If you are planning to pursue PhD communications online degree, you are at the right place as we are going to provide you with all the information you need to know. To get started let’s see what a PhD in communications degree entail.
What Is a PhD In Communications Degree?
A PhD in communications is the highest level of degree one can earn in the field of communications. A doctoral degree in communications takes four to six years to complete, and usually involves extensive research, studying, and writing. Those who have a PhD in Communications are qualified to teach at the college or university level.
As with other PhD programs, there are two primary types that students can pursue: a research-based program or a practice-based program. The majority of schools offer a research-based program, which requires students to complete an original dissertation that contributes new knowledge or perspectives on theories within their specific area of interest within communications studies. Research-based programs at some schools also require students to pass either written or oral exams before graduation. Practice-based programs generally require candidates to create a practical product such as published writings on the subject rather than conducting original research; these kinds of degrees are often more common for working professionals who want advanced training without having to leave their jobs for six years.
How long does it take to get a PhD in Communications?
A doctorate in communication usually takes between 4 and 7 years to complete. Your timeline will depend on the university, how much time you can dedicate to it, length of the dissertation, and the number of courses you will need to complete before receiving your PhD.
How much does it cost to get a PhD in Communications?
There are many things to consider when deciding whether a PhD in Communications is right for you. One of the most important questions to answer before making a decision is how much acquiring this degree will cost. The following information provides an overview of costs associated with the degree, but students should be sure to contact their specific university of choice for more detailed information.
The costs associated with earning a PhD in Communications include:
- University tuition, which varies based on location and program specifics;
- Living expenses such as room and board or rent, food, etc.;
- Books and supplies;
- Equipment (costs vary depending on research needs);
- Tuition waivers/discounts (some universities offer these based on income).
What can I do with a PhD in Communications?
While many graduates of communications Ph.D. programs ultimately pursue careers in academia, this is not the only option available to you. In fact, according to the most recent data collected by the BLS, only about a third of Ph.D.s are employed as college professors or researchers. The remainder enter the workforce in fields including advertising and public relations; materials, processes and science research; computer science and IT; psychology, sociology and economics; and biology, engineering and health sciences.
For example, an individual with a Ph.D in communication may choose to work as a psychologist or sociologist for a government agency or university research center that studies interpersonal relationships among groups of people or mass media effects on culture—just one potential career path for someone interested in studying how potential communication gaps between groups can impact society at large.
Is an online PhD in Communications worth it?
Online PhD in Communications programs are worth it, but only if you’re truly dedicated to the field of communications. At a doctoral level, students will generally have more freedom and flexibility to design their own curriculum and research topics that are relevant and interesting to them. The online environment may provide extra incentives for students to be self-motivated, as they won’t have instructors or classmates there with them at every step. Online programs also give students access to a wider array of schools than in-person programs do; those who live far from major cities can attend online schools in the same city with ease.
Because online PhDs are usually delivered by well-known colleges and universities, such as Purdue University or Syracuse University, these programs retain their status as rigorous research-based doctorates. In many cases, they may even be more affordable than in-person programs because you won’t need to relocate or pay commuting expenses.
A PhD in communications gives you advanced research and communication skills.
The last section looked at the different types of communications jobs that are available. In this section, we will discuss what a PhD in Communications could do for you and your career. A PhD in Communications serves as a foundation for advanced research and communication skills. These skills can be applied to many different job roles and roles in academia.
Communication skills are an important part of almost every profession, whether you work in business, education, marketing or social services. A PhD in Communications can help you develop the critical thinking skills necessary to deal with complex issues and solve problems that arise during your career.
List Of Schools Offering PhD In Communications Online
The schools below offer the best PhD in communications online degree:
University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati is a public research university that was founded in 1819. It’s the oldest higher education institution in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is the flagship university for the Ohio Board of Regents System. The school has been ranked as one of America’s top 25 public universities by U.S. News & World Report magazine for 17 years in a row, and has been recognized as one of the best colleges for veterans five years running.
The Communication PhD program requires 101 credit hours and will take approximately five to seven years to complete with full-time enrollment. Part-time students can expect to take up to 14 years. Applicants must have at minimum a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA or above from an accredited college or university and must hold GRE scores in the 65th percentile or higher on all components (verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing). Prospective students are also required to submit three letters of recommendation, a personal statement addressing their academic interests/goals and any applicable professional experience, samples of scholarly work (publications), official transcripts from all postsecondary schools attended, and an updated resume including publications/presentations/awards/honors received during your undergraduate career. Students are admitted once a year for fall semester each year, but tuition varies depending on whether you qualify as an Ohio resident or nonresident; check here http://www.ucgradcatalog.uc.edu/GradTuitionFees2012-13/index
This program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). For more information about this program contact Dr Marianne FitzPatrick at marianne@ucmail uc edu or call (513) 556-4583
Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a public research institution based in New York. SU currently offers an online doctorate of philosophy (PhD) in communications. This program is designed for students who wish to enhance their skills as scholars and researchers within communication studies, so that they can become effective teachers in the field.
The PhD in communications at SU is offered through the College of Visual and Performing Arts. There are no on-campus requirements for this degree; all courses are conducted entirely online through the Blackboard learning management system. Typically, students take four courses per semester, spending each semester working on one or two core classes as well as two elective classes. The degree also involves a dissertation, which students work on during every semester of the program until completion.
Syracuse University was founded in 1870 in Syracuse, New York. Currently, Syracuse enrolls over 23,000 undergraduate and graduate students across 14 schools and colleges within its campus-based programs.
The University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin offers an online PhD in Communication Studies. This program focuses on courses in communication theory and research, including conducting research using quantitative and qualitative methods. You will also learn about the intersection of communication studies with sociology, psychology, and political science.
To complete this online program, you will attend classes from the convenience of your home or office via an online learning environment that uses video content and interactive discussions. By participating in this type of learning environment, you can develop close relationships with your peers through collaboration and team assignments. Additionally, you can access instructional materials at any time to fit your lifestyle and schedule.
As a student at The University of Texas at Austin, you can participate in activities that help you become knowledgeable about current issues within the field. For example, students may have an opportunity to attend lectures by visiting experts who share information on relevant topics related to Communication Studies. These activities help students build their professional networks as they prepare for careers after graduation
Ball State University
- Offers the Ph.D. in Communication Studies Online
- Costs: $480/credit hour for Indiana residents, $1,464/credit hour for non-residents
- Average length of program: 4 years
- Format: Hybrid (some online, some on campus)
- Accreditation: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and North Central Association (NCA)
- Requirements needed to apply: Master’s degree with a 3.25 GPA; GRE scores; admission essay; 3 letters of recommendation; resume or CV
Hofstra University
- Location: Hempstead, NY
- Cost of tuition: $54,500/yr.
- Financial aid available?: Yes
- Scholarships available?: Yes
- University reputation: Hofstra has a strong reputation as a university with high academic standards and an array of graduate degrees. The school has been ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report, Kaplan and Princeton Review. Students will be taught by faculty who are connected to the school’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation which is well known in the region and beyond. With some of the most influential communications executives on its board of advisors, Hofstra placed at #3 among colleges that produce CEOs on Forbes’ 2014 list of “Best Colleges for Future Billionaires.” In addition to being named one of the Best National Universities by U.S. News & World Report in 2016, it was ranked #28 on Forbes’ 2017 rankings for Best Midsize Employers.
Northcentral University
Northcentral University is a private, for-profit, regionally accredited university that’s also Christian. It’s been offering online education since 1996 and is entirely online—no campus visits required. If you want to study communication at NCU, you’ll be joining a community of over 30,000 students in the U.S., Canada, and over 60 other countries.
As well as traditional graduate business degrees like an MBA, NCU offers specialized MBAs in fields like sports management and finance. For those interested in studying communications online at the doctoral level, there are three degree options: a PhD in Business Administration with a specialization in Organizational Leadership; an EdD with specialization in Educational Leadership; and a PhD with specialization in Communication Studies.
NCU’s PhD programs are accelerated: core classes take about two months to complete (with one class at a time) after which learners begin their residencies or dissertation process. The requirements for the EdD are different from those of the other two degrees because it includes residencies—students spend one week on campus twice each year during parts of their program.
Indiana University Bloomington
Of the two PhD programs IU Bloomington offers, one is in Communication and Culture and one is in Environmental Science. Both of these programs are backed by stellar research departments. The PhD in Communication and Culture emphasizes theory, research methods, and the cultural context of communication. There are many areas of specialization available to students within this degree: media studies, cultural studies, gender studies, political economy, sports media, science/health communication and more. Students will work with faculty to design their own program that best suits their interests. The PhD can be completed on campus or online. The Environmental Science program has a focus on environmental policy as well as environmental sciences research topics like environmental hazards and human health impacts. This is an interdisciplinary degree that will have you working alongside professionals from the fields of biology, chemistry, computer science, economics, history and psychology just to name a few — truly a fantastic opportunity for those interested in collaborating across disciplines!
Depending on which doctoral program you choose (Communication & Culture or Environmental Science), there are different admission requirements – make sure to check out the website for more information!
PhD candidates at Indiana University are eligible for merit-based fellowships which range from $18k-$30k per academic year depending on if they’re domestic or international students (plus full tuition coverage). Doctoral students can also teach undergraduate classes during their first four semesters as part of their funding package — though this does lengthen your degree completion time since you’ll be taking less classwork each semester!
Arizona State University, Tempe
Arizona State University is ranked by the Carnegie Classification as an R1 doctoral university. ASU Online offers a Ph.D. in mass communication with a concentration in media analysis and social change, including a dissertation that focuses on research relevant to the discipline of mass communications. The program’s goal is to prepare scholars for careers in colleges and universities, or to work as senior researchers in government or industry.
Other Schools Offering Online Doctorate Programs in Communications
Florida State University-Main Campus
- Location: Tallahassee, FL
- Type of Institution: Public
- Tuition Fees: Florida residents pay $24,638-47,906 per year; out-of-state students pay $40,005-$60,826 per year.
- Admission Requirements: GRE general test scores from the past 5 years (or GMAT or MAT), letters of recommendation (2 for PhD program and 3 for DBA program), resume or CV, statement of purpose essay.
- Program Requirements: 60 hours total to complete PhD degree in communications; 72 hours total to complete DBA degree in communications. Students will participate in an internship over the summer after their first year and work on a dissertation during their final year.
- Program Specialization Areas: Phd in Communications with a concentration in Media & Society; Phd in Communications with a concentration in Organizational Communication
Things to consider when choosing a school that offers a Phd in communication online
Things to consider when choosing a school:
- Cost of the program. Online and on-campus Ph.D. programs require different tuition rates, so it is important to compare prices before making your final decision.
- Reputation and accreditations of the school and its faculty. Make sure that you are receiving an education from a school with positive reviews and also look at the reputation of its Ph.D. in Communication program in particular when making your selection. Look into how well-ranked the program is as well as how reputable its faculty members are in their fields of expertise.
- Length of the Program program length varies depending on whether you’re pursuing an online or campus-based degree as well as whether you have prior experience/education in communication, so it’s important that you find a program with a timeframe that works for your goals and needs . Some programs take up to 3 years to complete, some take 5 or more years, and some offer even shorter options for those who already have master’s degrees in communications or related fields! If this seems like something worth looking into further then give it some serious thought before committing yourself; not all jobs will allow employees time off work during peak seasons (summer break) so be sure about what kind of schedule works best with both your day job schedule/life commitments outside academia…
