Communication, PhD
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.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
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.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
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.
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
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: Additional Application Information 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.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 01/05 | Final* |
*A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Admission Services by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
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
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
Hugh Downs School of Human Communication
|
STAUF A412
PHDCOMAPP@asu.edu
602-543-5619
Admission deadlines
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
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.
