Mass Communication & Public Affairs, Ph.D.

(PMCPA)

The PhD in mass communication and public affairs is a unique interdisciplinary degree that focuses on media and politics. The curriculum consists of 88 hours of credit, including 40 hours of required courses and a professional or research externship, and 18 hours of dissertation research within the Manship School. In addition, students complete 12 hours of elective courses in mass communication, six hours of additional advanced statistics or methodology courses, and 12 hours in an outside area of concentration. With approval, a student may receive credit for some course work completed as part of the student’s master’s program. Finally, students must pass a comprehensive examination (with written and oral components) and successfully defend a dissertation.