About PhD Program,
Through our 10 graduate degree programs in communication, journalism, public diplomacy and public relations, we will prepare you to be a highly skilled professional at the forefront of the evolving communications and media landscape.
Our faculty — leading scholars and industry experts — draw on their deep knowledge and experience to equip you with the research methods, tactical skills and entrepreneurial spirit needed to reinvent and drive our fields forward.
With USC Annenberg’s location on the USC campus in the dynamic city of Los Angeles, you will also be ideally positioned to tap into our local, national and global networks and the connections we make for, and share with you. You will advance your academic and career trajectories through our community of high-achieving students, distinguished faculty, mentors, advisors, and accomplished alumni.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
Complete the required admission testing appropriate for your degree program. Submit scores after you submit your application.
The personal statement is an expression of three areas: (1) research experience, (2) professional background and (3) conceptual questions and phenomena of interest to you. In addition to addressing these three areas, your statement must include a detailed explanation of why you would like to work with the USC Annenberg faculty members that you identify in your application as possible mentors and/or committee members. Limit this statement to five pages.
PhD Funding Coverage,
All doctoral students are fully funded for up to five years, contingent on satisfactory academic progress. Funding packages include up to 12 units of tuition per semester, payment of all required health care fees (access to USC health services as well as medical and dental insurance premiums), a monthly stipend totaling $40,500 annually, support for conference travel, and upon reaching candidacy, support for dissertation research. Since funding is provided, international students applying to the PhD in Communication do not submit financial documentation.
Doctoral students are funded in two ways:
- Fellowships are awarded in the first year of doctoral studies to allow you to concentrate on your studies and become involved in the research work of the faculty. No work assignments are given.
- Graduate Assistantships are assigned to doctoral students starting in the second year of the degree program. You will work as a Teaching Assistant or Research Assistant assigned to a class or research project.
Application Requirement,
Assemble the following documents and program materials which must be uploaded to your application:
- CV or Résumé
- Personal Statement
- Writing Sample
- Copy of Official Transcript(s)
All program materials must be in English and uploaded to the online application. Note: Once your application has been submitted, you may not edit or change any document or program material. Also, all submitted documents and program materials become the property of USC and will not be returned.
Application Deadline,
Dec 01, 2024
Application Fee,
Pay the $90 non-refundable application fee with a credit card or request an application fee waiver prior to submitting an application
