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2010-2011 University Catalog
Communication, PhD
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Banner Code: LA-PHD-COM
Web: communication.gmu.edu
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. |
Application Requirements
Students must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in the Admission 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.
If specific requirements are waived, students must complete substitutions, which are recorded on their Program of Study. All substitutions to degree requirements must be approved by the graduate committee. Four theory courses (12 credits)
One required theory course (3 credits)
Three additional theory courses (9 credits) chosen from:
Three research methods courses (9 credits)
One required methods course
One qualitative methods course
Students may take COMM 725 or another course at 700-level or above as approved by the graduate committee. One additional research methods course at the 700-level or above
This course should be chosen to help prepare for the dissertation and must be approved by the graduate committee. Six courses (18 credits) in one of the following substantive fields of study:
Three courses (9 credits) chosen from:
Three elective courses (9 credits) chosen with approval of the advisor and director
Three courses (9 credits) chosen from:
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)
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 as specified in the Academic Policies chapter of the catalog. A maximum of 3 credits of COMM 998 and 15 credits of COMM 999 may be applied to 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. Dissertation Proposal (3 credits)
Dissertation Research (15 credits)
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. |
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