MA Communication: Rhetoric & Communication at University of Pittsburgh

Programme overview

The Department of Communication offers a doctoral programme; students without a master's receive an MA en route by completing an MA comprehensive exam portfolio in their second year. No terminal MA is offered.

Faculty: Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences | Department: Department of Communication | Intake: Fall | Location: Pittsburgh, PA, United States

What you will study

The PhD requires 72 credits (30 may transfer from an MA) including core courses COMMRC 2295 Teaching Practicum, 2296 Approaches to Communication, 2297 Faculty Research Forum, 2230 Communication Research and 2299 Writing Workshop, plus seminars such as Rhetorical Criticism, Visual Rhetoric, Readings in Critical Theory and Media and Cultural Studies.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Doctoral programme admission: online application, statement of purpose (maximum two pages), writing sample, transcripts, recommendations, $75 fee; GRE not required; deadline January 3. International applicants follow Dietrich School English test minimums (TOEFL 90, IELTS 7.0, Duolingo 120). About 4 students admitted per year.

Requirements published at program group level.

Domestic applicants: USD 27,412 a year (2026-27). Pennsylvania-resident graduate tuition, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

International applicants: USD 49,272 a year (2026-27). Out-of-state (non-PA resident) graduate tuition, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

Entry terms (Fall, Spring, Summer) and deadlines are set by each school or department; the University's graduate catalog lists Fall, Spring and Summer terms for new graduate students.

Graduate and professional applications are made online to the school or department of intended study, with deadlines set by each school or department; official English-test results are required from applicants from countries where English is not the official language.

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