BodyText3
Program Goals
A graduate of our Ph.D. in Communication program will be able to:
Articulate the central theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts of the discipline
Apply communication science theory and methods to conduct research on complex questions and societal problems
Demonstrate a capacity to communicate research findings to academic and lay audiences
Conduct independent and cooperative research that is publishable in the communication discipline’s core peer-reviewed journals
Establish competency in teaching at the undergraduate level
Incorporate ethical communication principles and practices into their research and teaching
Recognize the cultural basis of communication and acknowledge their own standpoint, with respect for the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion
Employ communication strategies to resolve challenges and empower people.
Appreciate the landscape and norms of pursuing an academic career in the communication discipline
Academic Areas of Emphasis
Students have the flexibility to work with their advisor and the director of graduate studies to tailor their program to their interests. However, our faculty have four key areas of expertise:
Full-time Program Schedule and Structure
The structure of our program necessitates that full time students begin their course of study in the fall semester.
Sixty credit hours are required to complete the Ph.D. degree:
Twenty-seven credit hours of core curricula, including nine credits each from theory courses, research methodology courses, and statistical methodology courses
Eighteen credit hours in a focused program of study chosen in consultation with the student’s adviser and/or the Department of Communication’s Director of Graduate Studies
Six credit hours of elective courses. No more than three of those credit hours may come from an Independent Study.
Students must enroll in the Communication Colloquium series every semester they are enrolled in coursework for a total of up to six semesters.
Nine credit hours of dissertation credits.
Graduate Funding Policy
The University of Delaware may provide tuition scholarships to full-time graduate students who are awarded stipends for an entire semester/academic year as a research, teaching, or graduate assistant. These scholarships are generally available in graduate programs that admit students with funding, regardless of funding source; details of commitment and duration are provided in offer letters. Graduate departments and programs select the recipients of these awards, where available, based on the students' qualifications.
The Graduate College at the University of Delaware is responsible for policies related to implementation of stipends and tuition scholarships. See the Graduate College Funding Opportunities page for more information.
Students who receive a full stipend and tuition scholarship are expected to average 20 hours per week working for the department. Students may work up to 9 additional hours within the University or externally without permission, but any work over and above 9 hours requires permission from the Dean of the Graduate College.
