PhD Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University

Programme overview

The Doctor of Philosophy program in journalism and mass communication is a highly individualized program that is well-suited whether you are a seasoned media professional transitioning to academia; or a recent graduate of master's degree-level programs in journalism and communication, social and behavioral sciences, or the humanities.

Faculty: Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication | Department: Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Comm | Duration: 84 credit hours | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Fall | Location: Tempe, AZ, United States

What you will study

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation 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) Dissertation (12 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Students should see the academic unit for an approved course list.

Career pathways

Graduates with a doctorate in journalism and mass communication are prepared for a number of career opportunities. Those with professional expertise in mass media and communications are in especially high demand as universities and institutions train the next generation of media professionals. Career examples: industry researcher or trainer, media analyst, media consultant, university professor.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. 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 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 three letters of recommendation personal statement of interest statement of research goals resume samples of scholarly work (optional) 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. Applicants should have a TOEFL iBT® score of at least 5, or a score of 100 (taken at a testing center) if taken before January 21, 2026.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,327 a year (2026-27). Arizona resident tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads Source

International applicants: USD 24,780 a year (2026-27). International tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads ar Source

Entry terms: Fall, Spring and Summer; the terms available for each programme are listed in Degree Search.

Graduate application deadlines are set by each programme office and listed in Degree Search. The nonrefundable application fee is $75 for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA and international online students outside the U.S., and $120 for international students on a nonimmigrant visa studying in the U.S.

Apply through the official page: https://admission.asu.edu/apply/graduate/admission

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