WELCOME!
August 2007
Dear Members of the Graduate Community:
We wish to extend a warm welcome to our new and returning graduate students. This year, we have approximately 40 students in the M.A. program and 30 students in the Ph.D. program, and we look forward
to working with each of you. We are pleased to have you in our department and will do our best
to provide you with a program of study that is both personally and professionally fulfilling.
The enclosed documents describe a number of policies and procedures for graduate students. The
Table of Contents below summarizes the topics that are included.
Please let us know if there is anything we can do to make your time in the Communication & Journalism community as productive and rewarding as possible.
Sincerely,
Mary Jane Collier
Director of the Ph.D. Program
mjc@unm.edu, C & J 214; 277-2156
Jan Schuetz
Director of the M.A. Program
jschuetz@unm.edu, C & J 233; 277-0573
Communication & Journalism Graduate Student Handbook
2007-2008
Table of Contents
I. GENERAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Page Number:
A. Advising ------------------------------------------------------- 3
B. Records -------------------------------------------------------- 3
C. Transfer of Credit -------------------------------------------- 4
D. Time Limit for Completing Degree ----------------------- 4
E. Semester Course Load Requirements --------------------- 4
F. Continuous Enrollment Policy ----------------------------- 4
G. Leave of Absence Policy ----------------------------------- 5
H. Academic Standing, GPA Policies ------------------------ 5
I. Incomplete Grade Policies --------------------------------- 5
J. Candidacy and Application for Graduation -------------- 6
II. Overview of Graduate Programs ------------------------------------ 6
C & J Projected Course Offerings 07-09 ---------------------------- 7-8
III. M.A. in COMMUNICATION
A. Overview ----------------------------------------------------- 9
B. Degree Requirements -------------------------------------- 9
C. Choice of Comprehensive Exam, Thesis or Project ---- 9-10
D. MA Committee --------------------------------------------- 10-11
E. Sample Timeline for completing MA -------------------- 11
F MA Forms List --------------------------------------------- 12
G. Sample M.A. Plan of Study Form ------------------------- 13
IV. Ph.D. in COMMUNICATION
A. Areas of Concentration ------------------------------------- 14
B. Degree Requirements --------------------------------------- 14-16
C. Comprehensive Exam & Dissertation---------------------- 14
D. Course Requirements ---------------------------------------- 15
E. Cognate & Language/Tool Requirements ---------------- 15
F. Ph.D. Committees -------------------------------------------- 16
G. Sample Timeline for completing Ph.D. -------------------- 17
H Ph.D. Forms List --------------------------------------------- 18
I. Sample Ph.D. Plan of Study Form ------------------------- 19
V. TEACHING AND RESEARCH ASSISTANT
APPLICATION PROCESS ------------------------------------------ 20
VI. CAMPUS INFORMATION
A. Identification Card ------------------------------------------- 20
B. E-Mail Account ---------------------------------------------- 20
C. Parking & Permits ------------------------------------------- 21
VII. C & J ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES & BUILDING POLICIES
A. Administrative Staff Contact Information --------------- 21
B. C & J Office and Staff Hours ------------------------------ 21
C. Building Use Policies ---------------------------------------- 21-22
D. Mail, phone, faxes ------------------------------------------- 22-23
D. Pay checks, Photocopying ---------------------------------- 23
E. Equipment policies ------------------------------------------ 24
VIII. CREATING AN INTERCULTURAL COMMUNITY
OF LEARNING ------------------------------------------------------ 24-26
University of New Mexico Department of Communication & Journalism Studies
GRADUATE STUDENT HANDBOOK
M.A. and Ph.D. in COMMUNICATION
2007-2008
I. SUMMARY OF GENERAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
NOTE: University of New Mexico policy states that students are responsible for knowing and abiding by the general University rules and regulations pertaining to graduate study at the University of New Mexico and the specific academic requirements of their particular degree program. They are also expected to be aware of their academic standing at all times. Ignorance of a rule will not be accepted as a basis for waiving that rule.
A. Advising
New students meet with the Director of the Ph.D. and M.A. Programs during Orientation week. During the first semesters the Directors of the Ph.D. and M.A. graduate programs act as your initial advisors. You will need to select a faculty member who will be your advisor for the rest of your program; this person will also direct your dissertation or thesis/project/exams. Your peer-mentor buddy is also an excellent resource for information on classes, requirements and procedures.
The matching of advisors with students is an important process. Be aware that faculty members are not compensated for directing dissertations and theses; and therefore the time and energy required for a faculty member to become your advisor s not to be taken lightly. Identify a faculty member who: a) has Graduate Faculty status at UNM, b) has expertise in the doctoral area of concentration in which you are interested (culture and discourse, culture and health, culture and mass communication) or your M.A. area of interest, and c) has had you in at least one class. Set up an appointment to make the request of that faculty member. Doctoral students, be prepared to outline your interests, research/creative goals, and provide a rationale for your choice of why that advisorÕs area of expertise is a good fit for your interests.
By the end of the first year of coursework, you will be expected to have selected an advisor, met with him/her to agree on your plan of study for your program, identified a committee of faculty with whom youÕll work, and met with the committee for input and approval of your plan of study. (See sections on Plan of Study and Selecting Committees for more details.) The Plan of Study Form in this Handbook will be helpful in the planning and tracking of coursework and preparing for meetings with your advisor.
Continuing students, every fall, all graduate students should meet with their advisor to discuss their plans for coursework and research/creative projects for the coming year.
B. Records
It is your responsibility to keep a copy of all transcripts, independent study forms, Plan of Study forms, petitions, relevant email messages, waivers, and so on during your graduate program. The Department Office also needs a copy of all forms. Please turn them into the graduate administrator before submitting to OGS.
C. Transfer of Credit/Substitution of Courses
If you wish to transfer credit for courses completed prior to enrollment in your graduate program, or you wish to substitute a comparable course from another program or area of study for a required course, you must do the following. First, during your first semester, bring a copy of your transcript and the course syllabus or catalog description to your advisor. The courses must be graduate level and you must have earned a grade of ÒBÓ or above in the course in order to transfer or substitute the course. After your advisor approves of the transfer/substitution of credit, then bring the same materials to your Plan of Study meeting. Your graduate committee must also approve of the transfer of credits or course substitution at that time.
Ph.D. Students are given a blanket transfer of 36 credits for the M.A. degree. In addition to the C & J Departmental requirement of 36 credits from 12 graduate courses, with the approval of your Plan of Studies Committee, 12 credits from doctoral level courses at other institutions and/or from an M.A. Program may be counted toward the UNM requirement of 48 credits of course work needed for admission to candidacy for the doctorate. This admission to candidacy occurs after successfully passing your comprehensive exams.
D. Time Limit for Completion of Degree
The University requires that all requirements for masterÕs degrees be completed within seven years prior to the granting of the degree. No course work applied to the degree requirements, including transfer work, may be more than seven years old at the time a masterÕs degree is conferred.
Doctoral candidates have five calendar years from the semester in which they pass the comprehensive exam to complete the degree requirements. The final requirement is generally the acceptance of the student's dissertation manuscript by the Dean of Graduate Study. Any request for an extension of the time limit must be submitted to the Dean of Graduate Study in the form of a petition, which has been endorsed by the student's dissertation committee and graduate unit chair.
E. Semester Course Load Requirements
In general, a graduate student enrolling for and completing a minimum of 9 graduate credit hours per semester is considered to be a full-time student at the University of New Mexico. However, if holding an assistantship, the minimum course load is 6 graduate credit hours per semester.
Graduate students not holding an assistantship and taking 8 credit hours or less per semester are considered part-time students. All graduate students are encouraged to enroll in and complete at least 9 credit hours per semester in order to achieve their expected time-to-degree.
International graduate students without assistantships are required to complete each semester with a minimum of 9 credit hours in order to maintain legal immigration status. International graduates with assistantships are required to complete each semester with 6 credit hours. Grades of W, WP, WF or courses taken for a grade option of "audit" do not count toward the "minimum" enrollment requirements for maintaining legal immigration status. The Office of International Programs and Study (OIPS) must report any drops below these minimum requirements to immigration within 21 days of the drop (even if the drop occurs after the semester is complete). All international students must speak with OIPS before dropping below these required minimums FOR ANY REASON.
F. Three-Semester Continuous Enrollment Policy
A student who is admitted and completes at least one semester in graduate status at the University of New Mexico will receive registration materials for three subsequent semesters (including summer session) whether they enroll or not. Graduate students will not be required to apply for readmission to resume their Study by registering for classes if they do so within these three semesters. If they are not enrolled by the published registration deadline of the third semester (including summer session), they must apply for readmission. Such Òstop-outÓ periods are included in the time to degree.
NOTE: Students must be enrolled in a semester in order to use his/her Lobo Card.
G. Leave of Absence
A student who is unable to continue his/her graduate Study due to exceptional circumstances, must request, in advance, a Leave of Absence. The written request, together with a memo of support from the chairperson or designee of the graduate unit is forwarded to the Graduate Dean who will make the final decision. A Leave of Absence is determined on a semester-by-semester basis and is generally limited to a maximum of one calendar year. The time approved for a Leave of Absence is not counted in the time limit to complete the degree as long as the student is not enrolled in any course at the University of New Mexico.
H. Academic Standing, Grade Point Average, and Grading Policies
UNM policies state that to remain in good academic standing students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 in all courses taken for graduate credit after admission to a graduate degree program at the University of New Mexico. A student must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 for courses listed on their Program of Study/Application for Candidacy.
The C & J Department requires that graduate students earn a grade of ÒBÓ or better in all required classes. In order to take either M.A. or Ph.D. Comprehensive Exams, the student must have a 3.0 GPA, and have removed any grades of ÒIncomplete.Ó
All graduate students whose academic standing is deficient after receiving grades for 12 attempted semester hours or two semesters, whichever comes first, are placed on probation or suspended, according to the university regulations and those of their graduate unit. Procedures for removing the probationary status are described in the Graduate Catalog online.
Grades of Distinction: To recognize exceptional performance, "Passed with Distinction" may be placed on the transcripts of students who pass the master's examination, final examination for the master's thesis, doctoral comprehensive examination, comprehensive examination, and/or final examination for the doctoral dissertation. This status will be determined at the time of the examination through agreement of the examining committee members, with final approval given by the department chairperson, and results forwarded to the Office of Graduate Study. The examining committee will consider any oral, written, and exhibition work related to the examination when deciding whether a student passes with distinction. Individual graduate units may choose to set specific guidelines for determining "Passed with Distinction."
I. Incomplete (I) Grades and Procedures for Removal
The grade of ÒIÓ is given only when circumstances beyond the studentÕs control prevent completion of the coursework within the official dates of a semester or summer session. Incomplete grades are NOT given due to lack of time available to complete a research project or paper. Incomplete grades must be resolved no later than one year (twelve months) from the published end day of the semester in which the grade was assigned. Incomplete grades not resolved within the time frame stated in this policy will be converted automatically to an ÒFÓ (failure) grade.
According to UNM academic policy, work to remove incomplete grades must be completed before a student is eligible to graduate from the University of New Mexico. Students should not re-enroll or re-register (for credit) in a course in which an incomplete has been received in order to resolve the ÒIÓ (incomplete) grade. If an instructor requires the student to repeat the class in order to resolve the Incomplete, the student must register for the course on an audit basis. The student is responsible for meeting deadlines set by the instructor of record for removal of the incomplete; the student is also responsible for submitting expected work in finished form to the instructor and attaching copies of all paperwork for removal of incomplete grades.
Extension of Incomplete: A student may apply for an extension of the time allowed to complete the required course work removing the ÒIÓ grade. The request for extension may be obtained in the Office of Records and Registration. Students must submit the form with all required signatures to the Office of Graduate Study by the applicable deadline dates (November 15 for Fall, April 15 for Spring, July 15 for Summer).
J. Candidacy and Application for Graduation
Being granted the status of Candidate for M.A. degree is earned after successful completion of the comprehensive exam or thesis/project. Ph.D. Candidate status is earned after the student demonstrates: (1) completion of coursework, (2) certification of completion of tool requirement (see PhD. Requirements), successful completion of comprehensive exam, and successful defense of dissertation prospectus. A student may not graduate in the same semester that s/he is advanced to final candidacy.
II. Overview of Graduate Programs
The Department of Communication and Journalism at the University of New Mexico enjoys a national reputation for providing a balanced, quality graduate program leading to doctoral and master's degrees in Communication. Typically 70 students are enrolled in the program at any one time (40 Masters and 30 Doctoral). This provides a program large enough to have a variety of communication interests but small enough to have individual attention (with a 3-to-1 ratio of faculty to graduate students and an average seminar size of 10 to 15 students).
The complex relationship between communication and culture as interaction, artifact, and text is the distinctive focus of these programs, The mission of the graduate program is to promote the study of communication, culture and change. This mission is achieved through excellence in teaching and mentoring of graduate students, research, and service. The department is committed to diversity and fosters a sense of collegiate and social community which extend to the graduate student community. The Department actively promotes new knowledge creation through research and creative activities and aspires to service in the broader academic and professional community by preparing students to become excellent researchers, teachers and leaders.
The Ph.D. Program offers an emphasis in three core areas of communication: intercultural communication, health communication and mass communication and is designed to prepare individuals for university teaching and research positions. Many M.A. graduates enter, or return to, professions in business, the mass media, research, education, and other fields, while other graduates enter doctoral programs. The M.A. program offers a plan of study that includes options of a thesis, a project, or a comprehensive exam.
The diversity of the graduate programs offered by the Department of Communication and Journalism is maintained by positive relationships with other departments in the University, including linguistics, anthropology, education, sociology, psychology, women's Study, and business. Graduate courses and seminars typically include students from these allied disciplines. In addition, the department cooperates with a variety of research institutes and centers located at the University.
Projected Course Offerings (Fall 07 Ð Spring 09)
Fall 2007 C & J Graduate Course Offerings
C & J 500 Comm Theory T 4-6:30 pm Schuetz
501 Fndations Comm Research W 4-6:30 pm Lutgen-Sandvik
506 Crit Cult Studies Methods R 4-6:30 pm Milstein
514 Sem: Intercultural Comm M 4-6:30 pm Collier
521 Sem: Interpersonal Comm M 7-9:30 pm McDermott
557 Sem: Persuasion (& Health) T 7-9:30 pm Werder
561 Sem: Media Studies R 7-9:30 pm Balas
600 Hist, Philos. Of Comm T 4-6:30 pm Cramer
607 Quantitative Methods W 4-6:30 pm Oetzel
509 Intro to Grad Studies (1 CR) Fri 4: 30- 6:00 pm Collier
583 TABC (1 CR) Fri 2-4:00 pm C & J 519 (cross listed with
519 Lang & Culture (Anthropology, Linguistics and C & J 319)
MW 4-5:15 pm Gorbet
Projected Graduate Course Offerings Fall 07 Ð Spring 09
NOTE: SCHEDULES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE; CONSULT YOUR ADVISOR FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION.
Fall 2007500
Comm. Theory Health Media Intercultural Other |
Spring 2008507
Quant. Data Analysis Health Media Intercultural Other |
Fall 2008500
Comm. Theory
|
Spring 2009507
Quant. Data Analysis
|
III. M.A. in COMMUNICATION
The M.A. in Communication is a general communication degree providing foundational background in theory and research, and depth in area(s) of interest in the Communication discipline. Students are required to complete courses in communication theory and research in communication, as well as two additional courses in research methods. You are also required to take at least one graduate level seminar in your disciplinary research/creative area of interest.
Requirements for the M.A. Degree:
A total of 36 credits are required for the M.A. degree. Under either the thesis or the project option, students complete 30 credits of coursework and 6 credits of thesis or project. For the comprehensive exam option, students must complete 36 credits of coursework. The core courses are listed below.
Required Courses:
C & J 500 Foundations of Communication Theory
C & J 501 Foundations of Communication Research
Two courses in research methods selected from the following:
C & J 506: Critical/Cultural Study Methods
C & J 507: Quantitative Data Analysis
C & J 538: Seminar: Rhetorical Criticism
C & J 608: Qualitative Research Methods
In addition to the core courses, students must choose one seminar from the following:
C & J 514 Seminar: Intercultural Communication
C & J 521 Seminar: Interpersonal Communication
C & J 531 Contemporary Rhetoric
C & J 544 Seminar: Organizational Communication
C & J 561 Seminar: Mass Communication Processes and Effects
The remaining 15 hours of course work are electives. With advisorÕs approval, up to nine hours can be taken outside the C & J department to count toward the degree. If a student does not have an undergraduate degree in communication, the advisor usually recommends that the student take only three hours outside of the department. Course work taken outside the department generally should add up to a minor concentration in an area that will complement communication Study and help the student complete a thesis or project. Up to six hours of electives may be in the area of Independent study or special topics courses.
All teaching assistants (including those pursuing an M.A. degree) are required to take TARC or I-TARC, a one-unit class that deals with teaching. It is suggested that students also take 509 (1 credit, fall 07) and sections of 510 (2 credits, Spring 08) which is the Introduction to Graduate Studies. More information on that course will be provided. These credits may be counted toward the total number of credits required.
Making the Thesis/Project/Comprehensive Exam Decision
Your graduation program will culminate in your identification and production of a Master's thesis or project or by passing a comprehensive exam. The choice of thesis, project or exam should take the following goals and characteristics of each into consideration:
M.A. Thesis
Goals:
To develop and test theories, models, concepts and principles of communication for the purpose of answering questions, and
To provide general descriptions, explanations, and evaluations of communication phenomena within a subfield of study (theoretical, intercultural, mass communication, etc.)
To bring the theoretical and methodological skills of the student to bear on the task of providing plausible answers to specific questions in the field of communication.
M.A. Project
Goals:
To identify and apply theories, models, concepts and principles of communication for the purpose of solving problems, and
To assess the extent to which theories, models, concepts and principles of communication may provide solutions to an existing situation, etc.
By bringing the theoretical and methodological skills of the student to bear on the task of providing potential solutions to problems that exist within an agency, group, organization, etc.
M.A. Comprehensive Exam
Goals:
To demonstrate general expertise in the communication field, and
To demonstrate understanding of various theories and research methods.
To provide general descriptions, explanations, and evaluations of communication theories, methods and practices.
Overview:
The exam contains an oral and a written component. The written exam contains four questions. The questions cover required and elective classes with at least one question from the student's concentration area and two questions from required classes.
Whether your choice is thesis, project or exam, anticipate similar workloads, concentration of study, and time commitments to your work. The M.A. student should understand that the same high standards of methodological and theoretical quality will be applied to both thesis and project. The choice of thesis or project route should depend primarily on what you, the student, are interested in, what kinds of questions or problems you wish to consider, and what kinds of outcomes you anticipate as a result of your efforts. Your M.A. Committee provides input related to your thesis/project interests and is designed to assist you in assisting you to reach your research goals.
Who May Serve on M.A. Committees
All tenured/tenure-track faculty are eligible to be on committees without prior approval. Lecturers may serve, but not as advisors. Members from outside the UNM faculty (e.g., industry leaders, professors from other universities) may serve on committees with approval from the Office of Graduate Study.
M.A. Committee Composition and Function
Each master's student will be assisted by a thesis or project committee. The committee consists of three members, two of whom are C & J faculty members and one of whom is outside of the department. The outside member can be a faculty at UNM or a person outside the of the university community (if outside UNM, special permission is needed).
A C & J faculty member will serve as your primary advisor. The advisor should be selected by the end of the first semester of study and other committee members should be selected by the end of the first year of coursework.
The M.A. Committee helps you design a program of Study to meet departmental requirements and your own individual needs. The committee also helps you determine whether a thesis, project, or comprehensive exams are appropriate and to help design and carry out the work.
Committees for Project/Thesis optionÑ Committees must be comprised of at least three members (you may have more.) One member will be your advisor; s/he will also direct your thesis/project or coordinate your comprehensive exams, and chair your M.A. Committee. Two members of your committee must be from C&J; one must be from outside the department. You should select this committee by the end of your first year of coursework and at the time of filing your Plan of Study form if you are attending full-time. (If you are attending part-time, adjust the schedule accordingly.)
Committees for Comprehensive Exams Ñ The C & J Department selects a committee for you. The M.A. Comprehensive Exam Committee is comprised of four C&J faculty. One member of the committee will serve as a content area expert for all students doing comprehensive exams in a given semester. The MA Comprehensive Exam committee is appointed at the beginning of each academic semester (fall and spring only).
Sample Masters Program and Timeline
1st Fall Semester
Courses: C & J 500, C & J 501 and either a C & J seminar or 538 (only offered in the fall)
TARC or I-TARC (if a TA) and 509 (1 credit) recommended
Meet with a M.A. Program Director (your initial advisor) to discuss your program of study.
1st Spring Semester
Courses: C & J 507 or C & J 608. Course outside the department or an elective in the department.
510 (2 credits) recommended
Select your permanent advisor. This person will likely be your thesis committee chair and will assist you in making several important decisions.
Complete graduate annual review.
Summer
Independent study or other course related to your specific interests
Finalize thesis committee (3 members) -- two from C & J and one from another department
2nd Fall Semester
Courses: C &J Seminar, Course outside department or independent study, thesis/project hours.
Complete a prospectus (a written proposal for your thesis/project). You may not enroll for more than 4 total thesis hours until your prospectus has been approved by your committee. You may not graduate in the same semester that your prospectus is approved.
2nd Spring Semester
Courses: A seminar related to your specific area of expertise. Thesis/project hours.
Thesis/project defended and turned in to Graduate Office by April 15th.
Complete graduate annual review.
M.A. FORMS and REQUIRED DOCUMENTS LIST
Many of these are available on the C & J website, from the Office of Graduate Study website, or from the C & J Graduate Administrator. Forms may be completed online and printed out. Forms listed as C & J forms are returned to the C & J office; OGS forms must be returned to department office.
Plan of Study-- outline of course requirements and plans. Fill it out with your advisor by the end of your first year of coursework, and obtain approval from your M.A. Committee. Then turn in the completed Plan of Study form to the Graduate Administrator See Sample Form on next page.
Graduation Checklist Ð Obtain this form from the Graduate Administrator at the beginning of your second year of study.
Program of Study Ð required by the Office of Graduate Study (OGS). Submit this form with the C & J Plan of Study form to the Graduate Administrator. Due at least one semester before graduation.
Prospectus Meeting FormÑto be signed by your advisor at the end of the prospectus meeting. Bring completed form to Graduate Administrator. Complete this form two semesters prior to the date you intend to graduate.
OGS Forms (available from Graduate Advisor or the Graduate Administrator or the Office of Graduate Study located in Humanities 107 or online at <www.unm.,edu/~grad>.
Appointment of Dissertation Committee -- Even though OGS doesn't require MA students to submit committee members for approval, they still recommend that the student use this doctoral form. When you submit the form, strike any reference to doctoral or Ph.D. and write MA above it.
Notification of Intent to Graduate Ð Notify the Graduate Administrator one semester before you plan to graduate.
Announcement/Report of Examination Ð Give to Graduate Administrator at least two weeks prior to the date of defense of thesis. Reserve your room at the same time.
Certification of Final Form -- Turn in to OGS with the final draft of your thesis after you have made any changes required by your committee at the defense.
Information Cover Sheet -- Turn in to OGS with your thesis.
Red-Bordered Pages -- Needed for committee signatures at your defense. These are available from the Bookstore or the OGS website.
UNM COMMUNICATION & JOURNALISM
Communication MasterÕs Participant
Plan of Study
(To be completed by the participant and his/her Committee on Studies during the 1st year of study)
Name: ___________________________ Committee on Studies:
Expected Graduation Date: __________ _______________________________Chair
________________________________________________________________________
Primary Focus ____________________
Plan I (Thesis) ____________________
Plan II (Project ) ___________________
Plan III (Comp exam) _______________
Core Courses
Course Semester to Complete 500 (Fall) _____________________ 501 (Spring) _____________________ 507 (Spring) _____________________ 506 (Fall 07, 09) _________________OR 538 (Fall 08, 10) _________________OR 608 (Spring) ______________________
Seminars (Musr complete ONE seminar in area of interest)
Course Semester to Complete 514 (Fall 07) _________________ 521 (Fall 07) _________________ 531 (Spring 08)________________ 544 (Spring 08)________________ 550 (Fall 08) _________________ 561(Fall 07) _________________
|
Primary Area Electives
Course Semester to Complete ____ _____________________ ____ _____________________ ____ _____________________ ____ _____________________ ____ _____________________ ____ _____________________ ____ _____________________ ____ _____________________
Related Area Electives(If desired, up to 9 units may be taken outside the department.)
Course Semester to Complete ____ _____________________ ____ _____________________ ____ _____________________
|
Thesis/Project Hours To Begin _________________________________________
(Any changes to the plan must be approved by your Committee on Studies)
_____________________ _________________________ _____________________Participant
-
`
IV. Ph.D. in COMMUNICATION
What makes our doctoral program distinctive is the focus on the role of culture and change in communication. We define culture broadly as pertaining not only to social/psychological orientations held by particular groups, but also emergent identities, discursive practices and norms, artistic and mediated forms, locations of speaking/acting/producing, organizational systems, and institutional structures. We view culture as socially constructed and structurally produced and therefore a factor that is influential across all communication contexts.
The Ph.D. program features
culture and communication applied to three areas of concentration:
intercultural communication, health communication; and mass communication. The
doctoral program is designed to prepare individuals
for university teaching/research positions or positions in the private/public
sector that require the ability to conduct research in applied contexts.
According to C & J departmental requirements, the Ph.D. Program in
Communication requires 36 hours of course work beyond a Master's Degree, plus
18 credit hours for the dissertation. Additionally, 12 credits from M.A.
programs/other doctoral programs may be transferred to meet UNM requirements;
see section on Transferring Credits.
Areas
of Concentration:
You will work closely with faculty advisors to design a program of study suitable to your interests and goals. While completing core courses in communication theory and research methodology, you will concentrate your Study in one or two of the following areas:
Intercultural Communication: This concentration area examines the role of culture and cultural difference in discourse and social interaction.
Culture
and Mass Communication - The
structure, practice, social impact, and criticism of the mass media
Culture and Health Communication -
Communication based on improving health outcomes.
Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree
Comprehensive Examination and Dissertation
All doctoral students must write a Comprehensive Examination that is read by a Comprehensive Examination Committee and participate in an oral defense of this written work to the satisfaction of the committee. The Comprehensive Examination is undertaken after all course work is completed, usually at the end of the second year or beginning of third year. The Comprehensive Examination questions are developed by the Comprehensive Examination Committee who provides guidance and direction. The Exam is closed book, timed, and involves a set of four questions. These address theoretical issues, methodological issues, research in the area of concentration (often linked to dissertation prospectus) and an additional area of interest and coursework in an area of specialization such as culture if not already addressed, or a cognate area of interest. You are provided with a computer.
Ph.D. students must then write a dissertation prospectus that is read by a Dissertation Committee and gain endorsement from a dissertation committee for the prospectus in an oral defense of the prospectus. If your dissertation involves human subjects, a completed IRB (Institutional Review Board) Application must accompany the dissertation prospectus when it is submitted to the committee. The dissertation is also presented in an oral defense in front of the committee. Most often committees require additions and rewriting of sections, prior to final approval, so allow time for this process prior to submitting the final copy to meet UNM deadlines for graduation.
Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree, continued:
The C & J Departmental requirements for the Ph.D. Program in Communication are 36 credits of course work beyond a Master's Degree, plus 18 credit hours for the dissertation.
Required Courses:
Three theories/historical foundations courses:
C & J 600 History and Philosophy of Communication (offered every fall)
C & J 601 Theories of Communication (offered every spring)
C & J 614 Advanced Intercultural Communication (offered every spring)
Three methods courses
selected from the following list based on the criteria outlined below:
C & J 507 Quantitative Research Methods (offered every spring)
C & J 607 Advanced Quantitative methods (offered every fall)
C 7 & 608 Qualitative Methods (offered every spring)
C & J 506 Critical/Cultural Study Methods (fall 07, fall
09)
C & J 538 Rhetorical Criticism (fall 08, fall
10)
(Criteria for selecting methods courses):
á If you have NOT completed a quantitative methods course at the MA level that is equivalent to C & J 507, then you are required to take C & J 507. For the selection of your two additional courses (in order to give you exposure to both qualitative and quantitative methods) select at least one course from: C & J 608, 506 or 538.
á
If you HAVE completed a
quantitative methods course at the MA level equivalent to C & J
507, you are required to take three methods courses. You are required to take C
& J 607. In order to give you exposure to both qualitative and quantitative
methods, at least one course should be from: C & J
608, 506, or 538. You may not take C & J 507 if you have
already had the equivalent in your MA program.
Electives and Outside Cognate
The remaining 18 credits of course work are electives. Nine credits (three courses) are to be taken outside the Communication department to constitute an outside Cognate. For students who have an MA from another institution, of these 18 elective credits, no more than six credits may be from topics courses and no more than six credits may be independent study. For students who have an MA from C & J, and have already taken six credits of topics courses or six credits of independent study, you may take only three additional credits of topic courses or independent study.
Language/Tool Requirement
You must demonstrate competency in a language/research tool. There are two options to meet this requirement.
(1) You may demonstrate competency in a language other than English. Competency is demonstrated by proof of fluency in the language (e.g., being a native speaker) or by passing the equivalent of a second year proficiency level course with a B or better.
(2) Competency may also be demonstrated in use of a research tool, such as statistics, or a specific communication methodology. This way of meeting the requirement is by taking two graduate level courses in another department and passing them with a B or better. Courses taken must address methods in ways that go beyond what is offered in the required C & J courses, generally cannot be ones from your M.A. program, and may include methods that are applied in your dissertation. Credits for Courses taken to meet the language/tool requirement CANNOT be counted toward the 36 credits that the C & J department requires. The Plan of Studies Committee makes the final determination as to credits that may be substituted or transferred.
Ph.D. Requirements, continued
All teaching assistants (including those pursuing an M.A. degree) are required to take TARC or I-TARC, (1 credit) about teaching during fall, 2007. It is highly recommended that students also complete Introduction to Graduate Studies: C & J 509 (1 credit, fall 07) and C & J 510 (2 credits, Spring 08) a new course that will be required for all doctoral students in upcoming years. More information will be provided at Orientation.
Who May Serve on the PhD Committee
All tenured/tenure-track faculty are eligible to be on committees without prior approval. Lecturers may serve, but not as advisors. Members from outside the UNM faculty (e.g., industry leaders, professors from other universities) may serve on committees with approval from the Office of Graduate Study.
Steps in Appointment of Ph.D. Committees
Appointment of the Plan of Study Committee and Comprehensive Exam/Dissertation Committee usually involves the following steps: (1) the student obtains meets with and obtains approval for that faculty member to serve as her/his Advisor/Committee Chair; (2) the student and the Committee Chair agree upon the remaining internal members of the Committee; (3) Committee members from C & J agree to serve on the Plan of Study Committee, (4) Committee approves the Plan of Study, (5) the Committee is approved by the appropriate Director of M.A. or Ph.D. Program. Later the Application for Doctoral Candidacy is filed with OGS; and (6) the Dissertation Committee must be approved by the Dean of Graduate Study (part of the approval of the Candidacy Application).
Ph.D.Committees: Composition and Function
Plan of Study Committee
Each doctoral student will be assisted by a Plan of Study Committee in planning your coursework and research. The basic role of the Committee is to plan, with the student, an integrated individual program of study and research meeting general University and specific graduate program requirements. The Committee Chair and members must approve the program and oversee its execution. The Committee may also establish prerequisites when needed; recommend transfer of credit; certify proficiency in a foreign language or research tool; approve significant changes in the program of Study; and usually serves as the core of the comprehensive exam and dissertation committees.
Select at least three C&J faculty (you may have more) to serve on your Plan of Study Committee. The chair of the committee is your advisor. These three members will also serve on your comprehensive exam committee. This committee should be selected (and the plan of Study meeting held) by the end of your 1st academic year.
Comprehensive Exam Committee
This committee is comprised of the same three members from your Plan of Study Committee plus one more faculty member from outside the department. The outside member is selected in your second year. You should have a meeting with this committee no later than 2-3 months prior to taking your comprehensive exams to help you prepare for your comprehensive exam questions and schedule your exam time.
Dissertation Committee
There are four members on this committee including your advisor/director of the dissertation. Three members of the committee must be from inside the department and one is from outside the department Generally, you should select your advisor and two committee members from inside the department by the end of the second semester in order to hold a Plan of Study meeting your outside member may be selected during your second year.
In most cases, the members of your Dissertation Committee are the same as those who served on your Comprehensive Exam Committee. However, if you have a change of direction or heart, you may change members or advisors as appropriate. Please note that most faculty who serve on your Comprehensive Exam Committee will assume they are on your dissertation committee unless you say otherwise. If you wish to make changes, it is expected to first notify the faculty who you are asking to step off of your committee.
Sample Ph.D. Program and Timeline
1st Fall Semester
Courses: C & J 600, C & J 607 or 506 or 538, C & J Seminar
TARC (1 credit) 509 (1 credit)
Meet with Ph.D. Program Director (your initial advisor) or graduate faculty in your interest area to discuss your plan of study, language/tool requirement, and discuss potential advisor/committee members.
1st Spring Semester
Courses: C &J 601, C & J 614, C &J 608 or 507
510 (2 credits)
Select advisor. Meet with Plan of Study Committee.
Complete departmental annual review.
1st Summer Semester
Independent study or other course related to your specific interests
2nd Fall Semester
Courses: Methods course, C & J seminar, course outside of department, independent study
Meet with Major Advisor to review progress.
2nd Spring Semester
Courses: 2-3 courses to ensure completion of cognate and/or electives related to your specific area of expertise.
Meet with Committee to prepare for comprehensive exams
Complete comprehensive exam at end of spring semester. Schedule room for oral defense.
At Oral Defense of Comprehensive Exam, bring completed Application for Candidacy Form for potential committee signatures.
Finalize dissertation committee.
Complete departmental annual review.
2nd Summer Semester
Begin work on dissertation prospectus.
3rd Fall Semester
Dissertation hours
Finalize prospectus early in semester and submit to committee.
After successful prospectus defense, begin work on dissertation.
3rd Spring Semester
Dissertation hours
Dissertation defended and turned in to graduate office by April 15th. Reserve a room for your defense when you and your committee begin planning the dates and times.
Meet all dissertation submission deadlines and turn in final copy.
Complete departmental annual review.
3rd Summer Semester
Take a trip to a remote island or the top of a mountain and enjoy life, and/orÉ
Edit your dissertation into manuscripts for articles/books, submit manuscripts for publication, and prepare for courses to be taught in your new university position, and/or ____________ (fill in your own personal vision).
Ph.D. FORMS AND REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Many of these are available on the C & J website, from the Office of Graduate Study website, or from the C & J Graduate Advisor. Forms may be completed online and printed out. Forms listed as C & J forms are returned to the C & J office; OGS forms must be returned to OGS with a copy submitted to the C & J office.
Plan of Study Ð Outline of course requirements and plans. Fill it out with your advisor by the end of your first year of coursework, and obtain approval from your Ph.D. Plan of Study Committee. Give a copy to your advisor, keep a copy and turn in the completed form to the Graduate Administrator.
Graduation Checklist Ð Obtain this from the Graduate Advisor or Graduate Administrator at the beginning of your second year of study.
Prospectus Meeting FromÑto be signed by your advisor at the end of the prospectus meeting. Bring a completed form to the Graduate Administrator.
OGS Forms--available from Graduate Administrator, Office of Graduate Studies, or online at <www.unm.,edu/~grad>.
Appointment of Plan of Study and Dissertation Committees -- Use this form for BOTH your Plan of Study Committee and your Dissertation Committee. For the Plan of Study Committee, print one version and strike the word "dissertation" and write "Plan of Study Committee" above it. Submit copies of both of these forms to the C & J Graduate Administrator. Failure to have your Plan of Studies Committee approved could put your exams at risk, so be sure to submit this form early. Once you defend your prospectus, submit this form again with your dissertation committee members listed.
Announcement of Examination -- Submit this form to the Graduate Administrator and reserve your room at least two weeks prior to the date of your comprehensive exam defense. You will fill out and submit this form a second time two weeks prior to your dissertation defense date.
Application for Candidacy -- Submit this form at the point when you have passed your comprehensive examination and fulfilled any language or skill/research tool requirements. This form should be accompanied by the Report of Examination and Certificate of Language or Skill Requirement forms. After determining that all degree requirements except for the dissertation have been completed, the Dean of Graduate Study will advance you to candidacy.
Notification of Intent to Graduate Ð Notify the Graduate Administrator the semester before you plan to graduate.
Certification of Final Form -- Turn in with the final draft of your dissertation after you have made any changes required by your committee at the defense. This form should be accompanied by the Information Cover Sheet.
Information Cover Sheet -- Turn in to OGS with your dissertation.
UNM COMMUNICATION & JOURNALISM
Communication Doctoral Participant
Plan of Study
(To be completed by the participant and his/her Committee on Studies during the 1st year of study)
Name: ___________________________ Committee on Studies:
Expected Graduation Date: __________ ____________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Primary Focus ____________________ ____________________________________
Core Courses
Course Semester to Complete 600 (Fall) _____________________ 601 (Spring) _____________________ 614 (Spring) _____________________
MethodsThree method courses from the following list based on the outlined criteria below.
Course Semester to Complete 507 (Spring) _________________ 607 (Fall) _________________ 608 (Spring) _________________ 506 (Fall 07,09) _________________ 508 (Fall 08, 10) _________________
IF you have NOT completed a quantitative method course at the MA level that is equivalent to CJ 507, the you are required to take CJ 507. Then you must select at least one from CJ 608, 506 or 538. IF you HAVE completed a quantitative methods course at the MA level equivalent to CJ 507, you are required to take 3 methods courses including CJ607. One course should be from CJ 608, 506, or 538.
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Electives
Course Semester to Complete ____ _____________________ ____ _____________________ ____ _____________________ ____ _____________________
Cognate Area
Course Semester to Complete ____ _____________________ ____ _____________________ ____ _____________________ ____ _____________________ |
Foreign Language Competency Information_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
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V. Teaching and Research Assistantships: Overview & Application Process
Overview of Teaching/Research Assistantships
The department has a limited number of Teaching, Research and Graduate Assistantships each year. We have 17 regular teaching assistantships that pay stipend and tuition and are generally awarded to Ph.D. participants. Research and Graduate Assistantships are usually contingent upon special programs and grants. The course load for a full time TA (.50 FTE, 20 hours per week) is two courses per semester. Most contracts are in place for one semester at a time. We also have assistantships available which will pay a stipend but they may not include tuition waivers. Renewal of any assistantship will be based on budget and performance evaluations. We give returning students precedence when awarding assistantships, so incoming students have a less likely chance of being awarded an assistantship than a returning student.
Applying for a Teaching, Graduate, Research or Project Assistantship.
You may put in an application for an assistantship or add to it at any time during your study. You can obtain an application from the department administrator. You may include former teaching evaluations, descriptions of courses taught, letters of recommendation, or anything else you believe would be informative in your application. Please see your advisor, the Graduate Director, or the Graduate Administrative Assistant if you have questions about assistantships.
Types of Assistantships Ñ Eligibility
To be employed as a TA, GA, Teaching Associate, RA, or PA a student must meet the following criteria:
1) Have been formally admitted to Graduate Study at The University of New Mexico.
2) Be currently enrolled at The University of New Mexico for a minimum of 6 hours of course work, thesis or dissertation hours that count toward the degree, and 3 hours during the summer session. Courses taken for audit are not accepted as part of the minimum hours.
3) Maintain a 3.0 grade point average in graduate course work. Students on Type 1 and 2 probation are ineligible to hold an assistantship. Students on Type 3 probation may provisionally hold an assistantship for one semester.
VI. Campus Information
1) Identification (Lobocard)
a) Once you have been accepted as a student, you will need to obtain a LOBO identification card. This card allows you to use the libraries, gym, and other facilities. You may also put money on the card and use it as a debit card.
b) To obtain your LOBO card you will need to take your driverÕs license or other identification
to the SUB (Student Union Building). The Lobo card office is in the basement next to the Mercado. Be prepared to have your picture taken.
c) There is no cost for your first card. A $10.00 fee is charged to replace a lost card.
2) E-mail Account
a) As a UNM student, you are entitled and expected to have a UNM email account.
Emails will be sent to your UNM email with important information. As soon as you obtain a valid UNM email address, send a message to the C & J staff so that records and contact information are up to date.
b) To get an email account, you will need to go online to the UNM homepage. From
there, click on the tab for departments and then go to ITS. Click on Computing in
the red banner. Then on the left-hand column, the third entry will say email.
Continue from there. If you have a problem, please see one of the office staff.
3) Parking and Permits
a) UNM parking permits are required to park on campus. You may obtain one at
Parking Services (277-1938) on the NW corner of University and Central or online
At http://unm.edu/parking/. Your LOBO card or Net ID is required to purchase
the permit. Please check online for availability and rates. Certain parking lots
require you to take the free UNM shuttle to and from the lot.
b) Additional parking is available off campus. There is a lot at the corner of Yale and Silver, and one north of Central on University across from UNM, as well as many others south of the campus.
c) There is a parking garage a block east of the building.
d) Meters are available both on and off campus.
VII. C & J Department Administrative & Building Policies
These are the departmental procedures for the Department of Communication and Journalism. Should you have any questions or comments, please come by the main office on the first floor and we will assist you.
Administrative Contacts
John Oetzel, Chair 277-1905 joetzel@unm.edu
Shirley-Rey Lovato, Department Administrator 277-1902 srlovato@unm.edu
Mary Lawton Bibeau, Graduate Administrator 277-1903 cjugrads@unm.edu
Sean Solowiej, Broadcast Engineer 277-2819 solowiej@unm.edu
Melinda Baca, Administrative Assistant 277-5305
Departmental Fax 277-4206
1) Building and Administrative Office Policies
Hours of Operation:
a)