PhD in Communications: Prospective Student Information
The PhD in Communication with a concentration in Communication Studies prepares students for careers in higher education, research, and leadership. Through rigorous coursework, collaborative mentorship, and original scholarship, doctoral students develop the knowledge and research skills needed to contribute to the advancement of the communication discipline. The Communication Studies concentration is offered exclusively in person, providing students with meaningful opportunities for collaboration, teaching experience, and engagement with faculty and peers.
Students work closely with accomplished faculty while pursuing research across two primary areas of emphasis: Rhetoric & Media Studies and Applied Communication. These complementary areas allow students to explore a wide range of theoretical and methodological approaches while developing expertise that aligns with their academic and professional goals.
As you explore the program, you'll find information about admissions requirements, funding opportunities, curriculum, and faculty research areas to help determine whether the PhD in Communication Studies is the right fit for you.
Admissions
Admission to the PhD in Communication with a concentration in Communication Studies is competitive. Applicants should demonstrate strong academic preparation, research potential, and a clear commitment to advanced study in communication. Applications are accepted for Fall admission only.
Applications can be submitted using the University of Memphis Graduate Admissions Application.
Application Deadlines
- January 15 – Priority deadline for consideration for a graduate assistantship
- May 15 – Final application deadline
- May 1 – Final deadline for international applicants
Admission Requirements
Applicants should have:
- A master's degree in Communication or a related field from an accredited institution
- A minimum graduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
The following materials must be submitted through the University of Memphis Graduate Admissions application:
- Official or unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended (official transcripts are required before enrollment)
- Curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé highlighting relevant teaching, research, and professional experience
- Two samples of academic writing, such as research papers, professional publications, position papers, or chapters from a master's thesis
- Statement of purpose (maximum 1,500 words) describing:
- Your reasons for pursuing doctoral study
- Research interests within communication
- Why you wish to study in the Department of Communication & Film
- If your master's degree is outside Communication, how it has prepared you for doctoral study in the discipline
- Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your academic background and potential for doctoral study
Please note: Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applications are reviewed holistically, and meeting the minimum qualifications ensures consideration but not acceptance.
International Applicants
International applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. The final application deadline for international applicants is May 1, one month prior to the domestic deadline. Additional university-wide admission requirements apply.
Curriculum & Degree Requirements
The PhD in Communication with a concentration in Communication Studies provides advanced training in communication theory, research, teaching, and scholarly writing. Students complete rigorous coursework before progressing through comprehensive examinations and dissertation research, preparing them for careers in higher education, research, and leadership across a variety of professional settings.
Students in the Communication Studies concentration complete a minimum of 42 credit hours beyond the master's degree (72 hours beyond the bachelor's degree) and begin the program with a shared doctoral foundations course. Throughout the program, students develop expertise in communication theory, research methodology, university teaching, and independent scholarship while working closely with faculty mentors.
Program Highlights
- Offered fully in person on the University of Memphis campus
- Minimum of 42 credit hours beyond the master's degree
- Advanced coursework in communication theory and research methods
- Preparation for college-level teaching and scholarly research
- Completion of comprehensive examinations and an original doctoral dissertation
For complete degree requirements, required courses, and University Graduate School policies, please refer to the official Graduate Catalog
Research Areas & Faculty Expertise
The PhD in Communication Studies encourages students to pursue original scholarship while working closely with faculty mentors whose research spans a wide range of communication topics. Students may collaborate with faculty across disciplines while developing specialized expertise within one or both of the program's primary research areas.
Applied Communication
Faculty in Applied Communication examine how communication influences relationships, organizations, health, education, and communities. Through interdisciplinary research, students explore the practical application of communication theory and methods to address real-world challenges.
Areas of faculty expertise include:
- Discourse Studies
- End-of-Life Communication
- Family Communication
- Health Communication
- Instructional Communication
- Interpersonal Communication
- Patient–Provider Interaction
- Persuasion
Rhetoric & Media Studies
Rhetoric & Media Studies explores the ways language, media, culture, and public discourse shape society. Students investigate communication through historical, critical, rhetorical, and cultural perspectives while examining contemporary issues in media and technology.
Areas of faculty expertise include:
- African American Rhetoric
- Critical & Cultural Studies
- Digital Media & Technologies
- Film Studies
- Political Communication
- Public Address
- Religious Communication
- Rhetorical Theory & Criticism
Students may also pursue interdisciplinary graduate certificates, such as Women's and Gender Studies, in consultation with their faculty advisor, doctoral committee, and the certificate-granting program.
Assistantships & Funding
The Department of Communication & Film offers a limited number of graduate assistantships each year to support doctoral students in the PhD in Communication. Assistantships provide financial support while offering valuable teaching, research, and professional development experience. Students who wish to be considered for an assistantship should submit their application for admission by the January 15 priority deadline.
Graduate Assistantships
Doctoral assistantships are renewable for up to four years, contingent upon satisfactory academic progress and departmental policies.
Assistantships include:
- $18,000 annual stipend
- Full tuition remission
- University-sponsored health insurance
Graduate assistants typically teach two sections of COMM 2381 – Oral Communication each semester. Depending on departmental needs, assistantship responsibilities may also include research or service assignments.
Awards & Professional Support
The Department of Communication & Film recognizes outstanding graduate student achievement through annual awards for excellence in teaching, research, and filmmaking. Graduate students may also be eligible for awards offered by the College of Communication and Fine Arts and the University of Memphis.
Graduate assistants may receive up to $1,000 annually in departmental travel funding to support conference presentations and professional development. Additional travel funding opportunities are available through the University of Memphis Graduate Student Association.
Additional Financial Resources
Graduate students may also explore financial assistance through the University's Office of Student Financial Aid, including information about graduate financial aid programs and estimated cost of attendance.
Still Have Questions?
If you'd like to learn more about the PhD in Communication with a concentration in Communication Studies or discuss your academic and professional goals, we'd be happy to help.
Dr. Andre E. Johnson, Director of Graduate Studies