PhD in Communication and Rhetoric in Troy United States | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

The Communication and Rhetoric Ph.D. stands out through its holistic, cross-disciplinary approach to examining media, communication, and societal interactions. Housed within the nation's pioneering technological institution that bridges STEM fields with liberal arts, the CMRT doctoral program offers an adaptable and dynamic curriculum for scholars seeking to apply innovative theories and methodologies to their research pursuits. Leveraging our longstanding expertise in media and communication studies within tech-driven contexts, this program equips candidates to analyze modern engagements with diverse multimedia, cross-cultural, and multisensory content. Our globally renowned faculty specialize in various media-focused domains and approaches, spanning Media Studies (encompassing Film/Video, Television, Photography, and Digital Platforms), Communication Science, Information Design, User Experience, Visual Culture, Immersive Learning Technologies, Professional Writing, Sensory Ethnography, and more. The CMRT Ph.D. features an interdisciplinary foundation with customizable concentrations that students can adapt to their academic goals under faculty mentorship.

The ongoing convergence of theoretical frameworks, methodologies, and research across academic fields presents both thrilling opportunities and significant challenges. Our doctoral curriculum provides core seminars in theoretical foundations, research techniques, and practical applications that enhance departmental offerings in Communication and Media Studies. Candidates collaborate with experts ranging from cognitive scientists and digital artists to critical gaming researchers and Science & Technology Studies scholars. Furthermore, doctoral researchers have access to specialized laboratories and experimental facilities across the university campus.