Media and Communication PhD PHD Programme By Temple University |TopUniversities
Subject Ranking

# 151-200QS Subject Rankings

Application Deadline

01 Dec, 2026Application Deadline

Main Subject Area

Communication and Media StudiesMain Subject Area

Programme overview

Main Subject

Communication and Media Studies

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

Immerse yourself in a rigorous curriculum that has strong ties to the humanities and social sciences, with the Doctor of Philosophy in Media and Communication from the Lew Klein College of Media and Communication at Temple. Explore the relationship between media and people through a variety of lenses, including cultural, economic, historical and social-psychological. Receive the academic support of an R1-classified research university as you successfully propose, create and defend your dissertation.

The advanced, multidisciplinary Media and Communication PhD provides access to individualized courses of study, faculty guidance and other opportunities that enable you to

  • work with active scholars who boast international reputations;
  • present at conferences and publish work in respected academic journals; and
  • obtain experience in undergraduate teaching.


Comprehensive coursework in communication theory and research characterizes the Media and Communication PhD program, endowing students with the breadth and depth of knowledge needed to make significant contributions in the academic and professional field of mediated communication. You will collaborate with mentors, develop your own research agenda, and graduate with a strong foundation in theory and methodologies that covers several areas of interest, including the following.

  • Communication effects and psychological processes
  • Emerging media and technology
  • Global media, social change and activism
  • Journalism studies
  • Media, identity and representation
  • The media industry, laws and policies
  • Political communication
  • Popular communication


Graduates of this PhD program pursue administrative, research and teaching careers in universities and colleges. They also pursue research jobs in media industries, as well as senior-level policy and communications roles in government and nonprofit sectors. If you are hired to teach or conduct research, you will have access to the Temple University Graduate Student Association, the first recognized graduate employee union in Pennsylvania. You will also have the opportunity to request a travel award that provides funds to help cover the cost of presenting your research at scholarly symposiums.

Programme overview

Main Subject

Communication and Media Studies

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

Immerse yourself in a rigorous curriculum that has strong ties to the humanities and social sciences, with the Doctor of Philosophy in Media and Communication from the Lew Klein College of Media and Communication at Temple. Explore the relationship between media and people through a variety of lenses, including cultural, economic, historical and social-psychological. Receive the academic support of an R1-classified research university as you successfully propose, create and defend your dissertation.

The advanced, multidisciplinary Media and Communication PhD provides access to individualized courses of study, faculty guidance and other opportunities that enable you to

  • work with active scholars who boast international reputations;
  • present at conferences and publish work in respected academic journals; and
  • obtain experience in undergraduate teaching.


Comprehensive coursework in communication theory and research characterizes the Media and Communication PhD program, endowing students with the breadth and depth of knowledge needed to make significant contributions in the academic and professional field of mediated communication. You will collaborate with mentors, develop your own research agenda, and graduate with a strong foundation in theory and methodologies that covers several areas of interest, including the following.

  • Communication effects and psychological processes
  • Emerging media and technology
  • Global media, social change and activism
  • Journalism studies
  • Media, identity and representation
  • The media industry, laws and policies
  • Political communication
  • Popular communication


Graduates of this PhD program pursue administrative, research and teaching careers in universities and colleges. They also pursue research jobs in media industries, as well as senior-level policy and communications roles in government and nonprofit sectors. If you are hired to teach or conduct research, you will have access to the Temple University Graduate Student Association, the first recognized graduate employee union in Pennsylvania. You will also have the opportunity to request a travel award that provides funds to help cover the cost of presenting your research at scholarly symposiums.

Admission Requirements

110+
96+
7+
The Media and Communication PhD program admits a small number of students (approximately 10) each fall. A master’s degree in communication, media studies, or the humanities or social sciences is required. Admission is based on several criteria, including 

  •  a match between the applicant’s abilities and faculty’s expectations,
  • a match between the applicant’s goals and the training and other attributes offered by the program,
  • the applicant’s academic and personal references, and
  • the applicant’s demonstrated academic ability and research potential.

01 Dec 2026
Aug

  • Candidates are required to submit references or letter(s) of recommendation for acceptance

Scholarships

Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.

To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:

More programmes from the university

PHD Programmes 602