The program emphasizes interdisciplinary studies, with course work and research tailored to each student’s interests under the guidance of faculty members. The school offers several areas of strength to support graduate student research in both traditional and digital media:

  • critical and cultural studies;
  • sports and media;
  • international/development studies;
  • health and science communication;
  • journalism studies; and
  • history of media and media institutions.

Students in the Ph.D. program in mass communications must complete the following curriculum and are required to take at least two courses in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication in addition to JMC:6700 Approaches to Media Communication. These courses can be from the methods, theory, or electives areas.