The Department of Communication faculty and staff are dedicated to joining with students in an effort to understand and promote the study of communication. To accomplish this goal, students are given opportunities to study theory, criticism, research methods, and application.

The Master's program offers a choice of two concentrations: (1) Communication and (2) Film and Video Production.

The Doctoral program offers specializations in Rhetoric and Communication Studies and tailors student programs to meet individual needs.

Faculty members are nationally recognized and have received numerous awards for excellence in research, filmmaking, teaching, and professional service. Specific areas of faculty expertise include: rhetorical theory and criticism; political communication; public address; rhetoric of science & medicine; health communication; instructional & interpersonal communication; discourse studies; communication & technology; communication & conflict; documentary and narrative film studies; film and video production.

Facilities and equipment in the Department include: an FM all-jazz radio station, two television studios, film and video editing rooms (linear and non-linear), professional 16mm and video cameras, film sound and lighting gear, a film and video projection room, and a computer laboratory. In addition, the College of Communication and Fine Arts houses a 24-track audio-recording studio and a computer graphics laboratory.

The Department awards a number of graduate teaching/research assistantships to those outstanding applicants who have demonstrated interest and ability in teaching and research. These assistantships include a stipend and a remission of tuition fees. To determine eligibility for the assistantships, refer to the requirements for admission to the M.A. and Ph.D. programs.

General inquiries regarding the Communication graduate program and graduate assistantships should be directed to the Graduate Secretary, Sheree Smith-Hudgins, at the department's address or at ssmith@memphis.edu.

For more specific inquiries, especially regarding the doctoral program, please contact Dr. Sandra Sarkela, Graduate Program Director, at ssarkela@memphis.edu.



Current Students

Graduate Student Manual 2009-2010

Program Advisory Committee forms: MA    PhD

Graduate School online forms

Calendars & Deadlines