PhD Communications Studies

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Communications Studies

The PhD is a thesis-based program designed for students who wish to pursue a research or scholarly career. Students are expected to complete the PhD degree in 4 years of full-time study.

PhD program requirements

Courses: to be completed in the first year   

• Thesis 212
• 3 core courses:  COMS 601, COMS 613, COMS 615
• 3 elective courses (see course descriptions for a list of courses offered)
• Note:  most COMS classes are held in the evenings
• Candidacy examinations:  In the second year, students prepare for their candidacy examinations, which entail a written examination in three areas followed by a single oral examination. These examinations must be taken within 28 months of entering the program.
• Thesis: Students spend the third and fourth years of their programs researching and writing their theses
• Thesis defense: an oral examination based on the thesis

How to apply

All applicants must provide:

•     a letter of intent that describes the area of interest they would like to pursue  (500 - 1,000 words)
•     a current curriculum vitae
•     3 samples of their written work
•     2 letters of reference from academic referees
•     2 official transcripts from each recognized post secondary institution indicating   the awarding of a baccalaureate and a master's degree.  (Note:  the transcripts for the Masters degree must indicate a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale or the equivalent)

English Proficiency:  Those applicants who have English as their second language must demonstrate English language proficiency.    ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
 
Application Deadline is January 15

• The complete application package must arrive in the Faculty of Communication and Culture Graduate Programs Office prior to January 15
• Late and/or incomplete applications will not be considered
• Admission decisions are normally made within one month of the application date

To Apply Online: 

• Go to:  http://www.grad.ucalgary.ca/
• When applying online, you must still send certain materials by mail (including transcripts, letters of reference, and samples of written work)
  
  Contact information: Visit the Graduate Programs Office for more information. 
  GRADUATE PROGRAMS OFFICE