About Us
Stanford's Department of Communication focuses on media in all its forms. The department studies the processes and effects of mass communication: the nature and social role of the various media; their structure, function, and ethics; and their impact on the political system, culture, and society. In this context, it considers not only traditional mass media, such as newspapers, magazines, radio, television, and film, but also information technology, online media, virtual reality, and the Internet. Students are trained as social scientists who can study the media and as potential practitioners in the use of the media in journalism, mass communications, and digital media. The department combines theory and practice and fosters individual research opportunities for its students, employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches.
The Department of Communication engages in research in communication and offers curricula leading to the B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees. The M.A. degree prepares students for a career in journalism. The department also offers current Stanford University undergraduates a coterminal program with an M.A. emphasis in Media Studies. The Ph.D. degree leads to careers in university teaching and research-related specialties.
The John S. Knight (JSK) Journalism Fellowships empowers innovative journalism leaders to succeed as effective change agents, sustain democratic communities and defend press freedom around the world. Through individual coaching, tailored workshops and peer-to-peer learning, the JSK Fellowships helps fellows identify the tools and mindsets needed to effectively lead and navigate change in times of uncertainty. Fellows come to Stanford University for 9 months to explore and test practical solutions to urgent and systemic problems facing journalism. They also have access to the world-class faculty and other resources of the university.
Mission of the Undergraduate Program in Communication
The mission of the undergraduate program in Communication is to expose students to a broad-based understanding of communication theory and research. Students in this major are expected to become familiar with the fundamental concerns, theoretical approaches, and methods of the field, and to acquire advanced knowledge in one or more sub-areas of the discipline. This is accomplished by several levels of study: a core curriculum; intermediate-level electives; and optional internships. Majors also have the opportunity to do advanced research projects. The department is committed to providing students with analytical and critical skills needed for success in graduate programs, professional schools, or immediate career entry.
Admission
Prospective Undergraduates: Applications are available at Undergraduate Admissions.
Prospective Coterminal Students: See the Student Services web site for information on how to apply.
Prospective Graduate Students: Applications are available online at Graduate Admissions.
Submission of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores is optional for applicants to the Ph.D. Program in Communication, and not required for applicants to the master’s program. Admission to each graduate degree program is competitive and based on the pool of applicants each year rather than on standard criteria that can be stated in advance. See Communication Department admission procedures and requirements for detailed information about admission to the department.
Stanford students who are completing an M.A. degree and who desire entry into the Ph.D. program must file a Graduate Program Authorization Petition in Axess. Such students are considered alongside all other doctoral applicants.
People
Browse the people that work for Stanford's Department of Communication.
Director of Undergraduate Studies: Fred Turner
Director of Graduate Studies: Angele Christin (Coterminal MA - Communication (Media Studies Subplan)),
Jay Hamilton (Coterminal and Terminal MA - Communication (Journalism Subplan)), Jeremy Bailenson (Doctorates), Byron Reeves (PhD Minors)
Connect with Us
Use these channels to learn more about our department and reach out to us.
Visit our website: http://comm.stanford.edu
Email us: info@commu.stanford.edu
Call our main office: (650) 723-1941
Find Us on Campus or Send Us Mail
Department of Communication
Building 120, Room 110
450 Jane Stanford Way
Mail Code: 2050
Stanford, CA 94305