University of New Mexico
Department of Communication & Journalism
UNM Lobo

Doctoral Degree in Communication
Welcome and Program Overview

Welcome

Dear Prospective Doctoral Student:

Thank you for your interest in the Ph.D. Program in Communication at the University of New Mexico. I'd like to take a moment to describe why you should consider the University of New Mexico's doctoral program in Communication.

First, 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 the doctoral degree. A recent survey conducted by the National Communication Association ranked our program in intercultural communication as third best in the country.

Second, the doctoral program has a distinctive mission and focus unlike any other program in the U.S. Our mission is to promote the study of communication, culture, and change. The curriculum and research programs of the faculty address the complex relationship between communication and culture as interaction, artifact, and text. We are committed to excellence in teaching and mentoring of graduate students, research, and service, and to fostering a sense of social community which extends to the graduate community.

Third, 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. We encourage and engage a breadth of theoretical and methodological orientations to the study of communication.

Fourth, we have an excellent faculty whose work is internationally recognized. The faculty ranks among the top schools in communication in research and creative publications. The faculty has contacts with research institutions in many countries across many continents including South Africa, Kenya, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the West Indies, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Denmark, England, Ireland, Palestine, Israel, Japan, India, China, and Taiwan.

Fifth, our faculty is not only collegial but also collaborative. Doctoral students have ample opportunities to work with the faculty on research projects to gain valuable experience. Additionally, the faculty is oriented toward working with you to design a program of studies to meet your needs.

Sixth, our graduate students are known for building a sense of intercultural community that is evident in their collaborative relationships, their abilities to engage difference, their creation of structures of support, and their production of excellent work.

Seventh, we provide different forms of financial assistance. Most doctoral students who are admitted to the program are offered an assistantship that includes a stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance. We have 17 teaching assistantships and other research assistantships available each year. Our teaching assistantship includes the opportunity to individually teach two classes per semester, teach a variety of classes, and teach undergraduates who bring a variety of cultural experiences into the classroom. The specific details are available in the assistantships section on the web.

Eighth, our graduates get jobs. Over the past five years, Ph.D. graduates have accepted positions at California State Univ., Northridge, Clemson, Montana State, and the Universities of: Arkansas, Denver, Hawaii, South Alabama, San Francisco, and Texas, to name a few. Our graduates obtain employment in their chosen areas. The doctoral program prepares students for a career in academia or in a research field.

Ninth, the length of the program allows for efficient completion. For a full-time student with a background in communication, the program may be completed in approximately three years. Course work may be completed in two years plus a summer, with a year for dissertation research and writing.

Tenth, the city of Albuquerque and the state of New Mexico offer a number of unique advantages. New Mexico is a multicultural state and the opportunity to study culture and communication in the field is limitless. Additionally, Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico and thus there are a number of health and environmental organizations, television and radio stations, museums and galleries, and businesses to access. The locale offers an environment of beauty begging to be explored. We have over 340 days of sunshine, mild winters, miles of recreational trails in the city, mountains within 30 minutes, breathtaking open spaces and vistas, beautiful sunsets, not to mention excellent cuisine.

Please call the Communication & Journalism Department at (505) 277-5305, or send an e-mail to Dr. Ilia Rodríguez and we'll be happy to put you in contact with some of our current graduate students.

Please be aware that our deadline is January 15 for fall admission.

Thank you again for your interest in our program.

Dr. Ilia Rodríguez, director of the Ph.D. program

P.S. If you are in the area, please come for a visit. We'd love to show you around and have you meet the faculty and graduate students.


Program Overview

Typically 70 students are enrolled in the graduate program at any one time (40 Master's 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 1-to-3 ratio of faculty to graduate students and an average seminar size of 10 to 15 students).

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.

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.


Areas of Concentration

You will work closely with faculty advisers 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: 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: The communication processes associated with improving health outcomes.

Advisement and Program Information

Advisement:
    Dr. Ilia Rodríguez, Communication Ph.D. adviser


Program Information:
      Gregoria A. Cavazos, C&J academic adviser
     (277-1903, )

Program Requirements

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. Check the graduate course schedule for when courses are offered.

Required Courses:

Five theories/historical foundations, introductory courses:

      C&J 600 History and Philosophy of Communication
      C&J 601 Theories of Communication
      C&J 602 Theorizing Culture and Communication
      C&J 509 (1 credit) Introduction to Graduate Studies in Comm I
      C&J 510 (2 credit) Introduction to Graduate Studies in Comm II

Three methods courses selected from the following list:

      C&J 507 Quantitative Data Analysis
      C&J 604 Qualitative Research Methods I [Field Research]
      C&J 605 Qualitative Research Methods II [Textual Analysis]
      C&J 606 Qualitative Methods Practicum
      C&J 607 Communication Research Methods: Quantitative
      C&J 609 Mixed Methods Research Designs

Criteria for selecting methods courses

1. If you have NOT completed a quantitative course at the M.A. level equivalent to C&J 507, you are required to take C&J 507. For the two additional courses (in order to give you exposure to both qualitative and quantitative methods), select at least one course from the qualitative series: C&J 604, 605, 606 or 609 (mixed methods).

If you HAVE completed a quantitative methods course at the M.A. level equivalent to C&J 507, you are required to take C&J 607 and two other methods courses. (You may not take C&J 507 if you have already had the equivalent in your MA program.) In order to give you exposure to both qualitative and quantitative methods, at least one course should be from the qualitative series: C&J 604, 605, 606 or 609 (mixed methods).

2. Electives – The remaining 18 credits of course work are electives that can be taken in the C&J Department. (See Course Names under Tentative Graduate Courses (2010-2014). Students should secure approval from their Plan of Studies Committee Chair for classes taken outside the department. For students who have an MA from another institution, of these 18 elective credits, no more than 6 credits may be from topics courses and no more than 6 credits may be independent study. For students who have an M.A. from C&J, and have already taken 6 credits of topics courses or 6 credits of independent study, you may take only 3 additional credits of topic courses or independent study.

3. Language/Tool Requirement – Students must demonstrate competency in either a language or research tool. There are two options to meet this requirement. (1) They 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 (B-, B, B+). Being able to demonstrate non-English language competency may require taking language courses (200-level or higher). (2) Competency may also be demonstrated by taking two foreign language courses or learning the use of a research tool, such as statistics, or a specific communication methodology. This way of meeting the requirement is by taking two additional graduate level methods courses and passing them with a B or better (B-, B, B+). Courses can be taken in other departments when approved by students’ Plan of Studies Committee. Courses generally cannot be ones from your MA program and may include methods that are applied in your dissertation. Credits for courses taken to meet the language/research tool requirement are taken in addition to the 39 credits required for the degree. Usually, the Plan of Studies Committee makes the final determination as to credits that may be substituted or transferred.

4. Required Training for Teaching Assistants – All teaching assistants (including those pursuing an MA degree) must take TARC or I-TARC, (1 credit) during Fall semester. This is a course about teaching and offered through the Teaching Assistant Resource Center.

5. Communication Background – Students coming into the C&J Ph.D. degree program who do not have an M.A. in communication may be required to take C&J 500 (theories) and C&J 501 (methods). The Ph.D. program director generally makes this determination after a review of the student’s application materials and/or a meeting with the student. These courses do not fulfill any of the graduate course requirements but are taken in addition to required Ph.D. credits.

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.

Language/Tool Requirement

You must demonstrate competency in a language/research tool. There are two options to meet this requirement.

Click here for C&J Course Description List

Dissertation and Comprehensive Exams

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. Upon the successful completion of the comprehensive exam, you are advanced to doctoral candidacy and begin work on the dissertation.

Doctoral students must choose a Dissertation Committee of four people. The chair of the committee must be a regular faculty member in the C&J department. Two of the other members are members of C&J, while the remaining member is a faculty member from a different department. 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.

Once enrolled, you must remain continuously enrolled (except for summers unless you are graduating that summer semester) in dissertation hours until the work has been completed and defended. The completed dissertation is also presented in an oral defense in front of the committee.

UNM's Mission to Honor Cultural Diversity

New Mexico provides a rich cultural environment in which such diverse communities as Chicano/a, Hispanic, Anglo, Native American, and others have interacted for centuries. One of the strengths and missions of the University is to engage in teaching and research within our multi-ethnic context.

Application Deadline

Applications for admission must be received by the following deadline:
            January 15 for Fall admission (Ph.D. and M.A. programs)

Application Procedures and Materials

Application is a two-step process:

1. Apply to UNM’s graduate programs via the university’s online process at http://www.unm.edu/apply/.
          Both U.S. citizens and international students submit an online application to University of New Mexico’s Office of Graduate Studies (OGS) at this site.
           Students will find detailed directions at this link.

2. Send the following additional materials to the Department of Communication and Journalism:
          A. Official transcripts from all previous universities (please be advised that a second official copy must be sent to UNM Admissions),
          B. GRE test scores (have testing center send C&J official scores and include unofficial copies in application packet)
          C. written Statement of Purpose/Letter of Intent
          D. Application for Teaching or Research Assistantship (if applicable)
          E. Resume or Academic Vita
          F. Writing Sample
          G. Three Letters of Recommendation:

Mailing Address for #2:
Department of Communication and Journalism
Attn: Graduate Administrator
MSC3 2240
The University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001  

Doctoral Program Courses

DOCTORAL PROGRAM CORE REQUIREMENTS:

509 Introduction to Graduate Studies in Comm I (1)

510 Introduction to Graduate Studies in Comm II (2)

600 History and Philosophy of Communication (3)

601 Theories of Communication (3)

602 Theorizing Culture and Communication (3)

METHODS COURSES:

506 Critical and Cultural Studies (3)

507 Quantitative Data Analysis (3)

604 Qualitative Research Methods I [Field Research] (3)

605 Qualitative Research Methods II [Textual Analysis] (3)

606 Qualitative Methods Practicum (3)

607 Quantitative Research Methods (3)

609 Mixed Methods Research Designs (3)

OTHER COURSES:

514 Seminar: Intercultural Communication (3)

518 Culture, Sustainability and Change (3)

521 Seminar: Interpersonal Communication (3)

544 Seminar: Organizational Communication (3)

550 Seminar: Health Communication (3)

553 Health Communication Campaigns (3)

557 Seminar: Persuasion (3)

567 Media Effects and Public Opinion (3)

583 Teaching the Basic Course (1)

593 Graduate Problems (1-3 per semester, to max of 6)

699 Dissertation (3-12 per semester)

Frequently Asked Questions about the Doctoral Program

Q. How many applications do we receive each year and how many people are admitted?
A. For the PhD program, we receive about 40-50 applications per year. We admit 6 to 9 applicants per year depending on funding.

Q. What criteria do we use for admission?
A. We utilize GPA, GRE, letters of recommendation, statement of intent, writing sample, and other qualifications (e.g., conference presentations, publications, work experience, lived experience, awards and honors, etc.). We analyze these criteria holistically. That is, one is not more important than the others. We also address how well your specific goals for research and teaching fit with the goals and opportunities provided in the doctoral program. Our goal is to accept a cohort of excellent students with diverse interests across the areas of concentration and diverse backgrounds and whose research goals are consistent with our program.

Admission to the MA and PhD program is competitive. We only admit 6-9 people per year in the PhD program. We choose to limit the number of people into the program in order to maintain our intimate and supportive climate. We want to make sure that students have ample opportunities to interact with faculty by maintaining a relatively small faculty to student ratio (about 3 students for every faculty member).

Q.I didn't receive a 300 on my GRE test. Should I still apply?
A. Probably. You do need to have at least 300 on the GRE. While the GRE is an important part of our application process, it isn't the only criterion. In particular, the GRE doesn't measure a student's motivation and perseverance. We have admitted students with scores below 300 before and we will do so in the future. We will carefully examine your other qualifications and look for other evidence of your abilities to succeed. (Note: GRE scoring benchmarks changed in October 2011; the old scoring benchmark was 1000).

Q. What are the qualifications for receiving an assistantship?
A. For a teaching assistantship, we utilize the following criteria: (a) background in communication (i.e., we want you to have knowledge about what you are teaching); (b) prior teaching experience (not required, but certainly helps and can come in a variety of areas such as training); (c) potential for being an effective teacher; and (d) academic credentials (a degree from a respected institution and strong letters of recommendation that include observations of your teaching).

Research assistantships are positions on funded research projects conducted by professors in the department. Therefore, these professors make decisions about the RAs. Generally, they are looking for people who have good research skills in one or more of the following: (a) library research, (b) internet research, (c) grant writing, (d) statistics, (e) quantitative or (f) qualitative research methods.

Q. How many assistantships does the department have at any one time?
A. At the Ph.D. level, we have 17 teaching assistantships (TA) at any one time and usually assign 6-7 per year for new students. We usually have about 10 TA slots available in the fall semester and 2-4 available in the spring semester for new students. Exact numbers will vary year to year.

We also have research assistantships (RA), but we don't have any set numbers. These positions depend on the amount and nature of funded research being completed by the faculty.

Q. How long is the program and how long does my funding (for a TA or RA) last?
A. The PhD program takes a minimum of 3 years if you attend full-time. Funding for teaching assistantships is currently for 3 years with the possibility of a 4th year. The University requires the degree to be completed within 5 years of passing your comprehensive exams.

Q. May I research what I like?
A. Yes, for the most part. Your assignments are limited only by the parameters of the class (e.g., a theory class may require you to investigate a theory) and you are free to choose the topics that you wish to work on. For your thesis/dissertation research, you may select any communication topic you wish so long as you are able to form a committee who will work with you.

Q. Will I have trouble getting a committee together and graduating?
A. Our faculty members are committed to helping you finish your degree in a timely manner. We readily serve on committees and we will make sure that you have the support to complete your degree.

Q. How many students who enter the program actually graduate?
A. For the PhD program, we have a graduation rate of 91% (within five years of entering).

Q. Do I need to have a degree in communication to apply?
A. We do not require a communication degree to apply to the PhD program. A degree in a closely related field, or work experience in communication, are beneficial for your application, but we accept and consider applicants from all disciplines. If you do not have any (or you have limited) academic communication experience, we may require you to take foundational courses as a pre- or co-requisite. For PhD students, these courses are our MA level theory and research methods courses.

Q. What do people do with a communication degree?
A. Most students with doctorates assume teaching and/or research positions in universities, research centers, and nonprofit agencies, or become independent consultants.

If you have further questions or want clarification about these questions/answers, please contact the Ph.D. director: Dr. Ilia Rodríguez.

     
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