300
• Highest-Paying States: Delaware, California, Massachusetts, Hawaii, District of Columbia

Public relations specialists work for various types of organizations including schools and professional associations and are tasked with creating media releases, attending meetings and events, delivering speeches, and, generally, creating and maintaining a good public image for those they represent.

• Salary with a Communication PhD: $62,800
• Job Outlook: 11% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 273,300
• Highest-Paying States: District of Columbia, Washington, New York, Virginia, California

Is It Worth It to Do a PhD in Communication Online?

Yes, it is worth it to do a PhD in Communication online if you wish to advance your knowledge and skills and work in the field of communications, retaining a significantly larger amount of flexibility than if you were enrolled in an in-person program. The variety of career options that this degree will offer you when you choose a career path is well worth the hard work.

A PhD in Communication will allow for quicker professional development when compared to the less advanced degree options within the field, allowing you to enter into higher and better-paying positions once you have graduated. With a PhD being a terminal degree in this field, you will have an incredible leg up over other candidates during your job search.

Additional Reading About Communication

[query_class_embed] https://careerkarma.com/blog/everything-about-communications-degree/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/communication-associate-degrees/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/best-online-communication-associate-degrees/

Online PhD in Communication FAQ

The most common specializations with a PhD in Communication include advanced communication theory, feminist studies, global communication, and cultural studies, to name a few. There are many specialization options you can choose from for your online PhD in Communication. In general, communications degrees can prove quite useful in different industries, so it is worth it pursuing a PhD in this field.

The degrees that you can get in communication include an associate degree , a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, as well as a PhD in Communication. The kind of degree you should get depends on your career goals.

Yes, there are associations and organizations you can join with careers in communication, such as the International Communication Association (ICA), the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), and the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management (GAPRCM). There are several jobs for communication degree holders .

Yes, you can get an online PhD in Communication without a master’s degree. While not as common, you can apply for a PhD in Communication with only a bachelor’s degree at certain institutions. Make sure to check your desired program’s admission requirements to see if it’s a possibility for you and look at interesting communication topics you can research during your PhD.

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The freedom to research your passions

Whether you want to dive more deeply into a current interest or branch out into fresh fields of inquiry, we’ll prepare you for a successful career in academia. Our Ph.D. in media arts and sciences program is one of the top research programs in media and communication, with one of the most productive graduate student research records in the world.

Our customizable curriculum will give you plenty of room to grow and explore. It grants the opportunity to dive deeply into your disciplinary focus, but also provides a space in which you can explore meaningful interdisciplinary discussions and collaborations. Our doctoral students research topics as varied as embodied cognition, Israeli satire and black Twitter.

Plus, you’ll join a dynamic, diverse group of students who share your love of media research.

This 90-credit program includes a core curriculum, courses in research methods, and a custom course plan — including a minor — that you'll choose under the guidance of a faculty advisory committee.

You must have a master’s degree (learn more about our  M.A. or M.S. programs) to begin our doctoral program. Credits from your master's can be transferred and applied to the Ph.D. program.

Tailor your Ph.D. to suit your academic and career goals. The program features small classes in a variety of media topics. You’ll also complete a dissertation and take qualifying exams under the guidance of a faculty committee.

Here are a few courses you'll take:

Epistemologies of Media

Gain familiarity with concepts and ideas critical to the study of media.

Media Pedagogy

Explore the theory and practice of college pedagogy, paying specific attention to skills required for teaching mass communication.

Media Theories

Gain exposure to the wide range of social scientific and humanistic theories that guide research in media.

Join our community of student scholars who are asking and answering the questions that matter to them.

What’s the historical significance of the demise of Kodak Park? How does India’s caste system impact portrayals of sexual harassment accusations? Do we respond differently to advertisements based on the gender identity of the model?

You’ll work with internationally ranked faculty whose wide range of expertise will allow you to hone your research and critical-thinking skills. Faculty areas of study include environmental communication, Afrosurrealism and public access to government-held information, to name a few.

Once you get familiar with The Media School, you’ll select a faculty advisor and nominate an advisory committee who will guide you through your graduate school career.

Research centers

The Media School is home to several centers and institutes that focus on specific areas of study and fields of expertise — expanding your opportunities for research and education.

The Institute for Communication Research is your gateway to pioneering social science media research. The ICR supports survey research, focus groups and content analysis of media in addition to psychophysiology labs to measure heart rate, skin conductance, facial muscle coding and eye tracking.

Black Film Center & Archive

The Black Film Center & Archive is a resource for scholars, students, and researchers studying films and related materials by and about Black people. Included are films that have substantial participation by Black writers, actors, producers, directors, musicians, and consultants, as well as those that depict some aspect of black experience.

Center for Documentary Research and Practice

The Center for Documentary Research and Practice serves as a research hub for historical, theoretical and critical research on nonfiction film and video, and hosts visiting artists and scholars who are working on projects with nonfiction media components.

Center for International Media Law and Policy Studies

The Center for International Media Law and Policy Studies researches the legal protection of media rights in Indiana, the United States and the world. The center studies free expression rights, educates the public and develops opportunities for students.

Our graduates frequently move on to tenure-track positions at prestigious institutions around the world.

The training I received was both methodologically rigorous and theoretically informed, and came from some of the warmest and best faculty in the world. Jacob Groshek, PhD’08, associate professor, Boston University

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Ph.D. in Information and Media

The interdepartmental Information and Media Ph.D. Program prepares students to become scholars, teachers and leaders. Three highly ranked academic units of MSU College of Communication Arts and Sciences participate in the academic training: the Department of Advertising + Public Relations , the School of Journalism and the Department of Media and Information .

Our Program

We invite you to join an exciting interdisciplinary field of study at the intersection of the social sciences, humanities, and technology. We develop and apply transformative knowledge about all media systems, society and evolving information and communication technologies. This STEM designated program (09.0702 Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia) engages students to become leaders in academia, government, and industry in the media and information fields.

Our approach is multidisciplinary, combining faculty members with degrees in communication, advertising, public relations, journalism, economics, information studies, sociology, law, marketing and computer science, all pursuing teaching and research opportunities in three participating departments.

Benefits to an interdisciplinary program vs. a traditional program

• Students are exposed to a wider range of theories and schools of thought which facilitates complex problem solving from multiple perspectives
• Students gain a broader toolkit of research methods and analytical tools, including both quantitative and qualitative research methods
• Enhances communication skills because students learn the “language” of multiple disciplines

Attend our Virtual Open House! 

The program invites everyone interested in applying to our program to attend a virtual open house! The webinar will be held over Zoom on Thursday, October 24 at 9 a.m. EST and 2 p.m. EST. We hope you can join us! 

Register for the 9 a.m. Open House

Register for the 2 p.m. Open House

Ph.D. Ranking

QS World University rankings place MSU 13th in the world and 8th in the U.S. in communication and media studies. The National Communication Association (NCA), in their most recent doctoral program reputation study, ranked MSU’s Ph.D. programs as No. 1 in educating researchers in communication technology, and in the top four in mass communication. Michigan State University ranked third in frequency of faculty publication in communication in a study reported in The Electronic Journal of Communication in 2012.

Faculty Research Areas

Faculty in the three participating departments have complementary skills and research interests. Students typically participate in one or more research groups and design a dissertation to take advantage of the interdisciplinary environment offered by the program. Research in our departments currently focuses on the following areas:

Advertising + Public Relations

• Media Psychology and Persuasion
• Neuroscience and Social Influence
• International Advertising and Public Relations
• Effects of Media on Child and Family Development
• Political Communication
• Social Media and Advertising
• Media Sociology
• International and Comparative Media systems
• Visual Communication
• Science, Health, Environment, and Crisis Communication
• News Content and Effects

Media and Information

• Social Media and Social Computing
• Human-computer Interaction, Games and Meaningful Play
• Management Info System (policy and economics)
• Health (media, ICT and development)

Learn more about the collaborative labs and learning spaces in our college

We're focused on many different areas of research, doctoral students and their work, gain insight into their studies, see what the students have been up to, here's where our doctoral students are working now.

Additional information about the Information and Media Ph.D. program may be obtained from:

Patricia Huddleston, Ph.D. Information and Media Ph.D. Program Director [email protected] (517) 353-9907 College of Communication Arts and Sciences 404 Wilson Road, Room 304 Michigan State University East Lansing, Michigan 48824

PhD in Emerging Media Studies

New media poses challenges for society and complexities for researchers. Are you ready to tackle both?

Academic Bulletin

• 01/15/2025 Priority deadline
• Degree Requirements
• PhD Students
• Request Info

The Boston University PhD program in Emerging Media Studies is the nation’s first doctorate program in emerging media and its critical, daily role in modern life.

COM’s unique program prepares its doctoral students to become sophisticated researchers and critical thinkers who are ready to advance the fields of communication, sociological, and media leadership. Designed for students with a master’s degree, this program helps candidates gain a comprehensive understanding of the role of emerging media in society and organizations and hone their research skills through independent, innovative, and mentored research.

Recent and upcoming dissertation topics address a wide array of topics, such as social perceptions of robots, the effects of television binge-watching, and media framing of direct-to-consumer genetic testing.

Meet COM’s First Doctoral Recipient, Sarah Krongard

It seems there’s always something to celebrate at COM, and the 2019 fall semester marked one particularly noteworthy achievement — PhD…

Learning and Teaching

EMS graduate students are taught and mentored by some of the leading researchers and thinkers in the field.  The faculty make full use of the most advanced theories and methods to examine communication phenomena — from social media, streaming content, and AR/VR to Big Data and AI. Under their guidance, students learn how to conduct and analyze social science research concerning all types of emerging media. 

 As a doctoral student, you’ll serve as a teaching fellow while enrolled in the program. On average, you should expect to serve as a teaching fellow a minimum of two times during the program.

Resources for Research 

COM graduate students get ready for careers by rolling up their sleeves for hands-on research.

All Emerging Media Studies students contribute to COM’s annual #ScreentimeBU conference, an opportunity to present their research in the field of digital communication and society as well as exchange their views with peers and field leaders concerning important contemporary issues. By showcasing the fruits of your research, you’ll share their ideas with the general public and industry leaders. Additionally, the conference provides an opportunity for you to develop your public communication capabilities and receive input from industry experts in a professional setting.

CENTER FOR MOBILE Communication Studies

Laptops, smart phones, and tablets have been transformed from novelties to necessities. But we’re only beginning to understand how they have transformed us.

EMS students also take advantage of research opportunities at COM’s Communication Research Center , COM’s primary research hub, and the state of-the-art technology offered at the Zimmerman Family Social Activation Center, that puts in-depth social media analytics at your fingertips.

Funding Support

Because the doctoral program is immersive and requires full-time participation for a number of years, all PhD students in Emerging Media Studies are funded for the duration of their study, up to a maximum of five years. Funding includes a full tuition scholarship, health insurance credit, and stipend in return for teaching and research obligations. Students with their own funding for the program (through the Fulbright Commission, government funding or other source) will still be required to serve as a teaching fellow for at least one semester. Compensation will be provided.

Benefit from Boston

One of BU’s greatest resources is its location. Consistently ranked among the most livable cities in the world, Boston is “America’s college town,” a city rich in history while remaining on the forefront of culture and innovation. Boston is a Top 10 U.S. media market, and home to some of the world’s best creative agencies, media companies and leading employers — offering boundless opportunities for internships and careers.

More than 80%

of our graduate students receive scholarships.

Purpose Driven

COM stands out from our peers. Our faculty offers a mix of researchers and practitioners who endorse a cross-discipline, hands-on approach to learning. Our location lies at the heart of an electric, media-savvy city.

But it may be COM’s shared values that matter most. We believe that communication requires diversity, critical thinking, and creative expression. We believe that communication must be grounded in truth, authenticity, effectiveness, and purpose. We believe that communication builds understanding among people and across society.

Emerging Media Research

Agenda setting in the wizarding world: computationally examining attribute agenda and….

Abstract: This study investigates the complex dynamics of public discourse on Twitter/X concerning the transgender-related controversy surrounding the video game…

Physiological response to political advertisement: Examining the influence of partisan and…

This study investigates voters’ physiological response to real political advertisements that are issue focused and sponsored by three different political…

Does world system theory rein in social media? Identifying factors contributing…

This article examined how social media content has shaped the representation of countries for publics around the world. Based on…

The Robot Rights and Responsibilities Scale: Development and Validation of a…

The discussion and debates surrounding the robot rights topic demonstrate vast differences in the possible philosophical, ethical, and legal approaches…

Meet the Emerging Media Faculty

Chris Chao Su

Assistant professor, emerging media studies.

Chris Wells

Associate dean of faculty development; associate professor, emerging media studies.

Feld Professor of Emerging Media Studies

James Cummings

Associate professor, emerging media studies.

Maria Elizabeth (Betsi) Grabe

Dalton family professor, emerging media news, com’s new dalton professor knows disinformation from personal experience.

When Robots Deliver the News

Joan Donovan, Nationally Recognized Expert in Misinformation and Disinformation, Joins COM Faculty

Upcoming Emerging Media Events

Colloquium speaker series: maria elizabeth grabe.

Room 209, 640 Commonwealth Avenue

Emerging Media Studies

Research opportunities

School of media and communication phd scholarship 2025/2026.

Three full scholarships are available in the School of Media and Communication in 2025/26. Up to two of them cover international rates (full maintenance plus fees), the remaining scholarship will cover maintenance and fees equivalent to Home rates. These fully-funded scholarships provide exciting opportunities to pursue postgraduate research in a range of fields relating to media and communication.<br /> <br /> The School of Media and Communication invites applications for the School of Media and Communication PhD Scholarship from prospective postgraduate researchers who wish to commence study for a PhD in the academic year 2025/26.<br />

<p>These awards are open to full-time candidates who have been offered a place of PhD study by the University of Leeds. We especially welcome applications that connect to the School's seven core research areas of global communication, journalism, political communication, media industries and cultural production, gender and media, digital cultures, and visual media and communication.</p> <p>The School of Media and Communication is also offering a ringfenced scholarship to support an excellent candidate from UK Black, Asian and other minoritised ethnic groups who have been offered a place on a PhD programme in the School of Media and Communication at the University of Leeds. Please see more details of this ringfenced award and apply via the “School of Media Access to Research Scholarship” advert here: <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/378-school-of-media-and-communication-access-to-research-scholarship">https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/378-school-of-media-and-communication-access-to-research-scholarship</a> </p> <p>The School of Media and Communication's research is multidisciplinary, theoretically innovative and socially relevant. A vibrant community of PhD students is an essential part of our research culture.</p> <p>Researchers at the School are involved in extensive networks of collaboration with academic institutions, the public sector and media industries, both within the UK and across the world.</p> <p>We are a top Media and Communication School and 88% of our research outputs is considered "world leading" or "internationally excellent", according to the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF). The School is one of the leading media and communication studies institutions, ranked 4th in the QS ranking 2022 of institutions in the UK (22nd world-wide) and ranked 6th in the UK for communication and media studies by Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021. Since 2016, Media and Communication is one of nine Schools in the newly constituted Faculty of Arts, Humanities, and Cultures. Research in the School has been organised into seven themes: global communication, journalism, political communication, media industries and cultural production, gender and media, digital cultures, and visual media and communication. We combine social science and humanities approaches, and bring together economic, political, historical, cultural and technological perspectives. </p> <p>Our thriving PhD community is fully integrated into the School research culture. PhD students are treated as much as possible as academic colleagues, acting as co-convenors of Research Groups, attending and contributing to job presentations, and sharing kitchen/social space with academic staff. Our PhD students consistently present their work at national and international conferences (including ICA, IAMCR, and ECREA). The School organises weekly seminars during semesters addressing the full range of social science and historical research methods. These are delivered by School academic staff, allowing PhD students to become familiar with the approaches of a range of academics beyond their supervisory team, and across the School’s Research Themes. PhD students participate fully in research group meetings, presenting their work, suggesting readings, engaging in debate and discussion, and in some cases acting as co-convenors. PhD students organise an annual academic conference, with support and mentoring from academics. This allows them to learn organisation and networking skills, and for those taking part to develop presentation and communication skills.<br />  </p>

<p><strong>Information about the Award</strong></p> <p>We are offering three PhD scholarship in the School of Media and Communication, matching full tuition fees and the UKRI maintenance stipend (currently £19,237 in 2024/25). The awards will be made for one year in the first instance and renewable for a further period of up to two years (for full-time study and pro-rata for part-time), subject to satisfactory academic progress. </p> <p><strong>Funding</strong></p> <ul> <li>Full fees for 3 years full-time study, or 5 years part-time study.</li> <li>Maintenance for 3.5 years for full-time study, or 5 years 10 months for part-time study. The amount increases per annum in line with the Research Council UK rate. In Session 2024/25 the rate is £19,237 for full-time study, part-time will be pro-rata at 60%. </li> <li>Please be aware that any expenses related to the relocation of students to the UK (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa, medical insurance, the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge, flights, etc</a>) would be their responsibility and is not covered by this award.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Conditions</strong></p> <ul> <li>Awards must be taken up by 1 October 2025</li> <li>Applicants must not have already been awarded or be currently studying for a doctoral degree.</li> <li>Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Deadlines</strong></p> <p>The deadline to be considered for the School of Media PhD Scholarship is 17:00 (UK time) on 3^rd March 2025.</p> <p>However, before you can apply, you will need to have already secured your place on a course and have your 9 digit student identification number. Therefore, we advise you to apply for a place on the PhD at least 6 weeks before the scholarship deadline, and we also recommend that you should be in dialogue with potential supervisors prior to this to discuss your proposals. </p>

<p><strong>Stage 1</strong></p> <p>First, apply for a research place of study through the<a href="https://prod.banner.leeds.ac.uk/ssb/bwskalog_uol.P_DispLoginNon"> online application form</a>. Please state clearly that the funding you wish to be considered for is the “School of Media and Communication PhD Scholarship”. You will be expected to meet our <a href="https://ahc.leeds.ac.uk/media-research-degrees/doc/apply-13">eligiblity criteria</a> for PhD candidates. </p> <p>In order to be considered for the scholarship, you must submit all required supporting documents for your application for PhD study. Please see our “<a href="https://ahc.leeds.ac.uk/media-research-degrees/doc/apply-13">How to apply</a>” page for more information.</p> <p>Any study applications that are not accompanied by the documents requested by the deadline will not be considered for the award.</p> <p>Once you have received your 9-digit student ID number (SID), please move onto stage 2 of the application process.</p> <p><strong>Stage 2</strong></p> <p>Apply for the School of Media and Communication PhD Scholarships by completing the online <a href="https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/leeds/school-of-media-and-communication-scholarships-2526">Scholarship Application Form</a>. You must submit your scholarship application by <strong>17:00 (UK time) on Monday 3rd March 2025.</strong></p> <ul> <li>Please note that an unsuccessful application for this scholarship does not exclude you from applying for other research study opportunities or scholarships offered by the University of Leeds. </li> <li>Please note that, due to the large volume of applications, the University of Leeds will not enter into any correspondence regarding the progress of an application until the outcome is known.</li> <li>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</li> </ul> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

Applicants to this scholarship in the School of Media and Communication should normally have a first-class or at least a good upper second-class undergraduate degree. A Masters degree is not a requirement but your application is seen more favourably if you have one - ideally you will have achieved a distinction or at least a merit, especially in your Masters dissertation. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the Graduate School Admissions Office prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for postgraduate research study in the School of Media and Communication is an IELTS score of 6.5, with a writing component of 6.5 and no component less than 6.0. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid.

<p>For further information please contact the PGR Admissions team on [email protected].</p>

Culture, Communication and Media EdD

London, Bloomsbury

This is the programme information for 2024 entry

If you require details of this year's programme, Culture, Communication and Media EdD (2025), click here

The EdD is a research degree for experienced professionals from education and related fields who would like to extend their professional understanding and develop skills in research, evaluation and high-level reflection on practice. The student cohort provides an important element of the programme.

UK tuition fees (2024/25)

Overseas tuition fees (2024/25), programme starts, applications accepted.

Applications closed

• Entry requirements

Applicants should have acquired at least four years' full-time experience in a relevant professional area and should normally hold a postgraduate Master’s degree. We require a transcript of the Master's degree. Applicants should also provide a 2,000-word statement summarising the research they would like to conduct if admitted to the EdD programme, stating how they feel the programme would enhance their professional development. To be invited for interview, applicants must have a principal supervisor confirmed before the application closing date.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 4

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website .

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

Research undertaken on the EdD programme can be based in any area of education, subject to the applicant being able to identify suitable principal and subsidiary supervisors within IOE, UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society. Potential candidates should explore staff profiles and the IOE department and centre list to identify appropriate supervisors before submitting an application. Applications submitted without agreement from a principal supervisor from within the Department of Culture, Communication and Media cannot be considered.

Who this course is for

The EdD programme is designed for individuals who have a passion for exploring educational and social research related to their professional employment context. An EdD research exploration may span the entirety of your professional experience and can encompass various subject domains, as well as broader socio-economic, political, and cultural transformations. Typically, applicants are expected to have attained a Master's degree and most importantly, a genuine commitment to further cultivate expertise in a particular research domain. Whether you come from an educational background or a related field of study, the EdD is well-suited to individuals who wish to reflect on and advance their career.

What this course will give you

The IOE EdD programme has been running since 1996. It is one of the longest-running EdD programmes within the UK and frequently recruits the largest EdD cohort in the country, granting our students access to a valuable selection of fellow education practitioners to work with during the programme. You will study at the IOE, rated number one for Education in the QS world rankings by subject (2023) for ten consecutive years.

Based within an education institute with an exceptional reputation for high-quality research we offer access to a very experienced and well-regarded EdD programme team. In addition, each EdD student will work with both a principal and subsidiary research supervisor.

The first module Foundations of Professionalism in Education on our programme is taught face-to-face. We offer a flexible design for the rest of our taught modules, comprising a mixture of both face-to-face and blended/online learning. This enables the EdD student to select the modes of delivery best suited to their needs at different stages of their programme.

The foundation of your career

Research undertaken at IOE will help students build connections between education and other related areas, such as economic and social status, employment, medicine, health and welfare, child development and families. In searching out answers to major questions and looking for solutions to fundamental social issues, our students will develop careers which have a direct bearing on all members of society. Through their research, students will make a contribution to both professional and academic knowledge.

Employability

EdD graduates are currently working as teachers, university and college lecturers and researchers, college principals and directors, policy analysts and education consultants in a variety of fields e.g., teacher education, medical education, early years, compulsory and post compulsory schooling including Further Education and Higher Education.

You can share information about your research interests via your own research page.

The Doctoral School Virtual Learning Environment noticeboard outlines current events and opportunities. Our  website  also provides information about IOE facilities, training courses, conferences and other events, and advice on applying to study at IOE.

The induction and UCL Doctoral School welcome events provide the foundation stone to networking opportunities and to the research community. These events support the development of the EdD cohort identity irrespective of which department you have applied to.

Teaching and learning

Details of approaches to teaching and learning are explained below.

Students work with tutors and EdD students in developing professional understanding and insight and research skills.

Three assessed modules and a 'Portfolio Reflective Statement'. The three modules are:

• Foundations of Professionalism in Education;
• Methods of Enquiry 1;
• Methods of Enquiry 2.

In addition, students should complete at least two research courses (non-assessed), drawn from the Centre for Doctoral Education's Advanced Research Training Programme and the UCL Doctoral Training Programme.

The Institution Focused Study (IFS) is unique to the EdD programme. It enables students to study an institution or organisation concerned with educational provision, organisation and support and with which students are professionally connected, under the guidance of the student's research supervisors. Supplementary support is provided through the eight compulsory IFS workshops in years 2-3. The IFS is the transition phase between taught modules and thesis phase. The IFS is submitted as a 20,000-word research report.

The thesis, (no more than 45,000 words in length) will make a distinct contribution to the knowledge in the field of study and afford evidence of originality and a capacity for autonomous research. The thesis usually relates to the IFS and the work carried out in the taught part of the programme. We provide support through meetings with your specialist supervisors and regular thesis workshops. The thesis is submitted between years 4-7.

Modes of delivery vary for the taught modules on the EdD:

• The first module, Foundations of Professionalism in Education (Term 1), must be attended face-to-face either through an intense week at the start of the course or through three weekends in Term 1 (the first runs Friday, Saturday and Monday and the remaining two on Friday and Saturday);
• Methods of Enquiry 1 (Term 2) and Methods of Enquiry 2 (Term 3) are taught through three Friday and Saturday weekends. All students must attend the first Methods of Enquiry 1 and Methods of Enquiry 2 weekends in person. There is then the option to attend the remaining two weekends on each of these modules either face-to-face or online synchronously.
• Year 2 comprises mandatory Workshops 1-6 and in Year 3, Workshop 7 is optional, but strongly recommended. Workshop 8 is again mandatory. It may be possible to engage with these elements of the programme online synchronously.
• There are Thesis Workshops (Years 3-4 onwards) and whilst they are usually offered face to face at IOE, it may be possible to engage online synchronously.

Dates for the next academic year are available on request.

Assessment criteria specific to each element of the EdD programme are set out in the examination guidance issued annually.

Assessment for the first year of taught modules involves the submission of written assignments. For each assessment, a draft is submitted, and formative feedback is given before a final assignment is submitted and a grade awarded.

Of the 4 assignments submitted, two must be awarded a Grade B to allow progression to Year 2. In the second year, students complete a 20,000-word Institutional Focused Study (IFS) and this is graded by two markers – students must again achieve a grade B or above to progress to preparation for an upgrade proposal that outlines a final thesis.

The upgrade proposal is read by a panel of two academics and the student attends an interview to discuss the proposal.  If, after this, it is judged as being of a suitable academic calibre and methodological rigour, the candidate can the move to the final thesis stage which is assessed with the presentation of a 45,000-word thesis to two external examiners and a viva (oral) examination.

Teaching and tutorial time are approximately 60 hours per module, with an expectation of at least 30 hours self-study.

Research areas and structure

Each EdD student is based within one of the six IOE departments depending on where the principal research supervisor (nominated and approached by the candidate and approved by the supervisor before application) is located:

Culture, Communication and Media

• Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment
• Education, Practice and Society
• Learning and Leadership
• Psychology and Human Development
• UCL Social Research Institute

You will apply for Culture, Communication and Media if your confirmed principal supervisor is located within Culture, Communication and Media.

Research environment

IOE is a world-leading centre for research in education and related social sciences. We host the UK's largest doctoral cohort in these areas. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject, IOE was ranked first for education for the tenth year running, ahead of Harvard, Stanford, Oxford and Cambridge. In the UK's recent Research Excellence Framework (2021), we were ranked first for research strength and research power in Education, according to the Elsevier REF 2021 Results Analysis Tool. We attract extensive research funding each year and host many prestigious research centres and projects.

As a research student in the department, you can participate in the seminars organised by department research centres and special interest groups within your department and across the whole of IOE.

EdD is only available as a part-time programme. Students are required to be in employment in an education-related field.

Compulsory modules

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk . Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team .

Fees and funding

Fees for this course.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees .

Additional costs

Students should take into account any travel, accommodation and expenses involved in their Institution-Focused Study and/or thesis.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs .

Funding your studies

EdD students should enquire with their employers about the possibility of full or partial funding. You may also be eligible for a UK Doctoral Loan - more details about who can apply and what you might get are at https://www.gov.uk/doctoral-loan

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website .

Before you apply for the EdD you should contact a potential principal supervisor: see our guidance on finding a supervisor . Applications will not be considered without agreement and confirmation of a principal supervisor. Applicants should provide a 2,000-word research proposal summarising their proposed research should they be admitted to the EdD, stating how the programme would enhance their professional development. All students are interviewed by the programme leader and potential principal supervisor before being offered a place on the EdD. Interviews usually happen within six weeks of the complete application being received. The EdD has a rolling application process so early application is advised if a place is to be secured for the coming academic year. Potential supervisors may not be available in July and August. Therefore, securing a principal supervisor before July is strongly advised.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

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MSc Media, Communication and Development

Introduction, preliminary readings.

The main aim of the programme is to offer an advanced interdisciplinary education and training in contemporary theory and research in the field of media, communication and development, and their application in the Global South, with a particular emphasis on low income country contexts.

The programme will enable you to critically examine the intersection of the fields of media and communications and development research. You'll develop an understanding of a range of theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of development, media and communication. The programme will provide you with research training, which will prove valuable if you wish to go on to pursue MPhil/PhD research in the media, communication and development field, and will prepare you for work in a variety of media, communication and development related careers.

Here are some suggested readings that will prove helpful to you in preparing for your arrival at LSE, and for finding out about courses you may be interested in taking.

Don't feel you have to read everything on the list - the intention is simply to give you an idea of the level and range of material covered.

Most of these books are available in the library and we don't expect you to buy these.

• Artz, L. and Kamalipour, Y. (eds.) (2003) Th e Globalisation of Corporate Media Hegemony , Albany: State University of New York Press.
• Baaz, M. E. 2005. The Paternalism of Partnership: A Postcolonial Reading of Identity and Development Aid . London and New York, Zed Books
• Bailey, O., Cammaerts, B. and Carpentier, N. (2007) Understanding Alternative Media , Maidenhead: Open University Press.
• Banaji, S. (ed.) (2010)  South Asian Media Cultures: Representations, Audiences, Contexts , London and New York: Anthem Press.
• Comaroff, J. and J. L. Comaroff (2012). Theory from the south, or, how Euro-America is evolving toward Africa . Boulder, CO: Paradigm Publishers.
• Downing, J., with Ford, T. V., Gil, G. and Stein, L. (2001) Radical Media: Rebellious Communication and Social Movements , London: Sage.
• Eagleton, T. (1991) Ideology: An Introduction , London: Verso.
• Escobar, A. (1995) Encountering Development: The Making and Unmaking of the Third World , New Jersey: Princeton University Press.
• Fanon, F (1965) A Dying Colonialism , New York: Grove Press.
• Freire, P (1972) Pedagogy of the oppressed , London: Penguin Books.
• Galeano, E. 1973. Open Veins of Latin America: Five Centuries of the Pillage of a Continent . New York and London: Monthly Review Press.
• Guijt, Irene, and Meera Kaul Shah, eds. 1998. The Myth of Community: Gender Issues in Participatory Development . London, UK: Intermediate Technology Publications.
• Hall, S. (ed.) (1997) Representation: Cultural Representations and Signifiying Practices , Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
• Hemer, O and Tufte, T (2003) Media and Glocal Change: Rethinking Communication for Development , Gšteborg and Buenos Aires: NORDICOM and CLASCO.
• Hickey, S and Mohan, G. 2004.  Participation: From Tyranny to Transformation? Exploring New Approaches to Participation in Development , London and New York: ZED Books.
• Kapoor, I. (2008). The Postcolonial Politics of Development . London and New York: Routledge.
• Lukes, S. (1974/2005) Power: A Radical View , London: British Sociological Association.
• Manyozo, L (2011) Engaging Communities Using Radio: Sustainable Development in Africa , Penang, Malasia: Southbound.
• Manyozo, L. (2012). Media, Communication and Development: Three Approaches . London: Sage.
• Melkote, S. R. and Steeves, H. L. (2001) Communication for Development in the Third World: Theory and Practice for Empowerment , 2nd Edition. London: Sage.
• Mody, B. (ed.) (2003) International and Development Communication: A 21st Century Perspective , 2nd Edition, Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
• Mohanty, C. et al. (eds.) (1990) Third world women and the politics of feminism , Bloomington: Indiana University Press.
• Nyamnjoh, F. B. (2005). Africa's media, democracy and the politics of belonging, London: Zed Books.
• Roy, S. (2005) Globalisation, ICT and Developing Nations: Challenges in the Information Age , New Delhi: Sage.
• Quebral, N (1988) Development communication , Laguna: UPLB College of Agriculture.
• Said, E. W. (1978). Orientalism . London: Penguin
• Servaes, J (Ed.) (2008) Communication for Development and Social Change , New Delhi, Thousand Oaks, London and Singapore: Sage.
• Wieringa, S. and Sivori, S. (eds) (2014) The Sexual History of the Global South: Sexual Politics in Africa, Asia and Latin America . London: Zed Books..
• Wilkins, K. G. (ed.) (2000) Redeveloping Communication for Social Change: Theory, Practice and Power , Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield.

Entry requirements

Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in social science, or degree in another field with professional experience in the media and communications field. Exceptionally, professional experience alone.

Please select your country from the dropdown list below to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.

Competition for places at LSE is strong. So, even if you meet the minimum entry requirements, this does not guarantee you an offer of a place.

However, please don’t feel deterred from applying – we want to hear from all suitably qualified students. Think carefully about how you can put together the strongest possible application to help you stand out from other students.

Programme content

You take one course on media and communications theories and concepts, a course in research methods, and a media, communication and development course. You'll choose courses from a range of options within the department and across other relevant departments, such as International Development. In addition, you'll submit a dissertation of 12,000 words.

Theories and Concepts in Media and Communications

Critical approaches to media, communication and development, dissertation: media and communications, one of the following half unit courses:, methods of research in media & communications (including qualitative & quantitative analysis), methods of research in media & communications (including qualitative analysis & applied regression analysis), courses to the value of one and a half units from a range of options, programme regulations at lse.

For the latest list of courses, please go to the relevant School Calendar page .

A few important points you’ll need to know:

We may need to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees due to unforeseen circumstances. We’ll always notify you as early as possible and recommend alternatives where we can.

The School is not liable for changes to published information or for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside our control (including a lack of demand, industrial action, fire, flooding or other damage to premises).

Places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements so we cannot therefore guarantee you a place.

Changes to programmes and courses may be made after you’ve accepted your offer of a place – normally due to global developments in the discipline or student feedback. We may also make changes to course content, teaching formats or assessment methods but these are always made to improve the learning experience.

For full details about the availability or content of courses and programmes, please take a look at the School’s  Calendar , or contact the relevant academic department.

Some major changes to programmes/courses are posted on our  updated graduate course and programme information page .

Why study with us

Discover more about our students and department.

Meet the department

The Department of Media and Communications is a world-leading centre for education and research in the field. Our department is ranked number 1 in the UK and number 2 globally for communication and media studies ( 2024 QS World University Rankings ).

We offer students a wide selection of programmes , including master’s degrees, doctoral research training and short courses. At any one time, we have around 270 master’s students and 30 PhD students from around the world – all varying in age, professional experience and backgrounds.

Within the department, our research is organised around four key themes: media culture and identities, media participation and politics, communication histories and futures, and communication technology, rights and justice. The outputs from our research are shared with organisations such as the BBC, Facebook, Google, UNICEF, Ofcom and the UK/EU governments.

LSE’s location at the heart of London, one of the world's media capitals, allows us to foster close links with media and communications industries and policymakers.

Graduates from our programmes progress to interesting roles in broadcasting, journalism, advertising, new media industries, political marketing, market research, regulation and policy, media management and research in the public and private sectors.

Department of Media and Communications

University of the Year 2025 and 1st in the UK

1st in london for the 13th year running, 6th in the world.

Carbon Neutral In 2021, LSE became the first Carbon Neutral verified university in the UK

Your application, when to apply.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students. At LSE, we want to recruit students with the best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of background.

We carefully consider each application and take into account all the information included on your application form, such as your:

• academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades)
• statement of academic purpose (please note the specific requirements for the statement of academic purpose for this programme )
• two academic references

See further information on supporting documents .

You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. See our English language requirements .

Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis. This means that applications will close once the programme is full.

There is no fixed deadline. However, if you’d like to be considered for any funding opportunities, you must submit your application (and all supporting documents) by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section below for more details.

Fees and funding

The table of fees shows the latest tuition fees for all programmes.

You're charged a fee for your programme. At LSE, your tuition fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It doesn't cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Home student fee (2025/26)

For this programme, all students pay the same tuition fees, regardless of their fee status.

Overseas student fee (2025/26)

At LSE, your tuition fees, and eligibility for any financial support, will depend on whether you’re classified as a home or overseas student (known as your fee status). We assess your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department for Education.

Further information about fee status classification .

Scholarships, bursaries and loans

Fee reduction

Students who completed undergraduate study at LSE and are beginning taught graduate study at the School are eligible for a  fee reduction  of around 10 per cent of the fee.

Scholarships and other funding

We recognise that the  cost of living in London  may be higher than in your home town/city or country and we provide generous scholarships to help both home and overseas students.

We offer some needs-based awards for this programme, including the  Graduate Support Scheme ,  Master's Awards , and  Anniversary Scholarships . Competition for these awards and scholarships is strong. To apply for an award, you must have an offer of a place and submit a Graduate Financial Support application before the funding deadline.

The funding deadline for needs-based awards from LSE: 24 April 2025 .

In addition to our needs-based awards, we offer scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for certain subjects .

You can’t apply for a Graduate Support Scheme or LSE scholarship once you’ve joined the School.

Please note: we do expect students who register for a programme to have sufficient funds for the duration.

Government tuition fee loans and external funding

The UK Government offers a postgraduate loan for eligible students studying for a first master’s programme. This is designed to help with fees and living costs. Some other governments and organisations also offer tuition fee loan schemes.

Find out more about tuition fee loans .

Further information

Learn more about fees and funding opportunities .

Learning and assessment

How you learn, how you're assessed, contact hours and independent study.

Within your programme you'll take a number of courses, often including half unit courses and full unit courses. In half unit courses, on average, you can expect 20-30 contact hours in total and for full unit courses, on average, you can expect 40-60 contact hours in total. This includes sessions such as lectures, classes, seminars or workshops. Hours vary according to courses and you can view indicative details in the Calendar within the Teaching section of each course guide .

You're also expected to complete independent study outside of class time. This varies depending on the programme, but requires you to manage the majority of your study time yourself, by engaging in activities such as reading, note-taking, thinking and research.

Formal classroom teaching is usually completed by the end of the Winter Term. Coursework is usually submitted in January and May, and examinations are generally held in May and June. The remaining months are set aside for you to complete the dissertations supported by staff supervision.

Part-time students

Part-time students will normally take and be examined in courses to the value of two units in each year of study. In the first year, these two units, selected in discussion with your academic mentor, will usually include the compulsory theoretical course(s) and one or more option course(s). The methods course(s) and the dissertation are then usually taken in the second year, together with the remaining option course(s). You may be permitted to vary the courses to be taken in each year with the approval of your academic mentor.

Teaching methods

LSE is internationally recognised for its teaching and research and therefore employs a rich variety of teaching staff with a range of experience and status. Courses may be taught by individual members of faculty, such as lecturers, senior lecturers, readers, associate professors and professors. Many departments now also employ guest teachers and visiting members of staff, LSE teaching fellows and graduate teaching assistants who are usually doctoral research students and in the majority of cases, teach on undergraduate courses only. You can view indicative details for the teacher responsible for each course in the relevant course guide .

Academic support

Academic mentor: you’ll meet with your academic mentor regularly to discuss your work. Your mentor can provide advice and guidance on academic issues and, where appropriate, personal concerns.

Other academic support: at LSE, we offer lots of opportunities to extend your learning outside the classroom.

LSE LIFE is a great place to get advice and practise the skills you’ll need during your studies and beyond.

Through LSE LIFE, you can:

• attend workshops on developing leadership skills, finding the right study/work/life balance and preparing for the world of work
• develop your reading, academic writing and critical-thinking skills
• gain experience of working in study groups and develop your cross-cultural communication and teamwork skills.

Disability and Mental Health Service: we want all LSE students to achieve their full potential. Students can access free, confidential advice through our Disability and Mental Health Service . This is the first point of contact for students.

All taught courses are required to include formative coursework which is unassessed. It's designed to help prepare you for summative assessment which counts towards the course mark and to the degree award. LSE uses a range of formative assessment, such as essays, problem sets, case studies, reports, quizzes, mock exams and many others. You'll be summatively assessed by written examinations (seen and unseen), research assignments, essays and the dissertation, which must be submitted in August.

Graduate destinations

Career support.

On graduating, our students enter a variety of careers in the UK and abroad, including NGO communications, broadcasting, journalism, advertising, new media industries, political marketing, market research, regulation and policy, media management and research in both the public and private sectors.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

Median salary of our postgraduate students 15 months after graduating:

Top 5 sectors our students work in:.

From CV workshops through to careers fairs, LSE offers lots of information and support to help you make that all-important step from education into work.

Many of the UK’s top employers give careers presentations at the School during the year and there are numerous workshops covering topics such as job hunting, managing interviews, writing a cover letter and using LinkedIn.

See LSE Careers for further details.

Find out more

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