Program Overview
The University of Kansas offers a comprehensive PhD in communications designed for individuals seeking to expand their knowledge in communication theory, research, and practice. This program provides advanced training for students aiming to pursue careers in academia, research, media leadership, and corporate communication strategies. The program emphasizes original scholarship, methodological rigor, and sustained engagement with communication theory across rhetorical, critical, and social scientific traditions.
The PhD in communications program at KU equips students with the skills to analyze, develop, and apply effective communication strategies across various contexts. As part of a thriving research university, students benefit from mentorship by experienced faculty, access to diverse research resources, and opportunities to contribute to meaningful advancements in the field. Doctoral students complete advanced coursework, comprehensive examinations, and an original dissertation that contributes new knowledge to the discipline.
Students in the KU PhD in Communication Studies program pursue advanced study within one of the department’s two primary research areas:
- Relationships & Social Interaction: explores interpersonal, intercultural, and organizational communication through quantitative and qualitative methods. Research in this area examines how relationships — familial, romantic, professional, and otherwise — are shaped by social identities including culture, race, class, age, and gender.
- Rhetoric & Political Communication: engages rhetorical and argumentation studies alongside quantitative and humanistic approaches to political communication. Scholars in this area investigate democratic inclusion, digital media, political institutions, and public memory, with particular attention to gender, race, nationality, and other cultural dimensions.
Through close collaboration with a faculty advisor, students develop individualized plans of study within one of these areas that prepare them for careers in research and teaching.
The PhD in communications program has a distinctive tradition of intellectual innovation within these research areas. KU faculty were among the first in the discipline to develop courses and scholarship focused on organizational rhetoric — work that bridges the department’s two primary areas and reflects KU’s longstanding commitment to opening new lines of inquiry rather than working strictly within established disciplinary boundaries. That spirit of cross-area collaboration continues to define the program’s intellectual culture today.
Learn more about KU
Graduate
For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Communication Studies, Ph.D.KU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
The Doctorate in Communication Studies is part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, home to a collaborative and creative community making the world better through inquiry and research.Doctorate in Communication Studies Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the PhD in communications program will:
- Develop advanced skills in designing, conducting, and evaluating original communication research using qualitative, quantitative, rhetorical, and critical methodologies
- Demonstrate mastery of major theoretical traditions in communication and apply them to complex social, political, cultural, and organizational contexts
- Produce original scholarship that contributes to the field through a dissertation grounded in rigorous research design
- Communicate research findings effectively in written, oral, and pedagogical formats
- Demonstrate college-level teaching competence through course design, instructional delivery, and assessment strategies
- Engage ethically and professionally in academic and applied communication environments
These outcomes align with expectations across leading communications PhD programs and prepare graduates for research-intensive and teaching-focused careers.
What Careers are Possible with a Doctorate in Communication Studies?
Earning a PhD in communications opens diverse career opportunities in academia, corporate leadership, nonprofit organizations, and media research. Graduates of communications PhD programs often pursue tenure-track faculty roles, postdoctoral research appointments, or leadership positions in research-driven organizations.
According to Lightcast data, communication professionals with doctoral degrees often secure roles such as:
- University Professors and Researchers
- Communication Consultants
- Media Analysts
- Public Relations Directors
- Corporate Trainers
PhD graduates may also lead research initiatives in non-profit organizations, governmental agencies, and global communication sectors where advanced research expertise and strategic analysis are essential.
Tuition and Financial Aid
KU is committed to making your academic journey affordable. For detailed tuition rates and financial support options, visit the Financial Aid site.Admission Requirements
Prospective students seeking admission to the PhD in Communications program must meet the following requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, including official transcripts
- The program is designed for students who have previously completed a Master’s degree in communication, even if not required
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Resume/CV
- Writing sample
- Proof of English proficiency for non-native or non-native-like English speakers is required.
For a complete list of application requirements and deadlines, visit the Department of Communication Studies.
Student Life and Learning Experience
The KU PhD in communications program emphasizes hands-on research and professional socialization into the discipline. Students are encouraged to collaborate with faculty on projects that explore communication dynamics in political, social, organizational, and digital contexts. Access to KU’s robust research centers, archives, and resources ensures students can pursue specialized studies that align with their academic interests.
KU’s vibrant campus offers students in the PhD in communications program numerous opportunities to connect with peers and participate in enriching activities. The Communication Studies Graduate Student Organization hosts events, professional development workshops, and networking opportunities that support academic success and community engagement. Doctoral students regularly present research at regional and national conferences, contributing to scholarly conversations within the broader community of communications PhD programs.
Doctorate in Communication Studies Sample Courses
The KU PhD in communications program offers a variety of courses that build expertise in theory, research methods, and communication practices. Sample courses may include:
- Communication Research: Historical and Descriptive
- Communication Research: Behavioral and Social Science
- Movement Theory and Genre Criticism
- Mythic and Narrative Approaches to Rhetorical Criticism
- Qualitative Research Methods
For a complete list of available courses, visit the KU Catalog.
Doctorate in Communication Studies Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
The deadline to apply for admission is January 5.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
Students typically complete this degree in four years.