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Mar 26, 2025
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2009-2010 Graduate Studies Bulletin (Archived Copy) [Archived Catalog]
Mass Communications, Ph.D.
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The Ph.D. in mass communications prepares students for teaching and research careers in higher education and for research and management positions with mass communications organizations.
The doctoral program in the School of Journalism and Mass Communications is small and selective, permitting students a considerable degree of flexibility in tailoring courses and areas of study to fit their special needs and career goals.
The doctoral core requirements, listed below, are designed to equip the student with a strong background in quantitave and qualitative social science research methods and design, communications theory, ethical perspectives, historical and legal research methods, and teaching methods. Required courses include the basic doctoral core, a minimum of 18 graduate hours of directed electives, and a minimum of 12 hours of dissertation credit.
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Degree Requirements
To earn the Ph.D. in mass communications, the student must successfully complete: 1. Qualifying Examination
A qualifying examination, administered at the beginning of the student’s program. This examination, largely diagnostic in nature, will help the faculty in planning the student’s program of study. The Ph.D. is a minimum 60-hour program to include:
2. Basic Doctoral Core (30 Hours)
3. Electives (9 Hours)
At least 9 hours in approved mass communication electives from JOUR courses at 700/800 levels. 4. Courses in Another Field of Study (9 Hours)
At least 9 hours in another field of study, such as economics, business, political science, history, education, library science, or English; normally the three courses would be in the same academic discipline. However, for example, a student interested in modern Africa might take one course in history, one in political science, and a third in sociology with approval from the faculty. 5. Research Methods (6 Hours)
At least 6 hours from items 3 and 4 above must be in research methods beyond core course requirements of the Ph.D. and M.A. programs (may include JOUR courses). 6. Comprehensive Examination
A comprehensive examination is based on doctoral coursework; this examination is administered in 2 parts: a 12-hour written examination ( 4 three-hour sets of questions taken over 5 consecutive business days) and an oral defense before the student’s comprehensive examination committee. The comprehensive exam and oral defense will cover theory, research, a third area of emphasis in mass communication and an outside area. 7. Residency Requirement
The University’s residency requirements apply, which means the student must be enrolled for at least 6 semester hours during 3 consecutive semesters. 8. Foreign Language
Completion of an examination or appropriate course work demonstrating a reading knowledge of at least one foreign language, administered by one of the University’s foreign language departments. 9. Dissertation Defense
A doctoral dissertation (12 hours minimum) successfully defended before the student’s dissertation committee.
These are minimum requirements. A doctoral student who aspires to write a dissertation in a given area may be required to enroll for additional courses (e.g. statistics or research methods). |
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