Fully Funded PhD in Communication at Ohio State University

About PhD Program,

In the Ph.D. program in Communication at The Ohio State University, students work closely with world-renowned faculty on current research.  In coursework, the emphasis is on understanding the body of knowledge in communication and on learning how to use what is known to generate new knowledge through research.  In addition to gaining a solid grounding in the communication literature, through our Ph.D. program students learn the skills necessary to develop solid academic careers through teaching, attending professional conferences and publishing their own research.

PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,   

Must be 3.0 or better for applicants to the masters program. Applicants to the Ph.D. program must have a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 and a minimum MA GPA of a 3.5.

Complete a minimum of 81 graduate credits, including 6 credits for the dissertation

At least 51 credit hours of graduate level electives (minimum 50% from within the School of Communication including at least 15 credits of formal communication elective classes) 3. 4 semesters of Communication Colloquium 4. 6 credits of Dissertation (maximum of 3 credits per semester)

PhD Funding Coverage,

Ph.D. students for four to five years depending on prior academic experience ($2,483/month stipend plus tuition waiver for a nine month assistantship)

Doctoral students work closely with distinguished scholars as mentors in developing individualized programs focusing on the topics that intersect the interests of the faculty and the student. Over the course of their program, students are encouraged to co-author papers and journal articles with faculty members.

Through generous travel awards, the School of Communication, as well as the Graduate School at OSU, enable students to participate in national and international communication conferences. At these conferences our students become acquainted with faculty and graduate students from other universities around the world, establishing lasting friendships and professional relationships.

Through the combination of training, mentoring and socialization, our students are among the most sought-after for the top positions in the field.

Most of our Ph.D. students enter academic careers following graduation, although some enter various communication industries and use their research skills in marketing, polling, media or other industries.

For more information, contact the Graduate Program Coordinator by email at comm@osu.edu or call (614) 292-6503.

You can read more about our graduate program requirements and our admissions procedures on the following documents:

Application Requirement,

  1. The applicant’s statement of interest and intent with regard to a graduate program in the School of Communication;
  2. Detailed resume;
  3. At least three letters of recommendation;
  4. Cumulative undergraduate grade point average;
  5. Undergraduate and graduate transcripts;
  6. *Scores on the general aptitude sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)*; and
  7. Writing sample or other evidence of potential for success in graduate study.

Application Deadline,

Dec 01, 2024

Application Fee,

A nonrefundable $60 fee for U.S. students and $70 for international students