Ph.D. in Communication
Are you ready to shape the future of communication in a rapidly evolving world?
The Ph.D. program in Communication at Wayne State University offers a vibrant intellectual community where theory meets practice, and innovation drives inquiry. Our program is designed for bold thinkers and passionate researchers who want to explore the full spectrum of communication—from data-driven analysis to rhetorical critique, from qualitative storytelling to critical cultural perspectives. Each student crafts a personalized Plan of Work, allowing you to dive deep into the questions that matter most to you.
Dual-Title Ph.D. in Communication and Urban Sustainability
For those passionate about urban challenges and interdisciplinary solutions, we offer a dual-title Ph.D. in Communication and Urban Sustainability. This innovative track prepares you to tackle complex urban issues through collaborative research, community engagement, and cross-departmental coursework. Students in the dual-title program: Take specialized courses in urban sustainability Participate in service-learning and colloquia Develop grant proposals and research projects with real-world relevance Whether you're driven by curiosity, creativity, or a commitment to social change, our Ph.D. program is a launchpad for your academic and professional journey.
What Sets Us Apart?
- Interdisciplinary Excellence: Our faculty and curriculum span diverse approaches, empowering you to build a unique scholarly identity.
- Real-World Impact: Alumni lead as scholars, creative professionals, and strategic communicators in academia, industry, government, and beyond.
- Collaborative Culture: Engage in meaningful dialogue, cutting-edge research, and community-driven projects that make a difference.
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Mission Statement & Learning Outcomes
The Ph.D. in Communication program aims to produce researchers skilled in qualitative, quantitative, and critical approaches to human and mediated communication, preparing them for academic or professional careers. After completing the program, PhD students will be able to accomplish the following learning outcomes (LOs); students will be able to:
- Critically evaluate literature and theory in the communication field and related fields.
- Identify new research questions about human communication.
- Select and use appropriate methods to analyze and evaluate human communication.
- Support a coherent argument with interpretative analysis of communication.
- Students will produce high-quality writing that meets the standards of writing appropriate in communication disciplines.
- Present high-quality original research at international, national, regional, and specialized scholarly conferences and research journals.
Degree Requirements
Students must complete 30 credits of Ph.D. coursework at Wayne State with at least 20 credits within the Department of Communication. In addition, the university requires graduate students to maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA in order to graduate.
All students are required to file a plan of work that includes the department Ph.D. Coursework Worksheet, the Graduate School Plan of Work form and Transfer of Credit form, within the first 18 hours of coursework.
For more information about the Ph.D. program, see the admissions page, read the Ph.D. Handbook, and go over the research areas of our doctoral advisors. The projected rotation of graduate courses is available here and on the Forms and Resources page.
