PHD, Mass Communication

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.