Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication | Norman
The Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication invites applications for our prestigious Ph.D. program. We are looking for aspiring scholars and junior colleagues who are eager to explore deeply the practices and values of journalism, strategic communication, and media industries. Each fall, we welcome a small, select cohort of up to five students into our program, which is highly competitive and fully funded for most students through assistantships. Applicants from across Oklahoma, the United States, and around the world are encouraged to apply, particularly those with three or more years of professional experience in journalism and related fields in media and strategic communication.
The program builds on a record of excellence for doctoral study, as evidenced by our faculty and students’ top-paper awards and presentations at national and international academic conferences.
Become a Leader and Shape the Future of Media.
Delve into critical analysis, media effects, performance, and the community-building power of news media. Faculty expertise includes media law, ethics and credibility; organizational management; and international media.
Study storytelling and creative expression across visual, audio, print, and digital platforms. Faculty expertise includes documentary and narrative fiction; podcasting and digital media; popular culture, genre fiction, and cultural studies.
Focus on theory-driven and practice-oriented research across advertising and public relations. Faculty expertise includes digital advertising and data analytics; media psychology; health communication; sports communication; media technologies; public diplomacy and crisis communication; podcast engagement and advertising; influencer marketing, AI-generated advertising and social media use.
Join a vibrant academic community with a proven record of excellence at national and international conferences.
Students complete a secondary area of emphasis outside Gaylord College, benefiting from the broader strengths of an R-1 institution.
Thrive in state-of-the-art facilities in Gaylord Hall and its 44,000-square-foot wing dedicated to graduate research and teaching support. Doctoral students enjoy their own private desk spaces with large monitors, and funded students have the option of a university laptop.
Quality Mentorship
Enjoy mentorship with senior faculty that only a competitive, smaller program can offer
Career Opportunities
Prepare for successful careers as accomplished researchers and outstanding educators
90 Hours Total
Number of M.A. transfer credits to be determined by the student’s Graduate Advisory Committee, Graduate Director and the OU Graduate College.
39 Hours Total
These courses are required for all students to complete in order to be granted their degree. For more information about course specifics, please review the degree requirements below.
27 Hours Minimum
Numerous possibilities for interdisciplinary study exist in the University. Given the breadth of intellectual grounding in mass communication study, possible departments include 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.
66 Hours Minimum (of required 90)
Remaining hours will come from a combination of additional electives taken during the student’s doctoral study at OU, M.A. transfer credit, or both. For more information about course requirement, please view the degree requirements below.
A minimum TOEFL score of 79 or an IELTS score of 6.5. International applicants whose degree(s) are from the United States will not need to provide English proficiency scores.
Note: Rentention and graduation standards are in accordance with OU Graduate College policies.
December 15
Preferred deadlines for early admission and for the best opportunity to receive a Gaylord College assistantship or be considered for additional Graduate College fellowships.
February 1
Final deadline for all doctoral students for admission for the fall semester. Students may still be considered for additional Graduate College fellowships or receive an assistantship.
