The doctoral program in communication focuses on health and strategic communication. It prepares students for increasingly complex public and private communication environments. Students receive a strong theoretical and multi-methodological foundation, which enables them to examine the critical role communication performs in health promotion, disease prevention, quality of care, risk assessment, and crisis management.

1903-12-30

2010

Maria Verdino, Administrative Coordinator Science and Technology II 230, MSN 3D6 703-933-3552 <a href="mailto:commgrad@gmu.edu">commgrad@gmu.edu</a>

2007-10-24T12:02:02Z

true

PhD

Communication

COMM

http://comm.gmu.edu/

Communication Carl Botan, Director 703-993-3552 <a href="mailto:cbotan@gmu.edu">cbotan@gmu.edu</a> LA

1903-12-30

Doctor of Philosophy

<a href="../../system/file_attachments/321/original/communicationMAPhD.pdf" target="_blank">Information sheet</a> (.pdf)

LA-PHD-COM

Graduate

The 60-credit (post MA) doctoral program in communication focuses on health and strategic communication. It prepares students for increasingly complex public and private communication environments. Students receive a strong theoretical and multi-methodological foundation, which enables them to examine the critical role communication performs in health promotion, disease prevention, quality of care, risk assessment, and crisis management. Faculty and students conduct important research concerning consumer-provider relationships, risk communication, crisis management, organizational communication, media systems, health campaigns, new information technologies, communication policy, media advocacy, and health communication interventions. The courses explore important communication issues such as communicating complex information, influencing health behaviors, disparities in health outcomes, the digital divide, public advocacy, intercultural sensitivity, media literacy, homeland security, and social support.  We support a broad array of theories and methodologies, while examining a range of important health, crisis and risk contexts.  We welcome students in the beginning stages of their careers as well as those who are more established. For more information: <a href="http://communication.gmu.edu/program_info_phd">Read our detailed PhD Program Information</a> <a href="http://communication.gmu.edu/programs/requirements/LA-PHD-COM">Review degree requirements</a> <a href="http://communication.gmu.edu/courses">See courses and syllabi</a> <a href="../../howtoappl">Learn about the application process and requirements</a> <a href="http://admissions.gmu.edu/grad/index.asp">Apply online</a> <a href="../../graduatefunding">Explore funding for graduate studies at George Mason</a> <a href="http://www.gmu.edu/org/cgsa/">Visit the Communication Graduate Student Association Web site</a> <a href="http://www.journalism.wisc.edu/dsc/">Consult the Directory of Science Communication Courses and Programs</a>

To receive the Ph.D. in communication, students must complete a minimum of 60 credits beyond the master’s degree including core courses in theory and research methods, course work in a concentration, and a research practicum. The two concentrations in health communication and strategic communication are highly c <script src="http://chss.gmu.edu/javascripts/tiny_mce/themes/advanced/langs/en.js?1261424785" type="text/javascript"></script> omplementary and considerable overlap between them is expected. Following completion of all required coursework, students must pass a written qualifying examination and an oral defense of it, after which they are advanced to candidacy by the dean and complete a dissertation, an original and independent research project. <ul> <li>Four courses (12 credits) of theory: COMM 600 and 9 credits chosen from COMM 602, 605, 634, 635</li> <li>Three courses (9 credits) of research methods: COMM 650, 725, 750 or other 700-level courses with approval of the director.</li> <li>Six courses (18 credits) in one of the following substantive fields of study: <ul> <li>Health Communication: 9 credits chosen from COMM 620, 705, 720, 820 and 9 credits of relevant coursework with approval of the advisor and director</li> <li>Strategic Communication: 9 credits chosen from COMM 630, 705, 706, 735 and 9 credits of relevant coursework with approval of the advisor and director</li> </ul> </li> <li>3 credits of a research practicum: COMM 604, 890 or 896 depending on the nature of the research being conducted</li> <li>18 credits of dissertation proposal and research: 3 credits of COMM 998 and 15 credits of COMM 999</li> </ul> Once enrolled in 998, students must maintain continuous registration for at least 1 credit; once enrolled in 999, students must follow the university continuous registration policy. A maximum of 3 credits of COMM 998 and 15 credits of COMM 999 may be applied toward the 60 credits required for the degree, though because of continuous registration policy, students may be required to register for additional credits of these courses. If specific requirements are waived by the director because of previous coursework or experience, students must complete additional electives as approved by the department and recorded on their Program of Study.

2010-01-21T16:25:14Z

Because of our location in Northern Virginia, communication students have unparalleled opportunities for research, internships, and work experiences in nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and private corporations. Mason’s communication faculty members have built relationships with a number of agencies, organizations, universities, hospitals, and centers throughout the national capital area. They collaborate with federal agencies and nongovernmental organizations, as well as with associations such as the National Communication Association and the International Communication Association. Graduate students benefit from the particularly close ties that the faculty have with the National Institutes of Health and the National Library of Medicine. Named the #1 national university to watch by U.S. News & World Report, George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with global distinction in a range of academic fields. Located in the heart of Northern Virginia’s technology corridor near Washington, D.C., Mason prepares its students to succeed in the work force and meet the needs of the region and the world.

Because of our location in Northern Virginia, communication students have unparalleled opportunities for research, internships, and work experiences in nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and private corporations.