Doctoral (Ph.D.) Admissions Guidelines
Start your path toward a Ph.D. degree in Communication and Information at Kent State.
We are looking for scholars with a desire to drive development of our fields, whether through transdisciplinary innovation or progressive work within a traditional discipline. The Ph.D. program in CCI aims to place graduates in an array of academic appointments in universities and institutes, with a reasonable number of prestigious institutions being among them.
CCI's Ph.D. program has a highly competitive admission process. Here are some helpful application resources for new doctoral students.
Application Due Date
To ensure full consideration for funding opportunities, all application materials must be received by January 2. The program will continue to review applications through March 31 or until all available spaces filled. Late applicants are encouraged to submit materials as soon as possible.
Admission standards
The Ph.D. program in CCI aims to place graduates in an array of academic appointments in universities and institutes, with a reasonable number of prestigious institutions being among them.
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Successful candidates will typically a have a strong background in one of the major areas of study under the umbrella of the college and its schools: for example, communication theory, mass communication/media theory, information theory, user experience design theory, or other related specialties and combinations of areas.
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Typically, successful candidates will have completed a master’s thesis and participated in individual and/or collaborative research efforts.
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We are currently only accepting students for full-time enrollment (except in exceptional circumstances) and expect students to complete their program within four years.
what's needed to apply
Here’s a quick checklist of the items you’ll need to include along with your application, as well as the minimum criteria for admission.
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Master's degree represented by a CCI discipline or in a discipline related to the applicant's proposed course of study (Applicants with academic preparation in other fields may be required to enroll in preparatory course work at the master's level that will not count toward the Ph.D. degree.)
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A minimum 3.3 (where A=4.0) graduate GPA (GPA above 3.5 strongly recommended).
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TOEFL (Minimum score of 590 or equivalent for International Students).
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Three (3) letters of recommendation from those in a position to evaluate graduate academic performance and potential .
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Statement of purpose. Make sure you clearly identify the specialization you intend to be your primary area, academic goals and intended topics of study that are compatible with the focus of this doctoral program. Indicate the theoretical area(s) you wish to study and the line of research you’re pursuing. Statements that make reference only to the applicant’s teaching or administrative goals are strongly discouraged.
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Scholarly writing sample (published paper, major term paper, thesis chapter, etc.).
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Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended .
graduate assistantships
Graduate assistantships are available to qualifying applicants. Contact Miriam Matteson, PhD. if you’re interested in a graduate assistantship.
Application Process
Ready to apply? Start by completing the Kent State online application.
- Completed applications come to the college and are then reviewed. The Associate Dean will notify the applicant of the admission decision according to university procedures.
- In rare circumstances, applicants who have earned a graduate GPA below 3.3 may be admitted conditionally provided their application files provide strong evidence of a high probability of success in the Ph.D. program.
- Applicants who require strengthening of academic preparation in the areas they propose to study at the doctoral level may be required to enroll in preparatory coursework at the master's level that will not count toward the total coursework requirement of the Ph.D. degree.