Doctoral Degree in Communication
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
A doctoral program in communication is ideal for individuals passionate about advancing scholarly research, influencing media landscapes, or shaping communication practices within organizations, government, or the public sector. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in academia, corporate communication, public relations, media strategy, or consulting, where deep expertise in communication theory and practice is essential.
Program Overview
The Ph.D. in Communication and Information prepares scholars to advance research and theory in areas such as media studies, interpersonal and organizational communication, information science, and digital communication technologies. Through interdisciplinary coursework, close mentorship, and original research, students develop the skills to critically examine how information is created, shared, and used across diverse contexts. Graduates are equipped for academic, industry, and leadership roles that shape the future of communication, information policy, and knowledge dissemination in an increasingly connected world.
Ranked as one of the best Ph.D. programs in the nation and one of the top-ranked programs at UK, the Graduate Program in Communication offers the only doctoral communication program in the Commonwealth.
The Program operates at the college level and benefits from the involvement of each of the college’s units. Doctoral degrees are offered in Media Studies, Interpersonal Communication, and Health Communication. Considerable development has also occurred in two emerging areas, Risk Sciences and Instructional Communication. At any given time, a combination of fifty master’s and doctoral students are active in the communication graduate program. Both teaching and research assistantships are available to students. Typically, all students accepted into the program are fully funded. For More Information Contact : GradComm@uky.edu.
Admission Requirements
Please view the Graduate School's Admission Requirements. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Application Requirements
Please view the application requirements for the Graduate School. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
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What You'll Learn
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Explore Funding Options
As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program!
Tuition Rate
For residents of the states listed below, this program qualifies you to receive the University of Kentucky's in-state tuition rate through the Academic Common Marketplace.
Virginia
West Virginia
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