PhD Communication at University of North Dakota

Programme overview

Study the different ways people communicate, so you can prepare for leadership roles across the globe. Communication plays a fundamental role in our global society and it is imperative for us to recognize and appreciate the international and intercultural contexts in which it occurs. With a Ph.D. in Communication from UND, you'll learn about human communication across diverse cultures and through multiple systems.

What you will study

Students seeking the Doctor of Philosophy degree at the University of North Dakota must satisfy all general requirements set forth by the School of Graduate Studies as well as specific requirements set forth by the Communication Program. Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree set forth by the Communication Program include: Required courses include COMM 501 Theoretical Perspectives in Communication; COMM 505 Concepts in Quantitative Communication Research; COMM 506 Concepts in Qualitative Communication Research; COMM 535 Intercultural Communication; COMM 550 International and Global Communication; COMM 515 International and Intercultural Narrative Communication.

Career pathways

Upon completion of your Communication doctoral program, you'll emerge as a proficient communication specialist, equipped to excel in academia or thrive in media-related field.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission Requirements for consideration for the Doctor of Philosophy degree in the Communication Program include: Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher OR MA degree in Communication Statement of interest, including personal goals and the relevance of the Ph.D. in Communication to those goals. Original academic paper, 10-15 pages in length, reflecting the student’s ability to articulate and synthesize ideas. Three letters of recommendation from sources familiar with the applicant’s potential as a doctoral student in Communication. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test (optional; no minimum score required for consideration) Individuals applying to enroll in the program online are expected to enroll full time (i.e., 9 credits per semester) and should indicate they intend to do so in their statement of interest. Individuals applying to enroll in the program on campus may be considered for part-time enrollment, but full time is preferred. The intentions of the on-campus applicant should also be indicated in the statement of interest.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,441 a year (2026-27). North Dakota resident rate. On-campus tuition for 2026/2027 as shown in the programme's tuition table (fall and spring semesters, rate band 'Arts & Science'); excludes mandatory student fees, housing and books. The same table lists Minnesota residents $17 Source

International applicants: USD 26,882 a year (2026-27). International student rate. On-campus tuition for 2026/2027 as shown in the programme's tuition table (fall and spring semesters, rate band 'Arts & Science'); excludes mandatory student fees, housing and books. Source

Terms run Fall (August-December), Spring (January-May) and Summer (May-August).

Graduate applications go through the UND admissions application with a $35 non-refundable fee (no waivers); each graduate program sets its own deadline, listed in the Program Finder.

International graduate applicants: Fall May 1, Spring Sept. 1, Summer Feb. 1, unless the program sets a specific deadline. Application fee $35.

Apply through the official page: https://und.edu/admissions/graduate/apply.html

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