Learn what you need to complete and earn your MA or PhD in communication.
UW Communication offers two pathways to the doctoral degree: the MA/PhD and the PhD. Prospective students with a bachelor’s degree in Communication, or a related field, or with a master’s degree in a field unrelated to Communication, should apply to the MA/PhD. Prospective students with a master’s degree in Communication or related field should apply for the PhD.
The MA portion of the MA/PhD program introduces students to a variety of approaches to communication research and requires them to develop their scholarly abilities through the completion of a master’s thesis. Upon successfully completing these requirements, students begin their coursework in the PhD portion of the program.
The PhD segment of the program is designed to balance a broad foundation in communication scholarship with a specialized program of study culminating in the completion of the dissertation. Our doctoral program provides the student and their supervisory committee with the flexibility necessary to tailor the program to the student’s needs and interests.
Please see the sections below for detailed degree requirements, milestone timelines, and policies.