Communication, PhD
Communication, Health, Intercultural, Interpersonal, Organizational, Performance, rhetoric
You could be conducting innovative and socially embedded research on local, national and global issues, research that contributes to a more peaceful and prosperous future. Enjoy a supportive and engaging environment of interdisciplinary training, research and teaching opportunities, all guided by award-winning faculty.
The Hugh Downs School of Human Communication offers you a transdisciplinary graduate program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy in communication.
This program provides coursework and resources spanning multiple approaches to human communication scholarship (critical, social scientific, performance) and domains of inquiry (relationships, organizations, global societies, cultures). You customize your training around core courses in communication theory and research methodology, plus multiple areas of emphasis. Most actively participate in one or more of the school's collaborative research initiatives.
The PhD program in communication is designed to meet your needs as a student whose interests transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries, and to prepare you for research-oriented careers in universities as well as the public or private sectors.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
This video provides an overview of the Communication, PhD degree program at ASU.
96 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
Required Core (6 credit hours) Electives (48 credit hours) Other Requirements (24 credit hours) Research (6 credit hours) Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information At least six elective credit hours must be coursework outside of the communication field. At least three elective credit hours must be coursework in methods training.
COM 604 Theory Construction in Communication (3)
Choose one:
COM 607 Contemporary Rhetorical Methods (3)
COM 608 Multivariate Statistical Analysis of Data in Communication (3)
COM 609 Advanced Qualitative Research Methods in Communication (3)
COM 691 Seminar (24)
COM 792 Research (6)
COM 799 Dissertation (12)
When approved by the student's supervisory committee and the Graduate College, this program allows 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree to be used for this degree; 66 credit hours are required beyond an appropriate master's degree.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S.
applicants | International
applicants | English
proficiency
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree, in any field, from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
Applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- resume or curriculum vitae
- statement of goals
- three letters of recommendation
- writing sample
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Most commonly, students enter with a research-based Master of Arts in which they have completed a master's thesis.
An international student's teaching assistant appointment is contingent on a full certification of spoken English proficiency. This process typically involves taking and passing the SPEAK test with a score of 55 or higher. The SPEAK test is administered on ASU's Tempe campus by Global Launch at least 24 times a year. Only SPEAK scores from Global Launch are allowed.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 01/05 | Final |
A doctoral degree in communication opens doors to a variety of careers in research, teaching, training and consulting. Graduates typically obtain jobs in research and teaching institutions that range from large research universities to four-year teaching schools and community colleges. A number of career opportunities appear in government agencies and organizations, both for-profit and nonprofit.
Graduates have obtained jobs as:
- academic administrators
- academic advisors
- campaign managers
- consultants
- policy advocates
- professors
- program directors
- researchers
Hugh Downs School of Human Communication
|
STAUF A412
PHDCOMAPP@asu.edu
602-543-5619
Admission deadlines
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
