About PhD Program,
Scholars working in Communication and Media Science engage in the theoretical and applied study of human communication and media use, content, effects, processes, practices, and policies. Research and coursework in this area draw on qualitative, quantitative, and computational social scientific methodologies to develop understandings of and interventions for communication and media phenomena, processes, and events. Communication & Media Science faculty specialize in organizational communication, health communication, strategic communication, mass communication, and social and digital media.
NOTE: Admissions into the Communication and Media Science division has been temporarily paused, but will resume for the Fall 2026 admission cycle.
The Department of Communication & Journalism at Texas A&M University uses a holistic application review process to make admission decisions. This review process examines all application materials for indicators of success, including academic preparedness and achievements, relevant professional experiences, and demonstration of perseverance and “grit.”
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
The department uses a holistic review approach to application admissions, and GRE scores are not required.
Admission to the doctoral program requires a Baccalaureate (or equivalent) degree. All applicants, however, should submit evidence of an ability to successfully manage the the rigor of a doctoral degree program.
All applicants for Fall 2025 admissions will be evaluated in terms of their fit with the Humanities and Critical/Cultural Studies doctoral curriculum and graduate faculty. Students admitted in Fall 2025 will have the opportunity to take courses from and collaborate with graduate faculty members of the Communication & Media Science division; however, those who do not have research interests directly aligned with Humanities and Critical/Cultural Studies faculty should not apply for the Fall 2025 admission cycle.
PhD Funding Coverage,
Each applicant is considered for financial support in the form of a teaching assistantship or fellowship (unless otherwise indicated in the application). Applicants applying after the deadline may find that funding resources have been expended, and/or all available slots for the upcoming year have been filled.
This graduate assistantship offers a $22,000 stipend and tuition/fees for fall and spring semesters for up to five years. Summer teaching assistantships and tuition/fee support is often available, but not guaranteed.
Graduate research assistantships are offered periodically to those students who have research interests and skills that align with specific faculty members. Research assistantships are granted on a very limited basis after a student’s first semester.
Texas A&M University also offers fellowships, which are awarded on a competitive basis. To learn more about TAMU’s incoming student fellowship opportunities, visit: Texas A&M Graduate Fellowships.
Application Requirement,
- Curriculum Vita
- Statement of Purpose.A 500-750 word essay that details the applicant’s objectives for the graduate program, research interests, fit with the program and experiences that will enable success. Applicants should indicate faculty members with whom they are interested in working.
- Writing Sample.A writing sample that demonstrates the applicant’s ability to write clearly and to think critically and conceptually. Solo-authored academic writing is strongly encouraged. Please limit writing samples to 10,000 words.
- Letters of Recommendation (3).Submit letter of recommendation requests through the CAS system. Letter writers should not mail letters; they will be asked to upload the letters into this system. Ideally at least one of these letters is from a professor or other scholarly mentor who can speak to your performance and promise in an academic setting
- For the purpose of the application process, you may upload unofficial transcripts to the GradCAS system. However, if you are accepted into our program, you must submit official transcripts before you will be able to enroll in courses.
- GRE (Optional). The Department of Communication & Journalism graduate admissions is GRE test-optional. Applicants who wish to submit scores should self-report the scores in the CAS application, and have official scores sent by ETS (Code: 6003).
- English Language Proficiency (International applicants from non-English-speaking countries only). Texas A&M University requires all applicants from non-English-speaking countries to submit proof of English proficiency. For more information on accepted evidence of English proficiency, visit TAMU International Graduate Student Admissions.
Application Deadline,
Dec 15, 2024
Application Fee,
An application fee of $65 for U.S. citizens and permanent residents or $90 for international applicants (in addition to a centralized application service processing fee) is required to process an application for admission. The application fee is nonrefundable.
