Ithaca,
NY,
United States
Type
Private
Degrees offered
Bachelor's Degree
PhD in Communication - Culture and Identity in Ithaca United States | Cornell University
Cornell University
|
Ithaca United States
Visit institution website
for more information
Qualification
Doctor of Philosophy
Languages
English
Delivery Mode
On-Campus
Tuition (2025)
USD
20,800
Attendance
Full-time
Full-time Duration
48 months
Cornell University's Ph.D. in Communication program helps students develop, evaluate, and enhance communication theories while mastering research techniques and gaining comprehensive knowledge of the field. Ranked as the nation's second-best communication doctoral program, this research-focused degree fosters a selective, high-caliber environment that nurtures both academic pursuits and professional readiness beyond academia. Doctoral candidates concentrate on formulating communication theories grounded in empirical social science research. Graduates emerge prepared to secure teaching and research roles at academic institutions, join consulting firms, or drive policy research in governmental and private sectors.
The Graduate Field of Communication upholds this tradition by actively fostering an inclusive environment that values diverse viewpoints and backgrounds, enabling our community to thrive. We cultivate an atmosphere that encourages and strengthens every member, especially those from historically underrepresented groups. All accepted students receive substantial financial assistance covering full tuition, health coverage, and a five-year stipend. While most students earn their PhD within five years, many finish in just four. This program requires physical attendance (no online alternative).
This specialization explores how culture and identity shape—and are shaped by—human interaction. Cultural examination spans multiple levels: global, national, community, group, and individual, encompassing language, symbols, meanings, activities, and daily practices. Research areas include interpersonal dynamics, organizational behavior, media creation, digital communication, technology integration, and science communication. Investigative methods range from qualitative and quantitative analysis to textual studies, lab experiments, and real-world observation.
Destination of Study
Subjects of Study
Language Requirements
English
IELTS 7.0
Qualification Requirements
Applicants are required to upload unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
Applicants are expected to have some competence in at least one area of communication or be willing to spend time beyond the normal degree requirements to gain competence. Persons with experience in communication are encouraged to apply, evidence of superior performance in the professional field will be considered in combination with academic records.
Only online submission of application materials, no hardcopy materials will be accepted
Academic statement of purpose
Personal statement
Transcripts
Writing sample
Three letters of recommendation
First-generation college student (neither parent/guardian having completed a baccalaureate degree)
Member of an ethnic or racial group historically underrepresented in graduate education (Black/African American, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian or other Native Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latinx)
McNair or Mellon Mays Undergraduate Scholar (the Graduate School will verify an applicant's status as a McNair Scholar or Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow while pursuing a baccalaureate degree at a U.S. institution)
Other identities and/or experiences historically underrepresented and/or marginalized within graduate education including by not limited to the following:
Those who manage a disability
Being of a gender and/or sexual orientation identity historically underrepresented in your field of study
Those who identify as a military veteran
Holding DACA status
Those who identify as refugees
Those who have experienced housing and/or food insecurity
Single parents
International students are required to take the TOEFL exam, and must score a minimum of 100 (Internet-based), or 250 (computer-based). The test date must be within two years of the application submission date for consideration. The Graduate School requires an overall band score of a 7.0 or higher on the IELTS.
Applicants are expected to have some competence in at least one area of communication or be willing to spend time beyond the normal degree requirements to gain competence. Persons with experience in communication are encouraged to apply, evidence of superior performance in the professional field will be considered in combination with academic records.
Only online submission of application materials, no hardcopy materials will be accepted
Academic statement of purpose
Personal statement
Transcripts
Writing sample
Three letters of recommendation
First-generation college student (neither parent/guardian having completed a baccalaureate degree)
Member of an ethnic or racial group historically underrepresented in graduate education (Black/African American, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian or other Native Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latinx)
McNair or Mellon Mays Undergraduate Scholar (the Graduate School will verify an applicant's status as a McNair Scholar or Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow while pursuing a baccalaureate degree at a U.S. institution)
Other identities and/or experiences historically underrepresented and/or marginalized within graduate education including by not limited to the following:
Those who manage a disability
Being of a gender and/or sexual orientation identity historically underrepresented in your field of study
Those who identify as a military veteran
Holding DACA status
Those who identify as refugees
Those who have experienced housing and/or food insecurity
Single parents
International students are required to take the TOEFL exam, and must score a minimum of 100 (Internet-based), or 250 (computer-based). The test date must be within two years of the application submission date for consideration. The Graduate School requires an overall band score of a 7.0 or higher on the IELTS.
Tuition
USD
20,800