Ph.D. in Media & Communication

Texas Tech University offers a doctorate in Media & Communication that explores both social scientific and humanistic approaches to human communication research. By following the program of study, a doctorate can be earned in three years.

Our Ph.D. students work with internationally-recognized faculty to create knowledge in both the broad area of human communication and in specialty research areas. Graduates of our program are positioned to be leaders of research and teaching in the university setting, the private sector, for the government, and for non-profit organizations.

How to Apply

Applications to our Ph.D. program are submitted through the Texas Tech Graduate School. In addition to the requirements of the graduate school, applicants to the Media & Communication Ph.D. program must submit the following:

1. a résumé/CV;

2. a cover letter;

3. a personal statement of 250-500 words describing your research interests, faculty mentors with whom you are interested in researching, and why you want to pursue a Ph.D. at Texas Tech University;

4. samples of academic/professional communication work, if any;

5. three letters of recommendation from three current or former professors; 

6. and official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

Taking the GRE and submitting a GRE score as part of the application is optional for those applying for Spring 2021, Summer 2021, and Fall 2021. Application deadline for those wishing to begin studies in Fall 2021 is January 15, though we review applications as we receive them. All applicants who apply will be considered for a full funding package.

Best-fit applicants will likely have a master's degree in media or communication disciplines, however those with other backgrounds are considered. It is necessary to indicate the faculty you are interested in working with, so applicants are encouraged to reach out to the program director if unsure about fit or potential advisers.

Areas of Study

Students are trained to advance knowledge through conducting specialized research in one or more sub-disciplines of the following broad areas of study:

Our Faculty

Faculty members in the College of Media & Communication are world-renowned experts at the forefront of their fields. As researchers, teachers, and mentors, our faculty includes a Fulbright fellow, award-winning professionals, leaders of international communication organizations, academic and popular press book authors, academic journal editors, media consultants, and lead investigators on federal and private grants. More about our faculty.

Our Graduates

Graduates of our program are positioned to be leaders of research and teaching in a variety of settings, such as the recent placements listed below. View a comprehensive list of job placements.

Current Doctoral Students

Learn about current doctoral students including biographical information, educational history and research interests.

Funding

Most of our full-time Ph.D. students are funded. For out-of-state students, the funding package covers out-of-state tuition and fees. In addition, funded students receive a generous stipend for their graduate assistantship duties.

Research Facilities

Our students are trained to use and have access to the state-of-the-art Center for Communication Research (CCR). The CCR houses labs for collecting various types of data, including continuous and asynchronous audience response, content analysis, experiments, eye-tracking, focus groups, and psychophysiology.

Ph.D. Scholarship &
Financial Aid Information

Find more information about scholarships and financial aid for doctoral students.

Additional Research Funding Opportunities for Current Ph.D. Students

Current Ph.D. students may also be eligible to apply for other internal research funding opportunities.

More Information

For the Graduate Catalog and Course Schedule, go to www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications.

Contact

For more information, contact Coy Callison, Ph.D.
Professor & Associate Dean for Graduate Studies
+1(806) 834-5344
Coy.Callison@ttu.edu