Journalism and Mass Communication, PhD

Program Overview

The PhD program in Journalism and Mass Communication at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication is designed for seasoned media professionals and recent graduates seeking to become thought leaders in journalism, strategic communication, and global mass communication. The program emphasizes core values of inclusion, collaboration, and original research, and offers students the ability to develop individualized programs of study and collaborate with faculty mentors on projects. Graduates are prepared for a wide range of careers in media research, analysis, consulting, academia, and other relevant fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The PhD program in Journalism and Mass Communication at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication is a highly individualized program designed for:

• Seasoned media professionals transitioning to academia
• Recent graduates of master's degree-level programs in various fields

Objectives:

• Prepare students to become thought leaders in:
• Journalism
• Strategic communication
• Global mass communication
• Equip students to answer critical questions challenging the fields of:
• Journalism
• Digital and social media
• Strategic communication
• Audience studies
• Global mass communication

Program Description:

• Emphasizes core values of:
• Inclusion
• Collaboration and mentoring
• Transdisciplinarity
• Original research
• Offers students the ability to:
• Develop individual programs of study
• Draw knowledge and methodologies from diverse fields
• Collaborate with faculty mentors and fellow students on projects
• Develop independent research programs
• Receive personalized guidance from senior scholars
• Aims to train scholars capable of:
• Identifying key questions
• Designing appropriate studies to investigate those questions
• Conducting independent and impactful research
• Exposes students to a wide range of theories and methods to:
• Forge their own scholarly identity based on interests and aptitudes

Commitment to Diversity:

• The Cronkite School is committed to creating an environment of:
• Representation
• Equity
• Acceptance
• Respect

Outline:

Program Structure:

• Requires 84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus, and a dissertation.
• Consists of:
• Required Core (18 credit hours)
• Electives (18 credit hours)
• Other Requirements (24 credit hours)
• Previous master's degree or additional hours approved by the supervisory committee (24)
• Research (12 credit hours)

Modules:

• Required Core (18 credit hours):
• Electives (18 credit hours):
• Students can choose electives from various fields to complement their research interests and career goals.
• Other Requirements:
• Previous master's degree or additional hours approved by the supervisory committee (24):
• Students can use previous coursework in relevant fields to fulfill some degree requirements.
• Research (12 credit hours):
• Students conduct original research under the guidance of faculty advisors.
• Dissertation (12 credit hours):
• Students write a dissertation based on their research, which demonstrates their ability to contribute to the field of mass communication.

Assessment:

The program utilizes various assessment methods, including:

• Written comprehensive exam: Evaluates students' knowledge and understanding of core concepts in mass communication.
• Oral comprehensive exam: Assesses students' ability to apply their knowledge and conduct scholarly discussions.
• Prospectus: Evaluates students' research plans and methodologies.
• Dissertation: Assesses students' ability to conduct independent research, analyze data, and write persuasively.
• Coursework: Students' performance in coursework is also taken into consideration.

Teaching:

The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Seminars: Allow for in-depth discussions and critical analysis of key issues.
• Lectures: Provide students with foundational knowledge and theoretical frameworks.
• Individualized mentorship: Faculty advisors guide students in their research and professional development.
• Collaborative projects: Students work together on research projects, developing teamwork and communication skills.
• Guest lectures: Industry professionals and scholars share their expertise with students.

Faculty:

• The program boasts a renowned faculty with expertise in various areas of mass communication.
• Faculty members are actively involved in research and publishing, ensuring students receive cutting-edge knowledge and guidance.

Careers:

Graduates of the program are prepared for a wide range of careers, including:

• Media researcher/trainer: Conduct research and develop training programs for media organizations.
• University professor: Teach and conduct research in mass communication at universities.
• Other relevant fields: Communication specialist, public relations specialist, marketing specialist, content creator, and many more.

Other:

• The program encourages students to participate in international research projects to broaden their perspective and experience.
• The program fosters a culture of collaboration and support among students and faculty.
• The program prepares students to be leaders in the field of mass communication, making a positive impact on society.