Texas Tech University

Ph.D. Timeline

Fall Semester 1

COURSES

Required:

  • Media & Communication Research Methods
  • Media & Communication Theory

Elective:

  • Media & Communication Elective (Pedagogy encouraged)
  • Selected Research Methods (if qualified)

OUTSIDE OF CLASS

  • Try to survive.
  • Realize that it is going to be stressful.
  • Remember that coursework is only one component of earning a PhD.
  • Develop the mindset of a researcher.
  • International Graduate Student Research Conference
  • AEJMC Midwinter (Deadline December)

Spring Semester 1

COURSES

Required:

  • Data Analysis
  • Advanced Theories

Elective:

  • Selected Research Methods
  • Integrated Communication
  • Other Grad Elective

OUTSIDE OF CLASS

  • Begin to solidify your research agenda.
  • Prepare a conference paper to meet the April 1 AEJMC deadline.
  • Learn to balance your research, your coursework and teaching (if you are)
  • Work with faculty on research beyond course assignments.
  • Think about TEACH program

Summer Semesters 1

COURSES

Elective:

  • Outside Statistics Course
  • Cognate Course
  • Selected Research Methods
  • COMC Grad Elective

OUTSIDE OF CLASS

  • Take Tools Exam in June
  • Continue to evolve as a researcher
  • Take a short break

Fall Semester 2

COURSES

Elective:

  • Selected Research Methods
  • Contemporary Issues in Comm. Technology
  • COMC Grad Elective
  • Cognate Course
  • Pedagogy (If not taken in a previous semester)

OUTSIDE OF CLASS

  • Research, research, research.
  • Plan your conference papers for the year.
  • Nov. 1 ICA Deadline

Spring Semester 2

COURSES

Elective:

  • Selected Research Methods
  • Contemporary Issues in Comm. Technology (If not taken in a previous semester)
  • COMC Grad Elective
  • Cognate Course
  • Integrated Communication

OUTSIDE OF CLASS

  • This should be your last semester of classes. You may have one or two classes left to take in the summer though.
  • In March, you need to begin plans for taking your comprehensive exam.
  • First, select a graduate faculty member to chair your comps committee.
  • With the help of the professor, you can select the remainder of your committee, which must include one professor from outside of MCOM.
  • The goal should be to take your comprehensive exams in July.

Summer Semesters 2

COURSES

Elective:

  • Outside Statistics Course
  • Cognate Course
  • Selected Research Methods
  • COMC Grad Elective
  • Any coursework remaining

OUTSIDE OF CLASS

  • Spend June prepping for your comprehensive exam.
  • Plan to take the exam in July.
  • During times that you are tired of studying, you should be putting together a dissertation proposal.
  • When you have passed your comps, finish your dissertation proposal.
  • The goal is to defend your proposal before the end of September.
  • Enroll in the AEJMC job fair.
  • Attend AEJMC conference.

Fall Semester 3

COURSES

  • Take 9 hours of dissertation with your advisor.
  • You may want to take 6 dissertation hours and 3 hours of independent study.

OUTSIDE OF CLASS

  • Defend proposal in September.
  • Secure IRB approval by Oct. 15.
  • Collect data before the semester ends.
  • Make campus visits for job interviews.

Spring Semester 3

COURSES

  • Take 9 hours of dissertation with your advisor.

OUTSIDE OF CLASS

  • File Intent to Graduate Form
  • Write dissertation.
  • If you want to graduate in May, you will need to defend by the middle of March.
  • Make campus visits for job interviews.

Summer Semester 3

COURSES

  • Take 3 hours of dissertation with your advisor.

OUTSIDE OF CLASS

  • You will not have any opportunity for any form of funding if you have not defended your proposal before June 1.
  • Finish your dissertation and defend before approximately June 20 so that you will graduate in August.

Fall Semester 4

  • Begin new life as new faculty member trying to earn tenure.
  • Find out that graduate school was much less stressful than getting tenure.