Doctor of Philosophy in Multi-Sector Communication

The Ph.D. in Multi-Sector Communication prepares you to explore new pathways to information sharing and communication, chart the agenda of this tech-driven evolution, and explore the new theoretical framework inherent in our digital native society. The ever-increasing globalization challenges of communication in private, public, and nonprofit sectors, and the emergence of new communication tools such as digital and social media technologies, disrupt traditional communication channels and sources, affecting news reliability and validity. There is an urgent need to understand how mass communication, both digital and traditional, evolve globally, and how this empowering “democratization” of information access and diffusion impacts policies; corporate strategies; and social, political, and academic interaction. In the era of digital globalization, economic sustainability, security sophistication, and “virtual” communication, we need to develop a new way of thinking and sharing information. New strategic communication specialists and high-level decision-makers across sectors need to be able to embrace emerging technologies and combine the skills of anthropologists, data scientists, designers, economists, political scientists, social psychologists, strategic and persuasive communicators, and others.

To be considered for admission to the PhD program, applicants must hold a master's degree from an accredited institution, or its international equivalent, completed within the last five years. Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Prior to applying, please contact the Program Director to schedule a personal (virtual) interview. You must also provide: A completed application form and nonrefundable application fee. A statement of professional goals and resume, which can be uploaded as a part of the application for admission. Two letters of recommendation, one of which should be from an academic source who can speak to the applicant’s research abilities. Official transcripts from all undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools attended. A minimum of one recommendation obtained from professional or academic references.