University of Southern Mississippi

What you'll study

The doctoral programme emphasises original research and methodological mastery. Core work typically includes advanced media and communication theory, graduate-level research methods (qualitative and quantitative), statistics for social science, and seminars in scholarly writing and research design. Students select elective seminars and directed readings in specialised areas such as digital and social media, political and civic communication, health communication, journalism studies, rhetoric and public discourse, organisational communication, and media effects.

Programme structure centres on a combination of coursework, comprehensive examinations and an original dissertation. Early years focus on building disciplinary foundations and methodological competence; later years prioritise dissertation research and professional development. Common types of assessment are research papers, seminar presentations, grant and ethics proposals, and a doctoral dissertation presenting a substantial piece of publishable research.

• Advanced communication theory and contemporary approaches to media studies
• Quantitative methods: survey research, experimental design, and statistical analysis
• Qualitative methods: interviews, ethnography, content and discourse analysis
• Specialist seminars tailored to student research interests (e.g. digital media, health communication, political communication, journalism)
• Teaching practicum and opportunities to gain experience as a graduate instructor
• Dissertation research and defence

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised master's degree in communication, media studies or a closely related discipline. Strong candidates demonstrate a clear research agenda, prior coursework in communication or research methods, and academic achievement at the graduate level.

• Graduate transcripts showing relevant academic preparation
• A research-focused statement of purpose outlining proposed areas of study and potential faculty mentors
• A sample of scholarly writing (such as a thesis chapter, journal article or term paper)
• Curriculum vitae demonstrating academic and professional experience
• Letters of recommendation, normally from academic referees who can speak to research potential
• Proof of English language proficiency for international applicants where required by the university

Admissions committees consider research fit with faculty expertise and potential for doctoral-level scholarship; some applicants may be invited for an interview. Additional requirements such as standardised tests or specific prerequisite courses may vary, so applicants should consult the programme admissions page for current guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Communication and Media Studies typically pursue careers in higher education as faculty and researchers, securing positions in departments of communication, media studies, journalism and related fields. Many also work in research-intensive roles outside academia, including think tanks, policy research organisations, public health agencies, and market or media research consultancies.

• Academic research and teaching (tenure-track and adjunct positions)
• Research director or analyst roles in public policy, public health, media organisations and NGOs
• Senior roles in corporate communications, strategic communication and reputation management
• Consultancy in media strategy, audience research and evaluation
• Editorial and research positions in journalism and media production organisations

Why study at University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi offers a collegial research environment with faculty whose expertise spans quantitative and qualitative traditions and a range of applied and theoretical interests. Students benefit from opportunities to collaborate on funded research projects, publish in peer-reviewed outlets and gain teaching experience through graduate assistantships.

The university's coastal location and regional connections provide distinctive research opportunities in areas such as community media, environmental communication and disaster-related information flows. Graduate students also have access to campus media production resources and laboratories that support both empirical research and media practice. Overall, the programme is geared toward developing independent scholars prepared for the rigours of research and professional leadership in communication and media studies.