communication students listening to a lecture

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 communications?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Feb. 1* | April 15
Spring:
Sept. 15* | Nov. 15

*Priority deadline

Applications received on or after May 1, 2021 will be considered for part-time, on-campus only enrollment. Full-time admission requirements must be met.

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.

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.

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
  • Risk and crisis communication
  • New media and cyberculture
  • Strategic communication in digital and social media environments

You'll be a communications expert, prepared to teach at the college level or find a career in a media-related field as a researcher, consultant or policy maker.

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.

Online students are highly encouraged to attend live, synchronous online courses in order to get the most out of class participation. However, if needed, coursework can be completed through asyncronous instruction.

Undergraduate to Ph.D.

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.

  • Study in our newly created DigiComm lab, a high-tech space with amenities designed for communications instruction.

  • 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

12%

Projected growth for employment of postsecondary teachers from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

80K

Median salary for Communication professors

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Communication doctoral degree holders find careers as leaders of international and intercultural communication. Many go on to teach and do research at the postsecondary level.

Doctoral students from the University of North Dakota have gone on to a variety of jobs, including:

  • Communications Director
  • Department Chair
  • Professor
  • Associate Professor
  • Lecturer

Communication Ph.D. Courses

Code COMM 512 not found (or empty).

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 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.

Code COMM 543 not found (or empty).

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.

Code COMM 512 not found (or empty).

Communications Ph.D. UND

Best Ph.D. in Communications

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

RANKED #15 MOST AFFORDABLE ONLINE DEGREE

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. Soojung Kim
Graduate Director
P 701.777.2473
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