The program culminates in a comprehensive examination and the preparation of a doctoral dissertation. The Ph.D. program is inherently and rigorously interdisciplinary. Students must complete a set of core courses in media studies, communication theory, teaching, and research methodology. But the bulk of the student's course work is taken in two individualized concentration areas. These concentration areas involve substantial work outside the School of Journalism in fields such as political science, sociology, psychology, anthropology, history, law, business, or a field of international studies.
Students are free to tailor their programs to their own research interests and career goals.
Students who have not majored in mass communications at either the bachelor's or master's level are encouraged to apply, but they may be required to take additional core courses in journalism and mass communications. No more than nine IU journalism credits can be transferred into the graduate program from a continuing nondegree program. In the second year of studies, the student's advisor will consult with the student's first-year instructors and the associate dean of research and graduate studies to examine the student's academic performance. The advisor will then meet with the student to discuss the assessment. Any student whose achievements and potential fall far below standard will be discouraged from further work.