Program: Communication, (PhD) - University of Memphis

Jun 01, 2025

2025-2026 GRADUATE CATALOG {Editing in Progress}

Program goals/objectives

1. Students will be able to conduct independent research about a current Communication issue.

2. Students will be able to teach at the collegiate level.

3. Students will demonstrate broad understanding of the current theories of Communication.

Student learning outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate understanding of Communication theories necessary to carry out formal research.

2. Students will demonstrate overall understanding of specialized topics of the students’ interests necessary to teach college-level courses.

3. Students will demonstrate thorough knowledge of theories and practices of university-level instruction.

4. Students will demonstrate a thorough knowledge of research methodology appropriate for Communication scholarship, including the application of such knowledge in their own research and the ability to evaluate peer-reviewed research.

5. Students will demonstrate effective writing and presentation skills and the application of those skills in Communication scholarship suitable for peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.

Communication – (PhD)

The PhD in Communication provides students with advanced study for careers in higher education and other industries. Graduates will have advanced knowledge of Communication theory and research and will be prepared to teach and conduct research as college or university faculty. They will also be prepared to apply Communication theory and research in positions in industry, non-profit, and other sectors.

The PhD in Communication offers two concentrations:

Communication Studies
Journalism and Strategic Media

Program Mode

The PhD in Communication—Communication Studies is offered fully on ground in Memphis.

The PhD in Communication – Journalism & Strategic Media Concentration is offered fully on ground in Memphis and fully online, with a blend of synchronous and asynchronous courses, through UofM Global.

Program Minimum Requirements

All students are required to take a three-hour core course on foundations of graduate study in communication and media that is shared across the major: students in Communication Studies will take COMM 8017; students in Journalism & Strategic Media will take JRSM 8002.

Students are required to choose a concentration of either Communication Studies or Journalism & Strategic Media. Each concentration has specific requirements. Switching between concentrations requires a new application to the program.

The PhD program in Communication requires a minimum of 42 credit hours at the 7000-level or higher beyond the master’s for a total of 72 hours beyond the bachelor’s degree.

All graduate students must comply with the general requirements of the Graduate School (see Admission Regulations, Academic Regulations, and Minimum Degree Requirements) as well as the program requirements of the degree being pursued.