Journalism Studies, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
The University of Maryland's Ph.D. in Journalism Studies is designed to prepare students for careers in university teaching, academic and industry research, and media consulting. The first two years of the program consist of coursework in theory, research methods, journalism, and an outside area of interest (such as Communications, Sociology, History, etc.). After advancing to doctoral candidacy, students then conduct research and write the dissertation. Most successful candidates enter the program with a master's degree, but a master’s degree is not a prerequisite for admission
Advance to Candidacy: At the end of coursework, students are required to pass five comprehensive examinations: four written comprehensive exams and one oral exam. Each of the four written exams cover the following topics: theory, a cognate area, methodology, and an area of specialization. The fifth one is an oral defense of the comprehensive exams.
Post-Candidacy: Complete at least 12 credits of JOUR899 doctoral dissertation research. Successfully defend and submit an original dissertation.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| JOUR775 | Quantitative Methods in Journalism and Public Communication Research | 3 |
| JOUR776 | Qualitative Research Methods in Journalism and Public Communication | 3 |
| JOUR601 | Theories of Journalism and Public Communication | 3 |
| JOUR610 | Seminar in Mass Media History | 3 |
| JOUR800 | Introduction to Doctoral Study in Journalism and Public Communication | 3 |
| JOUR801 | Advanced Public Communication Theory | 3 |
| Select a minimum of nine credits in cognate courses outside of Journalism 3 | 9 | |
| Electives | 6 | |
| Additional Research Design and Methods course | 3 | |
| Dissertation Research Requirements | ||
| JOUR899 | Doctoral Dissertation Research in Journalism and Mass Communication | 12 |
| Total Credits | 48 | |