Program: Communication PhD - University at Buffalo

Apr 03, 2025

2023-2024 Graduate Catalog

The Department of Communication offers graduate education leading to a doctoral degree or terminal master’s degree. The program emphasizes the scholarly study of the communication process, with coursework focusing on communication theory and research methodologies. The program prepares students to assume positions in academia, business and government.

Curriculum

Required Core (36 credits)

COM 500SEM - Proseminar in Communication Credits: 3
COM 504LEC - Research Methods Credits: 3
COM 515SEM - Communication Theories Credits: 3
COM 517SEM - Applied Theory-Testing Credits: 3
COM 518LEC - Statistics I Credits: 3
COM 519SEM - Statistics II Credits: 3
Choose 6 Courses from COM 5## or COM 6## Credits: 18

Electives and Additional Requirements (36 credits)

Successful completion of the Research Electives requirement (9 credit hours).
Successful completion of the Department Electives requirement (12 credit hours).
Successful completion of the Free Electives requirement (6-9 credit hours).
Successful completion of the Department Instructional requirement (3-6 credit hours) which may be satisfied by assumption of primary teaching responsibility for an undergraduate class or by assisting a professor teaching a course (see below).
COM 700TUT - Thesis Guidance Credits: 1 - 12
Courses are determined in consultation with your advisor.

Total Credit Hours: 72

3.0 Degree GPA required

Instruction Method

In Person (100 percent of courses offered in person)

Full/Part Time Options

Full Time

Credits Required

72 Hours

Time-To-Degree

5 Years

Application Fee

$75

Program Contact

Mary O’Brien
520 Park Hall
Buffalo, NY 14260
Email: meobrien@buffalo.edu
Phone: 716-645-3441
Fax: 716-645-2166

SED Statement

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).

Online programs/courses may require students to come to campus on occasion. Time-to-degree and number of credit hours may vary based on full/part time status, degree, track and/or certification option chosen. Time-to-degree is based on calendar year(s). Contact the department for details.