Communication, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Advance to Candidacy: Course requirements include work in a cognate discipline and research methods. In addition students must successfully pass a comprehensive examination that certifies mastery of disciplinary knowledge and preparation for independent research

Post-candidacy: In order to advance to candidacy, students must complete and successfully defend a dissertation that advances knowledge of communication. 

Requirements for Students entering with a B.A./B.S. in Communication 

Course Title Credits
Core Requirements
COMM700Introduction to Graduate Study in Communication3
Cognate Area Outside Department6
Area of Specialization15
Select one of the following:3
Communication Theory
Seminar in Public Relations Management
Contemporary Rhetorical Theory
Select one of the following course sequences:12
Quantitative:
Quantitative Methods in Communication Research
Select nine additional credits in quantitative methods and statistics
Historical/Critical:
Historical/Critical Methods in Communication Research
Advanced Historical/Critical Methods in Communication Research
Select six additional credits in methods and foundations
Qualitative:
Introduction to Qualitative Methods in Communication Research
Advanced Qualitative Methods in Communication Research
Select six additional credits in methods and foundations
Dissertation Research Requirements
COMM899Doctoral Dissertation Research12
Total Credits51

Requirements for Students entering with a M.A. in Communication 

Course Title Credits
Core Requirements
Cognate Area Outside Department6
Area of Specialization9
Select one of the following course sequences:12
Quantitative:
Quantitative Methods in Communication Research
Select nine additional credits in quantitative methods and statistics
Historical/Critical:
Historical/Critical Methods in Communication Research
Advanced Historical/Critical Methods in Communication Research
Select six additional credits in methods and foundations
Qualitative:
Introduction to Qualitative Methods in Communication Research
Advanced Qualitative Methods in Communication Research
Select six additional credits in methods and foundations
Dissertation Research Requirements
COMM899Doctoral Dissertation Research12
Total Credits39