PhD Communication Arts at University of Wisconsin-Madison

Programme overview

The Department of Communication Arts at the University of Wisconsin–Madison has long been one of the world's leading centers for study and research in communication. It was the first department in the United States to award a PhD degree in the field, and its graduates serve on the faculties of leading universities, in research institutions, and in public and private agencies throughout this country and abroad. The graduate programs in communication arts are designed to educate research scholars.

Department: Communication Arts | Duration: 61 credits | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Fall (deadline December 15) | Location: Madison, WI, United States

What you will study

The degree requires a minimum of 61 credits. Courses listed in the requirements include COM ARTS 901 Introduction to Graduate Studies in Communication Arts; COM ARTS 760 Advances in Communication Theories; COM ARTS 762 Communication Research Methods; COM ARTS 970 Seminar in Communication Science; COM ARTS 904 Communication Science Colloquium; COM ARTS 990 Research and Thesis.

Career pathways

Graduate students should consider opportunities for professional development as they begin their programs of graduate study.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) Not required but may be considered if available; Letters of Recommendation Required 3. Since COVID-19, there have been challenges for students attempting to take the GRE. For students applying in Fall 2026 (for Fall 2027 admission), the GRE requirement is optional. Regardless of whether GRE scores are submitted, all applications will be held in equal regard. Applicants must have earned a master's degree from an accredited institution. The Graduate School minimum GPA is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The department likes to see at least a 3.25 in courses relevant to the area in which you apply, although successful applicants usually have much higher GPAs. Within the department, applicants may apply to only one pathway of study, which must be indicated on the statement of purpose : Communication Science; Film; Media and Cultural Studies;

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.

Entry terms (spring, summer or fall) vary by programme and are listed on each programme's Graduate Guide admissions tab. An applicant may have active applications in only one entry term at a time.

Application deadlines vary by programme and are listed on the programme's Graduate Guide admissions tab. Applications are submitted through the Graduate School application portal. The application fee is $75 US, non-refundable, payable by credit card (MasterCard or Visa) or debit/ATM; international applicants pay an extra $6 processing fee. Up to three programmes in the same entry term can be applied to for one application fee.

Apply through the official page: https://grad.wisc.edu/apply/requirements/

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