Degree Requirements
- Standing:
- Regular Standing: Includes students who have completed an undergraduate degree in Communication Studies or a closely related field.
- Advanced Standing: Includes students who have completed a graduate degree in Communication Studies or a closely related field.
- Credit Hours:
- Regular Standing: Students are required to complete a minimum number of 71 graduate credit hours, typically across four full-time academic years, in Communication Studies at the 500 level or above. Courses taken outside of the department must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies.
- Advanced Standing: Students are required to complete a minimum number of 59 graduate credit hours, typically across three academic years, in Communication Studies at the 500 level or above. Courses taken outside of the department must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies.
- Grade Point Average: Students must earn a cumulative overall GPA of 2.75, and GPA of 3.25 in coursework applied to their graduate degree program, with a minimum grade of B- in all courses applied toward the degree. Students who receive more than three grades of less than a B- will not be permitted to continue in the program.
Curriculum Requirements (Regular Standing)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CORE COURSES: | 8 | |
| Survey of Human Communication Theory | ||
| Graduate Research Methods | ||
| Graduate Seminar | ||
| ELECTIVE COURSES: * | 45 | |
Select 4 foundational COMM courses. | ||
| Instructional Communication | ||
| Interpersonal Communication: Theory and Research | ||
| Theory and Research in Persuasion | ||
| Theory and Research in Mass Communication | ||
| Theory and Research in Organizational Communication | ||
Select an additional 11 elective COMM courses at the 600 or 700 level. * | ||
| RESEARCH: | 18 | |
| Research | ||
| Total Hours | 71 | |
- *
Elective courses should be grouped into three distinct focus areas that are determined in consultation with a faculty advisor. These three focal areas should include coursework in a primary area of study (at least 12 credit hours), coursework in a second area of study (at least 12 credit hours), and coursework in research methods (at least 9 credit hours, not including COMM 701).
Curriculum Requirements (Advanced Standing)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CORE COURSES: | 8 | |
| Survey of Human Communication Theory | ||
| Graduate Research Methods | ||
| Graduate Seminar | ||
| ELECTIVE COURSES: * | 33 | |
Select 2 foundational COMM courses. | ||
| Instructional Communication | ||
| Interpersonal Communication: Theory and Research | ||
| Theory and Research in Persuasion | ||
| Theory and Research in Mass Communication | ||
| Theory and Research in Organizational Communication | ||
Select an additional nine elective COMM courses at the 600 or 700 level. * | ||
| RESEARCH: | 18 | |
| Research | ||
| Total Hours | 59 | |
- *
- Elective courses should be grouped into three distinct focus areas that are determined in consultation with a faculty advisor. These three focal areas should include coursework in a primary area of study (at least 12 credit hours), coursework in a second area of study (at least 12 credit hours), and coursework in research methods (at least 9 credit hours, not including COMM 701).
Major Learning Outcomes
Communication Studies
Students earning a Ph.D. in Communication Studies will be able to:
- explain, synthesize, and critique the primary Communication theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts associated with the Communication Studies discipline
- convey expert knowledge of the Communication theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts that comprise their primary and secondary areas of study
- independently design, conduct, and interpret original Communication-based research using quantitative research methods suitable for conference presentations and professional publication
- create a programmatic line of research to guide future Communication-based research endeavors and projects
- select and use effective instructional communicative behaviors across a variety of teaching and training situations
- develop writing, analytical, and research skills needed for success as a professional in the field of Communication Studies
- commit to the profession through activity in professional associations and service to the department, university, and community