PhD Mass Communications at University of Wisconsin-Madison

Programme overview

The Mass Communications PhD is an interdisciplinary doctoral program offered by the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. The program offers several internationally recognized areas of research and teaching excellence: Working closely with their major professor and committee, students draw from courses offered in departments across the campus to develop a plan of study in preparation for independent and original research in their areas of interest.

Department: Journalism Mass Communication | Duration: 68 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 68 credits. Courses listed in the requirements include JOURN 901 Colloquium in Mass Communication; JOURN 801 Mass Communication and the Individual; JOURN 802 Mass Communication and Society; JOURN 803 Mass Communication and Culture; JOURN 657 Understanding Research Design & Statistics in Mass Communication; JOURN 658 Communication Research Methods.

Career pathways

We offer a research colloquium ( JOURN 901 ) during the academic year where faculty share their research findings and methods and engage students in lively conversations about how to conduct research. We offer a teaching colloquium ( JOURN 902 ) that explores pedagogical principles and applications that prepare students for teaching careers.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) Not required but may be considered if available; Letters of Recommendation Required 3. Applicants for this program are expected to have demonstrated an interest and background in communication research by having earned a thesis-based MA or MS degree in communication or other relevant disciplines. The admissions committee, however, may accept other evidence of suitable preparation. Applicants must submit an online application, a statement of purpose, a supplementary question response, unofficial transcripts from all previously attended institutions, a CV, and three letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation should come from people who can speak to the scholarly abilities of the applicant. International degree-seeking applicants must prove English proficiency using the Graduate School's requirements .

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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