University of Kansas

What you'll study

The programme emphasises rigorous training in communication theory, research design and specialised study of media systems, technologies and cultural practices. Early years typically combine core seminars in communication theory and research methods (both qualitative and quantitative) with elective seminars that allow students to build an area of concentration such as political communication, digital and social media, media history and criticism, health communication, rhetoric and persuasion, or culture and identity.

• Core seminars: advanced communication theory, research ethics, and professional development.
• Research methods: courses in qualitative methods (ethnography, discourse and textual analysis, interview approaches), quantitative methods (statistical inference, experimental design, survey methods) and computational approaches (social network analysis, text mining) depending on student focus.
• Specialist electives: topics such as media industries and policy, political and civic media, digital cultures, media effects, persuasive communication, and critical media studies.
• Teaching practicum: supervised teaching experience is an integral component; students develop undergraduate courses and gain classroom experience under mentorship.
• Comprehensive examinations and dissertation: after completing coursework and residency requirements, students pass qualifying exams or portfolio reviews and then undertake an original doctoral dissertation under faculty supervision.

Entry requirements

Admissions seek candidates with a strong academic record and clear evidence of research potential. Successful applicants typically hold a relevant master’s degree (or an exceptional honours bachelor’s degree) in communication, media studies, or a closely related discipline. Required application materials generally include:

• Academic transcripts demonstrating strong performance in prior degree(s).
• A statement of purpose outlining research interests and fit with departmental strengths.
• A sample of academic writing (such as a master’s thesis chapter, published article, or substantial term paper).
• Curriculum vitae or résumé detailing academic and professional experience.
• Letters of recommendation from academic referees who can assess research potential.

Applicants should review the department’s specific guidance on standardised tests and any additional programme requirements; prospective students are encouraged to contact potential faculty supervisors about research fit before applying.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Communication and Media Studies move into a range of research-intensive and leadership roles. Typical career paths include:

• Faculty positions in communication, media studies, journalism and related departments at universities and colleges.
• Research roles in think tanks, policy institutes and non-governmental organisations focusing on media policy, public sphere studies and civic communication.
• Senior research and analytics positions in media organisations, digital platforms and consultancies that require expertise in audience research, content strategy and media effects.
• Communication leadership and strategic roles in public health, government agencies, cultural institutions and corporate communications where evidence-based messaging and evaluation are needed.
• Editorial and scholarly publishing roles, including journal editing and research dissemination.

Why study at University of Kansas

The University of Kansas offers a doctoral environment with sustained mentoring, a collegial faculty whose research spans theoretical, empirical and applied approaches to media and communication, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across campus. Students benefit from hands-on research training, teaching experience, and access to campus resources that support large-scale and computational projects as well as ethnographic and archival work.

KU’s departmental connections with allied units—such as journalism, sociology, political science and public health—create fertile ground for cross-disciplinary projects. The programme emphasizes professional development for academic and non-academic careers, including grant-writing, conference presentation, pedagogy training and publication support, preparing graduates to contribute to scholarly debates and to lead research-driven initiatives in a variety of sectors.