Atlanta,
GA,
United States
Type
Public
Degrees offered
Bachelor's Degree
PhD in Communication Studies in Atlanta United States | Georgia State University
Georgia State University
|
Atlanta United States
Visit institution website
for more information
Qualification
Doctor of Philosophy
Languages
English
Delivery Mode
On-Campus
Tuition (2025)
USD
24,246
Attendance
Full-time
Full-time Duration
48 months
The doctoral program in communication at Georgia State University fosters theoretically grounded, methodologically advanced, and ethically conscious research. Students are motivated to pursue studies that create meaningful impact and enhance our collective knowledge of how communication and media both influence and are influenced by our intricate social landscape.
The program integrates social science and humanities perspectives, equipping a diverse student body for careers requiring expertise across communication subfields—especially media studies, rhetoric, and speech communication.
Doctoral candidates collaborate with distinguished faculty recognized nationally and internationally for their work in specialized areas such as:
Global media and political communication
Health messaging and advocacy
Strategic organizational communication
Psychological impacts of media
Representation and identity in media
Rhetorical theory and criticism
Legal discourse and communication
Journalism research and practice
Ethical dimensions of media
Visual culture and messaging
Environmental and animal advocacy studies
Terrorism and media narratives
Public discourse and democratic deliberation
Persuasive communication and PR
Interpersonal and cross-cultural communication
Networked communication systems
Power dynamics and social movements
Situated in Atlanta's vibrant urban setting, the department's interdisciplinary environment cultivates innovative thinking, making it an exceptional global destination for aspiring communication scholars and professionals.
Destination of Study
Subjects of Study
Language Requirements
English
IELTS 6.0
Qualification Requirements
Three letters of recommendation
Transcripts (one from each institution attended)
Official TOEFL/IELTS scores (international applicants only)*
Statement of purpose: Submit a statement which summarizes your research, academic and potential professional interest, and details your intellectual interests as they relate to communication. If you wish, use the statement to bring information to the attention of faculty reviewers you think is of importance. For example, if your application contains some evidence of special strength or weakness, you might choose to address that in your statement. If your undergraduate or graduate transcripts would benefit from additional explanation (for example, if you wish to call to our attention your higher grades in communication-related courses or your record of improvement), it would be appropriate to add that language to this statement as well. Overall, why do you wish to pursue doctoral studies with the Department of Communication? If you are undecided about the direction you wish to pursue, do your best to specify the direction you are heading.
Writing sample: Submit a 15-20 page writing sample of your scholarly work. Ideally, this essay, article or chapter will indicate your interests and your abilities.
Resume (for those seeking to be considered for a Graduate Research Assistant position). Non-native speakers of English are required to demonstrate English proficiency. This requirement can be met in the following ways:
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL including the special home edition)
International Language Testing System (IELTS)
Documentation that the baccalaureate or a prior graduate degree was obtained in an English-speaking country
Completion of a University System of Georgia approved ESL program (case-by-case basis)
IELTS 6.0
TOEFL 60
TOEFL PBT 160
Transcripts (one from each institution attended)
Official TOEFL/IELTS scores (international applicants only)*
Statement of purpose: Submit a statement which summarizes your research, academic and potential professional interest, and details your intellectual interests as they relate to communication. If you wish, use the statement to bring information to the attention of faculty reviewers you think is of importance. For example, if your application contains some evidence of special strength or weakness, you might choose to address that in your statement. If your undergraduate or graduate transcripts would benefit from additional explanation (for example, if you wish to call to our attention your higher grades in communication-related courses or your record of improvement), it would be appropriate to add that language to this statement as well. Overall, why do you wish to pursue doctoral studies with the Department of Communication? If you are undecided about the direction you wish to pursue, do your best to specify the direction you are heading.
Writing sample: Submit a 15-20 page writing sample of your scholarly work. Ideally, this essay, article or chapter will indicate your interests and your abilities.
Resume (for those seeking to be considered for a Graduate Research Assistant position). Non-native speakers of English are required to demonstrate English proficiency. This requirement can be met in the following ways:
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL including the special home edition)
International Language Testing System (IELTS)
Documentation that the baccalaureate or a prior graduate degree was obtained in an English-speaking country
Completion of a University System of Georgia approved ESL program (case-by-case basis)
IELTS 6.0
TOEFL 60
TOEFL PBT 160
Tuition
USD
24,246