Overview
The Doctor of Philosophy degree in communication prepares students for academic and industry positions that reward highly effective research and dissemination of knowledge. Students accepted into the program can choose among a variety of tracks, including mass communication; rhetoric; critical/cultural studies; and health, risk, and crisis. Students work with experienced faculty to devise individualized study plans based on career and knowledge pathways. The program integrates research and theory into a curriculum designed to prepare recent graduates and experienced professionals for professional advancement and personal enrichment. The graduate faculty combine applied knowledge with theory and work to engage students while challenging them to think critically as they address communication practices and issues.
Admission Requirements
A master’s degree from an institution approved by a recognized accrediting agency.
Graduate and undergraduate transcripts reflecting at least a 3.5 GPA on all graduate work and a 3.0 on undergraduate work during the last 60 hours of undergraduate study.
Applicants without an undergraduate degree in mass communication must present evidence of general knowledge of the media fields and basic skills in writing and graphic design. Such evidence may include courses taken post graduation and professional portfolios. If applicants do not have sufficient evidence of a background in mass communication, they may be required to complete specified undergraduate courses before entering the program. The graduate faculty will provide a list of required courses.
Students must agree in writing to successfully complete the courses with a grade of “B” or better prior to graduation and in some cases as pre-requisites to graduate requirements.
Undergraduate deficiency courses are considered “out of career courses” and are not included in the graduate degree GPA.
Student must complete and submit and “Out of Career Coursework” form available at: https://www.usm.edu/graduate-school/progress-degree-and-graduation-forms
Admission decisions are not solely based on test scores. Exceptional academic work and/or professional experience are also taken into consideration and may offset low scores.
- At least three letters of recommendation addressing academic preparation and readiness for doctoral studies.
- A statement of purpose, indicating why you wish to pursue a doctoral degree at USM.
- A current resume.
- A writing sample.
Writing samples may include academic research papers or professional communication materials such as news articles or background papers.
International students must submit scores of at least 79 on the TOEFL exam or 6.5 on the IELTS exam. See Admission Requirements and Procedures for other requirements.
Program Requirements and Academic Policies
The doctoral degree requires 54 semester hours of course work beyond the master’s degree. This includes:
- 9 hours of core course requirements.
- 9 hours of research tools.
- 12 hours of dissertation (COM 898)
- 24 hours of major areas of study as approved by adviser and guidance committee
- Research tools classes may not be transferred or waived.
- Emphasis areas are fully addressed in the School of Communication’s graduate handbook.
Students should be continuously enrolled while pursuing the doctoral degree. Students must register every spring and fall semester after completing the comprehensive exam until degree requirements have been completed. The School of Communication requires that students register for at least 3 hours of COM 898 during any semester the student works with a professor on the dissertation, especially when defending a prospectus or dissertation. Students using other university resources such as the library can register for 1 credit hour of COM 898.
Comprehensive exam. The student takes a rigorous written and oral examination to demonstrate mastery of knowledge about communication studies.
Grades. The student must obtain a 3.0 GPA over all doctoral coursework for graduation.
Residency. Students must meet the residency requirements specified in USM’s Graduate Bulletin (http://www.usm.edu/registrar/graduate-bulletins). Normally this requirement is met by two consecutive terms in which the student enrolls for 12 hours or three consecutive terms enrolling for 9 hours.
Time Limit. Students must complete their comprehensive exam within 6 years of their initial enrollment in the doctoral program and successfully defend their dissertation within 8 years.
Training. All graduate students are expected to complete Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training, sexual misconduct training, and additional assigned modules available online.
See General Degree Requirements and General Academic Information for other requirements and procedures.
