PhD in Mass Communication at University of Florida

University of Florida

United States of America, Gainesville

University Rank:#212

International students can study the Mass Communication at University of Florida at its main campus in Gainesville , United States of America. This PhD degree is available as a Full Time program delivered on campus in English. The program has a duration of 5 years and is offered at the university's main campus. Students can apply for the next intake starting on January 9, 2027.

About PhD in Mass Communication

Program Information

Ph.D. in Mass Communication

The Ph.D. degree is a research degree. The Ph.D. program is designed to help develop knowledge, attitudes, and skills so graduates can make important contributions to understanding mass communication. Faculty members help students lay the foundation for a lifetime of significant, creative work.

The doctoral program prepares students for a variety of opportunities in mass communication. Graduates are expected to teach at colleges and universities; conduct research for organizations in advertising, journalism, public relations, telecommunication, and other mass communication fields; do consulting; and conduct research and contribute to policy in government and private organizations. Doctoral students in the College of Journalism and Communications gain valuable experience in both teaching and research. Assistantships help prepare students for academic and other research positions. Students in the program have consistently been among the nation's leaders in winning top-paper awards at national and regional scholarly meetings.

Master of Arts in Mass Communication (M.A.M.C.)

There are several specializations available for the Master of Arts in Mass Communication:

The Journalism specialization program in the UF College of Journalism and Communications combines study of the academic literature on the societal role and effects of mass communication in general and journalism in particular with courses designed to improve students' practice of the journalism craft. The Journalism specialization at the master's level is designed for students interested in all areas of non-broadcast journalism (i.e. newspapers, magazines and online publishing). Those who have an educational and /or professional background in journalism can enhance their understanding of the role of journalism in society, as well as improving reporting and writing skills. However, the program is also well-suited for students with a long-term interest in college-level journalism education, who can pursue the master's degree as preparation for entry into a doctoral program. For more information, please see our website: http://www.jou.ufl.edu/academics/masters/mamc-journalism.

The Pro Master's specialization: The Professional Master's track is an on-campus program focused in four core/cross disciplines:

applied theory;
communication, technology and society;
multimedia storytelling; and
data creation/analysis/data visualization.

The track is designed specifically for those who want to develop additional skills to become more competitive in the job market. The program allows you to develop your own customizable curriculum from three key career areas: Data/Research, Creative or Management. Students can use our suggested curriculum or create your own path to reach your personal career goals.

The Professional Masters' can be completed in one year, for those who want an accelerated program, or two years. Admission is for the fall semester only. For more information, please see our website: https://www.jou.ufl.edu/current-students/masters/promasters/.

The Public Relations specialization at the master's level is a research-based program designed to prepare students for careers and advancement in the industry or for entering doctoral studies. Students learn the conceptual foundations of public relations and develop professional and research competency within the duration of the program. Courses in the public relations specialization focus on conceptual foundations of public relations, including mass communication and society; professional and managerial skills mastery; and research expertise. For more information, please see our website: http://www.jou.ufl.edu/academics/masters/master-of-public-relations.

The Telecommunication specialization program in the UF College of Journalism and Communications combines courses in Mass Communication, Telecommunication, and other areas relevant to the student's goals. There is a thesis track, appropriate for students who will later seek the Ph.D. or who wish to learn the skills and knowledge associated with thesis research or project in lieu of thesis. The Telecommunication track is designed for students with the following interests:

Operation or management of telecommunication outlets (broadcast stations, cable systems, program distributors, etc.) and emerging media
Telecommunication regulation and policy
Audience research
Preparation for an advanced degree

For more information, please see our website: http://www.jou.ufl.edu/academics/masters/mamc-telecommunication.

The International/Intercultural Communication specialization: The field of international communication encompasses the study of international journalism (both print and broadcast) and international business and marketing communication. The field of intercultural communication focuses on the interactions between people of different cultures, values and histories. Through their study, students learn to appreciate and engage diverse cultures and media, gaining the knowledge and skills you need to thrive in today's challenging global community. The international/intercultural track in mass communication culminates with the student writing a thesis on an international/intercultural topic in communication, applying one or more of the methods used in communication research. For more information, please see our website: http://www.jou.ufl.edu/academics/masters/mamc-internationalintercultural-communication-specialization.

The Science and Health Communications specialization program is designed to teach scientists and health specialists to communicate effectively via media, and to teach mass media specialists the background science to translate the language of science and health into meaningful and understandable stories for their audiences. These goals are achieved through theoretical writing and applied courses. At least two aspects of the program make it unique among science communication programs nationwide. First, other existing science communication programs in the U.S. focus on training journalists. UF's program is open to journalists who want to specialize in covering science and health, offers training for people planning to work as public affairs or public information officers for science and health organizations, for other communication specialists, and for scientists who need to be able to communicate with the public about their work. Second, the program focuses on training students to understand and communicate effectively about science and health policy. For more information, please see our website: http://www.jou.ufl.edu/academics/masters/mamc-sciencehealth-communication.

Combination Degrees: The College of Journalism and Communications participates in many combination degree programs throughout UF. They currently participate in the following ways: between any UF undergraduate Bachelor's Degree and Master of Arts in Mass Communication; a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a major in Advertising and a Master of Arts in Mass Communication (M.A.M.C.) with a major in Mass Communication; a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a major in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Mass Communication (M.A.M.C.) with a major in Mass Communication; a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a major in Media Production, Management, & Technology and a Master of Arts in Mass Communication (M.A.M.C.) with a major in Mass Communication; and, a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a major in Public Relations and a Master of Arts in Mass Communication (M.A.M.C.) with a major in Mass Communication.

For more help with any of our graduate degree programs, please refer to our website: http://www.jou.ufl.edu/academics.

mass communications (PHD)

SLO 1 Knowledge
Develop a thorough identification and review of mass communication theory and proficiency in research methods surrounding a specific area of expertise in the mass communication field.

SLO 2 Knowledge
Discuss and translate mass communication theory and proficiency in research methods surrounding a specific area of expertise in the mass communication field.

SLO 3 Skills
Explain and report communication subject matter and methodology, successfully complete research studies through conceptualization, methodological expertise, analysis and submission to professional conferences and publication in peer-reviewed journals.

SLO 4 Professional Behavior
Display of ethical behaviors, cultural sensitivity and appreciation for diverse viewpoints, leadership, independent and creative thinking.

SLO 5 Professional Behavior
Participate in professional and academic service activities that develop leadership skills.

Mass Communications (MAMC)

SLO 1 Knowledge
Identify, describe, explain, and apply communication theory research methods, aiding in a synthesized perspective for evaluating and addressing professional or theoretical problems

SLO 2 Skills
Address communication subject matter and issues through application, analysis, or synthesis of subjects, theories and methodologies

SLO 3 Professional Behavior
Display ethical behaviors, teamwork, cultural sensitivity/appreciation for diverse viewpoints, and meet professional standards for effective and ethical decision making

Requirements and Admission Criteria for PhD in Mass Communication at University of Florida

Entry Requirements

Applicants who should complete the SSAR:

Attended a high school regionally accredited in the United States for at least three years.
Attended a DODEA (Department of Defense Education Activity) school.

Applicants who should not complete the SSAR:

Attended a secondary school located outside the United States for more than one semester.
Studied a curriculum that did not follow the standard U.S. system.

Required: At least three full years of your most recent secondary school transcripts, including courses in progress (grades 9, 10 and 11 + senior schedule) in both the native language of instruction and a word for word certified English translation (if applicable). Unofficial transcripts are accepted electronically via the status Check Status page for the review process, while official transcripts and translations are required upon enrollment.

English Requirements

IELTSMin 6
TOEFLMin 80

English Program Requirements

All applicants, regardless of citizenship, must demonstrate English proficiency. English proficiency examination results, such as TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test, are encouraged for non-native English speakers, but are not required for freshman admission. SAT or ACT results are required for all freshman applicants.

Tuition and Fee Information for PhD in Mass Communication at University of Florida

How to Apply for PhD in Mass Communication at University of Florida

Start by exploring our more than 250 degree programs to determine the application requirements and if additional items, such as transcripts, portfolios or recommendation letters, are needed in your application. Application deadlines also vary by department, so be sure to apply before the deadline.

Regardless of program, all graduate students apply using the UF graduate school application through CollegeNET. You will select your college and major within the application. Complete the application and pay the $30 non-refundable application fee. Review your application carefully before submission, as changes cannot be made once the application is submitted.

The Office of Admissions does not provide an application fee waiver. If needed, check directly with the program to which you are applying. Additionally, if your application is not considered because the application deadline is passed, UF will not issue you a refund for the application fee. It is important to know the application deadlines for the intended major.

If you are applying to more than one program, you must complete an application for each program and pay the non-refundable application fee

Official test scores must be sent to UF electronically by the testing agency.

GRE

Review your program requirements to determine if GRE scores are needed. Most applicants must submit GRE scores, but some programs in the College of the Arts do not require these. When using electronic delivery, select school code 5812 (University of Florida). UF does not superscore the GRE.

GMAT

All MBA applicants must submit satisfactory scores on the Graduate Management Admissions Test. GMAT scores may also be accepted by certain MHA, Sport Management, and Food and Resource Economics programs. Contact individual departments for specific requirements. When ordering your scores from GMAC, select the department you intend to apply to here at the University of Florida.

Fundamentals of Engineering

Some engineering programs will accept FE scores as a substitute for the GRE. Contact individual programs for requirements.

Exemptions

Applicants with a previous graduate or professional degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution may be exempt from the Graduate Record Exam or Graduate Management Admission Test at the program's discretion.

Verifying Receipt of Scores

Requested scores generally arrive to UF within 2-4 weeks

Send your transcripts to the UF Office of Admissions.

For the purpose of initial review, the Office of Admissions accepts unofficial transcripts. These can be uploaded through your Application Status page.

Applicants who receive an offer of admissions should arrange to have official transcripts sent to the UF Office of Admissions from each postsecondary institution attended. If you attended UF as your postsecondary institution, you do not have to order a transcript from the Office of the University Registrar. Official transcripts can be sent to UF in two ways: paper transcript received by UF in a sealed envelope or electronic transcripts sent from your institution directly to UF, which can save up to two weeks response time. UF accepts electronic transcripts through FASTER, Parchment, National Student Clearing House, ScribbleSoft, e-Scrip Safe, Credential Solutions, SCOIR or Transcripts Plus.

All academic credentials become property of the university. They will not be returned to you or forwarded to a third party. For diplomas and academic credentials that are only issued once, please send an attested or certified copy of the original.

Transcript updates can be found within your Application Status page. Transcripts uploaded or received by mail will display on the Application Checklist as Transcript - Under Review. Once the transcripts are reviewed, these checklist items will be removed, and the Awaiting Transcript checklist items will be updated accordingly. We process transcripts as quickly as possible. The Admissions Office prioritizes the review of transcripts needed for students to register for the current term.

Pursuant to Florida Statute, your application requires inclusion of all post-high school education and employment, as well as information about ongoing international affiliations and research funding. Ensure this information is included on your curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé that is uploaded within your graduate application.

If the program of interest requires recommendation letters, these should be submitted electronically through the admissions application. You must request these recommendations prior to submitting your application. You cannot add or delete recommendations once your application has been submitted. If your recommendation is supplied by paper or PDF, check with your academic program to inquire if this will be accepted.

You can check the receipt of materials by the Office of Admissions on the Check Status page. This page will only reflect information concerning materials forwarded directly to the Office of Admissions and does not include materials that are required to be sent directly to your academic unit.

Approximately 24-48 hours after submitting your online application, your 8-digit UF Identification Number (UFID) will be available on the status of your application. Use the same username and password used to submit your CollegeNET application.

Your UFID is unique to you and should be used in all email communication and any subsequent applications submitted. If you do not use your UFID in communications and submissions, it is difficult for us to match your test scores, transcripts, and financial aid information to your academic record.

PhD in Mass Communication at University of Florida

University of Florida

United States of America, Gainesville