2009-2010 University Catalog 
  
2009-2010 University Catalog

Communication, PhD


Banner Code: LA-PHD-COM

The doctor of philosophy degree in communication at Mason examines the powerful roles performed by communication in contemporary society. The program has two major areas of emphasis: health and strategic communication.

This program of study is offered by the Department of Communication. 

For policies governing all graduate degrees, see the Academic Policies   chapter of the catalog.

Degree Requirements


To receive the PhD in communication, students must complete a minimum of 60 credits beyond the master’s degree, including core courses in theory and research methods, course work in substantive fields of study, and a research practicum. Following completion of all required course work, students must pass a written qualifying examination and an oral defense of it, after which they are advanced to candidacy by the dean and complete a dissertation, an original and independent research project.

One required course (3 credits):


Three research methods courses (9 credits):


Note:


Other 700-level courses, when relevant, may be used to fulfill this requirement with the prior written approval of the director.

Six courses (18 credits) in one of the following substantive fields of study:


Health communication:


Three elective courses (9 credits) chosen with approval of the advisor and director

Strategic communication:


Three elective courses (9 credits) chosen with approval of the advisor and director

One research practicum (3 credits) chosen from:


Dissertation proposal and research (18 credits):


and 15 credits of:


Advancement to Candidacy


To advance to candidacy, students must complete all course work required on their approved program of study. Students must also successfully pass a written qualifying exam and an oral qualifying exam. In addition, students must have a dissertation committee appointed by the Dean’s Office as well as an approved proposal. Evidence of the approved proposal must be on file in the Dean’s Office before a student can advance to candidacy.

Continuous Registration


Once enrolled in 998, students must maintain continuous registration for at least 1 credit; once enrolled in 999, students must follow the university continuous registration policy. A maximum of 3 credits of COMM 998 and 15 credits of COMM 999 may be applied toward the 60 credits required for the degree, although because of continuous registration policy, students may be required to register for additional credits of these courses.