Students complete advanced course work and seminars in communication theory, research methods, and technology-related topics as well as a cognate outside the department. Students also demonstrate their proficiency by completing comprehensive written qualifying exams and by conducting a rigorous independent research project presented and defended in a dissertation.
On their way to completing a doctoral degree in Public Communication and Technology, students will accomplish the following:
Develop an in-depth understanding of a wide range of psychological, social and structural factors influencing the effectiveness of information technologies.
Acquire and polish their knowledge of quantitative and/or qualitative research methodologies applicable to conducting communication research focusing on information technologies.
Develop expertise in a content area outside the Department of Journalism and Technical Communication.
Develop and polish technical expertise in information technologies; e.g., software for Web site development, digital video editing, or related hardware and applications for specific media.
Learn and practice instructional methods and presentation skills appropriate to higher education and industry.
The program generally takes a minimum of three years to complete. This includes two full-time years in residence to complete course work and one year to complete a dissertation.
Ph.D. Concentrations
Although the curriculum is flexible and can be tailored to individual interests, students are expected to demonstrate expertise in one of the three concentrations within the program. Students are also encouraged to develop a depth of knowledge in at least one other concentration.
Human Behavior and Technology
Processes and effects of how individuals use communication and information technologies.
Principal Faculty
Joseph Champ, Ph.D. – Cultural/critical approaches, environmental communication
Marilee Long, Ph.D. – Communication theory and methods, science and health communication
Zimmerman, Ph.D. – Human-computer interaction, usability, Web design
Organizations and Technology
How organizations and groups deploy communication technologies for information, education, advocacy, promotion and community-building purposes.
Principal Faculty
Cindy Christen, Ph.D. – Public relations, conflict management and negotiation, methods, environmental communication
Kirk Hallahan, Ph.D. – Online public relations and advertising, issues/crisis management
Social Policy and Technology
Development of media and information technologies and their political, economic and social consequences, including implications for public policy.
Ph.D. Program Focus
equal opportunity statement