Doctoral Program
The School of Media Arts and Studies and the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism jointly offer doctoral programs in Mass Communication. Applicants apply to one of the two schools depending on their research interests.

In the School of Media Arts and Studies, doctoral students specialize in research areas related to international media, new technology and culture, media management, media policy, media studies or critical cultural studies.

A list of Past Dissertations/Theses completed by graduates of the School of Media Arts and Studies provides examples of the ways in which graduate students have interpreted these research areas according to their specializations.

The doctoral program is generally a three-year course of study. In the first year, students develop their knowledge of mass communication theory and research. The second year consists of directed research and additional coursework in the area of specialization, the minor area, and research tools. This work reflects a continuing refinement of each student’s program focus and objectives. The year ends with completion of the comprehensive examination and formal approval of a proposed topic of dissertation research. The third year is devoted entirely to dissertation research and writing.

Doctoral Program of Study
Ohio University operates on a quarter system. Doctoral students complete a minimum of 135 credit hours of coursework. Up to 60 credit hours of qualifying coursework is transferable from previous graduate study. All students are required to take the following courses: MDIA (TCOM) 501 Introduction to Graduate Study, MDIA 601 Mass Communication Research, MDIA 770 Mass Communication Theory, MDIA 602 Quantitative Research, MDIA 603 Qualitative Research and MDIA 772 Critical/Cultural Theory. Additionally, doctoral students must complete a minimum of 54 credit hours in their Mass Communication major, including at least two doctoral level classes in Journalism or Communication Studies. Students must also complete an additional 12-15 hours of research tool courses in preparation for doing their dissertation research. Doctoral students are further encouraged to take supportive courses outside the College of Communication.

For a list of Mass Communication courses offered by the School of Media Arts and Studies refer to Course Descriptions.

One of the unique aspects of the doctoral program is the importance that is placed on training students in pedagogy. While it is not required, doctoral students are strongly encouraged to take MDIA 843: Seminar in Pedagogy, which is an in-depth study of pedagogical theory and techniques, as well as an introduction to issues pertinent to teaching in mass communication programs. Taking that course qualifies students to serve as Instructors of Record for classes in the School. Under the supervision of a member of the graduate faculty, students can then gain a range of opportunities in teaching mass communication courses.

Doctoral Advisory Committees
Doctoral students work closely with their advisors to develop their program of study and research specialization. Because earning a Ph.D. in Mass Communication at Ohio University is research intensive, students are encouraged to present their work at conferences as well as to publish their work in communication or related journals. In this regard, the assistance of faculty, particularly students’ advisors are invaluable.

Program of study and dissertation committees include an advisor plus an additional faculty member from the School of Media Arts and Studies, a faculty member from either the School of Journalism or Communication Studies, as well as a faculty member from outside the College of Communications. In the application review process, the Graduate Admissions Committee for the School of Media Arts and Studies reviews how well an applicant’s research interests match the School and Our Faculty’s research areas and expertise.