The Ph.D. in Media Communication focuses on the historical, social, and cultural factors that shape the development of mediated communication, and the role of mediated communication in the public's understanding of contemporary issues. Students are encouraged to pursue a concentration in one of the following: Science Communication, Strategic Communication, or Journalism Studies. The program prepares students with high-level research and theoretical skills for careers in academic and communication research or research management positions.
Students interested in graduate work should refer to the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
Learning Objectives
- Develop an in-depth understanding of a wide range of communication, psychological, social, and structural theories related to media communication research;
- Develop competency in research design, including theory-building, conceptualization, operationalization of concepts, development of research questions, hypothesis testing, and quantitative and/or qualitative methodologies applicable to conducting communication research;
- Develop expertise in a specific content area outside of the Department of Journalism and Media Communication;
- Practice instructional methods and presentation skills appropriate for higher education and industry;
- Conduct a focused communication dissertation using the skills and knowledge acquired in the program;
- Execute public dissemination of the primary dissertation project undertaken while a student in the program.
Effective Spring 2022
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| JTC 500 | Communication Research and Evaluation Methods | 3 |
| JTC 501 | Process and Effects of Communication | 4 |
| JTC 601 | Cognitive Communication Theory | 3 |
| JTC 602 | Social and Cultural Communication Theory | 3 |
| JTC 604 | Colloquium--Grad/Teaching/Learning/Research | 2 |
| JTC 605 | Colloquium In Communication Research | 1 |
| JTC 664 | Quantitative Research in Communication | 3 |
| JTC 665 | Qualitative Methods in Communication Research | 3 |
| Research Methods Electives | 9 | |
| Select 9 credits from the following: | ||
| Seminar: Experimental Design | ||
| Seminar: Survey Design | ||
| Seminar: Content Analysis | ||
| Seminar: Qualitative Methods | ||
| Seminar: Human Factors | ||
| Seminar: Critical and Cultural Methods | ||
| Theory Electives | 12 | |
| Select 12 credits from the following: | ||
| Managing Communications Systems | ||
| Political Economy of Global Media | ||
| Public Communication Campaigns | ||
| Health Communication | ||
| Public Communication Technologies | ||
| Strategic Communications | ||
| Communication and Innovation | ||
| Information Design | ||
| Communicating Science and Technology | ||
| Communication in the Social Processes of Risk | ||
| Seminar: Health and Risk | ||
| Seminar: Human Computer Interaction | ||
| Seminar: Communication Technology in Organizations | ||
| Seminar: Ethics, Law, and Policy | ||
| Seminar: Strategic Communication | ||
| Seminar: Media Technology and Society | ||
| Cognate Area 1 | 12 | |
| Electives 2 | 9 | |
| Dissertation Research | 9 | |
| Select 9 credits from the following: | ||
| Research | ||
| Dissertation | ||
| Program Total Credits: | 73 | |
- 1
Select 12 credits from outside the department, or appropriate JTC courses, with approval of advisor and graduate committee.
- 2
Select 9 credits from above with approval of advisor and graduate committee.
A minimum of 73 credits are required to complete this program.
For more information, please visit Requirements for All Graduate Degrees in the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
Summary of Procedures for the Master's and Doctoral Degrees
NOTE: Each semester the Graduate School publishes a schedule of deadlines. Deadlines are available on the Graduate School website. Students should consult this schedule whenever they approach important steps in their careers.
Forms are available online.
| Step | Due Date |
|---|---|
| 1. Application for admission (online) | Six months before first registration |
| 2. Diagnostic examination when required | Before first registration |
| 3. Appointment of advisor | Before first registration |
| 4. Selection of graduate committee | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 5. Filing of program of study (GS Form 6) | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 6. Preliminary examination (Ph.D. and PD) | Two terms prior to final examination |
| 7. Report of preliminary examination (GS Form 16) - (Ph.D. and PD) | Within two working days after results are known |
| 8. Changes in committee (GS Form 9A) | When change is made |
| 9. Application for Graduation (GS Form 25) | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 9a. Reapplication for Graduation (online) | Failure to graduate requires Reapplication for Graduation (online) for the next time term for which you are applying |
| 10. Submit thesis or dissertation to committee | At least two weeks prior to the examination or at the discretion of the graduate committee |
| 11. Final examination | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 12. Report of final examination (GS Form 24) | Within two working days after results are known; refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 13. Submit a signed Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form (GS Form 30) to the Graduate School and Submit the Survey of Earned Doctorates (Ph.D. only) prior to submitting the electronic thesis/dissertation | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website. |
| 14. Submit the thesis/dissertation electronically | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 15. Graduation | Ceremony information is available from the Graduate School website |