PhD in Communication in Orono United States | University of Maine

The Department of Communication and Journalism provides a doctoral program in Communication, typically accommodating around 10 PhD candidates simultaneously. This program is tailored for individuals seeking to combine Communication theory and research with a secondary focus in fields like Psychology, Sustainability Science, English, History, or related disciplines. Graduates of our PhD program develop the skills to: pursue academic careers or enter relevant professional fields, conduct interdisciplinary research using blended theoretical and methodological approaches, and bridge connections across different academic and professional domains. The department offers both MA and PhD degrees in Communication, with two primary specializations: Communication and Media Studies. PhD candidates additionally select an external concentration from options including Business, English, History, Psychology, Women's Studies, Marine Sciences, and others. Both Communication and Media Studies pathways equip students with: a comprehensive grasp of historical and modern theories, b) essential research capabilities for knowledge exploration and contribution, and c) practical application skills across diverse contexts. Students must demonstrate integrated knowledge of theory and research while developing expertise in analyzing literature relevant to their chosen field of study.