Media Studies, PhD
Contact
Nicholas Bowman, PhD, Director of Media Studies
315-443-9241
nbowman@syr.edu
Faculty
See Faculty for the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
Program Description
The Ph.D. in media studies at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications draws from both the social and behavioral sciences and the humanities traditions, with faculty and graduates studying media from both perspectives. Students may draw on an extensive variety of faculty in the Newhouse School and in other schools at Syracuse University.
Students can specialize in the functions and social effects of print and electronic media or focus on media-related institutions in society. Among the topics they might consider include (but are not limited to): entertainment studies, influences on media content, media influence on social behavior, media psychology, emerging media technologies, advertising influences on consumer behavior, public relations, media law and ethics, diversity and inclusion in media, science communication, and political communication.
Coursework includes three areas of study: mass communication theory, research methods and statistics, and a customized set of core specialization elective courses inside and/or outside the Newhouse School relevant to the student's area of study.
Doctoral students complete at least 45 semester credits beyond the master’s degree. In addition to the 45 credits, 15 dissertation completion credits are also taken during the program, to support the student towards their dissertation defense. Doctoral students should be able to complete the program in four years.
Unless accepted on external funding mechanisms or other arrangements, all accepted Media Studies Doctoral students are awarded a four-year assistantship that includes:
a full tuition waiver covering the required program credits.
an annual stipend, and
health insurance benefits.
Through the Newhouse Office of Research and Creative Activity and contingent on annual budget approvals, students also receive funds to support travel and data collection, as well as a specific fund to assist in the completion of the dissertation. Students can also apply for additional annual travel support through SU's Graduate School.
Admission
Applicants must have a Master’s degree for admission to the Ph.D. program. This degree does not need to be in media studies, but candidates with degrees in media studies, mass communication, communication, and similar fields are preferred.