Graduate Program

The Ph.D. Program in Communication at UCSD is known worldwide as a center of innovative scholarship. It was ranked #2 among U.S. doctoral programs in the area of Critical Cultural/Media Studies in the most recent Doctoral Program Reputation Survey of the National Communication Association.

Among the distinctive characteristics of our program are:

Broad interdisciplinary training, linking the study of communication with theoretical currents across the social sciences and humanities
A blending of "critical" and "empirical" traditions in communication scholarship, and a reputation for producing firmly grounded research on issues related to power, inequality, democracy and social change
Methodological diversity, with particular strength in the use of historical, ethnographic, comparative and interpretive methods
An emphasis on the unity of theory and practice, and an opportunity for graduate students to combine research scholarship and media production
A strong global focus
A strong commitment to diversity in the student body and in the focus of our research

Graduates of our Ph.D. program have produced an impressive record of publication, and of placement in academic positions in the field of Communication as well as in such interdisciplinary fields as Science and Technology Studies, Ethnic Studies, Women's Studies and International Studies.

For more information. please access the link "Prospective Students" from the Graduate Program page. In addition, the FAQ page will provide answers to some of the more commonly asked questions in regards to the application process.

Applicants to our PhD program should apply online. The deadline is December 15, and admission is for Fall quarter only.

Director of Graduate Studies: Gary Fields, Graduate Advisor: Staff

Read more about the curriculum and requirements.