PhD in Media & Communication in United States

Communication

Purdue University offers a comprehensive graduate program in Communication, encompassing Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Arts (MA) degrees with on-campus attendance. Additionally, online Master of Science (MS) degrees and several graduate certificates in specialized areas of communication are available. The program is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in various facets of communication theory and practice.

Communication

The Communication PhD program at UC Davis focuses on the social scientific study of human communication, primarily using quantitative research methods. There is a special emphasis on mediated communication and digital society. Students will develop advanced knowledge in how individuals create, transmit, interpret, evaluate, and respond to messages in various contexts, including interpersonal, group, organizational, public, and cross-cultural settings. The program equips students with essential qualitative and quantitative research skills necessary for careers in academia and professional research, focusing on strategic social interaction, mediated communication, and the development of communication theories.

Communication Arts and Sciences

The Communication Arts and Sciences graduate program at Penn State trains students in communication science and rhetorical studies. Research focuses on how communication impacts attitudes, behavior, relationships, public life, democratic processes, and social justice. The program is highly regarded, ranking among the top five nationally for rhetorical studies and interpersonal/small group communication. The department is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, valuing a wide array of identities and perspectives to enrich knowledge creation about communication in various contexts.

Interdepartmental Program in Computational Approaches and Digital Media

This interdisciplinary PhD program is designed for scholar-technologists interested in conducting cutting-edge research and development at the intersection of computer science, communication, and digital media. It aims to attract bright students from diverse backgrounds who are looking to explore research beyond traditional departmental boundaries. The program is ideal for those who wish to combine a strong technological foundation with training in social sciences and humanities.

Performing and Media Arts (PhD)

The graduate program in Performing and Media Arts at Cornell University offers a PhD focused on interdisciplinary critical studies of theatrical and performance traditions, cinema, media cultures, and expressive behaviors. Students can specialize in either theatre and performance studies or cinema and media studies, or pursue novel research at the intersection of these fields. The program encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing students to draw on faculty expertise from various departments across the university. A Special Committee, composed of faculty from PMA and other relevant fields, guides each student's research. Research facilities include extensive library holdings, special collections on topics like Hip Hop and George Bernard Shaw, and centers for scholarly exchange such as the Society for the Humanities and The School for Criticism and Theory.

Ph.D. in Film, Television, and Media

The Department of Film, Television, and Media at the University of Michigan offers a Ph.D. program administered by the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies. This doctoral program focuses on advanced study and research in film, television, and media.

PhD in Communications & Media

The Institute of Communications Research (ICR) offers a highly regarded PhD program in Communications & Media. This program is designed for students with a strong background in humanities, social sciences, or physical sciences who wish to conduct cutting-edge research in media and communication. The program emphasizes flexibility, allowing students to tailor their studies by drawing on resources across the university. Graduates are prepared to understand and influence contemporary media and communication landscapes, with a focus on intellectually rigorous and historically aware inquiry.

PhD in Computational Media, Arts & Cultures

The Computational Media, Arts & Cultures (CMAC) PhD program at Duke University is a small, experimental, and interdisciplinary program focused on the intersection of media arts with humanities, sciences, and technology. The program encourages a blend of theoretical exploration and practical application. CMAC collaborates with various departments and research initiatives, including Art, Art History & Visual Studies, the Literature Program, the Franklin Humanities Institute, and Information Science + Studies. The program aims to foster research that critically engages with contemporary media landscapes, computational processes, and cultural expressions. Students will have the opportunity to work within specialized labs that focus on areas such as digital art history, virtual reality, speculative sensation, and community-focused digital projects.

PhD in Computational Media, Arts & Cultures