Doctor of Philosophy in Journalism - Strategic Communication

A leader in journalism education and research, the School awarded the first doctor of philosophy degree in 1934. Beyond teaching and administration, our doctoral graduates add value to corporations, media entities, strategic communication firms and other organizations through their research and understanding theoretical approaches. Doctoral students:

conduct research with world-renowned faculty,
collaborate with world-class scholars and professionals in journalism and strategic communication,
gain experience as an educator alongside award-winning faculty

The eight research areas of study prepare our doctoral students for careers in the academy and industry:

Big Data
Health Communications
Journalism Studies
Media History
Media Law, Ethics and Policy
Media Sociology
Science Communication
Strategic Communication

Selecting the right doctoral program is a major decision. At the Missouri School of Journalism, our students will have the mentorship and assistance in job placement they need. Missouri graduates are represented in colleges and universities around the world, serving as deans, chairs and professors. Recent doctoral graduates are now on the faculties of Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Michigan State, Iowa, Colorado, Louisiana State, Georgia and other accredited journalism programs.

The Strategic Communication doctoral area focuses on persuasion, defined as the principles and practice of all communication designed to create a desired response from a given audience. It includes the theory and practice of public relations and advertising.

Faculty and students in this area focus on extending persuasion theory and on applying rigorous research to real-world problems and opportunities in a dynamic media landscape.

One key area of practice is Strategic Health and Science Communication. This uses evidence-based messaging to help policymakers, health professionals, and others reach target audiences to enhance understanding of science and to encourage better health behaviors and outcomes.

Other areas of study include audience research, social media, strategic conflict management, risk and crisis communication, internal communication, interactive advertising, government communication, globalization of markets, and changing media models.