Doctor of Philosophy in Mass Communication

Mass Communication – Journalism – PH5308

Delivery Mode: Athens Campus. Some elective classes may be offered online.

Terms of Entry:  Fall, Summer

Program Overview

The Ph.D. program in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism is designed to create successful academics in journalism/mass communication programs at colleges and universities.

We offer a doctoral degree in cooperation with the School of Media Arts & Studies. Students admitted to the program typically receive tuition waivers and funding for three years. Students take a core of classes in theory, research, law, and ethics, as well as a program of electives which they tailor toward their own research and teaching interests.

This is a full-time program. Students taking the normal load of 12 hours per semester are on schedule to complete the program in three years.

Program Learning Outcomes

Ph.D. graduates must understand and apply theory, research methods and critical evaluation related to area/s of study and/or research. They must contribute to knowledge appropriate to the communications professions in which they work. All graduates should be able to comprehend and discuss appropriate areas below connected to their teaching, research and general fields of study:

• understand and apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press for the country in which the institution that invites ACEJMC is located, as well as receive instruction in and understand the range of systems of freedom of expression around the world, including the right to dissent, to monitor and criticize power, and to assemble and petition for redress of grievances;
• demonstrate an understanding of the history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications;
• demonstrate an understanding of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and, as appropriate, other forms of diversity in domestic society in relation to mass communications; 
• demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of peoples and cultures and of the significance and impact of mass communications in a global society;
• understand concepts and apply theories in the use and presentation of images and information;
• demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity;
• think critically, creatively and independently;
• conduct research and evaluate information by methods appropriate to the communications professions in which they work;
• write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve;
• critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness;
• apply basic numerical and statistical concepts;
• apply current tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which they work, and to understand the digital world.

Further Information

Link to Program: http://scrippsjschool.org/phd/

Admission Requirements

• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) - Official scores must be sent by the testing agency to the Graduate College for any required test. This is not waivable. International students must also provide TOEFL or IELTS scores to the Graduate College.
• Official transcripts from all universities previously attended.
• Resume/CV
• Statement of purpose
• Three letters of recommendation
• Writing sample

International Students

This program permits full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 may be issued based on admission to this program.

Graduate Requirements

This doctoral program requires a minimum of 90 credit hours. Up to 33 hours may be applied from a master’s program, but master’s thesis or internship hours may not be counted. Approval of coursework, comprehensive exams, and dissertation is by a four-member faculty committee, headed by a faculty member in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism who holds the doctoral degree.