Doctor of Philososphy [Ph.D] [Communication Studies] From University of Iowa

Graduate education in communication studies focuses on the Ph.D., but doctoral students may choose to earn a Master of Arts on their way toward the Doctor of Philosophy degree. A terminal master's degree may be an option for some students already admitted to the doctoral program.

The Doctor of Philosophy program in communication studies includes specializations in interpersonal communication and relationships, media studies, and rhetoric and public advocacy. Graduate education in communication studies focuses on the Ph.D., but doctoral students may choose to earn a Master of Arts on their way toward the Ph.D. A terminal master's degree may be an option for some students already admitted to the doctoral program.

Ph.D. students also must take a 3 s.h. course in their area of specialization, COMM:5205 Proseminar in Communication Studies (2 s.h.), an additional 12 s.h. of graduate course work in communication studies; pass a comprehensive (predissertation) examination in their major research area during their fifth or sixth semester; and write a substantial scholarly dissertation. Students must maintain a cumulative g.p.a. of at least 3.00 throughout the graduate program.