How to Earn a PHD in Communications

You must have a bachelor's degree before entering any PhD program, including the PhD of a Communications program. Most universities will require a Master's degree, though the field of study does not need to be in communications. Having a Master's in communication can decrease the duration of the PhD program, as some master's coursework can be used in place of courses geared to bring the undergraduate up to graduate standards.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Review the application process and requirements. Most PhD programs will require perspective students to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The GRE scores will need to be submitted to the institution along with your application, application fees and official transcripts from all previous college work.
2. Prepare a Statement of Intent. You will need to detail your interest in the PhD program and your goals; you can also detail your dissertation goals if you know them. Check with your chosen institution for their specific requirements for the Statement of Intent.
3. Obtain Letters of Reference. You will need to have two to four professional references for the PhD program. Most often, these references should be sent to the school in a sealed envelop and not sent to the prospective student first. Your references should detail why you are a good candidate for the PhD program.
4. Experience in communications will be expected. Most PhD programs will expect a graduate candidate to have at least two years of working experience in communications or a closely related field. Some institutions will require a year or two in between completing a Masters and beginning the PhD program. If your chosen institution requires such a break, use the time to develop skills, build experience and prepare yourself for the GRE.
5. The PhD in Communications is a demanding program that will require a dissertation on a specific field of research. You will begin the program with coursework geared towards the development of the field. You will complete the program with your dissertation. The purpose of the dissertation is to document the research you have completed and how your research has improved the field.

Tips & Warnings

• The PhD in Communication program will take from 2 to 4 years to complete, depending on previous educational accomplishments, work history and program specifics. The PhD candidate must be willing to make an enormous commitment of time and dedication to his goals to achieve his PhD.
• Teaching fellowships are often offered to PhD candidates. Research fellowships are also offered to some who will be research assistants during their involvement with the program. The fellowships generally come with a scheduled teaching course load, or a specific number of assistant duties and hours to garner a yearly stipend and a waiver of tuition and fees. Research your institution of choice to learn the specifics about fellowship offerings and requirements.
• When deciding which institution to attend, try to contact current students and discuss their satisfaction with the program, areas of research they may be conducting and the possibility of becoming a research assistant, if appropriate.

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