Timeline toward graduation

General Timeline

A dissertation, thesis or professional project cannot be completed overnight. The Graduate Studies office has developed a general timeline for completion of coursework, required paperwork, and completion of thesis, dissertation or professional project.

Ph.D. Coursework

  • Based on 46-course credit hours: 7 3-hour courses, 1 4-hour statistics class with lab, a 1-hour pro-seminar (JMC 901) each fall semester, plus dissertation hours, which are variable.
  • Students can earn up to 6 credit hours from previous master’s coursework
  • A 12-hour concentration area outside journalism is required
  • 6 hours (2 courses) in Journalism electives

First semester: 10 Credits

  • JMC 801 (3) Media Communication Theories
  • JMC 802 (3) Media Communication Methods
  • JMC 901 (1) Introduction to Doctoral Studies
  • One concentration course (3)

Second Semester: 12 Credits

  • JMC803 (3) Research in Action
  • JMC 804 (3) Qualitative Methods
  • Two (2) concentrations (6)

Third Semester: 11 Credits

  • JMC 901 (1) Introduction to Doctoral Studies
  • PRE 710/711 (4) Introduction to Statistical Analysis
  • JMC 805 (3) Quantitative Methods
  • One (1) concentration (3)

Fourth Semester: 12 Credits

  • JMC 807 (3) Research Funding
  • One (1) concentration (3)
  • Two (2) electives (6)

Fifth Semester: Remaining Credits

  • JMC 901 (1) Introduction to Doctoral Studies
  • One (1) concentration (3)
  • Comprehensive Exams

Sixth Semester: Remaining Credits

  • One (1) elective (3)
  • Dissertation
  • (Revised Spring 2021)