About PhD Program,
We strongly encourage applicants to reach out to a particular faculty member with whom they share research interests. This is an excellent way to learn more about faculty research, as well as the department and UMaine more generally. For PhD admissions, we admit only those students who we feel demonstrate a clear fit with our faculty strengths, which is particularly important given our relatively small size. Please reach out to the Graduate Coordinator with any questions.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
Graduate students must take a minimum of 90 credit hours of graduate coursework (including their Masters degree), with at least 60 hours beyond the Masters. At least 48 of those 90 hours must be in primary Communication graduate courses, and at least 18 hours must be in an external concentration area. Across the major and concentration, students are also required to take a minimum of 12-15 credit hours each in appropriate theory and methods coursework, to complete a comprehensive examination, and to write a dissertation that draws on and synthesizes the program coursework.
- The concentration area desired (e.g., Communication with a concentration in History).
- A rationale for pursuing a degree that synthesizes these disciplines (i.e., answer “Why Communication & History?” and indicate the kind of research the applicant wishes to pursue, including possible topics and methodological approaches). We also encourage applicants to describe any correspondence they have had with CMJ faculty members about their desired plan.
- An explanation of the applicant’s background in Communication and in the concentration.
PhD Funding Coverage,
The University of Maine has one of the least expensive tuition rates of all the flagship universities in the Northeast. When every dollar counts, make sure you choose a university that provides world-class education at a competitive price. Whether you are a prospective student exploring our 1000+ funding opportunities, or a current student looking for support navigating the funding process, we have opportunities for you.
We fund all of our Ph.D. students through graduate teaching assistantships (GTAs) for our introductory undergraduate courses in CMJ (e.g., public speaking, storytelling, etc.). Students are eligible to apply for a GTA position by indicating their interest on the Graduate School online application form. Students need not have prior teaching experience to be considered for a GTA. Funding is offered on a one-year basis that is renewable for up to three years (and sometimes longer) if adequate progress is made toward the degree.
Occasionally, Ph.D. students may also be funded as RAs on research grants, but this is something that is coordinated between the student and a faculty member, and usually happens either (a) through a specific recruitment process; or (b) later in the student’s time at UMaine.
While we are often able to fund our MA students with GTAs, we give priority to our PhD students. Funding is offered on a one-year basis that is renewable for up to two years (and sometimes longer) if adequate progress is made toward the degree.
The GTA includes a 9-month stipend, tuition remission for full-time status, and half the cost of the university health insurance premium. Students funded on RAs may have slightly different stipends and benefits.
International students are eligible for GTA positions. RA position eligibility may depend upon the rules associated with the particular grant-funding agency.
Ph.D. students, there are competitive summer research fellowships offered by the Graduate School. Ph.D. and MA students may also apply to teach an undergraduate course in the Department of Communication and Journalism during the summer.
Application Requirement,
- Completed online application
- Including an essay & resume
- Three letters of recommendation*
- Official transcript of all previous college or university work
- Official test scoresif applicable
- $65 application fee
- *Required for most programs. Check with your department about admission requirements before starting your application.
Application Deadline,
Jan 15, 2025
Application Fee,
- $65 application fee
