The Ph.D. degree in Communication and Information prepares individuals for traditional and emerging careers in teaching, research and administration in the converging fields of communication and information. The degree program consists of a prescribed core of interdisciplinary courses and varied selection of elective coursework within and across disciplines. The study is flexibly structured and designed to provide both an integrative and historical overview, as well as specializations in communication (media, technology and society; global communication; interpersonal communication) and information (human information behavior; cultural heritage informatics; knowledge organization).
Communication and Information - Ph.D. at Kent State University
University Rank:#1001
Communication and Information - Ph.D. at Kent State University
Kent State University offers the PhD of Communication and Information - Ph.D. as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its main campus in Kent , United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 4 years, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for communication and information - ph.d. and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on August 25, 2027.
About Communication and Information - Ph.D.
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of an area of expertise within one or more disciplines within the field of communication and information.
- Produce doctoral dissertations that advance existing areas of scholarly investigation within the field of communication and information.
- Be prepared to succeed as research-oriented, tenure-track faculty at research universities.
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Communication and Information - Ph.D. at Kent State University
Entry Requirements
- Completion of the academic requirements of a master's degree in one of the disciplines represented in the College of Communication and Information or a discipline closely related to the applicant's proposed course of study.1 for unconditional admission
- Minimum 3.300 graduate GPA on a 4.000 point scale (3.500 GPA or higher is recommended) for unconditional admission
- Official transcript(s)
- Goal Statement2
- Letters of recommendation from those in a position to evaluate graduate academic performance and potential
- Sample of superior scholarly writing (published paper, major term paper, thesis chapter, etc.).
- English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
- Minimum 587 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
- Minimum 94 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
- Minimum 82 MELAB score
- Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
- Minimum 65 PTE score
- Minimum 120 Duolingo English Test score
- Effective spring 2022, a résumé or curriculum vitae will be required.
The Ph.D. degree is strongly research oriented. Applicants are expected to demonstrate previous research experience such as thesis or conference paper. Admission will be restricted to the most promising applicants. Applications are viewed holistically to evaluate the student's likelihood of success in the program. Applicants normally are accepted for admission only for the fall semester and for full-time enrollment. Applicants who do not meet all of the requirements listed above but who have otherwise exceptional credentials may apply and may be admitted conditionally. To ensure full consideration for funding opportunities, all application materials must be received by January 2. The program will continue to review applications through March 31 or until all available spaces filled. Late applicants are encouraged to submit materials as soon as possible.
For more information about graduate admissions, please visit the Graduate Studies admission website. For more information on international admission, visit the Office of Global Education's admission website.
| 1 | Applicants with academic preparation in other fields may be required to enroll in preparatory coursework at the master's level that will not count toward the Ph.D. degree. |
| 2 | The goal statement must describe the applicant's academic goals and intended topics of study that are compatible with the focus of the doctoral program including area of specialization based on the six specializations. It is expected that this statement will clearly indicate why the applicant wishes to pursue doctoral education. Included in the statement should be an indication of the theoretical area or areas the applicant wishes to study and the line of research the applicant wishes to pursue. Statements that make reference only to the applicant's teaching or administrative goals are strongly discouraged. |
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of an area of expertise within one or more disciplines within the field of communication and information.
- Produce doctoral dissertations that advance existing areas of scholarly investigation within the field of communication and information.
- Be prepared to succeed as research-oriented, tenure-track faculty at research universities.
English Requirements
- PTEMin 58
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 79
English Program Requirements
Submitting your English test score
When applying as an undergraduate or graduate student to Kent State, there are a variety of ways to submit your score depending on which type of test you took.
- Students should request that ETS send official TOEFL scores directly to Kent (institution code: 1367).
- An IELTS or PTE report needs to be uploaded as a scanned PDF into our online application system..
All English scores will be verified for authenticity. Students with fraudulent documents will result in denial of admission or immediate dismissal.
Proficiency Waivers
Depending on your educational background, you may be eligible for an English language proficiency waiver, meaning you do not need to take a language exam. See our country list and related requirements.
Tuition and Fee Information for Communication and Information - Ph.D. at Kent State University
1 Based on one academic year, two semesters for a full-time international student. Program and special course fees are additional.
2 Based on a standard double room and basic board plan. Other room types and board plans at different prices are available.
3 Based on the Student Health Insurance premium for one year. The United States does not have universal health care. For this reason, the university requires all international students to purchase the sponsored student health insurance plan. Under certain criteria, a student may request a waiver of this charge. Total is based on an estimated cost of the required books/supplies for each term and is subject to change each fall.
All international students are required to pay the $20 per semester International Student Activity Fee. The fee is assessed each semester to support the delivery of the various programs ISSS provides to its students.
Application Fee 70
How to Apply for Communication and Information - Ph.D. at Kent State University
Follow the steps below to become part of the Kent State community. If you have any questions, please reach out to us any time.
- Submit an Online Application and Fee
- Prepare Application Documents to Upload as You Apply
- Passport biographical page.
- English Language Proficiency official results report for IELTS, PTE or MELAB. TOEFL score should be submitted officially through ETS (Institution Code 1367).
- College transcript/detailed marksheets (Certified English translation and original language).
- College Graduation Certificate/Diploma if already issued (Certified English translation and original language).
- GRE/GMAT or other standardized tests if required (submit official test report through test center).
- Graduate assistantship application (if applicable).
- Assistantship application.
- Graduate assistantship applicants may need to meet earlier deadlines. Please check with department for deadlines.
- Additional documents if required. *Review requirements from individual department or school.
- Financial guarantee (bank statements) that show sufficient funds to cover educational expenses.*
- Kent State University Financial Information Worksheet.*
- *Financial documents are only required after acceptance.
- Upload All Required Documents to the Online Application System
For faster processing, all the documents should be uploaded in the online application system to complete the application.
- Check Your Application Status
- Apply for Immigration Documents (I-20)
- Transfer Your SEVIS record (If Applicable)
If you are an F-1 student transferring from a school in the United States, please review the Transfer In Guide regarding your SEVIS record transfer. F-1 students must transfer their SEVIS record in order to maintain their F-1 status.
- Provide Final and Official Documents After Arrival
For admissions purposes, we accept scanned documents of international credentials and scanned copies of official U.S. transcripts. When an applicant is admitted, his/her final and official transcripts and diploma should be brought to the International Admissions Office for verification. This should be done within the first semester (or the first module for ESL students). Otherwise, the student's account will be put on HOLD.
Communication and Information - Ph.D. at Kent State University
Kent State University
United States of America, Kent