The doctor of philosophy degree program is structured in consultation with each student’s doctoral committee. The program involves study of advanced theory and research in mass communication.
A four-course sequence in research design and methodology is required of all doctoral students. The four courses are: MC 607 - Mass Communication Theory ; MC 608 - Critical & Cultural Theory of Mass Communication ; MC 720 - Introduction to Graduate Research in Communication ; and MC 722 - Communication Research Methods . Equivalent courses taken at another institution will be accepted, pending approval of the director, the major professor, and the instructor of the course.
The minimum credit requirement for the doctoral degree is sixty-three (63) hours beyond the master’s degree. The student takes rigorous written and oral examinations and submits and defends a scholarly dissertation. A 3.0 GPA is required for graduation.
Research Tool
Students in the doctor of philosophy degree program must satisfy 9 hours of research tool requirements by completing coursework and research approved by the student’s advisory committee.
Research and Scholarly Integrity Education
All faculty holding Regular or Associate graduate faculty status must complete CITI training modules required by the Graduate School and their departments. All graduate students must complete the CITI training modules required by the Graduate School and their departments the first semester there are enrolled in graduate school. The RSIE policy and training information are found on the Graduate School web page – www.usm.edu/graduate-school. Contact the Dean of the Graduate School if you have any questions regarding the policy of training information.
Residency
Students must meet the residency requirements specified in this Bulletin.
Doctoral students may elect an outside minor consisting of twelve (12) hours approved by the major professor and academic committee members. Doctoral students must demonstrate proficiency in basic communication research design and methodology.
Continuous Enrollment Requirement. Students are expected to enroll continuously after they have taken required coursework until they complete their degree following guidelines published under the General Degree Requirements section of this Graduate Bulletin.
