communication phd student presenting research

Communication Ph.D.

Doctor of Philosophy

Study the different ways people communicate, so you can prepare for leadership roles across the globe.

Communication plays a fundamental role in our global society and it is imperative for us to recognize and appreciate the international and intercultural contexts in which it occurs. With a Ph.D. in Communication from UND, you'll learn about human communication across diverse cultures and through multiple systems.

Program type:
Doctoral Degree
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
3-5 years
Credit hours:
90

Why earn a Ph.D. in communication?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Feb. 1* | Aug. 1
Spring:
Sept. 15* | Dec. 1

*Priority deadline

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Understanding the different ways people communicate around the world will help you address socially and globally pressing communication challenges. The Communication Ph.D. at UND is a competitive program that provides you with knowledge and skills that will set you apart as a leader in international and intercultural communication.

Intensive Communication Research Ph.D. Program

Through both the on-campus and 100% online program tracks, you'll work hand-in-hand with research faculty recognized for their work in:

  • Interpersonal and persuasive communication
  • Strategic communication in digital and social media environments
  • Health and science communication
  • Artificial intelligence and emerging communication technologies

Online students must be enrolled full-time; on-campus students have the option of enrolling full-time or part time. This is to ensure adequate support for research initiatives.

Due to the research intensive nature of the program we encourage you to review our program's faculty profiles to learn more about individual faculty research interests and expertise. All students will be assigned a faculty advisor directly when conducting research.

Undergraduate to Ph.D. in Communication

Unique to our program, undergraduate students are allowed to apply directly to this Ph.D. program. If you have a bachelor's in Communication, our curriculum allows you to earn your master's in Communication at the same time you are working on a Ph.D.

UND's Communication Ph.D.

  • Learn from recognized leaders in the field of international and intercultural communication.

  • Develop your research interest in strategic communication, health communication, interpersonal and organizational communication, and much more.

  • Take part in graduate teaching assistantships. Positions available for students in both on-campus and 100% online tracks.

  • Earn a non-thesis master's degree on your way to completing your doctorate in our program.

  • Study closely with faculty across the broad range of communication areas to prepare for both careers and citizenship.

  • Understand how information processes and communication technologies affect and benefit diverse local and global communities.

Communication Ph.D. Careers

7%

Projected job outlook for post-secondary teachers through 2034 (much faster than the average for all occupations)

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

84k

Median annual salary for post-secondary teachers, 2024

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Upon completion of your Communication doctoral program, you'll emerge as a proficient communication specialist, equipped to excel in academia or thrive in media-related field.

Graduates of the University of North Dakota's Communications Ph.D. program have embarked on leadership roles in global and cross-cultural communication. The have job titles such as:

  • Director of Communications: Spearheading communication strategies, our alumni often assume pivotal roles directing and shaping organizational messaging.
  • Researcher: Equipped with advanced research skills, our graduates contribute valuable insights to the dynamic field of communication studies.
  • Consultant: Our alumni serve as consultants, offering strategic guidance to organizations seeking to enhance their communication effectiveness.
  • Policymaker: Some of our graduates leverage their communication acumen to influence policies. They participate in shaping regulations and standards on a local and global scale.

A substantial number of our graduates choose to contribute to higher education through teaching and advanced research. These paths have led them to roles such as:

  • Department Head: Our alumni guide the direction of communication studies by taking on leadership positions within academic departments.
  • Professorship: Achieving the pinnacle of academic success, our graduates secure professorships, where they shape the next generation of communication professionals.
  • Lecturer: Our graduates bring their practical experience and academic insights to the classroom.

Communication Ph.D. Courses

COMM 530. Communication, Society, & Diversity. 3 Credits.

An examination of how people from similar and different cultural, ethnic, national, racial, religious, and/or sexual backgrounds interact with each other, institutions, and society. The course covers issues of representation, identity, and difference. On demand.

COMM 525. Interpersonal Relations and Communication. 3 Credits.

Face-to-face and mediated transactions between two people or people in small groups in diverse settings. Deals with inquiry, conflict management, interpersonal sensitivity, individuality, and conformity.

COMM 535. Intercultural Communication. 3 Credits.

This course incorporates critical conceptualizations of identity, "the Other", and multiculturalism. It explores theoretical reflections of the symbolic systems of unfamiliar cultures, and the emergence of mutual understanding.

COMM 540. Communication and Organizations. 3 Credits.

Examines the general communication processes and dynamics within and among organizations and explores the dynamics in network organizations, with a particular focus on communication in interpersonal groups and inter-organizational working teams. Theories of power and politics in and among organizations, as well as of decision-making, conflict management, and strategic communication are explored.

COMM 550. International and Global Communication. 3 Credits.

An analysis of international media, comparative telecommunications systems and globalization. Covers issues such as transnational communication, global journalism, satellite broadcasting and communication in diplomacy and international affairs.

COMM 523. Social Network Analysis & Visualization. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to introduce you to the theory, methods, and procedures of network analysis with emphasis on applications to communication and social behavior. The goal of the course is to provide a working knowledge of the concepts and methods used to describe and analyze social networks so that you can apply it to important questions in your profession. S.

Communications Ph.D. UND

Best Ph.D. in Communications

UND's Communications Ph.D. ranks among the best for educational quality, affordability, and career outcomes.

#7 BEST ONLINE COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM

Online Communication Ph.D.

+170

online programs

#1

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

The entire degree program is fully online. You are never required to come to campus.

Online Communication Ph.D. students are highly encouraged to attend live, synchronous online courses in order to get the most out of class participation. However, online courses are recorded and can be viewed at another time, to fit your schedule.

Top-Tier Online Communication Ph.D. Program

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on-campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey, and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

 

FAQs

The program’s focus is on international and intercultural communication as both are becoming increasingly important for today’s graduates.

No. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test is optional. No minimum score required for consideration for admission.

Currently, the program considers applications from students who want to complete the program on campus on a part-time basis. Students applying to complete the program online are expected to be full-time students.

The program offers two forms of potential support, which are available on a competitive basis. The first is a graduate teaching assistantship (GTA) and the second is the awarding of graduate tuition waivers. Ongoing support of either form is not guaranteed and is often determined on a semester-by-semester basis. All full-time students are eligible to apply for GTA positions, with students completing the program online being eligible to serve as a GTA for online undergraduate courses. On-campus students completing the program on a part-time basis are not eligible for GTA positions.

Both. Students completing the program online are strongly encouraged to join classes virtually in live time. However, they also have the option of completing the courses asynchronously.

The Ph.D. program is designed to be as expedited as possible. Full-time students who enter the program with a Master’s degree are expected to complete it in three years. Full-time students who enter the program with a Bachelor’s degree are expected to complete it in five years.

No. Multiple factors go into admission decisions, including alignment of research interests of the faculty and applicant, current enrollment in the program, and the qualifications of the other applicants.

Admitted students who hold a Master’s degree from a different institution can transfer 30 credits to their doctoral program of study.

We currently do not offer any summer courses. Doctoral students take courses in the fall and spring semesters only.

Leaders that Do

Students at UND take chances, seek challenges and become leaders in the community.

 

 

Explore More Options

Check out the faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional education opportunities.

Department Contact 
Dr. Joonghwa Lee
Department Chair and Graduate Program Director
P 701.777.4726

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