The Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication invites applicants for our Ph.D. program. We seek junior colleagues who wish to explore deeply the practices and values of journalism, mass communication and the media professions. Successful applicants will be admitted for the fall semester, with an application deadline of February 1. The program is highly competitive, admitting and funding up to five students per year. We welcome applicants from across Oklahoma, the United States and the world – particularly those with three or more years of professional experience in journalism and mass communication disciplines.
Doctoral candidates will find a faculty with a wide range of interests encompassing a variety of approaches and perspectives related to the program’s two concentrations: Journalism and Media Studies and Strategic Communication. The program builds on a record of excellence in preparing master’s students for doctoral study, as evidenced by top-paper awards and paper presentations at national and international academic conferences in recent years.
The program is housed in Gaylord Hall, a state-of-the-art building with a 44,000-square-foot wing with space devoted to graduate research and teaching support. Graduates will be prepared to become both accomplished researchers and outstanding teachers in colleges and universities around the world.
Strategic Communication
Emphasizes a broad spectrum of theoretical and practice-oriented research topics and problems in public relations and advertising.
Faculty expertise: digital advertising, public relations, media psychology, race and gender, health communication, data analytics, public diplomacy, crisis communication, and message strategy and tactics.
Journalism & Media Arts
Journalism: Emphasizes performance, critical analysis, effects, representations and the community-building potential of news and information media.
Faculty expertise: organizational management, media ethics and normative theory, media law, race and gender, media credibility, and international/intercultural/ethnic media.
Media Arts: Emphasizes the study of the wide variety of cultural forms that are used for storytelling and creative expression in fiction, non-fiction, and digital forms.
Faculty expertise: documentary; narrative fiction in visual, audio, and print, including podcasting; popular culture and cultural studies, genre fiction, film and television, and online media, from both humanist and social scientific perspectives.
Total 90 hours, with varying amounts of M.A. and Ph.D. transfer credit to be determined by the Gaylord College Graduate Committee, Graduate Director and Graduate College.
Core Classes:
39 minimum hours
Concentration and Emphasis:
27 minimum hours
Students will choose one of the following areas and take Advanced Topics in that area at least four times for a total of least 12 hours. Students should complete at least 9 of these hours in their concentrations from these courses: JMC 6163 Advanced Topics in Journalism and Media Arts & JMC 6173 Advanced Topics in Strategic Communication.
Numerous possibilities for interdisciplinary study exist in the university. Given the breadth of intellectual grounding in mass communication study, possible departments are many, including Anthropology, Communication, History, Political Science, Philosophy, Sociology, Human Relations, Marketing, and Management. The secondary-emphasis requirement will enable students to take maximum advantage of these opportunities.
Total from above requirements:
66 hours (minimum)
Remaining hours to bring degree total to 90 will come from a combination of additional electives taken during the student’s doctoral study at OU, transfer credit, or both.
Applicants must complete the appropriate general OU Graduate Application using the links below.
| Deadline | Description |
|---|---|
| Dec. 15 | This is the preferred application deadline for all doctoral students wishing to be considered for Gaylord College assistantships and scholarships for the fall semester. |
| Feb. 1 | Final deadline for all doctoral students for admission for the fall semester. |
Practice materials for the TOEFL can be found at www.examfocus.com.
GRE scores are welcomed but not required.
These programs are geared to continuing and full-time students, as well as the working professionals who need to spread coursework over several years. The College regularly offers core courses and some (though not all) electives at night. A full-time student can generally complete the course work for a master's degree in four regular semesters. A part-time student can schedule classes at his or her own pace, with a five-year limit.
For more information on admissions and graduate student financial aid:
Creative Media Production
This emphasis enables students to pursue individual interests in video production and multimedia through theoretical and practical study. Students tailor their study in these areas through their core coursework in research and theory, and other courses or independent study in video production and interactive multimedia.
Media Management
The emphasis in media management is designed to provide students interested in developing the insights and skills necessary for management positions in the industry with an opportunity to pursue courses that will provide such background. Students individually tailor their study through their core coursework in media research and theory, through JMC 5970 Fundamentals of Media Management, and other JMC coursework and independent study with faculty. Outside courses in marketing, business administration and/or human relations are chosen to complement this coursework according to students’ interests.
Journalism
This emphasis addresses the practical and theoretical problems of news and information gathering, editing and presentation. Students may take coursework relevant to digital journalism. Courses in the College are complemented by a wide range of courses outside it, shaped by the individual career interests of students.
Strategic Communication:
PR and Advertising
The field of strategic communication at the graduate level is of particular interest to persons involved in or anticipating careers in advertising, public relations, or research. Working from the foundation of the graduate curriculum's core courses, the strategic communication emphasis offers a mix of theory and practical courses. Relevant courses from other disciplines such as marketing, human relations, communication and psychology may be taken as electives in conjunction with this area of emphasis.
Certificate Programs
Students can now receive graduate certificates in strategic planning or media management!
In Fall 2016, the Gaylord College introduced two new graduate certiIcates: a Graduate CertiIcate in Media Management and a Graduate CertiIcate in Strategic Planning. Any current OU student, or any non-student who has completed a bachelor’s degree, can apply to be admitted to complete either one or both of the certiIcates.
Graduate certiIcates are not degree programs; rather, they are separate graduate education credentials. CertiIcates are the sets of courses that provide speciIc knowledge in the particular area. You do not have to commit to the 2-year Master’s program of study: with the graduate certiIcate, you simply apply to get accepted to the certiIcate program, complete a certain number of courses (on your time schedule, no time limit exists), and receive the certiIcate upon completion.
It is possible to apply the certiIcate coursework to the MA degree within the Gaylord College if later you decide to pursue a Master’s degree.
The Media Management Graduate Certificate requires a total of 13 credit hours: 9 credit hours of Journalism and Mass Communication courses (in the Gaylord College) and 4 credit hours of courses in the Price College of Business.
The Strategic Planning Graduate Certificate requires 12 hours: 9 credit hours in JMC (and includes courses such as strategic planning and strategic communication cases) and 3 credit hours in Anthropology (to master qualitative ethnographic marketing research techniques).
More information about the application process is below, or contact graduate student adviser Leslie Cermak lcermak@ou.edu.
Classes in the Master of Arts program are designed to provide a mix of mass communication theory, research methodologies and advanced professional skills. The courses you take will be determined by the route of completion (thesis, professional project, comprehensive exam) you choose.
All students must earn an overall 3.0 grade point average. Work must be completed within a five-year period.
Requires 32 credit hours including a minimum of 4 thesis hours.
Core courses 13 hours:
9 hours of graduate electives in Journalism and Mass Communication
6 credit hours of graduate work in areas other than Journalism and Mass Communication
JMC 5980 Thesis: 4 hours
Requires 33 credit hours including a minimum of 4 project hours.
Core courses 13 hours:
10 hours of graduate electives in Journalism and Mass Communication
6 credit hours of graduate work in areas other than Journalism and Mass Communication
JMC 5880 Graduate Project: 4 hours
Requires 33 credit hours.
Core courses 12 hours:
12 hours of graduate electives in Journalism and Mass Communication
9 credit hours of graduate work in areas other than Journalism and Mass Communication
Graduate electives at Gaylord College vary from semester to semester to provide a wide opportunity for students to increase their knowledge of mass communication theory, research methodology and professional practices.
Here is a sample list of some recent electives in the program:
To further sharpen professional skills, Graduate Studies offers 1-hour professional practice courses to students in the professional project and comprehensive exam routes. These offerings vary from semester to semester, often changing to meet new trends and opportunities in mass communications. Classes meet a few times a semester, often off-campus at involved mass communication agencies and organizations. Here is a sample list of some recent offerings:
Please contact the graduate studies academic adviser, Leslie Cermak at lcermak@ou.edu for more information on these course offerings.
The University of Oklahoma can help upwardly mobile professionals achieve their goal of being the strategic leaders that employers are seeking. Our online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and Digital Strategy (MA-SC&DS) prepares graduates to create coordinated, proactive messaging campaigns for modern media channels in as few as 20 months. Students will learn to lead multi-channel communication teams, use research and data analytics to evaluate campaigns, leverage the power of social media to create communities, create content that tells impactful, memorable stories in digital market, and focus on essential professional skills as a strategic leader, including crisis communication, digital marketing, management and strategic planning.
This 33-credit program’s curriculum also includes the opportunity to earn certifications from industry leaders in digital marketing.
For more information on the admissions process and financial aid for graduate students, contact OU Online.
As a graduate of this program, students will be able to:
The Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and Digital Strategy is a fully online program conducted over five semesters (20 months).
It features:
The program includes 11 courses for a total of 33 credit hours. We designed it to accommodate full- time work schedules, so our students can stay current with their career while earning a degree.
Course topics include:
The online MA-SC&DS includes coursework that can lead to certifications from industry leaders in digital marketing. The online MA-SC&DS has a curriculum that provides opportunities for professional certifications, including Google, Facebook, and Hootsuite.
Michael Bagalman - JMC 5863 Marketing and Media Analytics
Pam Campbell - JMC 5293 Professional Seminar in Strategic Communication
Carly Carson - JMC 5473 Social Media Marketing
Meta Carstarphen - JMC 5823 Cross-Cultural Communication
Dallas Diggs - JMC 5293 Professional Seminar in Strategic Communication
Gill C. Duff - JMC 5873 Strategic Planning & Digital Strategy
Nate Fisher Ph.D. - JMC 5343 Digital Strategic Communication
Emily K. Graham - JMC 5823 Cross-Cultural Communication
Kimberly Hill - JMC 5873 Strategic Planning & Digital Strategy
Carla Holmes - JMC 5413 Crisis Communication
Pattye Moore - JMC 5893 Management and Leadership
Katie R. Place Ph.D. - JMC 5813 Ethics of Strategic Communication
Robert Pritchard - JMC 5413 Crisis Communication
Angela Zhang - JMC 5813 Ethics of Strategic Communication
Debbie Yount - JMC 5473 Social Media Marketing and JMC 5873 Strategic Planning & Digital Strategy
Doyle Yoon - JMC 5093 Research Methods in Strategic Communication and JMC 5883 Digital Behavior
To learn more about the online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and Digital Strategy program, please fill out the Contact Form and an Enrollment Counselor will be in contact with to discuss the program further or email at Gaylord_OnlineMA@ou.edu.
This unique program is designed to develop and refine commercial writing skills for students interested in producing: nonfiction books, novels and screenplays.
The Master of Professional Writing (MPW) is one of the first programs of its kind in the United States, focusing on popular fiction and nonfiction. The degree evolves from a longstanding emphasis under the M.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication. For 65 years, the University of Oklahoma's program in Professional Writing has prepared students to work as freelance fiction and nonfiction writers of books, screenplays, magazine articles and short stories. Our program faculty include commercially successful authors who bring substantial practical and creative experience to the classroom.
Our unique Master of Professional Writing program allows students to work in close collaboration with experienced faculty who are actively writing and publishing novels, non-fiction books and screenplays, and fellow students who are doing the same. The MPW program has a long history of producing some of America’s most successful novelists, including western great Louis L’Amour, mystery favorite Tony Hillerman and urban fantasy pioneer Jim Butcher. Other distinguished writers who have come through the MPW program include Marilyn Harris, Ross Thomas, Carolyn Hart, Harold Keith, Bill Wallace, Jack Bickham and Curtiss Ann Matlock.
Students cover novel writing, nonfiction book writing and screenwriting in the core curriculum. Additional coursework in one or more of these three areas enables them to develop their knowledge and skills in line with their interests. Students’ development is demonstrated in the final project–a book-length, professional-quality manuscript.
The central feature of the curriculum is intensive evaluation and critique of each student’s writing. This individualized focus begins in the writing courses in the core curriculum and continues in much of the additional Professional Writing coursework and the final project. Students work with instructors who are successful, published writers themselves.
The MPW degree requires a minimum of 32 credit hours, excluding any undergraduate deficiency coursework.
Core Courses
Requires 32 credit hours excluding any undergraduate deficiency coursework.
Core courses 15 hours:
And one of the following:
PW Electives
9-12 credit hours from the list.
Students will select appropriate coursework from the list below in consultation with their adviser. Students may focus on one of the three areas covered in the core writing courses or choose to develop their abilities across more than one of those areas. In the case of individualized courses such as JMC 5503 Tutorial in Writing and JMC 5990 Independent Study, content will be tailored to the interests and needs of the student. (JMC 5514 Writing the Novel-Graduate, JMC 5594 Writing the Commercial Nonfiction Book and JMC 5734 Writing the Screenplay are listed both here and in the core curriculum because they may be repeated once with a change of content.)
NOTE: Students who wish to include any other JMC course not on the list must petition the JMC graduate liaison and the dean of the Graduate College.
Outside Electives
With the approval of the adviser, students are to take supportive coursework offered by other departments appropriate to the student’s focus in the program.
The following courses are possibilities that may be of interest to a variety of students in the program:
Other areas of study will vary depending on students’ focus but may include history, psychology, physical sciences, anthropology, women’s studies, arts, modern languages, classics, or any other disciplines that should be helpful in developing the student’s final project. For example, a student writing a historical novel for a project might benefit from history courses.
Completion Project
JMC 5880 Graduate Project (2-4 hours).
The student must write a book-length manuscript (minimum of 50,000 words -- about 200 pages) or a feature-length screenplay (90 to 120 pages, approximating a film of 90 to 120 minutes) in the appropriate professionally recognized formats. The content of the project must be substantially new material and cannot repeat that submitted in previous coursework. This work is done under JMC 5880 Graduate Project.
The student must assemble a project committee, as the College of Journalism and Mass Communication and the Graduate College require for thesis students. The student must then submit a written project proposal for approval. The proposal shall detail whether the project is to be a book or screenplay; it shall specify appropriate professional markets for future submission of the work; it shall include the major points of content; and it shall state any specific research methods necessary to support the development of the work. Upon completion of the project, the student must successfully defend the work before his or her committee and be able to provide a marketing strategy for submission to publishers or studios. (The work does not have to be accepted for publication but must be judged by the committee to be of publishable quality.)
Graduate electives at Gaylord College vary from semester to semester to provide a wide opportunity for students to increase their knowledge of mass communication theory, research methodology and professional practices.
Here is a sample list of some recent electives in the program:
To further sharpen professional skills, Graduate Studies offers 1-hour professional practice courses to students in the professional project and comprehensive exam routes. These offerings vary from semester to semester, often changing to meet new trends and opportunities in mass communications. Classes meet a few times a semester, often off-campus at involved mass communication agencies and organizations. Here is a sample list of some recent offerings:
Please contact the graduate studies academic adviser, Leslie Cermak at lcermak@ou.edu for more information on these course offerings.
Gaylord College now offers an accelerated BA/MA program that allows high achieving undergraduate students to begin graduate study during their senior year. The programs are designed for students to complete their master's degree in one year beyond the BA study. This program allows students to earn both the bachelor's and master's degrees in five years.
Students can pursue an accelerated master's degree in creative media production, journalism, and strategic communication (with focus in public relations or advertising).
For more information on admissions and graduate student financial aid:
Gaylord students with a 3.5 GPA (or higher) and minimum of 97 credit hours completed before beginning the program.
Applications are available from your undergraduate adviser.
Completed applications should be submitted to Leslie Cermak, Gaylord graduate student adviser, Room 3120C Gaylord Hall.
Applications received before March 1st of every year will be considered for fall semester.
Sequential degree programs confer the BA when it is completed so students can graduate with BA with their undergraduate cohorts.
Two options in all degree programs: choose to do a project or thesis.
Shared credits: Select up to 9 credit hours of shared BA/MA credits (up to 6 credit hours in JMC)
Same curriculum experience (required courses, number of credit hours) as current MA project and thesis options.
Pay undergraduate tuition until completing BA.
Graduate assistantships available on competitive basis in the fifth year.
Students can now receive graduate certificates in strategic planning or media management!
In Fall 2016, the Gaylord College introduced two new graduate certificates: a Graduate Certificate in Media Management and a Graduate Certificate in Strategic Planning. Any current OU student, or any non-student who has completed a bachelor’s degree, can apply to be admitted to complete either one or both of the certificates.
Graduate certificates are not degree programs; rather, they are separate graduate education credentials. Certificates are the sets of courses that provide specific knowledge in the particular area. You do not have to commit to the 2-year Master’s program of study: With the graduate certificate, you simply apply to get accepted to the certificate program, complete a certain number of courses (on your time schedule, no time limit exists), and receive the certificate upon completion.
It is possible to apply the certificate coursework to the MA degree within Gaylord College if later you decide to pursue a Master’s degree.
The Media Management Graduate Certificate (pdf) requires a total of 13 credit hours: 9 credit hours of Journalism and Mass Communication courses (in the Gaylord College) and 4 credit hours of courses in the Price College of Business.
The Strategic Planning Graduate Certificate (pdf) requires 12 hours: 9 credit hours in JMC (and includes courses such as strategic planning and strategic communication cases) and 3 credit hours in Anthropology (to master qualitative ethnographic marketing research techniques).
More information about the application process is below, or contact graduate student adviser Leslie Cermak lcermak@ou.edu.
"My experience with Gaylord’s MA program has been full of support and opportunity. Everyone at Gaylord works together as a family. From classes to community events to daily interactions, there are countless chances to sit down and have conversations with faculty, peers and advisors. This fosters ongoing curiosity and teamwork, and it makes Gaylord’s many resources accessible to students from the very beginning of their time at Gaylord. The professors have amazing experience and knowledge, but more importantly, they are incredibly kind and eager to engage. I have greatly benefited from this atmosphere of constant encouragement that makes Gaylord so special."
Jessica Zimmerman
Accelerated MA: Public Relations
"As someone who has had the opportunity to study at Gaylord across two different time periods, I feel privileged to discuss how I feel about the graduate program. From the first time I showed an interest in joining the M.A. program back in the summer of 2012 up till now in my second year of the Ph.D. program, I have been treated with dignity, care and much regard. Considering the staff changes since then, one can only surmise that this is quite simply the Gaylord standard. In my M.A. program, I was impressed by the wealth of knowledge of the staff, but in my time as a doctoral student, what impresses me most is the humanity behind the expertise. This is a fundamentally sound program filled with some wonderfully impressive people as you would undoubtedly find out over time. (P.S. Yes, the graduate advisor really is as nice as she seems – it’s not an act) "
Bemi Aderemi
Doctoral Student
"Gaylord College has become my home away from home. Since entering the PhD program, I have received nothing but support and encouragement from fellow students, professors, and staff. The relationships I have formed within the Gaylord community have provided me ample opportunities for collaboration and inspiration, as well as solace during tough times. I feel entirely grateful to be learning from such prominent scholars who truly care about my research interests/goals and who push me to be the best I can be."
Kyra Newcombe
Doctoral Student
March 05, 2024
Nia Ramsey, a graduate student in the Professional Writing program at Gaylord College, was honored with a top student paper award at the 45th Southwest Popular/American Culture Association (SWPACA) conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
December 14, 2023
Gaylord College public relations senior Jessica Zimmerman was awarded the PRSA Student Scholarship at the OKC Chapter's Upper Case Awards banquet on Nov. 2 at the Oklahoma History Center.
December 20, 2023
Gaylord College doctoral student Vishala Persad earned a top student award at the National Communication Association’s conference.
Gaylord College graduate programs are ideally designed for a fall start, but students may be admitted throughout the year.
December 15 is the preferred application deadline for all prospective doctoral students wishing to be considered for Gaylord College assistantships and scholarships for the fall semester.
February 1 is the deadline for all prospective graduate students wishing to be considered for Gaylord College assistantships and scholarships for the fall semester.
| Deadline | Description |
|---|---|
| Feb. 1 |
Deadline for international students to apply for admission for a summer start. |
| March 1 | Deadline for International students to apply for admission for a fall start. |
| April 1 | Deadline for U.S. students to apply for admission for a summer start. |
| May 1 | Deadline for U.S. students to apply for admission for a fall start. |
| Sept. 1 | Deadline for International students to apply for admission for a spring start. |
| Nov. 1 | Deadline for U.S. students to apply for admission for a spring start. |
Applicants must complete the appropriate general OU Graduate Application using the links below:
Visiting the program is not a requirement for application, but is encouraged. Students may arrange for a visit by contacting:
Leslie Cermak, Graduate Adviser
405-325-2722
lcermak@ou.edu
Visits are conducted throughout the year; however some faculty may not be available during semester breaks and/or the summer semester.
Take the TOEFL
International students are required to take the TOEFL examination. Find out more about locations and testing at www.ets.org/toefl.
Complete the appropriate General OU Graduate Application
The applicant (a new OU graduate student OR current OU graduate student) should:
The Gaylord College currently offers several graduate assistantships and scholarships each academic year.
To apply for graduate assistantships and scholarships, you must complete Form A and 3 copies of Form B by the February 1 deadline, as well as have a completed application on file.
The Gaylord College Ph.D. program offers graduate research and teaching assistantships renewable for four years, plus scholarships for travel and research grants. Applicants seeking funding should strive to meet the early application deadline of Dec. 15. More information about assistantships and financial support is available at the Graduate College Website.
For more information about Gaylord College programs, contact:
Phone: (405) 325-2722
Email: lcermak@ou.edu
Information about other sources of financial aid may also be found on the OU Student Financial Center website.
The Gaylord College offers special funding for up to five outstanding students per year. The following two packages are highly competitive with other programs around the country.
Assistantship work may include tasks such as assisting a faculty member with research, working with students in a lab section of a course, helping with grading or class preparation, or assisting in the journalism library. A full assistantship involves 20 hours of work per week during the regular academic year. It carries a waiver of nine hours per semester of the nonresident portion of tuition and seven hours of the resident portion. A stipend is provided for 20 hours of work per week. Student health insurance is also included.
Scholarships range from $500 to about $2,500. Both academic ability and financial need are considered. The following scholarships are offered:
Gaylord College and OU Graduate College fellowships are available on a competitive basis. Top Ph.D. applicants will be automatically considered for these fellowships.
Graduate students may also hold leadership positions and receive pay for working with student media outlets and co-curricular activities including:
Other funding opportunities may also be available. Students may seek assistance through the University Office of Financial Aid Services for federal loans and grants. Student Financial Center.
For more information about Gaylord College programs, contact:
Phone: (405) 325-2722
Email: lcermak@ou.edu
