PhD in Communication Studies - Rhetoric, Language and Political Communication in Austin United States | University of Texas at Austin

Graduate students collaborate with faculty mentors and peers to hone their research and teaching abilities within a supportive academic setting. Interpersonal Communication examines the dynamics and impacts of social exchanges, primarily in direct interactions. This field investigates both spoken and unspoken behaviors through controlled experiments and real-world observations. Key research areas include thought processes, emotional responses, and conversational styles during conflicts, deception, and influence attempts. Practical applications extend to healthcare settings as well as personal and familial relationships. The mandatory graduate internship at the Stan Richards School of Advertising & Public Relations bridges theoretical knowledge with hands-on professional practice. Enrollment is restricted to qualified graduate students who have completed prerequisite coursework (verify eligibility with your advisor).
The Rhetoric, Language and Political Communication (RLP) specialization explores how symbolic communication drives societal and political transformation. While rhetorical studies have ancient roots, this program emphasizes modern applications including electoral communication, cultural discourse, protest rhetoric, ethical persuasion, public debate structures, knowledge formation through language, linguistic communities, and cognitive language processes. These themes are organized into three concentrations: (1) Rhetorical Analysis, which evaluates the construction and interpretation of persuasive messages and cultural artifacts, (2) Political Messaging, analyzing how officials and media shape public attitudes and policy decisions, and (3) Semiotic Research, providing methodologies for studying symbolic systems and investigating how verbal and nonverbal cues influence daily social encounters.