Best Online Doctorates in Communication: Top PhD Programs, Career Paths, and Salary

Boasting internationally-renowned faculty and being highly ranked among all schools and colleges across the country, American University is a research university that was established in 1893. Headquartered in Washington DC, The university offers flexible learning options across its various online programs specializing in numerous disciplines.

PhD in Communication

American University uses an interdisciplinary program to approach its coursework and offers its PhD students a highly-structured program that addresses political and social challenges. This three-year program teaches its students about the relationship between media, technology, and politics and how to analyze it critically.

PhD in Communication Overview

• Accreditation: Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges, and Universities 
• Program Length: 3 years
• Acceptance Rate: Not specified, but only 5 applicants are admitted each year
• Tuition: $1,866/credit

PhD in Communication Admission Requirements

• Submit a completed online application form.
• Submit an admissions essay, two letters of recommendation, and your master’s thesis.
• Submit your GRE scores.
• Provide an updated resume.
• Provide your transcripts from all previous universities and colleges attended.
• Complete an interview if requested by the program director. 

Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) is a research institute that was established in 1875. The university offers over 140 undergraduate programs of study, 56 master's degree programs, and 14 doctoral degree programs. Prospective students at this accredited school can choose between an in-person program, an online program, and a hybrid program in most fields of study.

PhD in Media and Communication

The media and communication studies online program at IUP is flexible, teaching students the skills they need to be able to work in communication and training for the corporate space, health and political communication, media and management, and more. Prospective students wanting to enroll in this program can adjust their course load to fit their needs.

PhD in Media and Communication Overview

• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Program Length: Two to three years
• Acceptance Rate: 72%
• Tuition and Fees: $516/credit (in state); $593/credit (out of state)

PhD in Media and Communication Admission Requirements

• Create your admissions profile.
• Provide your official transcripts from all attended colleges and universities.
• Complete the online application.
• Upload your goal statement, two letters of recommendation, and a writing sample.
• Attend an interview if requested by the admissions faculty.

Established in 1972, Liberty University is a Christian, private, non-profit institution headquartered in Lynchburg, Virginia. Liberty University prides itself in providing a high-quality education at an affordable cost. One of the largest private universities in the country, Liberty University is currently home to almost 94,000 students.

PhD in Communication

The PhD in Communication degree program at Liberty University is delivered fully online. This 60-credit doctoral program in the study of communications focuses on qualitative research methods and theory, equipping you with the skills needed to become a leader in a variety of areas of business or become a researcher or a college professor. 

PhD in Communication Overview

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Program Length: 3 years
• Acceptance Rate: N/A
• Tuition and Fees: $595/credit

PhD in Communication Admission Requirements

• Fill out and submit your online application.
• Have a minimum college GPA of 3.0.
• Pay the $50 application fee.
• Submit your official transcripts of all previously attended postsecondary institutions. 

Michigan State University (MSU) was founded in 1855 and is among the top research universities in the country. With over 200 academic programs offered at its East Lansing, Michigan campus, students can choose from a wide variety of specialties among its comprehensive doctorate programs. The communication programs offered at the institute are all highly ranked.

PhD in Communication

As early as 1961, the PhD in Communication at MSU has been recognized as being one of the most prestigious in the world. The structure of this graduate degree program focuses on communication theory, quantitative methods, and teamwork, allowing students to work in behavioral research, teaching, and communication consultancy or even specialize in hospitality research.

PhD in Communication Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Program Length: 4 years
• Acceptance Rate: N/A
• Tuition and Fees: 817.25/credit (in state); 1,605.75/credit (out of state)

PhD in Communication Admission Requirements

• Complete the online MSU Graduate School Application and pay the application fee.
• Provide a list of three referees and their email addresses.
• Submit an academic statement and a personal statement.
• Provide a copy of your resume.
• Submit a copy of your official transcripts to the Department of Communication PhD Program.
• Submit your GRE scores (optional).

Regent University was founded in 1978 and offers 60 programs for its online school graduate students to choose from. The institute has consistently ranked among the top national universities by US News & World Report. Prospective students can choose from a wide range of programs spanning many different fields of study at Regent University.

PhD in Communication

Regent University’s PhD in Communication is offered online alongside a one-week summer residency in Virginia Beach. This graduate degree takes an interdisciplinary approach to training, scholarly writing, and research and allows students to improve their communication and research skills. Common careers for graduates of this program include working as a writer, teacher, speaker, or thought leader.

PhD in Communication Overview

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Program Length: 2-3 years
• Acceptance Rate: N/A
• Tuition and Fees: $950/credit

PhD in Communication Admission Requirements

• Submit your application using the Regent University online application portal.
• Submit a minimum five-page scholarly or published writing sample that demonstrates your research, writing, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Submit your unofficial college transcripts.
• Complete Regent University’s Academic Background Questionnaire.
• Provide a scanned copy of a government-issued ID.

Established in 1921, Robert Morris University (RMU) is a private institution that offers 60 bachelor's degree programs and 35 master's and doctoral programs. Home to approximately 4,100 students, most of which are undergraduate students, Robert Morris University’s doctoral degree in communication is one of the few PhD programs the school offers.

PhD in Information Systems and Communication

The PhD in Media and Communication at RMU is an executive-style doctor of philosophy program structured to give students the tools they need to become scholarly researchers and leaders. Through a blended learning format, the school uses an interdisciplinary approach to help students analyze the connections between technology and human communication.

PhD in Information Systems and Communication Overview

• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Program Length: 3 years
• Acceptance Rate: N/A
• Tuition and Fees: $1,207/credit

PhD in Information Systems and Communication Admission Requirements

• Have a master’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
• Submit an online application.
• Submit your official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework.
• Provide three letters of reference and a current resume.
• Provide an academic writing sample.
• Complete an interview with the Doctoral Program Director and Doctoral Admissions Committee. 

Founded in Lubbock, Texas, in 1923, Texas Tech University is a public research institution offering degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral-level. Home to over 40,000 students, Texas Tech has produced a large number of notable alumni across a wide variety of fields of study.

Doctor of Philosophy in Technical Communication & Rhetoric

The PhD in Technical Communication & Rhetoric at Texas Tech allows students to develop their knowledge of rhetoric, writing, technical communication, and composition. Students can specialize in technical communication and user-centered design, rhetorical theory and practice, composition, writing, and literacy studies.

Doctor of Philosophy in Technical Communication & Rhetoric Overview

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Program Length: 4 years
• Acceptance Rate: N/A
• Tuition and Fees: $8,653/year (in state); $16,180/year (out-of-state)

Doctor of Philosophy in Technical Communication & Rhetoric Admission Requirements

• Submit an online application.
• Submit your unofficial college transcripts.
• Submit a graduate course paper or the equivalent that demonstrates your ability to develop a thesis using research and analysis.
• Submit a statement of purpose.
• Submit a copy of your resume, three letters of reference, and a signed copy of the Distance Learning Agreement.

Established in 1820, The University of Alabama has consistently produced award-winning graduates. These include sixty Goldwater Scholars, 16 Rhodes Scholars, 16 Truman Scholars, 37 Hollings Scholars, and 16 Boren Scholars. The school is well known for its programs in social sciences and business.

Doctorate in Communication and Information Sciences

The PhD in Communication & Information Sciences at The University of Alabama prepares students to work as library professionals and leaders in information environments. This online program has a curriculum that blends scholarly research and synchronous online courses to develop well-rounded graduates.

Doctorate in Communication and Information Sciences Overview

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Program Length: 2-4 years
• Acceptance Rate: N/A
• Tuition and Fees: $440/credit

Doctorate in Communication and Information Sciences Admission Requirements

• Have a Master’s Degree in Communications or in a related field with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Complete a graduate school application form and pay the application fee.
• Provide a statement of purpose and a copy of your resume.
• Provide the names and contact information for three academic references.
• Provide your unofficial college transcripts. 

The University of Colorado Boulder was founded in 1876 and offers 124 master's, doctoral and professional degree programs. The institute is one of the country’s top-ranked Tier 1 research institutions and is one of only 35 public research institutions in the Association of American Universities (AAU). 

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PhD in Strategic Communication

This program’s coursework trains students in communication theory and research, as well as strategic communication research methods. The curriculum focuses on mass communication and public communication studies, literature and academic journals, social media trends, political communication, media organizations, and video games.

PhD in Strategic Communication Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Program Length: 5 years
• Acceptance Rate: N/A
• Tuition and Fees: $866.29/credit

PhD in Strategic Communication Admission Requirements

• Have a master’s degree with a minimum graduate GPA of 3.5.
• Submit an online application.
• Submit a personal statement, three letters of reference, and a scholarly writing sample.
• Submit an academic and professional resume.
• Provide the unofficial transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate courses you’ve taken.

Established in 1883, the University of North Dakota (UND) is a public research university recognized for leading research in engineering, medicine, aviation, space, and unmanned aircraft systems. The university also has the largest number of fully-online students among all universities in its region.

PhD in Communication

The PhD in Communication degree program at UND teaches students about the role of communication within the global community, as well as the international and intercultural contexts surrounding it. The curriculum focuses on critical thinking and the diverse nature of human communication across various cultures and systems.

PhD in Communication Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Program Length: 3-5 years
• Acceptance Rate: N/A
• Tuition and Fees: $660.08/credit 

PhD in Communication Admission Requirements

• Create an admissions account on the school portal.
• Submit an online application and pay the application fee.
• Submit your official transcripts and GRE scores.
• Submit a statement of interest detailing your personal goals and the relevance of the Doctor of Philosophy in Communication to those goals.
• Submit an original academic paper that shows your ability to articulate and synthesize ideas.
• Provide three letters of recommendation from sources familiar with your potential as a doctoral student in communication.

The first step to getting your communication PhD is applying. In most cases, you’ll need to fill out an application form with your personal details and the details of the degree you want to pursue and submit any additional materials to support your application. These usually include transcripts, a resume, and letters of recommendation, among others.

All doctoral students must complete a certain number of required courses throughout their PhD studies. The total number of courses you need to complete will differ from one institution to the next, but your academic advisor will be able to help you plan out your schedule in accordance with whether you are attending a program part time or full time.

At the same time as you work through your required courses, you will also need to present a dissertation topic that will be the focus of your PhD research. After its approval by your supervisor and the program director, you’ll be able to start your research. At multiple points during your research, you’ll need to demonstrate your progress to your supervisor.

To earn your doctoral degree in communication, you’ll need to pass qualifying and comprehensive exams. PhD faculty use these exams to ensure that their students are able to retain and use the knowledge they are gathering during their courses. Keep in mind that simply passing may not be enough. Most programs require that students maintain a minimum GPA throughout their studies.

The last thing you need to do to earn your PhD is to defend your dissertation in front of the program committee and director. If you succeed and have completed all of your coursework and maintained an acceptable GPA throughout your studies while staying in good academic standing, you will be able to apply for graduation.

Marketing managers work in industries such as advertising, finance, healthcare, hospitality, education, and retail to execute strategies that raise consumer awareness. These strategies include promotional work that appeals to the consumers and maximizes profits and, ultimately,  the company’s success.

• Salary with a Communication PhD: $133,380
• Job Outlook: 10% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 316,800
• Highest-Paying States: New York, New Jersey, California, Delaware, Virginia

Human resources managers play an incredibly vital role in the proper functioning of any business. HR managers are tasked with hiring new employees and serving as the liaison between a company and its employees. HR managers are charged with the important responsibility of finding the best-suited candidates who will help push the company to new highs.

• Salary with a Communication PhD: $126,230
• Job Outlook: 9% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 161,700
• Highest-Paying States: New York, New Jersey, District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Rhode Island

Postsecondary teachers, also called professors, teach students at universities and colleges, conduct research, and publish materials related to their field of study. You can choose to be a professor in any academic subject that is related to your PhD and teach at almost any academic level, depending on your level of experience.

• Salary with a Communication PhD: $79,640
• Job Outlook: 12% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 1,276,900
• Highest-Paying States: California, Alaska, New York, District of Columbia, New Jersey

The job of a technical writer is to write academic journal articles, develop product manuals that teach people how to use products, write website help sections, and write about any other informational content that requires technical knowledge. Strong academic and corporate communication skills are vital for this position.

• Salary with a Communication PhD: $78,060
• Job Outlook: 12% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 52,300
• Highest-Paying States: Delaware, California, Massachusetts, Hawaii, District of Columbia

Public relations specialists work for various types of organizations including schools and professional associations and are tasked with creating media releases, attending meetings and events, delivering speeches, and, generally, creating and maintaining a good public image for those they represent.

• Salary with a Communication PhD: $62,800
• Job Outlook: 11% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 273,300
• Highest-Paying States: District of Columbia, Washington, New York, Virginia, California