Communication, PhD
Communication, Health, Intercultural, Interpersonal, Organizational, Performance, rhetoric
You could be conducting innovative and socially embedded research on local, national and global issues, research that contributes to a more peaceful, prosperous and equitable future. Enjoy a supportive and engaging environment of interdisciplinary training, research and teaching opportunities, all guided by award-winning faculty.
The Hugh Downs School of Human Communication offers a transdisciplinary graduate program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy in communication.
This program provides coursework and resources in critical-cultural communication, health communication, intercultural communication, interpersonal communication, organizational communication, performance studies and rhetoric. Students customize their training around core courses in communication theory and research methodology, plus multiple areas of emphasis. Most actively participate in one or more of the school's collaborative research initiatives.
The PhD program in communication is designed to meet the needs of students whose interests transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries and to prepare scholars for research-oriented careers in universities as well as the public or private sectors.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
96 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
Required Core (6 credit hours)
COM 604 Theory Construction in Communication (3)
Choose one:
COM 607 Contemporary Rhetorical Methods (3)
COM 608 Multivariate Statistical Analysis of Data in Communication (3)
COM 609 Advanced Qualitative Research Methods in Communication (3)
Electives (48 credit hours)
Other Requirements (24 credit hours)
COM 691 Seminar (24)
Research (6 credit hours)
COM 792 Research (6)
Culminating Experience (12 credit hours)
COM 799 Dissertation (12)
Additional Curriculum Information
When approved by the student's supervisory committee and the Graduate College, this program allows 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree to be used for this degree; 66 credit hours are required beyond an appropriate master's degree.
At least six elective credit hours must be coursework outside of the communication field. At least three elective credit hours must be coursework in methods training.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants | International applicants | English proficiency
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants must 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 applicants must have 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
- resume or curriculum vitae
- statement of goals
- three letters of recommendation
- writing sample
- 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.
Most commonly, students enter with a research-based Master of Arts in which they have completed a master's thesis.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 01/05 | Final |
A doctoral degree in communication opens doors to a variety of careers in research, teaching, training and consulting. Graduates typically obtain jobs in research and teaching institutions that range from large research universities to four-year teaching schools and community colleges. A number of career opportunities appear in government agencies and organizations, both for-profit and nonprofit.
Graduates have obtained jobs as:
- academic administrators
- academic advisors
- campaign managers
- consultants
- policy advocates
- professors
- program directors
- researchers
Hugh Downs School of Human Communication
|
STAUF A412
PHDCOMAPP@asu.edu
602-543-5619
Admission deadlines
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
