Doctor of Philosophy in Communication - Media Studies

The Cornell University Ph.D. in Communication is designed to assist students in proposing, testing, and refining communication theories, in practicing skilled research, and in becoming knowledgeable about communication. It is the number two communication Ph.D. program in the country. The Ph.D. degree is a research degree. Cornell's doctoral program is designed to be a small, high quality program that will encourage students' interests in academic work as well as prepare them for nonacademic job opportunities. Doctoral students focus on developing communication theory based on empirical social science research. Program graduates will be able to compete successfully for teaching and research positions at colleges and universities, work at consulting firms, or conduct research and contribute to policy in government and private organizations.

The Graduate Field of Communication embodies that legacy through persistent and proactive efforts to welcome and respect diverse perspectives and backgrounds so that our entire community can flourish. We strive for a culture that emboldens and empowers all, particularly those whose voices have historically been excluded or marginalized. We offer all admitted students a competitive financial support package that includes full tuition, health insurance, and a generous stipend for five years. Our median time to degree is five years, though many students complete their PhD in as few as four years. Our program is only offered in residence (no online option).

Researchers in this area study the practices, industries, meanings, mental processing, and influences of media. Our research examines the complex ways in which traditional and emerging media shape and are shaped by wider society, and the social and psychological processes people use to give meaning to media and media messages. The forms of media we encounter become ever more digital, networked, and mobile, this research area increasingly includes a critical understanding of media. Media are situated within particular social contexts, and can be examined through their varying contents, forms, structures, influences, and processes.

Applicants are required to upload unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
Applicants are expected to have some competence in at least one area of communication or be willing to spend time beyond the normal degree requirements to gain competence. Persons with experience in communication are encouraged to apply, evidence of superior performance in the professional field will be considered in combination with academic records.
Only online submission of application materials, no hardcopy materials will be accepted
Academic statement of purpose
Personal statement
Transcripts
Writing sample
Three letters of recommendation
First-generation college student (neither parent/guardian having completed a baccalaureate degree)
Member of an ethnic or racial group historically underrepresented in graduate education (Black/African American, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian or other Native Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latinx)
McNair or Mellon Mays Undergraduate Scholar (the Graduate School will verify an applicant's status as a McNair Scholar or Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow while pursuing a baccalaureate degree at a U.S. institution)
Other identities and/or experiences historically underrepresented and/or marginalized within graduate education including by not limited to the following:
Those who manage a disability
Being of a gender and/or sexual orientation identity historically underrepresented in your field of study
Those who identify as a military veteran
Holding DACA status
Those who identify as refugees
Those who have experienced housing and/or food insecurity
Single parents
International students are required to take the TOEFL exam, and must score a minimum of 100 (Internet-based), or 250 (computer-based). The test date must be within two years of the application submission date for consideration. The Graduate School requires an overall band score of a 7.0 or higher on the IELTS.