Ph.D in Mass Communication

Program Overview

Ohio University's joint Ph.D. in Mass Communication offers two tracks: Media Arts and Studies and Journalism. Students explore innovation in the evolving media landscape, conducting research in areas such as journalism, strategic communication, and data analytics. The program emphasizes research skills and prepares graduates for careers in academia, media, and beyond.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Ph.D. in Mass Communication at Ohio University is a joint program between the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism and the School of Media Arts and Studies. The program focuses on innovation in the changing media environment and provides students with opportunities to conduct research in a range of areas, including journalism, mass communication, strategic communication, social media, data analytics, critical cultural studies, First Amendment theory and policy, media ethics and history, political communication, and international communication. The Ph.D. program in Mass Communication has two tracks: Media Arts and Studies (MDIA) and Journalism (JOUR).

Outline:

The Ph.D. program in Mass Communication consists of coursework and dissertation research. Coursework typically takes two to three years to complete and dissertation research takes two to five years to complete. The required coursework for the Ph.D. program in Mass Communication includes:

• Theories of Mass Communication
• Research Methods for Mass Communication
• Media History and Criticism
• Media Law and Ethics
• Advanced Seminar in Mass Communication
• Dissertation
In addition to the required coursework, students must also complete a dissertation. The dissertation is a major research project that demonstrates the student's ability to independently conduct research and write about their findings.

Assessment:

Students in the Ph.D. program in Mass Communication are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Exams
• Papers
• Presentations
• Research projects
The specific assessment methods used in each course will vary depending on the instructor.

Teaching:

The Ph.D. program in Mass Communication is taught by a team of experienced faculty who are dedicated to teaching and research. Faculty members in the program have a wide range of expertise, including journalism, mass communication, strategic communication, social media, data analytics, critical cultural studies, First Amendment theory and policy, media ethics and history, political communication, and international communication.

Careers:

Ph.D. graduates in Mass Communication from Ohio University have gone on to successful careers in academia, media, and other fields. Many graduates have become professors at universities and colleges, while others have become professionals in the media production industry, researchers and activists at NGOs, and journalists around the world.