PhD Media and Journalism at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Programme overview

The theory and research area of study is designed for students who are interested in later pursuing a doctoral degree or research positions in industry. The curriculum for students in this area is closely tied to the Ph.D. program curriculum; students do not take professional skills courses. Within this 39-credit-hour curriculum, each student completes the four core courses listed below and works with an advisor to build a specialized program of study based on this foundation. Students also are required to take at least two courses in other schools and departments at the University or at neighboring universities.

Faculty: UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media | Department: Media and Journalism | Duration: A J.D.–M.A. dual-degree program, part of the theory and research area of study, offered in partnership with the UNC School of Law, allows students to earn both degrees in as little as four years. | Study mode: full-time | Location: Chapel Hill, NC, United States

What you will study

In the dual-degree program, a student may count up to 12 credit hours of LAW courses toward the M.A. and up to 12 credit hours of MEJO courses toward the J.D. Dual-degree students must complete the required 48 credit hours for the Ph.D., of which up to 12 credit hours may be drawn from approved courses in the J.D. curriculum. Core courses include MEJO 750 Fundamentals of Reporting; MEJO 751 Journalism Methods; MEJO 754 Advanced Reporting; MEJO 756 Investigative and Data-driven Reporting; MEJO 758 Public Life Reporting I; MEJO 782 Digital Content Creation.

Career pathways

It allows aspiring and early-career journalists to — in just 12 months — intensively learn the specialized skills of their craft. The strategic communication area of study features a redesigned, one-year curriculum that prepares students for advertising, marketing communication, and public relations positions in agencies, corporations, nonprofit organizations, and government.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Graduate School minimum (applies to all graduate programmes): a four-year bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) from an accredited institution completed before graduate study begins and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better; application via the Graduate School online application with transcripts, three recommendation letters, statement of purpose and CV, plus any programme-specific tests/materials; international applicants add a TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test score; admission decisions are made by each programme. Programme-specific: For that reason, the statement of purpose that must accompany an application is extremely important, and applicants are encouraged to be as specific as possible in outlining their research interests and career goals. Admission to the UNC School of Law and the doctoral program in the Hussman School of Journalism and Media must be gained independently in order to be admitted to the J.D.–Ph.D. program.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applicants apply for a start term; fall is the main start term. Very few programmes admit new students for spring or summer terms.

Graduate applications and payment must be received by the deadline of the academic programme applied to, which varies by programme; the application closes at 11:59pm Eastern Time on the deadline date. The Graduate School recommends complete applications by December 15, 2026 for full fellowship consideration.

Apply through the official page: https://gradschool.unc.edu/admissions/instructions/

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