PhD in Communication in Storrs United States | University of Connecticut

University of Connecticut | Storrs United States
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Qualification
Doctor of Philosophy
Languages
English
Delivery Mode
On-Campus
Tuition (2025)
USD 40,746
Attendance
Full-time
Full-time Duration
48 months

The primary objective of the Communication Ph.D. program is to offer students a comprehensive and demanding curriculum that equips them for professional opportunities in both academic and corporate environments. Rather than focusing exclusively on one domain, the program delivers extensive scholarly preparation to enable graduates to succeed in either career trajectory.

Academic Focus. Communication features a robust research foundation in academia. Professionals specializing in this field hold positions in Communication departments as well as Journalism and Mass Communication schools. As evidenced by faculty publications, Communication has solidified its standing as a recognized academic discipline.

Corporate Applications. Numerous businesses recognize the importance of research in mass media influence, marketing, consumer insights, and related communication fields. This has led to substantial career opportunities in the industry. Mid-level and executive roles frequently require doctoral qualifications, yet many existing training programs lack balanced emphasis on communication theory and methodology. The Communication Ph.D. curriculum bridges this gap by combining theoretical knowledge with advanced research capabilities. Graduates emerge prepared to immediately contribute in corporate research roles without undergoing extensive trial-and-error training periods.


Destination of Study

Subjects of Study

Language Requirements

English
IELTS 7.0

Qualification Requirements

The Department of Communication requires the demonstration of written, verbal, and quantitative competencies, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, a writing sample, a CV/resume, complete post-secondary transcripts, and, for non-native speakers of English, TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo scores, unless the applicant qualifies for the Graduate School Language Proficiency Examination Waiver. Please note that all application materials must be submitted via the Slate online application system. Hard copies that are mailed to the department will not be accepted.

Quantitative competency: Students applying for admission are required to demonstrate their quantitative competency. This may be demonstrated in different ways including, but not limited to, the following: quantitative GRE or GMAT score and percentile, listing relevant courses with grade received (e.g. quantitative research methods, advanced mathematics, or statistics courses), certification of proficiency with statistical packages or techniques. One indicator of competency is required, but you are welcome to provide more.
Verbal competency: Students applying for admission are required to demonstrate their verbal competency. A writing sample and personal statement are both mandatory and are one way that verbal competency is assessed. While the writing sample and personal statement are both required you are welcome to provide additional evidence, such as a verbal GRE score.
GRE scores: Optional, effective Fall 2023 admissions cycle. (UConn GRE code: 3915)
Letters of Recommendation: In the application, submit only the contact information for three recommenders. The recommenders will be contacted to send their letters via a Slate request.
Transcripts: All post-secondary transcripts must be submitted with the application. For degrees in progress, submit up to date unofficial transcripts. Official transcripts indicating degree conferral will be required prior to matriculation.

For international applicants who are NOT eligible for the Language Proficiency Waiver, we require one of the tests below. The department requires the following scores for whichever test option you choose:
TOEFL: Applicants must score 23 or above on the Reading, Listening and Writing components. Additionally, applicants must score a 27 or above on the Speaking component and have a combined TOEFL score total of at least 100.
IELTS: Applicants must receive an overall band score of 7. Additionally, applicants must receive a Speaking band score of 8.0 or higher.
PTE: Applicants must receive an overall score of 74 or higher.
A cumulative GPA for their most recent degree of 3.0 or higher for the entire degree.

Tuition USD 40,746

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