Skip to main content
Communication
  1. HOME
  2. Graduate Studies
  3. Prospective Graduate Students
  4. Graduate Curriculum and Requirements

Graduate program requirements

Coursework

  • COGR 200A: Introduction to the Study of Communication as a Social Force
  • COGR 200B: Introduction to the Study of Communication: Communication and Culture
  • COGR 200C: Introduction to the Study of Communication: Communication and the Individual
  • COGR 280: Advanced Workshop/Media Communication
  • COGR 294: The History of Communication Research
  • COGR 296: Communication Research as an Interdisciplinary Activity
  • Three methodology courses
  • Four history/theory courses

First year examination

The first year consists, at a minimum, of COGR 200A-B-C, 294, and 296. At the end of the spring quarter of the student’s first year, the student must pass a comprehensive written examination based on the core course work completed during the first year.

Language Requirement

All students must demonstrate competence in a natural language other than English.

Teaching Requirement

In order to acquire teaching experience, all students are required to participate in the teaching activities of the department for at least two academic quarters. The courses taught must include COMM 10 (Introduction to Communication) and a course from COMM 100A, 100B, 100C, or 101.

Qualifying Examinations

Before the end of the third year, the student must take and pass an oral qualifying examination. The exam will be based on two substantial papers encompassing two of the subfields covered in the program, plus the dissertation proposal. Prior to taking qualifying examinations students must complete all requirements (courses, language, and teaching).

Dissertation and Final Examination (Dissertation Defense):

  • An oral defense of the dissertation, open to the public, is required. The dissertation committee determines if the student has passed the final examination.
  • Acceptance of the dissertation by the student’s committee and by the University Librarian represents the final step in completing all requirements for a Ph.D. The dissertation committee must be approved by the Department Chair and the Dean of Graduate Studies.
  • Additional university requirements also apply as to academic standing and residency.