online phd in mass communication

Ph.D. in Mass Communications

Our doctoral program in mass communication, jointly administered with the Department of Life Sciences Communication, is internationally recognized for our faculty and areas of research. Applicants to the Joint Ph.D. in Mass Communications may apply to one or both departments, depending on your areas of research interest. Options are:

• Mass Communications: Journalism & Mass Comm (code G630L)
• Mass Communications: Life Sciences Comm (code G630A)

The Ph.D. degree in Mass Communications provides future academics and professionals with rigorous training in theory and research with highly individualized programs that students develop in consultation with their advisors. Our Ph.D. graduates become some of the most successful researchers and leaders in the field of mass communication.   We require our students to engage in a systematic search for answers to well-formulated and substantive questions. The research process culminates in the discovery and reporting of new knowledge to others.

A doctoral dissertation in Mass Communications demonstrates a student’s ability to examine in detail an important issue in the field, using original research. Faculty members expect the dissertation to be clearly presented while conveying the student’s close familiarity with his or her research area.

The program offers several internationally recognized areas of research and teaching excellence: 

• civic and political communication
• health and environmental communications
• history of media institutions
• information technologies
• social networking and digital media
• processes and effects of mediated communication
• law and ethics of media
• international and inter-cultural communication
• public opinion
• science and risk communication
• social marketing
• journalism studies
• media ecologies
• race and media

Working closely with their advisor and committee, students draw from courses offered in departments across campus to develop a plan of study in preparation for independent and original research in their area of specialization.

Visit the Ph.D. in Mass Communications website for more information.

Visit  Ph.D. in Mass Communications  for more information.

Ph.D. Handbook (PDF)

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Ph.D in Mass Communication

Mass Communication Ph.D. – a joint program with the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism and the School of Media Arts and Studies

We are pioneers in journalism education and research and media studies scholarship. Scripps’ Mass Communication doctoral graduates hold key positions at colleges and universities around the world. We lead scholarly organizations and are professors, chairs and deans at Carnegie R1 institutions. We focus on innovation in our changing media environment.

Our faculty have significant experience in industry and the academy, preparing our doctoral students for research in journalism, mass communication, strategic communication (advertising and public relations), social media, data analytics, critical cultural studies, First Amendment theory and policy, media ethics and history, political communication, and international communication.

Scripps offers a caring community where students collaborate with faculty, each other and scholars across our university community. We provide students with mentorship in their academic areas, in scholarly publishing, in the timely completion of their degrees as well as assistance with job placement.

Our financial aid (tuition waivers and stipends) are highly competitive, and we offer travel grants for students to present their research across the country and the world. Recently, doctoral students have presented their research and completed field work in such countries as Romania, England, China, Germany, Cambodia and India, just to name a few.

We offer the prestigious Scripps Howard Teaching Fellowship to our best candidates who have significant professional experience in the news industry. Doctoral students have the opportunity to teach some of the best undergraduate media, journalism and strategic communication majors in the country.

Our students are driven to conduct research that strengthens democracy, improves health communication in an effort to improve health outcomes, and focuses on media for and about under-represented groups. Join us in the beautiful foothills of Appalachia, in Athens, Ohio, a small town with a world view.

About the Program

Meet current students

Program outcomes

Past graduate students have on gone on to work as faculty at universities and colleges, professionals in the media production industry, researchers and activists at NGOs, and journalists around the world. Learn more about our program alumni.

How to Apply

Please apply through OHIO's  Graduate College portal . The Ph.D. in Mass Communication program has two tracks: choose program code PH5307 for Media Arts and Studies (MDIA), and program code PH5308 for Journalism (JOUR). 

Applications are accepted for fall admission only (the start of the academic year). For each academic year's admissions, the application portal will open on September 30 the year prior.  

We ask for the following materials as part of your application:

• Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Optional. We encourage the submission of GRE scores, but we will evaluate each applicant in a holistic manner. If you are including your GRE scores, they must be sent by the testing agency to the Graduate College. Please note in your application if you are not submitting scores. 
• International applicants must provide TOEFL or IELTS scores to the Graduate College, except for those who fulfill one of the exemptions listed here. No other test of English proficiency (such as Duolingo) can be accepted as a substitute.
• Official transcripts from all universities previously attended
• Statement of purpose: 500-1,000 words explaining your reasons for pursuing a Ph.D. in Mass Communication, and why you would be a strong applicant for an Ohio University doctoral program
• Three letters of recommendation
• Writing sample
• The GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS  reporting code  for Ohio University is  1593 .

You also are welcome to submit samples of your professional work, but they are not required.

Applicants should have a Master's degree. You need not have an undergraduate major or master’s degree in mass communication, media studies, or journalism to apply for a Ph.D. in mass communication. However, the admissions committee will look favorably on relevant academic and professional experience.

Application deadlines:

The deadline for all applicants (U.S. citizens/permanent residents and non-U.S. citizens/permanent residents) is January 2, 2024.

Assistantships

Graduate assistantships are competitively awarded based on academic record, professional experience, recommendations and current needs of the School of Media Arts and Studies and the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. All doctoral students with a graduate assistantship are required to work a minimum of 15 hours per week (and no more than 20 hours) in exchange for a stipend and full tuition waiver and may be assigned as teaching assistants, research assistants, or instructors. 

For questions or more information about our doctoral program, contact:

Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)

We rank the best online PhD degree programs in communications.

Key Takeaways

• A number of graduate schools offer an online PhD in communications.
• A communications PhD program is a good fit for students with an interest in linguistics, media studies, organizational communication, post-secondary education, and more.
• The best online communication doctorates are regionally and programmatically accredited and prepare students for success in the job market.

Featured Programs

Online doctoral degree programs are growing in availability and credibility. However, only a select number of universities offer a full selection of PhD in communication programs online.

In most fields, an online PhD is considered a terminal degree, which means it is the highest degree that you can earn in your field. This means that online doctoral programs for PhD students in communication can lead to opportunities for leadership, public consultation, research, and post-secondary education in your field.

Online PhD in communication candidates are typically already working at a high level in their field. This means that students seeking their doctorate must balance existing work and personal responsibilities with a challenging course of education. For many graduate students, online courses and fully online programs provide a way to achieve this balance.

For a look at how these online doctoral programs stack up against traditional on campus programs, check out our look at the The Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees .

Or see the complete University Rankings Guide .

Otherwise, read on and learn more about how you can earn an online PhD in communication through a top-ranked online doctorate program.

About Accredited Online PhD in Communication Degree Programs

Online doctoral students have plenty of options, but quality and credibility are important when it comes to finding an online PhD. The best online doctorate programs will have proper accreditation:

• Institutional Accreditation : Accreditation is vital for online doctoral programs. It signifies that the online PhD programs offered by the graduate school are in compliance with the standards of a Department of Education-approved accrediting body.

A school must also be accredited in order to offer federal financial aid to its online doctorate candidates. When looking for an online doctoral program, seek out options with accreditation from a colleges and schools commission in your region. This stamp of approval is critical for ensuring the quality and credibility of your online program.

• Programmatic Accreditation : In addition to institutional accreditation, look for online doctorate degree programs with programmatic accreditation. Specialized programmatic accreditation can be an indication that certain online PhD programs are respected in your field. The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC) is the key specialized accrediting agency in communications.
• Carnegie Classification : The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, or as it is more commonly known, the Carnegie Classification, is a framework for categorizing all accredited, degree-granting institutions in the United States. Originally formulated in 1970 by The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, and administered through the University of Indiana’s Center for Postsecondary Research since 2014, the Carnegie Classification is “the leading framework for recognizing and describing institutional diversity in U.S. higher education.”

Under this classification, top research universities for doctoral degrees and PhD candidates are identified as either R2: Doctoral Universities for “high research activity” or R1: Doctoral Universities for “very high research activity.” Look for these classifications when considering options for your online Phd programs.

Key Point: The best online doctoral programs will have both institutional and programmatic accreditation.

Admission Requirements

Schools that offer online doctorate programs have different admission requirements. However, most online doctoral in communication programs will carry the same basic threshold for admission:

• A completed online application
• Official undergraduate college transcripts
• A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
• GRE scores, MAT scores, or GMAT scores
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal interviews
• Personal statement or essay
• Plan of study

Key Point: In some cases, you’ll be eligible to enter a doctoral degree online after earning a bachelor’s degree. However, manyu specialized online PhD programs may require you to have earned a master’s degree as well.

Curriculum and Courses

As with other advanced degree and graduate programs, research is the central component of your online communications doctoral program. This is true for fully online doctorate degrees as well as hybrid degrees combining online education with traditional on-campus courses.

Regardless of whether you complete a traditional, hybrid or online doctoral program, the typical time to completion is three to five years.

The typical components of your online PhD program may include:

Foundational Courses

Your online PhD program will typically begin with a number of core courses in areas like technical communication, mass communication, strategic communication, and more. You will likely also take foundational courses in your area of concentration.

PhD program concentrations may include media and communication studies, health communication, political communication, and more. Foundational courses will also provide critical research skills including how to apply both quantitative research methods and qualitative research methods. You may be able to complete many of your communications program requirements through online classes.

Examinations for PhD Candidacy

Many online doctoral students are required to complete certain examinations to enter into online PhD candidacy. This will typically occur after you’ve completed one to two years of foundational courses.

Dissertation

The central component of most online PhD in communications programs will be the completion of a dissertation. After gaining status as an online PhD candidate, you will typically work closely with a professorial advisor or mentor to develop an original research question.

This research question will form the basis of your dissertation—an ongoing project designed to address this research question through applied research. While you will work closely with your advisor or mentor, much of your dissertation will be rooted in independent research. This is especially true for students pursuing an online PhD.

Oral Defense

Upon completion of the written portion of your dissertation—which will typically present the findings from your original research project—you will be expected to defend your findings. This “oral defense” will typically be conducted by a commission of professors and experts in your field. PhD candidates in some online degree programs may be able to conduct this defense via teleconferencing.

Teaching Requirements

Some online PhD programs will also include a teaching component, which will require you to work as an adjunct professor or teacher’s assistant in an undergraduate or graduate school. It may be possible for students in the online doctoral degree program to also serve teaching requirements by instructing online students.

Key Point: The online communications PhD is a research-focused degree. Your dissertation will be a central part of your online doctoral degree program.

Careers for Students Who Complete Online Communications Doctoral Degree Programs

Accredited online doctoral programs are generally terminal degree programs. This means that students who complete credible online doctoral programs in their field are generally eligible for top positions and opportunities in their field. This may indicate high paying opportunities for public policy research, post-secondary education, and editorship.

For instance, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the top 10% of earners in the field of Editing earned nearly $130,000 in 2021.

These higher earnings are reflective of the rarified professional opportunities that await those with a PhD in communications. Working professionals who earn an accredited online doctorate may be eligible to work in the following areas.

• Marketing and Consumer Research
• Publishing and Editing
• Public Relations
• Post-Secondary Education
• Public Policy Consultation
• Political Campaign Management

Key Points: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, students with a doctorate n communications will earn more than graduates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

What’s the difference between online doctoral programs and online PhD programs?

Technically, a PhD is a type of doctorate degree. This means that all online PhD candidates are doctoral students. By contrast, not all doctoral students are PhD candidates.

The primary distinction is that doctoral students are primarily focused on putting existing theories into practice. Depending on your chosen field, your online doctoral degree may require participation in an educational leadership program, engagement in clinical practice, work as a resident in a nursing program, and much more.

By contrast, online PhD students are focused on creating new knowledge in their area of study. This usually means that online PhD candidates are focused on introducing new theories, creating research projects around these theories, and presenting new findings that demonstrate a mastery of existing knowledge and the insight to introduce new ideas into the field.

Today, more working professionals than ever before are pursuing both online doctoral degrees and online Phd programs.

The Best Online Communications Doctorates (PhDs)

The online PhDs and doctorates in communication identified here are ranked based on influence, with weighting for graduation rate and full-time online enrollment.

University of Alabama

• #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities in Alabama 2024
• #1 Best Public Colleges in Alabama 2024
• #10 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
• #11 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
• #25 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Human Development Degree Programs for 2024
• #1 Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs for 2024
• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Alabama
• #1 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2024
• #1 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Alabama 2024
• #2 Best Online Master's in Kinesiology Degree Programs
• #2 Best Online Master's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Health Science
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
• #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs for 2024
• #2 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2024
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #3 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
• #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2024
• #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Public Health Degree Programs for Students
• #6 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs
• #6 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024
• #6 Best Online Master's in Marketing and Advertising
• #6 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
• #6 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #6 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #6 Best Online Master's in Special Education
• #8 Best Online Master’s in Communications
• #8 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
• #8 Best Online Master's in Nursing MSN
• #11 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
• #14 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024
• #15 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #17 Best Online Master’s in Engineering
• #21 Best Online Master's in Management
• #21 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
• #11 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Tuition + fees

Student body

Median SAT/ACT

Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Alabama

University of Alabama’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Social Work
• Mathematics
• Anthropology
• Political Science
• Engineering

Most Influential Alumni

• Edward O. Wilson
• Timothy Leary
• George Armitage Miller
• Bernie Madoff
• Nathan Jacobson
• John Ridley Stroop
• George W. Snedecor
• Mohammad Ataul Karim

What do we love about University of Alabama?

University of Alabama was founded in the city of Tuscaloosa, Alabama in 1820. Emerging in the immediate aftermath of Alabama’s statehood, Bama is the oldest institution of higher learning in Alabama.

And today, a student body of more than 38,000 undergraduates and postgraduates makes this public research university the largest school in the state of Alabama.

University of Alabama’s Communication and Information Sciences doctoral degree program is noted for its multidisciplinary approach to the study of communication and information sciences.

Enjoy a strong athletics program. The University of Alabama Crimson Tide enjoy a heated cross-state rivalry with the Tigers of Auburn University.

Prefer a more intimate learning environment. University of Alabama is noted for the size of its student body, the scope of its academic offerings, and the expansiveness of its campus facilities.

American University

• #3 Best Private Colleges in DC 2024
• #3 Best Grad Schools in DC 2024
• #4 Best Colleges in DC 2024
• #9 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
• #23 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #24 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
• #3 Best Online Master's Programs in DC 2024
• #4 Best Online MBA Programs in DC
• #7 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Economics PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #12 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
• #15 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024
• #4 How to Earn Your Master's Degree Without Your Bachelor's Degree

Career Outlook for Communications degree at American University

What do we love about american university.

American University is a private research university located in Washington D.C. American University was actually formed by an act of Congress in 1893.

Today, American University is home to more than 8000 undergraduates and more than 6000 graduate students.

Its doctoral-level communications program demonstrates the close connection between American University and the city it calls home. The AU School of Communication’s Doctor of Philosophy in Communication gives PhD candidates a chance to conduct independent research at the intersection of media, technology, and democracy. /p>

Have an interest in public service, political affairs, and government work. Its location in the nation’s capital makes American University a feeder school for many government opportunities.

Are seeking a more affordable degree program. American University provides generous student amenities but these expenses are reflected in the cost of attendance.

University of Colorado Boulder

• #1 Best Colleges in Colorado 2024
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Colorado 2024
• #2 Best Online Colleges in Colorado 2024

Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Colorado Boulder

University of Colorado Boulder’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Earth Sciences
• Computer Science
• George Gaylord Simpson
• Sidney Altman
• Scott Carpenter
• Jeffrey Beall
• Jack Williamson
• Steven M. Wise
• Marc Bekoff
• Kenneth R. Miller
• Terrence Deacon
• Theodore Maiman
• Eugene Myers

What do we love about the University of Colorado Boulder?

The University of Colorado Boulder was founded in 1876 and was, in fact, established five months before Colorado achieved statehood. This makes it the flagship university in the state’s public university system.

The University of Colorado Boulder, located in the mid-sized city of Boulder, is home to a decidedly large student population. Roughly 38,000 students are currently in pursuit of their undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at Boulder.

Among its noteworthy graduate degree programs, the University of Colorado Boulder offers a PhD in Communication to students who have earned a master’s degree in a related subject.

Are pursuing advanced degrees. Boulder ranks among R1: Doctoral Universities, so noted for their very high level of research activity.

Are looking for an intimate college experience. Though the Boulder campus is routinely ranked among the most beautiful colleges in the nation, it is also the largest school in the state of Colorado.

Clemson University

• #2 Best Research Universities in South Carolina 2024
• #2 Best Public Colleges in South Carolina 2024
• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in South Carolina
• #2 Best Online Master's Programs in South Carolina 2024
• #2 Best Online Colleges in South Carolina 2024
• #2 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
• #4 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management
• #4 Best Online Master's in Biology
• #8 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
• #9 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies
• #9 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #11 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #18 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs
• #18 Best Online Master's in Special Education
• #20 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2024
• #20 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #24 Best Online Master’s in Engineering

Career Outlook for Communications degree at Clemson University

Clemson University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• James Dickey
• Strom Thurmond
• John Edwards
• Jo Jorgensen
• Anthony Bradley
• James F. Byrnes
• Warren E. Dixon
• Dolph Lundgren
• Thomas Naylor
• Horace Grant
• Dwight Clark
• Deshaun Watson

What do we love about Clemson University?

Clemson University was founded in 1889 and began life as the Clemson Agricultural College. Today, the public land-grant university occupies 1400 acres alongside Lake Hartwell in Clemson, South Carolina.

With more than 25,000 students pursuing degrees at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, Clemson University ranks as the second largest university in the state of South Carolina.

Clemson is included in the list of R1: Doctoral Universities, those noted for their high level of research activity. Clemson offers an array of unique advanced degree programs, such as its doctoral program in Rhetorics, Communication, and Information Design , which emphasizes “an overall balance of ecologies in rhetorics and communication with emphasis on rhetorics and digital information design.”

Enjoy college athletics. Clemson’s Tigers enjoy an enormous cultural presence both on campus and in the surrounding region.

Are looking for a college in a lively area. Clemson is located in the foothills of the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, but this also means that the university is a two hour drive from the nearest city.

Texas Tech University

• #7 Best Colleges in Texas 2024
• #1 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024
• #1 Best Online Master's in English
• #2 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
• #2 Best Online Certificate in Liberal Arts and Humanities Ranked for Students
• #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Texas
• #2 Top 8 Best Online Public Health PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #3 Top 5 Best Online English PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Information Technology
• #4 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of English Programs
• #4 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Public Relations Ranked 2024
• #5 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2024
• #5 Best Online Bachelor’s of Digital Media for 2024
• #6 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2024
• #6 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
• #7 Best Online Master's Programs in Texas 2024
• #7 Best Online Master's in Agriculture and Agribusiness Degree Programs
• #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #8 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #8 10 Best Online Master's of Music Education Degree Programs
• #8 The Most Affordable Online Clinical Nutrition Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #9 Best Online Doctorate of Educational Psychology (PhDs) 2024
• #10 Best Online Master’s in Communications
• #11 Best Online Master's in Marketing and Advertising
• #12 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024
• #12 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs)
• #14 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
• #14 Best Online Master's in Special Education
• #14 Best Online Master’s in Engineering
• #15 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
• #15 Best Online Master’s in Education
• #16 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #20 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs
• #20 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #23 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2024 Ranked for Students
• #23 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)

Career Outlook for Communications degree at Texas Tech University

What do we love about texas tech university.

Texas Tech University began life as the Texas Technical College with its founding 1923. Based in Lubbock, Texas Tech is considered the primary institution among the five schools making up the Texas Tech University System.

Taking its present name in 1969, Texas Tech University would become the sixth-largest institution in the state of Texas. Today, there are more than 40,000 students earning degrees at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels at the public research university.

Texas Tech is particularly noteworthy as a destination for prospective PhDs. Texas Tech is classified among R1: Doctoral Universities, so noted for their very high research activity. This includes opportunities for doctoral level students interested in Texas Tech’s PhD in Media and Communication .

Like a college with strong school spirit. Students repeatedly note that the school spirit is a major feature of campus life, which can make Texas Tech feel like one big community.

Are looking for a small campus. Like a lot of other things in Texas, Texas Tech is a sprawling campus. Students note that the sheer distance of walking between classes can sometimes be exhausting.

Colorado State University

• #3 Best Colleges in Colorado 2024
• #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
• #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Colorado 2024
• #4 Best Online Colleges in Colorado 2024
• #4 Top 5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #5 Online Colleges That Start Anytime and the Benefits of a Self-Paced Education
• #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Colorado
• #9 Most Affordable Online Sociology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
• #15 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs
• #24 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)

Career Outlook for Communications degree at Colorado State University

Colorado State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Jean Bethke Elshtain
• Steve Hanke
• Yusef Komunyakaa
• Elaine Ingham
• Mark Mattson
• Rebecca Skloot
• Ibrahim Abdulaziz Al-Assaf
• William Tietz
• James van Hoften
• Jenna Ellis
• Martin J. Fettman
• Anwar al-Awlaki

What do we love about Colorado State University?

Colorado State University was formed in 1870 as the flagship institution in what would become the Colorado state school system. The Fort Collins-based public research university is noted today for including the biomedical sciences, engineering, environmental science, and more.

Colorado State University was formed as a small agricultural school in the years leading up to Colorado’s 1876 statehood. Today, Colorado State serves more than 34,000 students.

Colorado State University is noted for its top-ranked graduate courses and degree programs, such as its PhD in Communication .

Are pursuing careers in healthcare. Colorado State ranks high for spending on its various medical sciences programs.

Are seeking a small campus experience.

University of North Dakota

• #1 Most Affordable Colleges in North Dakota 2024
• #1 Best Public Colleges in North Dakota 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities in North Dakota 2024
• #1 Best Colleges in North Dakota 2024
• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in North Dakota
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Programs in North Dakota
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in North Dakota 2024
• #1 Best Online Colleges in North Dakota 2024
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Montana
• #6 Online Colleges That Start Anytime and the Benefits of a Self-Paced Education
• #3 10 Best Accelerated Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of North Dakota

University of North Dakota’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Communications
• Phil Jackson
• Maxwell Anderson
• Vilhjalmur Stefansson
• Chuck Klosterman
• Thomas McGrath
• George A. Lundberg
• Jonathan Toews
• Michael Rustad

What do we love about the University of North Dakota?

The University of North Dakota’s history actually predates North Dakota statehood by a full six years. Formed in 1883 by the Dakota Territorial Assembly, this Grand Forks-based university began as a liberal arts institution before expanding to include scientific research.

Today, the University of North Dakota is classified among R2: Doctoral Universities, noted for their high level of research activity. UND is currently home to more than 13,000 students pursuing degrees at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

The University of North Dakota is noted for its excellent array of doctoral level research programs such as its Communication PhD .

Are seeking options for getting involved. Current students praise the wide range of clubs and activities offered to UND students.

Don’t have a high tolerance for cold weather. Temperatures on campus dip well below freezing throughout the winter months.

Liberty University

• #1 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2024
• #3 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2024
• #7 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2024
• #7 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2024
• #9 Best Colleges in Virginia 2024
• #19 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
• #21 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
• #1 Best Online Associate Degree Programs That Can Be Completed in 1 Year
• #1 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Math Degree Programs Ranked for Students
• #1 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2024
• #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Virginia 2024
• #1 Best Online Associate in Economics
• #1 Best Online Associate in Philosophy
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Music Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Christian Counseling Degree Programs
• #1 Most Affordable Online PhDs in Psychology Ranked for 2024
• #1 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Economics PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #1 Best Online Associate in Education
• #1 Best Online Associate in Mathematics
• #1 Top 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Nursing (BSN) Programs
• #2 Best Online Associate in Biblical Studies
• #2 Best Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies
• #2 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Forensic Psychology Programs
• #2 Accelerated Online Business Administration PhD Programs (Doctorates)
• #2 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education
• #2 How To Get an Online Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies
• #2 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Psychology Degree Programs 2024
• #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #2 Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Programs for 2024
• #2 Top 3 Best Online Economics PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #2 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Psychology Programs
• #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Information Technology
• #3 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of English
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Virginia
• #3 Best Online Degrees for a Career in Teaching Ranked 2024
• #3 Best Online History Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #3 Best Online Associate in Paralegal Studies
• #3 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2024
• #3 Best Online Master's in Theology
• #3 Top 5 Best Online Criminal Justice Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Healthcare Administration Masters
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in the District Of Columbia
• #3 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice PhDs (Doctorates)
• #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity
• #4 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates)
• #4 Best Online Associate in Accounting
• #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Virginia
• #4 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
• #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Illinois
• #4 Top 8 Fastest Accelerated Online Psychology Doctorates (PhDs)
• #4 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #4 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #4 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Information Technology PhD Programs
• #4 Best Online Associate in Psychology
• #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2024
• #5 Top 20 Easiest Online Degrees from Accredited Schools in 2024
• #5 Top 10 Fastest Accelerated Online PhD in Criminal Justice (Doctorates)
• #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Virginia 2024
• #5 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Information Technology
• #6 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
• #6 Best Online Bachelor’s of Graphic Arts Degree Programs for 2024
• #6 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Accounting Programs
• #6 Best Online Master’s in Biblical Studies
• #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Strategic Communications Degree Programs
• #7 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs)
• #7 The Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Bachelor's Degrees
• #7 Best Online Doctorate of Educational Psychology (PhDs) 2024
• #7 Online Colleges That Start Anytime and the Benefits of a Self-Paced Education
• #8 Best Online Associate in History Degrees
• #8 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Business Administration Doctorates
• #8 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity
• #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2024
• #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
• #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #9 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
• #9 Best Online Associate's in Physics
• #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
• #9 Best Online Master's in Biology
• #9 Best Online Associate in Business Administration
• #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #10 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
• #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Network Administration Degree Programs for 2024
• #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #11 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #11 Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs
• #11 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs
• #11 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024
• #12 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #12 Best Online Master's in Project Management
• #12 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs
• #12 Best Online Master's in Sports Management
• #13 Best Online Bachelor’s of Homeland Security Degree Programs for 2024
• #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2024
• #14 Best Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2024
• #14 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs
• #15 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees
• #16 Best Online Associate in Criminal Justice
• #17 Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs for 2024
• #17 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
• #18 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs)
• #18 Most Affordable Online Master's Degree Programs Ranked for Students
• #18 Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degree Programs
• #18 Best Online Master’s in Finance
• #20 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting
• #21 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
• #23 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
• #25 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry
• #25 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2024
• #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Associate's of Counseling Degree Programs
• #2 Fastest Accelerated Online PhDs in Education Degree Programs 2024
• #5 20 Fastest Online Bachelor's of Business Degree Programs Ranked 2024
• #5 Top 20 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's in Counseling
• #6 10 Best Accelerated Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #6 How to Earn Your Master's Degree Without Your Bachelor's Degree
• #6 Best College Majors that Offer Accelerated Degree Programs
• #8 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024
• #14 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024

Career Outlook for Communications degree at Liberty University

What do we love about liberty university.

Liberty University is one of the largest Christian universities in the world as well as one of the largest private non-profit universities in the U.S. Much of this size is based on its online enrollment.

Liberty University enrolls roughly 15,000 residential students across its 17 colleges, and an additional 80,000 through its extensive online course and degree offerings.

Liberty University is noted for the sheer volume of advanced degrees and online degrees earned by its student body. With more than 47,000 students pursuing advanced degrees, Liberty offers an extremely wide range of online doctoral programs, including its PhD in Communication Online program.

Wish to attend the world’s largest seminary—Liberty University’s Rawlings School of Divinity.

Students who do not identify with Evangelical Christianity.

Regent University

• #1 Best Online Bachelor’s of Graphic Arts Degree Programs for 2024
• #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Virginia
• #2 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry
• #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in the District Of Columbia
• #2 Best Online Doctorate of Educational Psychology (PhDs) 2024
• #3 Best Online Associate in History Degrees
• #3 How To Get an Online Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies
• #3 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Virginia 2024
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Music Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #4 Best Online History Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #5 Best Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies
• #5 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates)
• #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Virginia
• #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #5 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2024
• #5 Best Online Bachelor’s of Counseling Degree Programs for 2024
• #5 Best Online Associate in Psychology
• #6 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Information Technology
• #7 Best Online Master's in Organizational Psychology
• #7 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2024
• #7 Best Online Master's in Theology
• #7 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Psychology Programs
• #8 Fastest Online Associate Degrees Ranked for 2024
• #8 Best Online MBA in Entrepreneurship Ranked for Students in 2024
• #8 Best Online Master’s in Human Services
• #8 Most Affordable Online PhDs in Psychology Ranked for 2024
• #9 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs)
• #9 Top 20 Easiest Online Degrees from Accredited Schools in 2024
• #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Virginia 2024
• #10 Fastest Accelerated Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs)
• #10 Best Online Bachelor's of Theology Degree Programs in 2024
• #10 Best Online Associate in General Studies
• #10 Best Online Bachelor’s of Digital Media for 2024
• #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degree Programs
• #10 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs
• #12 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity
• #14 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2024
• #14 Best Online Master’s in Biblical Studies
• #15 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #15 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2024
• #16 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #17 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
• #19 Best Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree Programs for 2024
• #21 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management
• #23 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2024
• #24 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #24 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
• #8 Top 20 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's in Counseling
• #10 20 Fastest Accelerated Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #13 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024

Career Outlook for Communications degree at Regent University

What do we love about regent university.

Regent University is a private Christian University that provides an array of both undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Founded in 1977 by Southern Baptist Minister Pat Robertson, Regent University offers a wide range of both online and on-campus degree programs.

Regent University serves more than 10,000 students today, with many pursuing online degrees at the master’s and doctoral degree levels.

Regent University is also noteworthy for its extremely diverse range of online doctoral degree programs, including an Online PhD in Communication .

Are pursuing advanced degrees online. More than 60% of Regent’s students are in post-graduate programs.

Prefer a secular educational experience.

Walden University

• #2 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
• #3 Accelerated Online Business Administration PhD Programs (Doctorates)
• #3 Top 8 Fastest Accelerated Online Psychology Doctorates (PhDs)
• #4 Best Online Doctorate of Educational Psychology (PhDs) 2024
• #5 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #5 Top 5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #6 Top 5 Best Online Criminal Justice Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #7 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Information Technology PhD Programs
• #7 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs
• #8 Top 8 Best Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhDs (Doctorates)
• #10 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs)
• #10 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Business Administration Doctorates
• #10 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
• #10 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Information Technology
• #12 15 Most Affordable Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs)
• #2 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #6 Fastest Accelerated Online PhDs in Education Degree Programs 2024
• #8 How to Earn Your Master's Degree Without Your Bachelor's Degree
• #11 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024
• #18 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for Communications degree at Walden University

What do we love about walden university.

Walden University is a private online school with headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Walden operates on a for-profit business model.

Walden University was established in 1970 with the goal of helping working adults–specifically those in education–earn their doctoral degree. Today, Walden serves nearly 50,000 students in countless areas of study.

Walden University offers several online doctoral programs through its Departement of Business Administration and Communication including its PhD in Management, which is available as both a full program and a completion program.

Are studying nursing, public health, and healthcare administration. Walden is one of the nation’s top degree providers in these fields.

Plan to earn PhDs in psychology. Walden’s PhDs do not have accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA).

Other Options for Aspiring Communication PhDs

Students considering an online doctoral in communications should also check out the best on-campus options to compare features like cost, curriculum, acceptance rate, and more.

New York University

• #13 Best Universities in the World 2024
• #23 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
• #2 Best Research Universities in New York 2024
• #2 Best Colleges in New York 2024
• #2 Best Grad Schools in New York 2024
• #2 Best Private Colleges in New York 2024
• #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
• #3 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
• #3 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
• #7 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
• #7 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
• #12 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
• #12 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
• #12 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
• #14 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #18 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #18 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
• #23 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #23 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #1 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in New York 2024
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
• #1 Top 5 Best Online English PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #2 Best Online Master's in Management
• #2 Top 6 Best Online Clinical Nutrition PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #3 Top 5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #3 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2024
• #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024
• #1 Fastest Accelerated Online PhDs in Education Degree Programs 2024
• #5 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
• #10 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for Communications degree at New York University

New York University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Erich Fromm
• Robert Mueller
• Martha Nussbaum
• John Archibald Wheeler
• Glenn Greenwald
• Howard Zinn
• Eric Kandel
• Lewis Mumford
• Alvin Toffler
• Louis Nirenberg

University of Michigan

• #4 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online
• #9 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
• #9 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
• #11 Best Universities in the World 2024
• #22 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
• #1 Best Grad Schools in Michigan 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities in Michigan 2024
• #1 Best Colleges in Michigan 2024
• #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Michigan 2024
• #1 Best Public Colleges in Michigan 2024
• #2 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
• #4 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
• #5 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
• #6 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
• #6 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
• #9 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #10 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
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• #12 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
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• #14 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Michigan
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Michigan 2024
• #1 Best Online MBA Degree Programs No GRE Required Ranked for 2024
• #1 Best Online Master’s in Health Science
• #1 Top 8 Best Online Public Health PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #1 Top 5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #1 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2024
• #2 Best Online History Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #2 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
• #2 Top 5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #3 Top 3 Best Online Economics PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #4 Top 6 Best Online Clinical Nutrition PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #6 Guide to Free Online Courses for MBA Students in 2024
• #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024
• #7 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Michigan

University of Michigan’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Claude Shannon
• Arthur Miller
• Alvin Plantinga
• George Dantzig
• Edgar F. Codd
• Hans-Hermann Hoppe
• Stephen Smale
• Urie Bronfenbrenner
• John Henry Holland
• Amos Tversky
• Marshall Sahlins

Boston University

• #3 Best Research Universities in Massachusetts 2024
• #3 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
• #13 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
• #24 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #25 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Massachusetts 2024
• #1 Best Online Master's in Marketing and Advertising
• #1 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2024
• #1 Best Online Master's in Art Education and Art Administration
• #1 Best Online Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
• #1 Best Online Degree Completion Programs for Returning Students
• #2 10 Best Online Master's of Music Education Degree Programs
• #2 Best Online MBA Degree Programs No GRE Required Ranked for 2024
• #2 Best Online Master's in Project Management
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Finance
• #3 Best Online Master’s in Communications
• #3 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
• #3 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
• #3 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #4 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
• #4 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs
• #5 Best Online PhD of Computer Science Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #6 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
• #7 Best Online Master's in Management
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• #7 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice
• #13 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2024
• #1 How to Earn Your Master's Degree Without Your Bachelor's Degree
• #15 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
• #22 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for Communications degree at Boston University

Boston University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Religious Studies
• Martin Luther King Jr.
• Sheldon Glashow
• Neal Stephenson
• Norman Vincent Peale
• Tipper Gore
• Albert-László Barabási
• Kim Stanley Robinson
• Bernard Berenson
• Daniel C. Tsui
• Bill Simmons

University of Texas at Austin

• #22 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
• #23 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
• #1 Best Grad Schools In Texas 2024
• #1 Best Public Colleges in Texas 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities in Texas 2024
• #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Texas 2024
• #1 Best Colleges in Texas 2024
• #4 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
• #10 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
• #12 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #13 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
• #17 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #18 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
• #19 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
• #21 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #21 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #22 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
• #24 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #25 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Texas 2024
• #2 Top 8 Best Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhDs (Doctorates)
• #2 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024
• #3 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
• #3 Best Online Master’s in Engineering
• #5 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #5 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
• #6 Best Online Master's in Management
• #11 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
• #18 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Texas at Austin

University of Texas at Austin’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Walter Cronkite
• Bill Moyers
• Edsger W. Dijkstra
• Robert Rauschenberg
• Bruce Sterling
• C. Wright Mills
• Neil deGrasse Tyson
• Steven Best
• J. M. Coetzee
• Robert Taylor
• Abhay Ashtekar

University of Southern California

• #19 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
• #2 Best Private Colleges in California 2024
• #4 Best Colleges in California 2024
• #4 Best Research Universities in California 2024
• #4 Best Grad Schools California 2024
• #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
• #5 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
• #9 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #13 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #16 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
• #16 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #17 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
• #17 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
• #17 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
• #17 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
• #19 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #19 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
• #21 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
• #22 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #1 Top 7 Best Online Social Work PhDs (DSW Programs) 2024
• #1 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2024 Ranked for Students
• #1 Best Online Master’s in Communications
• #1 Top 8 Best Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhDs (Doctorates)
• #1 Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs (PhDs)
• #1 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
• #1 Best Online Master's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs
• #1 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
• #1 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #1 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs
• #1 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #1 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
• #1 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
• #1 Best Online Master's in Project Management
• #1 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
• #1 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Public Relations Ranked 2024
• #1 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity
• #1 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
• #1 Best Online Master’s in Finance
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies
• #2 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2024
• #2 Best Online MBA Programs in California
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
• #2 Best Online Master's in Public Administration Degree Programs
• #2 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs
• #2 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #2 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Engineering
• #3 Best Online Master's in Nursing MSN
• #4 Best Online PhD of Computer Science Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #4 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
• #5 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
• #5 Best Online Master's in Management
• #5 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Social Work PhDs (Doctorates)
• #5 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2024
• #6 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024
• #17 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Southern California

University of Southern California’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Criminal Justice
• Frank Gehry
• Neil Armstrong
• Jack L. Warner
• John Mearsheimer
• Boris Podolsky
• Michael D. Griffin
• Maulana Karenga
• O. J. Simpson
• Robert Ballard

Learn more with a look at our List of Online Programs .

Journalism and Mass Communication, PhD

• Program description
• At a glance
• Degree requirements
• Admission requirements
• Tuition information
• Application deadlines
• Global opportunities
• Career opportunities
• Contact information

Audience Research, Broadcasting, Criticism, Cultural Studies, Journalist, Professor, Qualitative, Quantitative Reasoning, Research, Strategic Media, Technology, Television, cronkite, digital, law

If you are interested in a deeper examination of the role and influence of media and media technologies in today's increasingly complex world, this program can help you become a thought leader or educator in the fields of journalism, strategic communication and global mass communication.

The PhD program in journalism and mass communication at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication is a highly individualized program that attracts seasoned media professionals transitioning to academia, as well as recent graduates of master's degree-level programs in journalism and communication, social and behavioral sciences, or the humanities.

Students have access to the resources, training and mentorship they need to answer critical questions that challenge the fields of journalism, digital and social media, strategic communication and audience studies, and global mass communication.

The program is designed around core values of inclusion, collaboration and mentoring, transdisciplinarity and original research.

Students are able to develop individual programs of study, taking coursework and drawing on knowledge and methodologies from diverse fields that have a bearing on questions within mass communication. Examples include political science, film, computer and data sciences, sociology, anthropology and more.

Within the Cronkite School, students work closely with faculty mentors and fellow students on collaborative projects, develop their own research programs, and benefit from the advice and examples of senior scholars for personalized guidance.

The ultimate goal of the program is to train scholars capable of identifying key questions, designing appropriate studies to investigate those questions, and conducting independent and impactful research. Students are exposed to a wide range of theories and methods so they can forge their own scholarly identity based on interests and aptitudes.

The Cronkite School is committed to creating an environment in which everyone feels they are represented, their experience is equitable, they are fully accepted for who they are and they are valued. The school strives daily to be a welcoming place for all members of the community, where the importance and contribution of each individual is valued and respected.

• College/school: Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Comm
• Location: Downtown Phoenix

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (18 credit hours)

Electives (18 credit hours)

Other Requirements (24 credit hours) previous master's degree or additional hours approved by the supervisory committee (24)

Research (12 credit hours)

Dissertation (12 credit hours)

Additional Curriculum Information Students should see the academic unit for an approved course list.

Students entering the program with a master's degree in journalism or mass communication or a related field must complete 60 credit hours of coursework. Students who are admitted to the program without a master's degree are required to complete an additional 24 credit hours of coursework.

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

Applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• three letters of recommendation
• personal statement of interest
• statement of research goals
• samples of scholarly work (optional)
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. TOEFL scores must be at least 100 on the internet-based test; a Duolingo score must be at least 120.

The personal statement of interest should be approximately 1,000--1,500 words and explain why the student wants to pursue a doctorate in mass communication as well as why the Cronkite School program fits their career and personal aims.

The statement of research goals should indicate at least two Cronkite research faculty members with whom the student would like to work, supported by relevant citations of the faculty members' scholarly publications.

Students should see the program website for application deadlines and admission terms. Applicants must meet all deadlines and application requirements to be considered.

The Cronkite School's doctoral committee reviews complete applications. Recommendations for admission are made to Graduate Admission Services, where the final admission decisions are made.

The Cronkite doctorate program is multicultural, with students and alumni hailing from all over the world and bringing their experiences into seminar discussions and research. There are also opportunities to work on international grant-funded research projects led by Cronkite faculty to broaden students' perspective on issues within the discipline. More information on available programs can be found on the Global Education Office website .

Graduates with a doctorate in journalism and mass communication are prepared for any of a number of career opportunities.

Professionals with expertise in mass media and communications are in high demand as universities and institutions train the next generation of media professionals. Career examples include:

• industry researcher or trainer
• media analyst
• media consultant
• university professor

Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Comm | CRONK 302 [email protected] 602-496-5555 Admission deadlines

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Graduate Programs

Ph.D. Mass Communications

The Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications offers advanced study leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree in mass communications. The purpose of the program is to prepare graduates for entry into college and university teaching and research and for a variety of communications-related professions.

Program Preparation

The program integrates preparation in teaching and research as complementary endeavors. Doctoral students begin the program in the fall semester and, during the first year, complete two semesters of the doctoral proseminar, colloquium, and typically at least one course in communications research methodology. By the end of the first year, doctoral students must form a committee of faculty members to guide their subsequent course of study. The remainder of the Ph.D. program is determined, in close consultation with the student, by his/her doctoral committee who is responsible for the formal approval of the proposed program.

2024 Best Online PhD in Communications Programs

If you’re interested in the relay of information, including through digital media and mass communication, then pursuing a PhD in Communications online program may be the right path for you.

Earning your doctoral degree in communications can provide you with the opportunity to work in a variety of fields.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Communications experts play an important role in managing the communication of information from one person, group, or organization to another.

Universities Offering Online PhD in Communications Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

American University

American University offers an online Doctor of Philosophy in Communications program. The program is designed to be completed in 3 years by providing courses for 11 months a year. A total of 54 credits are needed to graduate. Applicants must submit 2 letters of recommendation, a resume, GRE scores, and a master’s thesis.

American University  is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

Clemson University

Clemson University offers a PhD program in Rhetorics, Communication, and Information Design.

Students need to complete 30 credits hours and 6 credit hours of research to defend a dissertation. Exams and the defense of the dissertation must be completed on campus. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and a portfolio of past graduate work.

Clemson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Colorado State University

Colorado State University offers a PhD in Communications. Students may choose courses in the following fields: Rhetoric and Civic Engagement, Relational and Organizational Communication, or Film and Media Studies. Applicants must complete 81 credits to graduate. Applicants need 3 letters of reference and a resume to apply.

Colorado State  is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, a Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.

Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Indiana University of Pennsylvania offers a PhD in Media and Communication Studies. A total of 60 credits are needed to graduate, with 12 hours used for a dissertation. Students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher to graduate. Applicants must submit official transcripts and 2 letters of recommendation when applying.

The Indiana University of Pennsylvania is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Liberty University

Liberty University offers an online PhD in Communications program. Students must complete 60 credit hours and may apply to transfer in up to half of the credits required. Courses are 8 weeks long. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 and need to submit official transcripts to be eligible for the program.

Liberty University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Regent University

Regent University offers a PhD in Communications. The program can be completed online, though a week-long residency in Virginia Beach during the summer is required. Students must complete a minimum of 56 credit hours to graduate.

Applicants must submit official transcripts and a past graduate program academic paper and need to complete an academic background questionnaire. Regent University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Robert Morris University

Robert Morris University offers an online PhD in Information Systems and Communications program. Students must complete 60 credit hours, with 12 dedicated to writing a dissertation. At the end of each school year, students must finish a milestone.

Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 and submit 3 letters of recommendation. An interview with the program director and admissions committee is also required.

Robert Morris University  is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Technical Communication and Rhetoric. Applicants must submit 3 letters of recommendation, a writing sample, and transcripts from previous college work.

Students must complete at least 72 hours to graduate from the program. They also have the option to add one of five areas of emphasis to their degree, including Technical Communication and Rhetoric of Science and Healthcare. Texas Tech University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of Alabama

The University of Alabama offers a Doctorate in Communications and Information Sciences. Students may choose to add a concentration in one of seven different areas, including Media Processes and Effects and Books and Publishing Studies.

To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and submit 3 academic references and their transcripts.

The  University of Alabama  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota offers a PhD in Communication. The program can typically be completed in 5 years and requires 90 credit hours.

To be eligible for the program, applicants must either have a master’s degree in communications or a GPA of 3.0 or higher from their undergraduate studies. GRE scores and 3 letters of recommendation must be submitted when applying.

The  University of North Dakota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Online PhD in Communications Programs

Online PhD in Communications programs can help you develop your expertise in areas of public relations, mass communication, digital and social media, and journalism.

Common careers in this field include:

• Teacher or professor
• Chief communications officer
• Director of public relations
• Public relations manager
• News media correspondent
• Technical writer

Becoming a teacher within a postsecondary school is a common career path for graduates of a communications PhD program. As a postsecondary teacher, you may develop course curriculum, instruct students on various communication topics, and evaluate student performance through assessments, tests, and other measures.

There are a number of other career options outside of academia that you may also qualify for. Some graduates advance their careers as public relations specialists or managers.

Working in the area of public relations may require drafting press releases and communicating with the media on a regular basis. PR professionals help businesses manage public relations crises and maintain their reputation or public image.

Specific course curriculum can vary depending on the school and program that you choose to attend. Here are some topics, though, that are commonly covered in a communications program:

• History of communication
• Communication theories
• Digital media and mass communication
• Communication in politics
• Media and the environment
• Research methods
• Professional writing

In most cases, PhD communication programs require you to complete coursework as well as a research project in the form of a dissertation.

Communications Careers & Salaries

Earning an online PhD in Communications can help you qualify for a variety of advanced positions. Leadership and management positions can include chief communications officer or director of public relations.

PhD graduates tend to teach at postsecondary schools, pursue academic research, or embark on rewarding careers in finance, law, policy development, nonprofit organizations, or government agencies.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , positions in the field of communications are far-reaching and can span across various areas and industries. One of these professional areas includes media, such as journalism, news correspondence, or broadcasting.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that a number of positions in the communication field will experience positive job growth in the next ten years. These positions include top executives (4% job growth), marketing managers (7%), public relations specialists (7%), and postsecondary teachers (9%).

Communications Doctorate Curriculum

Courses in doctoral communications programs can provide you with advanced knowledge in areas related to public relations, digital media, mass communication, media studies, and research. Courses may include:

• Communication Research Methodologies : This course is an in-depth look at standard methodologies used in research in the field of communications and the arts and social sciences more generally.
• Quantitative Research in Communication : You’ll review quantitative research practices in social science, including the use of statistics.
• Qualitative Research in Communication : This course is an overview of qualitative research methods in communication, including interviewing techniques, observation, and the use of focus groups.
• Advanced Communication Theory : You’ll take a look at key theories in the field of communication, including scholars, existing research, and emerging trends and theories.
• History of Communication : This course is an analysis of communication throughout history, including a look at recent changes in technology and the impact that those changes have had on communication.
• Writing for Publication : You’ll examine the approaches used in writing for publication, including conference papers, chapter books, academic papers, and more.
• Social, Mobile, and Online Media Analytics : You’ll look at various social, mobile, and media tools available, along with the metrics, analytics, and big data related to each that help explain the experience of end-users.
• Social Media Strategy : This course is an overview of various digital channels that exist in the realm of communications studies and media, and you’ll learn about leveraging those channels to persuade and interact with an audience.
• Content Communication : This course is a review of content communication strategies used in the pursuit of delivering a message to a target audience and capturing the intended result.
• Analytics in Digital and Strategic Communication : You’ll look at how research in communication has evolved over time, including the increased use of digital analytics.

In addition to regular coursework, you may be required to complete a dissertation, thesis, or research project option as part of your degree program.

Admissions Requirements

In order to enroll in one of the available communication doctoral programs, you may be required to meet a number of admissions requirements. Criteria can vary from one school to the next, but here are a few common requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree . It’s necessary to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school and to submit your official transcripts.
• GRE or GMAT scores . Although this requirement is becoming less common, some schools still require the submission GRE or GMAT scores.
• Letters of reference . Delivery of one or more letters of reference from academic or professional supervisors and colleagues is often requested.
• Resume . You may need to submit a copy of your resume, detailing your academic and workplace experience.

Additional admissions criteria can include completing a written essay, submitting an online application, and completing a writing test.

Accreditation

Regional accreditation is a status that verifies that a postsecondary school and its programming meet a specific set of academic quality standards.

Attending a regionally accredited school can impact your ability to transfer credits to another program or join various professional associations. The accreditation status of the school you choose to attend can also influence the hiring decisions of potential employers.

You can visit the US Department of Education ’s website to find out the accreditation status of a particular school or program.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

There are a number of financial aid and scholarship opportunities that may help you fund your doctorate in communication. Financial aid is available to qualifying students in the form of grants and loans from federal and state governments.

Another option is employer training programs. If you’re currently employed, you can check to see if you’re eligible to receive educational funding from your employer through professional development or employee training programs.

In many cases, postsecondary schools also offer funding to PhD students. While funding amounts and options can vary from one school to the next, some examples include tuition rebates or cost of living stipends. For more information regarding financial aid, you can visit the US Department of Education ’s website.

Communications Professional Organizations

Joining a professional association or organization for communications professionals can provide you with the opportunity to network with others in your field. Professional organizations may also highlight new employment opportunities.

Some communications professional organizations include:

• American Advertising Federation (AAF)
• International Association of Business Communicators (IABC)
• Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)

Professional organizations can also be a great resource for learning and networking if you’re interested in starting your own business.

Is Communications a Good Career?

A career in communications may allow you to explore positions in education, finance, law, policy development, nonprofit, or government.

While it is common for graduates of a PhD in Communications program to pursue positions in teaching, a number of other career options are available. These include positions in public relations, management, research, and media.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that a number of positions in the field of communications will experience growth over the next several years. These positions include top executives (4% job growth), marketing managers (7%), public relations specialists (7%), and postsecondary teachers (9%).

What Can You Do with a PhD in Communications?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, earning your PhD in Communications online may allow you the opportunity to work in a variety of positions. Public relations, media, and education are just some of the industries where your communications skills are applicable.

Common careers in this field include chief communications officer, marketing manager, advertising and promotions manager, public relations manager, postsecondary school teacher, and public relations specialist. Other career options include writer, author, reporter, correspondent, and broadcast news analyst.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Communications Online?

Completing a PhD in Communications online may take 3 to 5 years when attending on a full-time basis.

Depending on the school you choose to attend, you may be able to enroll on a part-time basis, which could lengthen the amount of time it takes for you to obtain your degree. Some online communications programs offer shorter 8 week terms that may allow you to finish your coursework sooner.

Similar to most masters in communications programs , it is common for communications PhD programs to be theory- and research-intensive. A large portion of academic time can be absorbed by work on a dissertation, which is generally required in order to graduate.

What’s the Difference Between Marketing vs. Communications?

While there are some overlapping areas of study between communications and marketing, there are also a few key differences.

Careers in marketing and communications can have some overlapping options, such as advertising, promotions, and marketing managers.

Is a PhD in Communications Worth It?

Yes, a PhD in Communications is worth it for many students. Pursing a terminal degree in communications can allow you to explore topics related to history, writing, research, and social media.

Common careers in this field include marketing manager, advertising and promotions manager, public relations manager, public relations specialist, writer, author, reporter, and broadcast news analyst. PhD graduates often pursue research or postsecondary teacher positions.

Getting Your PhD in Communications Online

A Ph.D. in Communications can help equip you to pursue career paths in education, research, leadership, public relations, or media communications.

A doctoral degree may allow you to benefit from a flexible career path. There may be a variety of opportunities available to you in many different industries, such as government, nonprofit, finance, law, academia, or news media.

If you’re wanting to advance in this highly versatile and lucrative field, you can start today by exploring online communications doctoral programs from accredited universities.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Communication

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Expand Your Career Opportunities with Liberty’s Ph.D. in Communication

Communication Studies encompasses various subfields, including mass communication, interpersonal communication, organizational communication, and intercultural communication. Each subfield focuses on different aspects of human communication and its impact on individuals, groups, and society as a whole. If you have a passion for understanding how people communicate, a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Communication can open doors to exciting opportunities. In the field of Communication, a Ph.D. program equips students with the necessary skills to contribute to the ever-changing landscape of communication theory and practice.

Instead of focusing on norms and routines in the communication field, you will dive deeper into the “how” and “why” behind everyday practices. Your studies in communication at this level will allow you to practice all the elements of crisis communication and learn how to conduct effective research, properly assess data, and tell your company’s story better than ever before. This degree  provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a field you’re passionate about, contribute to the body of knowledge, and become an expert in your chosen area of research.

A Ph.D. in Communication opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities. It prepares you for academic positions such as professorships and research positions at universities and colleges worldwide. Additionally, it equips you with the skills to work in research institutions, think tanks, consulting firms, government organizations, and non-profit sectors. Additionally, pursuing a Ph.D. is not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s also a transformative personal journey. It challenges you to think critically, develop strong analytical skills, and refine your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. It’s an opportunity for personal and intellectual growth that extends beyond the confines of the classroom. At Liberty, we are excited about partnering with you as you complete advanced research and study in the field of communication.

What Will You Learn in Your Ph.D. in Communication Program?

• Insight into communication theory in digital and strategic communication.
• Communication applications for nonprofit and for-profit organizations, as well as higher education settings.
• How to use insight tools, data gathering, and various other industry techniques to translate your research into effective field practice.
• Critical problem-solving skills to examine current and solution-oriented literature.

Career Opportunities for Ph.D. in Communication Graduates

• Advertising/public relations executive
• Chief customer experience officer
• Communications executive
• Director of online sales and services
• Research manager
• Social media executive
• University administrator
• University professor
• Vice president of customer satisfaction

Benefits of Pursuing Liberty’s Ph.D. in Communication

As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe Liberty stands out.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• We are recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility . Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America . Earning your online Ph.D. in Communication degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
• Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.
• Our faculty members have real-world experience in the field of communication and invest in students by providing them with practical skills they can use to further their careers.

Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want — at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only  $300/credit hour . Here’s how:

• If you’re earning or have earned a master’s degree through Liberty, you automatically qualify for the low price (when you begin within 2 years of your master’s completion).
• If you haven’t earned a graduate degree through Liberty, our Executive Certificate program allows you to pay only $300/credit hour for a postgraduate certificate that can stand alone or potentially count as the first 21 hours of a related doctoral degree. Then pay just $300/credit hour for your doctorate. Learn more!

Credit Hours

100% online, 8-week courses

Interested in studying on campus?

Transfer Credits

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Next Start Date

Aug 19, 2024

Accreditation

Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC

“In the times in which we’re living today, Liberty University’s mission , the mission of training up a generation of Champions for Christ in literally every occupation, has never been more important .”

FORMER VICE PRESIDENT MIKE PENCE

Experience That Matters to You

As an accredited Christian college with a 7,000-acre campus in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University offers you an education that is both academically challenging and rooted in a biblical worldview.

At Liberty, you’ll benefit from 35+ years of learning, growing, adapting, and innovating for the distance learner — and more than a decade of researching the needs of the online student. You can be confident that we’ve taken the time to learn what’s important to you.

And what’s that?

• Affordability
• Accessibility
• Academic Quality

These important factors challenged us to find new financial solutions, get ahead of industry trends, and blaze trails into cutting-edge career fields — and it’s paid off. That’s the difference experience makes.

Ranked in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America   and recognized by multiple institutions for   academic quality, affordability, and accessibility.

Why Choose Liberty University?

Enjoy flexible courses.

Choose from a wide variety of programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level, most of which are 100% online*. With an 8-week format and 8 start dates per year, it’s easy to fit your courses around your schedule!

* Some exclusions apply. Please refer to our exclusions page for more information.

Maximize Your Time

Start and finish your degree faster! Liberty requires no standardized testing for admission, and you can transfer previous course credit — transfer in up to 75% of a bachelor’s degree and up to 50% of a master’s, postgraduate, or doctoral degree — or discover how your life, career, or military experience may count toward your college degree.

Grow in Your Faith

All of our courses are taught from a Christian perspective, and our faculty see themselves as mentors. Our mission is to Train Champions for Christ — we’re committed to championing you as you study to go further in your field, become a leader in your industry, or start a new career.

Access Academic Support

Throughout your educational journey, you will have access to academic resources that will aid in the completion of your degree. Services include our Jerry Falwell Library, writing center, tutoring, study aids, IT assistance, 30+ tutorial videos, live webinars, and personalized help from our academic advising team.

An Online Education with On-Campus Benefits

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Graduate with your peers

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Why we’re nonprofit.

As a nonprofit (not-for-profit) university, Liberty is in the business of training skilled professionals to make a difference in the world – not gaining profit, revenue, or producing dividends for shareholders. In keeping with our commitment to your education, we invest our resources back into degree programs and into your student experience.

While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university and has not increased tuition for 9 straight years. Lower tuition means less student loan debt for students.

For Liberty University, nonprofit is more than a status; it is a valuable opportunity to invest in the lives of students who will go out and impact the world.

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Financing Options

Financial aid.

Nearly 80% of all Liberty students in an online program are awarded financial aid. Virginia residents may qualify for additional aid — learn more !

Corporate Tuition Assistance

Deferred – If your company reimburses you for the cost of your education, you pay only a portion of your balance up front. You submit your grades to your employer who pays you, and then you pay the remaining balance for your classes.

Tuition Discounts

Qualified military service members, veterans, and their spouses can receive up to 55% off their tuition rate for eligible programs!

Contact one of our Admissions Counselors for more information by calling (800) 424-9595 .

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Communication Ph.D.

Study the different ways people communicate, so you can prepare for leadership roles across the globe.

Communication plays a fundamental role in our global society and it is imperative for us to recognize and appreciate the international and intercultural contexts in which it occurs. With a Ph.D. in Communication from UND, you'll learn about human communication across diverse cultures and through multiple systems.

Why earn a Ph.D. in communication?

*Priority deadline

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Understanding the different ways people communicate around the world will help you address socially and globally pressing communication challenges. The Communication Ph.D. at UND is a competitive program that provides you with knowledge and skills that will set you apart as a leader in international and intercultural communication.

A recent GRE score is required of all applicants. The department does not waive this requirement on a case-by-case basis.

Intensive Communication Research Ph.D. Program

Through both the on-campus and 100% online program tracks, you'll work hand-in-hand with research faculty recognized for their work in:

• Interpersonal and persuasive communication
• Risk and crisis communication
• New media and cyberculture
• Strategic communication in digital and social media environments

Online students must be enrolled full-time; on-campus students have the option of enrolling full-time or part time. This is to ensure adequate support for research initiatives.

Due to the research intensive nature of the program we encourage you to review our program's faculty profiles to learn more about individual faculty research interests and expertise. All students will be assigned a faculty advisor directly when conducting research.

Undergraduate to Ph.D. in Communication

Unique to our program, undergraduate students are allowed to apply directly to this Ph.D. program. If you have a bachelor's in Communication , our curriculum allows you to earn your master's in Communication at the same time you are working on a Ph.D.

UND's Communication Ph.D.

Learn from recognized leaders in the field of international and intercultural communication.

Develop your research interest in strategic communication, health communication, interpersonal and organizational communication, and much more.

Take part in graduate teaching assistantships. Positions available for students in both on-campus and 100% online tracks.

Earn a non-thesis master's degree on your way to completing your doctorate in our program.

S tudy closely with faculty across the broad range of communication areas to prepare for both careers and citizenship.

Understand how information processes and communication technologies affect and benefit diverse local and global communities.

Communication Ph.D. Careers

Projected growth for employment of post-secondary teachers from 2022 to 2032

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Median annual salary for post-secondary teachers

Upon completion of your Communication doctoral program, you'll emerge as a proficient communication specialist, equipped to excel in academia or thrive in media-related field.

Graduates of the University of North Dakota's Communications Ph.D. program have embarked on leadership roles in global and cross-cultural communication. The have job titles such as:

• Director of Communications: Spearheading communication strategies, our alumni often assume pivotal roles directing and shaping organizational messaging.
• Researcher: Equipped with advanced research skills, our graduates contribute valuable insights to the dynamic field of communication studies.
• Consultant: Our alumni serve as consultants, offering strategic guidance to organizations seeking to enhance their communication effectiveness.
• Policymaker: Some of our graduates leverage their communication acumen to influence policies. They participate in shaping regulations and standards on a local and global scale.

A substantial number of our graduates choose to contribute to higher education through teaching and advanced research. These paths have led them to roles such as:

• Department Head: Our alumni guide the direction of communication studies by taking on leadership positions within academic departments.
• Professorship: Achieving the pinnacle of academic success, our graduates secure professorships, where they shape the next generation of communication professionals.
• Associate Professorship: In roles as associate professors, our alumni engage in both teaching and research endeavors.
• Lecturer: Our graduates bring their practical experience and academic insights to the classroom.

Communication Ph.D. Courses

COMM 530. Communication, Society, & Diversity. 3 Credits.

An examination of how people from similar and different cultural, ethnic, national, racial, religious, and/or sexual backgrounds interact with each other, institutions, and society. The course covers issues of representation, identity, and difference. On demand.

COMM 525. Interpersonal Relations and Communication. 3 Credits.

Face-to-face and mediated transactions between two people or people in small groups in diverse settings. Deals with inquiry, conflict management, interpersonal sensitivity, individuality, and conformity.

COMM 535. Intercultural Communication. 3 Credits.

This course incorporates critical conceptualizations of identity, "the Other", and multiculturalism. It explores theoretical reflections of the symbolic systems of unfamiliar cultures, and the emergence of mutual understanding.

COMM 540. Communication and Organizations. 3 Credits.

Examines the general communication processes and dynamics within and among organizations and explores the dynamics in network organizations, with a particular focus on communication in interpersonal groups and inter-organizational working teams. Theories of power and politics in and among organizations, as well as of decision-making, conflict management, and strategic communication are explored.

COMM 550. International and Global Communication. 3 Credits.

An analysis of international media, comparative telecommunications systems and globalization. Covers issues such as transnational communication, global journalism, satellite broadcasting and communication in diplomacy and international affairs.

COMM 523. Social Network Analysis & Visualization. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to introduce you to the theory, methods, and procedures of network analysis with emphasis on applications to communication and social behavior. The goal of the course is to provide a working knowledge of the concepts and methods used to describe and analyze social networks so that you can apply it to important questions in your profession. S.

Best Ph.D. in Communications

UND's Communications Ph.D. ranks among the best for educational quality, affordability, and career outcomes.

#7 BEST ONLINE COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM

Online Communication Ph.D.

best online graduate programs

best online college in North Dakota

Intelligent

The entire degree program is fully online. You are never required to come to campus.

Online Communication Ph.D. students are highly encouraged to attend live, synchronous online courses in order to get the most out of class participation. However, online courses are recorded and can be viewed at another time, to fit your schedule.

Top-Tier Online Communication Ph.D. Program

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs. No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

• Same degree:  All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) . Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
• Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
• Real interaction:  You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
• Your own academic advisor:  As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
• Free online tutoring:  We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
• Unlimited academic coaching:  Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
• Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
• 24/7 technical support:  UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
• Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

• Affordability
• Student satisfaction (retention rate)
• Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
• Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

Leaders that Do

Students at UND take chances, seek challenges and become leaders in the community.

Check out the faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional education opportunities.

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The PhD program is designed to prepare independent scholars for academic careers in teaching and research in mass communication and related fields. You will build a solid foundation in the discipline through multifaceted exploration of the theories and methods that influence the shape and scope of mass communication research. You are strongly encouraged to develop your own theoretical and methodological approach to mass communication research and to interact and collaborate with our multidisciplinary faculty on cutting-edge research in mass communication in the global and multicultural context.

Application Deadline

Fall 2024 Admissions Update : Applications for Fall 2024 Admissions are no longer being accepted for the  Mass Communication M.A. and Ph.D. graduate programs .   The program will begin to accept applications for Fall 2025 admissions in September 2024 and this page will reflect our program requirements for Fall 2025 admissions.   Fall 2025 Admissions Deadline: Our program admissions deadline for the Mass Communication M.A. and Ph.D. graduate programs will be December 15, 2024. If you have additional questions about the application process, please email [email protected] .

Program Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for the PhD program, you must have completed, or be in the process of completing, a master's degree or equivalent advanced degree. 

Once you're admitted to the PhD program, you will work closely with a faculty advisor to select your dissertation field and supporting coursework. Common areas of research include:

• Advertising
• Communication law and regulation
• Health communication
• History of mass communication
• International mass communication
• Journalism studies
• Mass media structures, processes, and effects
• Political communication
• Public relations  

You do not know how strong you are until you are inspired to bring that hidden strength forward. That is the greatest strength of our graduate program: It guides you in surfacing your own individual greatest strengths—as a scholar, as a teacher, as a student and as a person. Our faculty, graduate students and staff members inspire you when you are at your most dire, lift you when you drift away and genuinely, deeply and faithfully value you every day.

Your Career Path

The typical career path for our PhD students is to take a tenure-track academic position at a university. Our PhD graduates have been placed at top-ranked universities in the U.S. and other countries, and have pursued careers at high-profile non-profit organizations, major advertising, public relations and media organizations, research firms, large corporations, and as consultants.  

Degree Requirements

All PhD students must complete a minimum of 46 graduate credits, 24 thesis credits, and a dissertation. All course work must be taken on an A-F grading basis.

The following requirements must be fulfilled to complete the Ph.D. program in mass communication:

1. Required Mass Communication Core (7 credits)

• JOUR 8001: Studies and Theories of Mass Communication (3 cr)
• One more theory course inside the HSJMC(e.g., JOUR 8514) (3 cr)
• JOUR 8009: Pro-seminar in Mass Communication (1 cr)

2. Required Methodology Core (9 credits)

• JOUR 8501: Research Methods in Mass Commucation (3 cr)
• One additional method course inside of the HSJMC (3 cr)
• One additional method course inside or outside of the HSJMC (3 cr)

3. Additional academic requirements:

• 30 additional credits of coursework. 
• 18 of the additional credits must come from HSJMC courses
• 12 of the additional credits must come from courses outside of HSJMC. This can be achieved by any combination of theory, method and topic seminar courses taken outside the HSJMC. Students are encouraged to explore freestanding graduate minors or graduate minors related to another major.

4. Doctoral thesis credits (24 credits) 5. Preliminary written examination 6. Preliminary oral examination 7. Approved dissertation 8. Final oral examination

View curriculum & courses  

Written Examination and Oral Examination

Preliminary written PhD examinations are scheduled to test mastery of the student's chosen area of study after coursework in the degree program has been completed. Written examinations cover the examinee's dissertation and supporting areas of study, including methodologies and mass communication research coursework.

Comprehensive and aimed at the highest levels of scholarship, the exams are designed to assess abilities in abstract and concrete thought, including an ability to:

• Conceptualize problems
• Create and critique research designs
• Assimilate, associate, and synthesize areas of knowledge
• Evaluate literature, research, theories, models, and methodologies
• Discern, discuss, and explain substantive issues, problems, trends, alternative perspectives, and research approaches in both general and specific areas of the field

An examination may include all or any combination of the above. Students should plan ahead and budget preparation time for the examinations. Generally, most students allow at least one semester for review, reading, thought and reflection in preparation for the examination.

Once a student passes the written preliminary examination, they proceed to the oral defense examination where they are questioned by their committee members. Once a student successfully defends both the written and oral portions of the preliminary exam, they are considered to have reached ABD – All But Dissertation – status.  

PhD Dissertation Process 

PhD students are eligible to defend their dissertation after they have passed their preliminary written and oral exams, as well having received approval of their dissertation proposal and dissertation from their committee members. PhD candidates work closely with their faculty advisors during the stages of writing their dissertation. Instructions for preparation of the dissertation (e.g.) margins are available from the Graduate School. 

A dissertation and final oral examination is required of all PhD candidates. 

Transferring Credits

With the approval of their advisor, the Director of Graduate Studies, and the College of Liberal Arts (CLA), students may bring a limited number of credits with them from other graduate programs.

Learn more about transferring credits . 

Want to Learn More?

The Hubbard School Graduate Program is one of the best in the nation. 

School of Journalism and Mass Communication

Doctor of philosophy in mass communication.

The Doctor of Philosophy program in Mass Communication requires a minimum of 72 s.h. of graduate credit. The program provides training in research methods, communication theory, and teaching skills. Students in this program prepare for careers as professors, teachers and industry researchers.

The program emphasizes interdisciplinary studies, with coursework and research tailored to each student’s interests under the guidance of faculty members. The school offers several areas of strength to support graduate student research:

• critical and cultural studies 
• sports media
• global media
• health communication
• journalism studies
• digital media

Students who enter the Ph.D. program with a completed relevant master’s degree at the time of enrollment can transfer up to 30 hours of graduate credit from academic courses, including up to 3 credit hours for the thesis. Students who will have not completed a relevant master’s degree by the time of enrollment should apply for our M.A. program. M.A. students who complete their degree requirements and successfully pass the qualifying exam will be considered for admission to the Ph.D. program.

For more information, refer to the Graduate Student Handbook or Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more about SJMC graduate programs. In addition, listed below are the general categories of coursework required to earn the degree; for more specific information on courses, curriculum, and requirements of the Doctor of Philosophy in mass communication, visit the UI General Catalog . Don’t find an answer to your question? Email it to us at [email protected].

Important Deadlines

Application Deadline : January 1st (for Fall admission)

Admission decisions are based on prior academic performance, letters of reference, and the applicant's statement about background and purpose. Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College; see the  Manual of Rules and Regulations of the Graduate College  on the Graduate College website. For more information, see the  Graduate Admissions Process  page.

Comprehensive Examination

At the completion of coursework (typically in the fourth or fifth semester), each doctoral student will enroll in Guided Reading for Comprehensive Exam (JMC:6920). For this course, students will work with three committee members to create three reading lists on topics that (a) relate to the student’s dissertation area and (b) relate to the respective committee member’s expertise. For each reading list, students will spend 4 weeks reading and writing a response paper based on a prompt provided by the committee member. The advisor will not be responsible for any individual reading list but will oversee the entire process. During either the last week of the semester or finals week, the student will have an oral defense of their three written responses. The response papers and oral defense will serve as the Comprehensive Examination.

Dissertation

Students who are enrolled in the Ph.D. program are required to complete a scholarly dissertation. The dissertation committee is composed of at least four faculty members. At least three must be members of the University of Iowa tenure-track faculty, at least two must be members of SJMC (which may include faculty with 0% appointments), and at least one must come from outside the department. By special request, the program may request permission from the Graduate College to replace one committee member with a recognized scholar of professorial rank from another academic institution. Changes to committee membership are often necessary, and can be made at various stages in a student’s program, but should always be done in close consultation with their advisor and/or the Director of Graduate Studies.

NOTE :  Any research which involves "human subjects" must be reviewed by the University of Iowa  Institutional Review Board (IRB)  prior to the initiation of the project.  Proof of the determination/review process must also be submitted to the International Studies Program before the international experience proposal can be approved. For all questions contact the IRB at (319) 335-6465; or complete the  IRB Determination Form  to find out if your research meets the definition of human subjects research.

PhD in Mass Communication (General Catalog)

NOTICE: The University of Iowa Center for Advancement is an operational name for the State University of Iowa Foundation, an independent, Iowa nonprofit corporation organized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, publicly supported charitable entity working to advance the University of Iowa. Please review its full disclosure statement.

Top Online PhDs in Communications

Find your degree.

Communications is a very broad and interdisciplinary area of study. It focuses on the methods, tools, and platforms that people use to communicate and interact with one another. This is a type of degree with sweeping applications in the professional world. Mass media, social engagement, professional interaction, and more all fall under the communications umbrella. As a field, it is easiest to sum communications up as the study of the rules and social structures used to convey and obtain information.

There are multiple forms of communication such as verbal, written, and even bodily. This area of study also extends to public relations , social media, linguistics, psychology, sociology, politics, and more. This field is one that has a lot of depth to it and a broad range of career options. Due to its sweeping nature, it can be easy to write it off as a liberal arts degree that would be difficult to apply in the professional world but that is starkly incorrect. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that media and communications occupations will grow at a rate of 6% between 2016 and 2026. This puts the field in line with the national average rate for all careers.

Earning a PhD in Communications

Choosing to earn your PhD in Communications is a big step but it is one that can propel you to new heights in your career. High-level positions in any area of the field are going to show a strong preference for those who hold a PhD. That is because a PhD is the highest level of academic honor in the country and less than 1% of the population will ever obtain one. Nothing shows that you are more prepared than a terminal degree. A PhD in Communications can also equip you with the skills you need to teach a communications course at the university level.

In fact, a lot of people think that the only professional outcome for a PhD in Communications is a teaching position. However, there are a number of other careers you could pursue. You could choose to work in journalism, advertising, a corporate office, a government agency, and more. With a PhD in Communications, you are also likely to see a higher annual salary. The median salary for PhD graduates in their first year of employment is $80,000. The average salary in all of America comes in much lower at $56,516 per year.

While earning a PhD in Communications, you will be given a strong foundation in many different areas, particularly those relating to Media, Psychology, Marketing, and Communications. Some of the courses you will likely take include:

• Communication in a Global Environment
• Media, Culture and Community
• New Media and Technology
• Information, Political Economy and Entertainment
• Groups, Organizations and Networks

Of course, there are many other topics that are covered and many of them depend on the area you choose to focus on when earning your PhD. Some concentration examples include Marketing Communications, Corporate Communication, or Media Industries and Institutions.

Online PhD in Communications Programs

There are very few programs offered when you’re searching for an online PhD in Communications. In fact, we only found one program that met our ranking criteria. However, this is likely to expand as the field continues to grow. Universities do what they can to adapt to the needs of their evolving student bodies.

With that said, you can still earn this degree online . Even though there are only a few relevant options at this time, a distance-based degree may be better for you. Especially for those of you who are at the stage in your career that you’re ready to pursue a PhD.

Online programs tend to be more flexible. You will most likely be able to work full-time while you study and many online programs will integrate the job that you already do into the curriculum, allowing you to fulfill certain requirements just from doing your job! Online programs don’t require you to relocate and typically have fewer costs associated with them. On top of that, many institutions (the majority of them, in fact) allow online students to receive scholarships, grants, financial aid , and even stipends.

Taking the time to sift through your options and choose the best school for you is often the most difficult part of going to college online . For that reason, we’ve done the research for you and compiled a ranking of the best online doctorates in the field of communications. All schools were ranked according to the following.

Methodology

In order to create this ranking, we started by gathering a list of school that offered PhD programs in communications at a distance. Due to the lack of such programs that met our initial ranking criteria, we also chose to include relevant doctoral programs in communications that were available online. In order to be considered, in addition to offering a doctorate level program in communications in a distance-based format, schools had to be based in the United States, hold proper accreditation, and could not operate as for-profit institutions.

Once we gathered our list of schools, we ranked them based on the following three factors:

• Freshman Retention Rate (⅓ of final score)
• Graduation Rate (⅓ of final score)
• Affordability (⅓ of final score)

Each school could have earned a total possible score of 300 points. They were ranked according to their scores and presented in ascending order below. All of the information used was gathered from the schools’ websites whenever possible. In the even that we needed some additional information, we also utilized the databases of the National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. News & World Report , Niche.com, and Collegedata.com.

It is important to note that no school is ever given preferential treatment by OnlineCollegePlan for any reason. Some schools that would have otherwise ranked are omitted here due to insufficient data or per their own request. We’d also like to note that cost information and affordability are based on the residential cost of attendance and are simply estimates. We do not guarantee the tuition rate of any school or program.

Doctor of Philosophy in Technical Communication & Rhetoric

Texas Tech University offers a great option for those of you who would like to earn a PhD in Communications, and that is the PhD in Technical Communication & Rhetoric. This program is designed to help strengthen your skills in five very broad areas. These include Rhetoric, Composition, and Technology; Technical Communication; Rhetorics of Science and Healthcare; Technology, Culture, and Rhetoric and; Visual Rhetoric, New Media, and User-Centered Design.

This is a 60-credit program that you must have a master’s degree to be eligible to enroll in. In addition to the core requirements, 15 of your credits can come from a minor that you choose. You can add a field you’d like to work in so you can better understand the relationship between technical communication and the field you’d like to work in. This degree is typically geared towards those who would like to teach at the university level; however, this is the highest level of education you can receive in any area, so you don’t need to feel limited.

There is a two-week workshop in May of every year that you will be required to attend, but the rest of the program is completely online. The courses are delivered through a mix of asynchronous and synchronous components. In a typical course, you will meet once or twice weekly in a live session with your cohort and your professors; the number of weekly meetings depends on the semester.

PhD in Communications

Regent University offers an online PhD in COmmunications that requires just one visit to campus. This one visit is a week-long summer residency on campus in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The entire program consists of a minimum of 56 credit hours, but some students may complete as many as 64. There are eight session start dates throughout the year, and thus, eight sessions. This helps you get done faster because there are fewer breaks.

You will take a variety of courses that will prepare you for a range of careers. You could get a higher level position in media relations, market analysis, research, or even teaching at the university level. You will be able to conduct effective research, have a deep understanding of communications theory, and have strong academic writing skills when you complete the program.

Some of the courses you’ll encounter as part of this program include Theology & Communication; Communication in a Global Environment; Academic Writing for Publication; and more. You will also virtually attend doctoral seminars, take basic research courses that are put in context for communication, and you will be required to complete a dissertation.

What is Communications?

Communications is any form of media that is used to convey one’s idea or message to another person or a group of people. People that aim to get a degree in Communications do so in order to learn how to inform and influence with the most efficacy by choosing the most appropriate delivery method of the information that needs to be provided. This could be via the web, print, audio, video, or still images, among others.

While studying to get a degree in the field of Communications, students will be provided with a solid foundation in the core areas of Communications on which they can choose build up towards a specialization that will enable them to focus their education path for a specific career. Students that are studying in Communications often choose to take courses in areas pertaining to Anthropology, Linguistics, Sociology, Cultural Studies or Health Care Communications, among others. These specialization courses would be taken concurrently with the core credit courses, such as Economics, Marketing, Management Theory, Media and Mixed Media Studies, Organizational Communication, and Ethics. Even if a student decides to not pursue a more focused education in the field of Communications, they will still obtain a strong understanding of the core values that many employers are looking for when they are looking for new hires to do a multitude of different professional tasks.

If you think you may have an interest in pursuing a career in Communications or any Communications-related field, we recommend you research your options when it comes to finding a school that will best suit your needs and goals. There are many great schools out there that provide many different degree options in Communications, and choosing the right school to provide you with a comprehensive and affordable education that fits into your schedule is the single most important thing that you can do to ensure your path towards a career in Communications gets off to the best possible start.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Communications Degree?

There are, of course, ways to speed up many degree options. These degree paths are generally what is known as an “Accelerated” degree path. An Accelerated degree path can really help a student to obtain their desired degree in a shortened amount of time, which will benefit them greatly later, as they will be able to establish themselves in their field of choice more quickly. An Accelerated degree is often a great option for students that are able to attend full-time and dedicate more of their time to their education. Accelerated degrees often utilized online programs to supplement the normal in-person classes that are needed to fulfill the required credits for degree completion.

Many well-known and prestigious schools around the country offer Associate’s degrees, Bachelor’s degrees and PhD degree programs in the field of Communications that can be completed in a fully asynchronous and online manner or in a blended education offering, meaning that most of the mandatory courses can be completed online or in a more traditional on-campus format. A lot of these schools even offer Accelerated degree options to their full-time students, both online and on-campus.

What Can You Do With a PhD in Communications?

Some of the fields that rely heavily on the expertise of professionals that have a strong background in the field of Communications include:

• Broadcasting;
• News Agencies;
• Advertising Agencies;
• Courts of Law, and;
• Marketing Research Firms.

What Jobs Can You Get With a Communications Degree?

• Public Relations and Fundraising Manager;
• Technical Writer;
• Journalist, and;
• Marketing Manager, among many others.

This is just a small sample of jobs that you would be qualified for with a PhD in Communications. There are many other career paths that would be open to you as a Communications major. These career paths would have you doing specific tasks relating to the field of Communications, but the field that you could be performing your Communications work could be anything. Virtually every company, association, and organization have varying degrees of need for an employee with a degree in Communications. Due to the background that individuals with a PhD in Communications will possess in numerous highly desired areas-of-expertise, many associations and organizations will have a strong desire to have a Communications professional on their payroll. If you are thinking about enrolling into a PhD in Communications program, or you wish to pursue a career in Communications at all but are worried about your future career prospects, you can rest assured that you will be able to find a rewarding job with any number of industry leaders in the United States–or around the world–due to how in demand and how pivotal Communications is in running a successful business. For most companies, the skills and knowledge that is provided by completing a PhD program in Communications is the crux of their day-to-day functions.

What is the Average Communications Degree Salary?

• A Technical Writer will earn on average $71,850 per year;
• An Author will earn on average $62,170 per year;
• An Editor will earn on average $59,480 per year;
• A Public Relations and Fundraising Managers will earn on average $114,800 per year, and;
• A Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians will earn, on average $43,660 per year.

What Associations or Organizations Can You Join With Careers in Communications?

• Public Relations Society of America (PRSA): PRSA is a not-for-profit trade association that founded in 1947 by the merger of the American Council on Public Relations with the National Association of Public Relations Councils. PRSA is a long-time member of the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB) and provides its members with a suite of tools that will help them to hone their skills and to further their education.
• American Advertising Federation (AAF): The American Advertising Federation’s members are comprised of almost 100 prestigious corporate members that specialize in the fields of advertising and media. AAF’s network also represents nearly 40,000 advertising professionals individually.
• International Communication Association (ICA): ICA is a large academic association that helps to bring together scholars with an interest in the study, teaching and the various applications of all aspects regarding personal and mediated communication.
• International Association of Business Communicators (IABC): The International Association of Business Communicators, which is more commonly called the IABC, is a global network of Communications professional and which hosts a yearly three-day event–the World Conference–in which professional development seminars and activities take place alongside symposiums hosted by industry leaders and researchers.
• Society for Technical Communication (STC): The STC is an association that was formed in order to advance the professional understanding and application of Technical Communications. STC publishes a magazine eight times a year, which provides new insights into Technical Communications. Additionally, the Society for Technical Communications hosts an annual international conference known as the STC Technical Communication Summit, where professionals gather to discuss and exchange ideas relating to the field. STC also provides its members with live webinars, online certificate courses, and virtual conferences with Communications experts, among others.

These are just a few of the many different associations and organizations that will be open to you after you have obtained a PhD in Communications. Many of these organizations have a multitude of helpful tools for networking, researching, educating, and sharing ideas. By becoming a member of one or more of these organizations, you will be able to broaden your horizons and open up new opportunities in your Communications career. Additionally, by becoming a member of a Communications oriented organization or association, you will be able to socialize with your peers and those that hold the same career and academic interests as yourself, which should never be underestimated as a benefit.

Ph.D. in Mass Communications

Applications are due December 15th

The interdisciplinary Ph.D. program in Mass Communications is offered jointly by the Department of Life Sciences Communication and the  School of Journalism and Mass Communication .

The Ph.D. degree in Mass Communications provides future academics and professionals with rigorous training in theory and research with highly individualized programs that students develop in consultation with their advisors. Our Ph.D. graduates become some of the most successful researchers and leaders in the field of mass communication.   We require our students to engage in a systematic search for answers to well-formulated and substantive questions. The research process culminates in the discovery and reporting of new knowledge to others.

A doctoral dissertation in Mass Communications demonstrates a student’s ability to examine in detail an important issue in the field, using original research. Faculty members expect the dissertation to be clearly presented while conveying the student’s close familiarity with his or her research area.

The program offers several internationally recognized areas of research and teaching excellence: 

• civic and political communication
• health and environmental communications
• history of media institutions
• information technologies
• social networking and digital media
• processes and effects of mediated communication
• law and ethics of media
• international and inter-cultural communication
• public opinion
• science and risk communication
• social marketing
• journalism studies
• media ecologies
• race and media

Working closely with their advisor and committee, students draw from courses offered in departments across campus to develop a plan of study in preparation for independent and original research in their area of specialization.

• Graduate Studies

Ph.D. in Media and Communication

Our doctoral program in Chapel Hill prepares students to lead in the academy and industry.

• Cost & Funding

We offer a close-knit community where students learn, develop as scholars and collaborate with faculty advisers and mentors.

You’ll learn cutting-edge research methods and acquire a deep understanding of communication theory to help you develop a research program that fits your interests. Our graduates are training the next generation of scholars, improving public health, strengthening democracy and helping leading organizations across the world innovate in a changing media environment.

Numbers of Distinction

AEJMC Nafziger-White-Salwen Dissertation Awards since 1984: No other program comes close.

New graduates in the last five years who have become assistant professors or postdoctoral fellows, with 61% of those assistant professors at Carnegie R1 institutions

Value, over three years, of a Park Fellowship

One-year expenditures for externally sponsored research

Online info session: Ph.D. in Media and Communication

November 6, 2023.

Sign up to attend an online info session about our doctoral program. Hear from program director Shannon McGregor and ask questions about the admissions process.

A network of support, at Carolina and beyond

As she completed her master's at the Hussman School, Kyla Garrett Wagner wasn't sure whether she'd stay in Chapel Hill for her doctorate. She applied to eight other programs but decided to stay where she felt her ideas were most supported. "While it is a competitive school and one of the best schools, we're not competitive with one another on the inside," she says. "We all can work together, and that's an incredible feeling."

Why Carolina?

• Get access to world-class resources on campus and a worldwide network of more than 16,000 UNC Hussman alumni.
• Chapel Hill and the Research Triangle region are home to college-town charm, abundant culture and high-tech industry.

Learn about the Hussman School

Our vibrant and collaborative interdisciplinary research culture creates new knowledge, advances scholarship and helps reinvent media.

Explore our research

The Roy H. Park Fellowships are among the most generous among media and journalism programs nationwide, providing top UNC Hussman doctoral applicants the financial support necessary for the students to focus on their academic and professional development.

Complete this form, and we’ll send you more information and program updates.

Or contact the Graduate Studies team at [email protected] or (919) 843-8307.

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PHD, Mass Communication

The graduate studies program of the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication offers two graduate degrees for students preparing for professional and academic careers: the M.A. degree and the Ph.D. degree.

Degree Type: Doctoral

Degree Program Code: PHD_MCOM

Degree Program Summary:

The M.A. program emphasizes the integration of mass communication theory, research methods, decision making, and critical thinking and provides preparation for further study and/or for careers in advertising, journalism, mass media studies, public relations, and telecommunications. The Ph.D. program is designed to produce critical scholars capable of independent and original research. The program offers advanced study and specialization in preparing for careers in teaching and research or for positions of responsibility in mass media, industries, or government. Applicants accepted for the M.A. and Ph.D. program begin their program in the fall semester. Admission is based on undergraduate grade point average, the results of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE), a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation, as well as previous professional experience and scholarly work. Anyone holding a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is eligible to apply for admission to the master’s programs. A master’s degree is required for acceptance into the Ph.D. program. The program is open both to students with undergraduate majors in journalism and mass communication and to those who have majored in other areas. Master’s students without backgrounds in journalism and mass communication may be required to take 9 or more credit hours of undergraduate-level foundation courses before registering for more than 6 hours of graduate courses. If not previously completed, a course in statistics is also required. Applications and additional information may be obtained from the Graduate Studies Office, Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication.

The Grady College’s Ph.D. program in mass communication is designed to prepare scholars for academic careers in teaching and research or for professional careers in industry or government. The program draws mainly on the resources and facilities of the College’s three departments: advertising / public relations, journalism, and telecommunications.

The primary objective of the Ph.D. program is to develop mass communication scholars who are capable of critical thinking and independent scholarship. The degree is granted in recognition of research proficiency, breadth and soundness of scholarship, and thorough knowledge of selected aspects of mass communication and related fields. Degree requirements are fulfilled in three stages:

• successful completion of an approved program of study;
• the passing of written and oral comprehensive examinations; and
• the execution and presentation of an acceptable dissertation based on independent research.

Students are encouraged to develop their own theoretical and methodological approaches to mass communication research. Some Ph.D. students work within and from traditional social science models of inquiry; others adopt historical, critical theory, naturalistic, or cultural studies perspectives on mass communication phenomena.

Locations Offered:

Athens (Main Campus)

College / School:

Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communication

120 Hooper Street Athens, GA 30602

706-542-1704

Graduate Coordinator(s):

Phone Number:

706-583-8268

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Manship School of Mass Communication

Ph.D. in Media & Public Affairs | LSU Manship School of Mass Communication

• Master of Mass Communication
• Dual MMC/Law Degree
• Ph.D. in Media & Public Affairs
• Certificate in Strategic Communication

Contact 

For more information about the Ph.D. program, contact: 

Dr. Meghan Sanders

Associate Dean for Research & Graduate Studies

Start Your Online Application Today!

The Manship School is home to the nation’s only doctoral program in media & public affairs. We have a broad view of media and public affairs, with research on political polarization, digital technology, crisis communication, wartime propaganda, gender and sexuality, media effects, health communication, native advertising and the representation of minority groups, among others.

We fund all of our doctoral students for four years ($25,000 per year) and admit only a small class to ensure personal attention and mentorship from faculty. Our acceptance rate is about 15%. Our doctoral program graduates work at a variety of institutions: research-intensive, teaching-centered, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and international institutions.

Cutting-Edge Research Facilities

The Manship School prepares scholars to study the ever-changing world of mass media with three research laboratories and infrastructure for a wide range of quantitative and qualitative approaches to research media messages and their effects.

Collaborative Research Groups

The Manship School uses endowed professorships to support collaborative research groups of faculty members and students. The funds allow the teams to collect original data, hire research assistants, travel to archives and host mini-conferences.

Excellent Funding

The Manship School admits a small cohort of doctoral students each year on a highly competitive basis. Our doctoral funding includes a $25,000 9-month stipend, for each of four years, provided the student remains in good standing, and a tuition exemption (students must pay some mandatory student fees). We support doctoral students to present research at two conferences per academic year, with additional funds available from the LSU Graduate Student Association. We also fund doctoral research through our distinguished Hamilton Fellowship awarded annually, funded research groups and dissertation awards.

Degree Requirements

The total number of hours required for Ph.D. in Media & Public Affairs degree is 88 hours.* A comprehensive guide to our Ph.D. program can be found in our Ph.D. in Media & Public Affairs Policies and Procedures Handbook . 

*This does not replace the Graduate School catalog .

I. Core Courses (31 hours)

• MC 7000: Proseminar in Mass Communication and Public Affairs (1)
• MC 7001: Research Methods in Mass Communication (3)
• MC 7002: Mass Communication Philosophy and Principles (3)
• MC 7005: Public Opinion and Public Affairs (3)
• MC 7018: Legal Problems of the Mass Media (3)
• MC 7019: Emerging Media: Theory, Application & Effect (3)
• MC 7021: Mass Communication Theory (3)
• MC 7036: Seminar in Media and Public Affairs Theory (3)
• MC 7201: Advanced Research Methods in Mass Communication and Public Affairs (3)
• MC 7209: Public Communication Practices (3) MC 7210: Public Communication Administration (3)

II. Required Externship & Dissertation (27 hours)

• MC 8009: Public Affairs Externship (9)
• MC 9000: Dissertation Research (18)

III. Mass Communication Electives (12 hours)

IV. Two additional advanced Statistics or Methodology courses (6 hours)

V. Four courses concentrated in a single outside program or concentration of four courses drawn from at least two supported fields (12 hours)

• If you wish to declare a University recognized minor, you must complete the outside minor program’s full requirements in addition to the required 88 hours to complete the doctoral program.

The Manship School doctoral program accepts applications for fall admission. Applicants submit a statement of purpose, resume, writing sample, transcripts from all prior universities or colleges attended and standardized test scores (e.g., GRE and TOEFL for international applicants) online. We also require recommendation letters from three people familiar with your academic work. For full consideration, you should submit your application by January 25 to be reviewed for admission and funding decisions for the following fall.

Minimum Requirements

You must have a cumulative 3.0 GPA, undergraduate and master’s. You must have earned a completed master’s degree or a terminal graduate degree (for example, an M.F.A. or a J.D.) We prefer to see GRE scores above 156 verbal & quantitative and above 4.5 analytical writing. For TOEFL, we prefer scores above 100 on the internet-based test.

We accept applications by January 25 for fall admission (no spring admission for Ph.D.).

After initial screening, finalists for admission to the doctoral program are invited to LSU and the Manship School for a campus visit and interview at our expense. Applicants living outside the U.S. are invited to participate in the interview process via Skype. Final offers for admission are made after the campus visit, typically the first or second week in March

Want to learn more about our doctoral program?

For further information, contact [email protected] or [email protected].

How to Get a PhD in Communications & Media

The 21 st century has emerged as a golden age in communications media. Digital technology is creating innovative new approaches to visual and verbal communication, with a range of new electronic media. Some of the new media transforming mass communications today include streaming audio and video, podcasts and RSS feeds, blogs, satellite radio, video conferencing, and online classrooms.

A PhD in art & design with a specialization in communications & media immerses you in the timeless fundamentals of human communication as well as the exciting possibilities of new media. A leading doctoral program observes that today’s PhD students in communications “are at the scholarly forefront of the communication revolution.” Choose your research area and emerge from the doctoral program a leader in communications scholarship, higher education, or professional practice.

A Guide to the PhD in Communications & Media

Communications emerged as a distinct academic discipline in the mid-twentieth century. A broad and applied discipline, communications sits at the intersection of humanities and social sciences. Early in its development, the field focused on classical rhetoric and political communications. In recent years, communications has evolved to touch a broader range of social science contexts and media applications. New developments in communications scholarship focus on issues in mass communications and digital media, intercultural communication, linguistic theory, and business communication.

To learn more about the communications discipline, visit WorldWideLearn.com’s Guide to Majors, where you’ll find a specific section devoted to communications.

Specializations

Communications is a broad discipline applicable in a variety of contexts. As a doctoral student, you’ll have the opportunity to define a research project within a communications specialty area. The National Communication Association defines the following areas of specialization:

Specialties within the communications & media discipline include:

• Communication Theory
• Electronic Media
• Mass Communication and Media Literacy
• Visual Communication

Communications specialties with a business or professional application include:

• Applied Communication (organizational communication)
• Language and Social Interaction
• Legal Communication
• Mediation and Dispute Resolution
• Public Relations

Interdisciplinary communications specialties typically focus on the intersection of communications and a social science such as psychology, social science, or political science. Examples include:

• Family Communication (psychology)
• Gender Communication (psychology, gender studies, sociology)
• Health Communication (public health)
• Educational or Classroom Communication (education)
• Risk and Crisis Communication (political science)
• Political Communication (political science)
• International and Intercultural Communication (anthropology, political science, business)

Career Track

A PhD in communication & media can lead to either an academic career or a leadership role in professional communications.

Academic careers center on teaching and research. University professors produce original research advancing scholarship in communications and media studies. In addition, they develop undergraduate courses and train students in communications.

Professional careers can take many shapes, depending on the context and doctoral degree specialty. PhD graduates find jobs at broadcast media companies, business marketing departments, in political campaigns, public health agencies, and more. Sample post-graduate professional job titles include:

• Program Director, Institute of Community Health Research
• Manager of Global Research, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
• Senior Consultant for a litigation consulting firm
• Executive Coach for a corporate training firm
• Research Director, Independent Film and Television Alliance
• Senior Research Director for Nickelodeon’s digital marketing analytics program

Plan for a PhD in Communications & Media

A vision of your research interests and career goals is an important prerequisite for applying to PhD programs in communications & media. This perspective will guide your program research and help you develop a plan for completing the PhD.

The following steps take you through the logistics of the application process, from finding the right program to submitting strong applications.

Step One: Find the Right Graduate Communications & Media Program

The most important phase of your graduate school preparation is finding that perfect alignment between your goals and a PhD program’s unique set of resources. The resources should help you zero in on schools that meet your requirements.

1. Find Accredited PhD Programs

First, survey your options by developing a comprehensive list of campus and online PhD programs in communications & media. Make sure all schools on your list are accredited by an independent authority. The U.S. Department of Education maintains a database of approved regional and national accreditation agencies . Accreditation is a mark of program quality; it ensures the value of your PhD to future employers and influences your eligibility for financial aid.

The National Communication Association features a communication program database. Search a comprehensive list of communication programs by degrees offered and program specialization.

WorldWideLearn.com represents accredited online and campus doctoral programs in communications. Search Degrees by Subject or browse a list of university partners.

Peterson’s publishes Graduate Programs in the Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences , an annually updated guide to graduate degrees in the U.S. The comprehensive directory offers a section on Communication and Media, with specialized sections for media studies, mass communication, Internet and interactive multimedia, rhetoric, corporate and organizational communication, interpersonal communication, publishing, and technical communication.

2. Choose Campus or Online Format

Communications PhD programs have been quicker to embrace online education than most humanities and social science disciplines. The digitally-mediated format offers an object lesson in 21 st -century communications as well as a convenient transmission medium.

Campus degrees remain a popular choice among students with academic career ambitions. On-site education offers crucial advantages for aspiring scholars and teachers–namely, access to campus research facilities, close interaction with faculty mentors, undergraduate teaching experience, and unparalleled networking with academic peers. All of these factors play a decisive role in securing a university professor job.

Online degrees offer the advantage of convenience for mid-career adults balancing work and family commitments. The digital format works best for communications students with professional ambitions. Many doctoral candidates take advantage of the independent, flexible online format, devising dissertation projects that engage issues they encounter at work. In this way, online doctoral degrees are creating a dynamic synergy between academic communications and professional practice.

Ultimately, the decision to study online or on campus comes down to your career ambitions, life circumstances, and access to research resources.

To explore campus and online PhD options, check out WorldWideLearn.com’s Online Degree Programs and Campus Education sections. The site also features a list of campus doctorates searchable by location.

3. Explore Academic Programs

The breadth of the communications & media discipline demands in-depth research into individual academic programs. The following factors will give you a sense of the program’s academic resources and specialties:

• Program name (“Communications & media” indicates something different than “communications & journalism”, or simply “communications”)
• Academic school or division (humanities or social science? Business or journalism? The context of the communications department can tell you a lot about the program’s academic orientation)
• Faculty research areas
• Research facilities, including technology labs and library collections
• Specializations, course curriculum, and PhD degree requirements
• Special programs (research centers, conferences, publications, etc.)
• Internship opportunities

This is likely to be the most time-consuming stage of your program research, but don’t cut corners–it’s important to find a program with potential faculty mentors who share your interests and resources to support your research.

WorldWideLearn.com helps you save time and cover more ground by automatically matching you with a school that meets your basic requirements. Simply fill out an online form indicating your academic program criteria, and representatives of matching schools will contact you directly to answer your questions.

School Web Sites post much of the information listed above. Look for links to faculty CVs and publications, research centers and special programs, course catalogs and syllabi, student dissertation topics, and more.

Academic Journals help you identify the programs and faculty producing groundbreaking research in your area of interest. Major journals in Communications & Media include:

• Critical Studies in Media Communication (NCA Journal)
• Journal of Applied Communication Research (NCA Journal)
• The Review of Communication (NCA Journal)
• International Journal of Communication
• American Communications Journal
• Journal of Media and Communication Studies

In addition, you’ll find journals representing just about any communications and media specialty, such as the Quarterly Journal of Speech .

4. Evaluate Program Quality

Finally, create a final list of five to ten PhD programs in communications to which you’ll submit an application. The key is to identify respected programs in your field that admit applicants with your academic background.

Assess a school’s quality and reputation on factors such as:

• Graduation rate
• Job placement statistics
• Applicant admissions data
• Graduate student demographics

To gauge your own competitiveness as an applicant, take into account your undergraduate GPA, standardized test scores, and letters of recommendation.

Rankings offer a convenient means of comparing the reputation and selectivity of different PhD programs in communications & media. The major rankings include:

• The National Research Council , Assessment of Research Doctorate Programs. This ranking includes a detailed taxonomy of communications sub-fields, including broadcast/video studies, communications technology and new media, critical and cultural studies, health communication, organization communication, speech and rhetorical studies, and more.
• The Center for Measuring University Performance , The Top American Research Universities, 2008 Annual Report.
• U.S. News & World Report is perhaps the best-known ranking, but it does not offer a specific assessment of graduate communications programs. The closest approximation is the Best Graduate Schools–English ranking.

School Admissions Data give you an unvarnished look at selectivity and the value of the PhD degree . Admissions department make available demographic information such as average applicant GPA and test scores, as well as detailed job placement information. Data may include employers, percentage of academic and professional graduates, starting salaries, and tenure rates.

Campus Visits can help you decide among schools. You can meet with potential faculty advisors, tour campus research facilities, talk with graduate students, visit classes, and get a feel for the campus location.

Step Two: Apply to PhD Programs in Communications & Media

Once you’ve decided on a list of schools, the application process becomes fairly straightforward. Application requirements are more or less the same from program to program, with some variations. Expect to encounter the following steps as you prepare your doctoral applications:

1. Complete Prerequisites

Eligibility requirements for the PhD program in communications may include:

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in communications or a related field, such as English, rhetoric, journalism, etc. If your degree is in another area, you may have to supplement your background with prerequisite courses in communications and media.
• Standardized tests such as the GRE and TOEFL (for international students)
• Work experience and research publications are not requirements, but can carry weight in admissions decisions.

WorldWideLearn.com’s Education Resources Guide offers information to help you complete your prerequisites–you’ll find online courses, test preparation materials, and more.

2. Prepare Application Materials

Fill out an applicant information form and gather the following materials to support your application:

• Faculty or professional letters of recommendation. Most schools require two or three.
• Academic transcripts
• Standardized test scores
• Personal statement of research interests
• Resume, CV, or writing sample, if requested

Be sure to leave plenty of time for materials to arrive ahead of the applications deadline. Letters of recommendation are especially vulnerable to delays, since the writer (a professor or work supervisor) typically submits the document directly to the admission committee.

3. Secure Financial Aid

Finally, line up financial aid to cover the costs of your education. Start with university financial aid applications, which include access to the following types of doctoral funding:

• University scholarships and grants
• Federal grants and low-interest student loans
• Teaching and research assistantships
• Tuition waivers
• Work-study programs

If these sources fall short, explore alternate avenues of graduate school funding:

• Employer tuition grants or sponsorships
• Private scholarships
• Private student loans (the last resort)

For more information, visit the following page on graduate education funding.

Step Three: Join the Academic Community

With your applications en route to the admissions committees, you’re free to focus on the real business of becoming a graduate student in communications: joining an intellectual fellowship. You can get your bearings in the academic discourse and make connections with your peers by:

1. Subscribing to journals

The journals listed above give you an inside look into the issues current in your field, and introduce you to the scholars leading the debate.

2. Attending conferences

Conferences offer a ‘live’ venue for experiencing and participating in the intellectual community. Start building relationships with peers and future mentors.

3. Join professional associations

Professional associations in communications and media offer resources, networking opportunities, and valuable industry perspective to orient your academic study. The major communications organization is the National Communications Association . Look for associations in your particular area of interest as well.

A PhD in communications and media offers a ticket into the upper echelons of an exciting and dynamic discipline. You’ll have the opportunity to transform how we communicate, expand our understanding of communication, or train future generations to communicate more effectively. Best of all, you’ll be part of a vibrant community of scholars who share your passion for communications and media.

• Assessment of Research Doctorate Programs, National Research Council.
• Best Education Schools, U.S. News & World Report (2009).
• Communication as an Academic Discipline, National Communication Association.
• Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs, U.S. Department of Education.
• Doctoral Program in Communication, USC Annenberg School for Communications & Journalism.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Communications, The Journalism School, Columbia University.
• National Communication Association.
• Peterson’s Graduate Programs in the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences . Peterson’s: A Nelnet Company (2009).
• Ph.D. Program in Communications Media and Instructional Technology, Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
• The Center for Measuring University Performance.
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PhD in Mass Communication

• Updated on  
• Apr 24, 2023

Mass Communication is one of the programs which has been very popular among students around the world. After completing a bachelor’s and master’s degree , a lot of people opt for a PhD in Journalism or Mass Communication. PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication is a research degree program that can last anywhere from 3-6 years, depending on the research area. The primary goal of the course is to conduct research on the chosen topic and to prepare candidates to teach. This blog provides you with all the information regarding a PhD in Mass Communication. 

This Blog Includes:

About phd in mass communication, syllabus for phd in mass communication, universities abroad, universities in india, top universities abroad for phd in mass communication, top universities in india for phd in mass communication, top entrance exams in india, scope of phd in mass communication, job profiles and salary.

A PhD in Mass Communication is a research-level degree in communication. After the completion of the course, the individuals can seek employment in various areas like reporters, journalists, professors, radio jockeys, public relations executives, editors, writers etc. 

Practice-based techniques that use practice “as a process of inquiry” to generate new knowledge on a global scale are becoming increasingly relevant in arts and media research. PhDs based on practice are offered by a large number of universities in the United Kingdom , Australia , and Europe . Practice-based PhD programmes are available in China and Singapore , both of which are near to home. 

A large percentage of academia and art schools increasingly recognises the importance of practice-based research in producing new knowledge and pushing the boundaries of existing art and media practices inside academia.

The following are the core subjects:

The elective subjects are given below:

Eligibility 

The following are the essential requirements for admission to a PhD programme in Journalism and Mass Communication: 

• A letter of recommendation is also required.
• English proficiency tests like TOEFL might be required as well.
• Master’s degree with minimum 50%.
• Work experience might be required by some colleges.
• Candidates must hold a master’s degree in journalism or Mass Communication from a recognised university.
• In order to pursue a PhD, they must have a minimum percentage of 55 per cent.
• Candidates must also have a minimum of 55 per cent on post-graduation entrance tests like NET JRF. The entrance test requirement can vary from college to college.

• NET/NET JRF: The NET/NET JRF is a national-level entrance exam for PhD programmes. To pursue a PhD with a stipend, candidates must pass NET JRF, and after passing NET, candidates can apply to universities as professors. NET JRF applicants, on the other hand, are preferred by universities.
• SET: The goal of SET is to provide possibilities for state-level research. Candidates who pass the exam are eligible to apply for research jobs or to become professors at any university in the state where the exam was taken.
• The LPUNEST is the admissions test for Lovely Professional University. Scholarships may be available if a candidate’s admission exam score is high.
• SUAT: For PhD admissions, Sharda University has its own entrance exam. Candidates who fared well in the NET/ JRF/ SET, on the other hand, are exempt from the screening process and are immediately invited to an interview.

Students holding a PhD in Mass Communication have a wide range of job opportunities in India and abroad. Students can work as an editor, researchers, lecturers, associate professors , media consultants , and so on in sectors including print journalism , communication, and media. Some top recruiters in India include Hindustan Times, NDTV networks, ZEE TV networks, Times of India, BBC, The Print, The Hindu, The Wire, The Quint etc.

As far as job opportunities in the USA are concerned, as per the Bureau of Labour Statistics, the demand for Mass Communications occupations is expected to grow at 14% CAGR from 2020 to 2030. This growth rate is faster than the average of all occupations.

Some job opportunities after a PhD in Mass Communication include editor, researcher, lecturer, content writer, associate professor, media consultant, etc. The average fee in India is Rs 8,000- 1,20,000 per year. The fees in the USA varies from $28,000 to $42,000 (INR 21.1 to 31.64 Lakhs)

Average salary by country:

If you want to apply to top Universities for PhD in Mass Communication, you can consult the Experts at Leverage Edu to help you achieve your goals.

Medha Mehta

Medha is someone who is very passionate about reading. 250 is the highest number of books she has gone through in a year. If not reading, she can be found writing about all the random things in the world. Has a massive sweet tooth but can't cook/bake to save her life.

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