The Doctor of Philosophy in Media and Communication degree is designed to prepare students for careers in communications research and academia. Doctoral study includes coursework focusing on communication theory and research. Completion of the Doctor of Philosophy degree requires 87 hours of graduate study beyond the baccalaureate degree or 60 hours beyond the Master of Arts degree, including 12 hours dedicated to a traditional research-based dissertation.
The Ph.D. in Media and Communication at Texas Tech focuses on the integration of different approaches to the study of media and communication. While coursework is broadly focused on media and communication, students may focus in the areas of advertising, communication studies, electronic media, journalism or public relations. Likewise students can build tracks in political communication, health communication, science communication, computer-mediated communication as well as in rhetoric and cultural/critical studies, among other areas.
September 2025
College of Media and Communication
Texas Tech University,
LUBBOCK,
Texas,
79409, United States
The applicant must have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or its equivalent from a foreign institution.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - The minimum TOEFL score required is 79.
International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) - The minimum IELTS required score is an overall band score of 6.5 on the Academic version.
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - The minimum required PTE Academic score is 60.
Cambridge C2 Proficiency Test (Cambridge CPE) - The minimum required Cambridge CPE grade is a score of 180 or above.
Cambridge C1 Advanced Proficiency Test (Cambridge CAE) - The minimum required Cambridge CAE grade is a score of 175 or above.
Recommended deadlines for international students are as follows:
January 15 for Fall and Summer semesters
July 15 for Spring semesters
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.