COMMU-PHD - Communication (PhD)

The department offers a PhD in Communication, focusing on theory and research. Each student builds a research specialty relating communication to current faculty interests in such areas as ethics, computational journalism, information processing, data science, law, online communities, human-computer interaction, politics, voting, virtual reality, psychology of technology, history of technology, critical data studies, emotion regulation, personality expression, digital media and change across the life span, knowledge production, the influence of algorithms, personality and digital media, and information technology. Regardless of the area of specialization, the PhD program is designed primarily for students interested in university research and teaching or other research or analyst positions.

Students must complete the requirements listed in the Degree Requirements Section below for the PhD degree in Communication. Additional information is available in the Degree Requirements and Department Procedures for PhD Students and PhD Advisors (pdf).

This program is full time, doctoral students in the Communication Department are expected to maintain a significant physical presence on campus throughout their graduate studies.This ensures that students have access to advisors and mentors, libraries, and other resources that support timely progress towards completion of degree requirements. Additionally, being on campus ensures that students are part of the academic and campus community which supports continued professional development.

Prospective graduate students should see the Office of Graduate Admissions website and the Applications and Financial Aid section of the department website for detailed information and application materials.