The Ph.D. in Communication and Rhetoric is distinguished by its commitment to the integrated, interdisciplinary study of media, communication, and society.
Program Overview
Situated within the country’s oldest technological university that brings together science with the humanities, the CMRT Ph.D. is an exciting and flexible program for students wishing to bring cutting edge theory and practice to their chosen research agendas.
Building on our historic reputation in media and communication studies within technological environments, the CMRT Ph.D. prepares students to study contemporary interactions with multimedia, multicultural and multisensory texts. Our internationally recognized research faculty work in a variety of media-centered disciplines and methods, including Media Studies (Film/Video, TV, Photography, and Social Media), Communication, Data Visualization, Human-Centered Design, Visual Culture, Mixed-reality Pedagogy, Creative and Strategic Writing, Sensory Studies and Anthropology. The CMRT Ph.D. consists of an interdisciplinary core with flexible tracks that students can tailor to their research interests under the direction of their advisors in the Department.
The current migration of theory, method, and research across disciplines is exhilarating as well as profound. The doctoral program offers a centralized curriculum of foundational seminars in theory, method, and practice that complements offerings within the Department of Communication and Media. Students have the opportunity to work with cognitive and computer scientists, artists, critical game theorists as well as scholars in STS. Additionally, doctoral students are encouraged to utilize labs and other experimental spaces throughout the campus.
Admissions
Applicants to the Ph.D. in Communication and Rhetoric should demonstrate strong academic preparation, a clear research trajectory, and a commitment to interdisciplinary inquiry. Successful candidates typically hold a master’s degree in communication, rhetoric, media studies, or a related field, and show potential for original scholarly contribution. As part of the application, candidates must submit both a personal statement—highlighting their academic background, professional experience, and motivations for pursuing doctoral study—and a separate research statement that outlines their proposed area of research, relevant theoretical frameworks, and methodological approaches. These documents play a critical role in evaluating an applicant’s readiness for advanced study and alignment with faculty expertise.
Program Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this program will be able to:
- Conduct advanced scholarly research by developing competence in the following three categories: a) theoretically informed analysis of historical and contemporary communication practices; b) analysis and critique of historical, legacy, and new media technologies; and c) mastery of a set of methodologies necessary to carry out projects in the field of communication and rhetoric.
- Design and articulate research problems and conduct independent, original, and significant research.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the historical, social, cultural, and rhetorical contexts that shape, and are shaped by, diverse communication practices and media environments.
- Communicate effectively to specialized and general audiences.
Spotlight
Our graduate students come from numerous academic backgrounds and bring with them unique perspectives on media and communication studies. Read about our current student's multifaceted research interests and involvement here!
After Graduation
Ph.D. graduates are prepared for a range of career paths that extend beyond academia. While many pursue faculty positions in communication, rhetoric, media studies, and interdisciplinary fields, others take on research and leadership roles in non-profit organizations, government agencies, cultural institutions, and industry. With rigorous training in theory, methodology, and public scholarship, alumni contribute to advancing knowledge and shaping discourse in both academic and applied settings.