The Doctor of Philosophy program in Communication Studies requires a minimum of 72 semester hours of graduate credit, including at least 39 hours earned at the University of Iowa and in courses numbered above 3000. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00. The degree program includes specializations in interpersonal communication and relationships; media history and culture; and rhetoric, culture, engagement.

Graduate education in Communication Studies focuses on the PhD, but doctoral students may choose to earn a Master of Arts on their way toward the Doctor of Philosophy degree. A terminal master's degree may be an option for some students already admitted to the doctoral program.

For additional information on the Doctor of Philosophy program in Communication Studies, including courses, curriculum, and requirements, visit the UI General Catalog.

Learning Outcomes

  • Plan, organize, and conduct innovative, ethical, and significant communication research using qualitative, quantitative, and critical-cultural methods.
  • Evaluate and apply communication theories broadly conceived to a range of social, cultural, interpersonal, and other contextual and communicative settings.
  • Demonstrate broad-based knowledge of relevant subfields of scholarship in communication studies and related disciplines.
  • Develop relevant teaching and professional training (such as teaching technologies; pedagogy; grant writing; diversity, equity, and inclusion; digital scholarship; media production; or community engagement) to contribute to better and more equitable educational and social outcomes, and to develop transferable skills for employment both inside and outside of academic settings.
  • Cultivate the skills necessary to publish peer-reviewed articles and communicate in writing and orally to both professional and popular audiences in ways that demonstrate intercultural competence and personal and social responsibility.

Create your academic path

You'll find degree overviews, requirements, course lists, academic plans, and more to help you plan your education and explore your possibilities.

Current course list

The MyUI Schedule displays registered courses for a particular session and is available to enrolled students. The list view includes course instructors, time and location, and features to drop courses or change sections.