The Stanford Communication PhD program is a prestigious and highly competitive graduate program that offers students the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research in the field of communication. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Stanford University provides a unique environment that fosters innovation, collaboration, and intellectual curiosity. The Communication PhD program at Stanford is designed to prepare students for careers in academia, industry, and government, and has a strong reputation for producing graduates who are leaders in their field.
Program Overview
The Stanford Communication PhD program is a five-year program that provides students with a comprehensive education in the theory, methods, and practice of communication research. The program is interdisciplinary in nature, drawing on faculty and resources from the Department of Communication, as well as other departments and schools across the university. Students in the program work closely with faculty advisors to develop a personalized course of study that reflects their research interests and career goals. The program includes a combination of coursework, research, and teaching, and culminates in the completion of a dissertation that makes an original contribution to the field of communication.
Research Areas
Stanford’s Communication PhD program has a number of research areas that reflect the diverse interests and expertise of the faculty. These areas include communication theory, mass communication, organizational communication, interpersonal communication, and technology and society. Faculty and students in the program are actively engaged in research on a wide range of topics, including the impact of social media on society, the role of communication in shaping public opinion, and the effects of technology on human relationships. The program also has a strong focus on quantitative and qualitative research methods, providing students with the skills and expertise needed to design, conduct, and analyze original research studies.
| Research Area | Faculty Expertise |
|---|---|
| Communication Theory | Professors James Fishkin, Ted Glasser, and Shanto Iyengar |
| Mass Communication | Professors Jennifer Pan, Daniel Ho, and Gary Rosenberg |
| Organizational Communication | Professors Deborah Gruenfeld, Bob Sutton, and Hayagreeva Rao |
| Interpersonal Communication | Professors Hazel Markus, Michael Rosenfeld, and Jennifer Eberhardt |
| Technology and Society | Professors Jeremy Bailenson, Jeff Hancock, and Byron Reeves |
Admissions and Funding
Admission to the Stanford Communication PhD program is highly competitive, with only a small number of students accepted each year. The admissions process typically begins in the fall, with applications due in early December. The program looks for students with a strong academic record, a clear research focus, and a demonstrated commitment to the field of communication. Students who are admitted to the program are typically provided with full funding, including tuition, fees, and a stipend, for the duration of their studies. Funding is provided through a combination of university fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships.
Application Requirements
To apply to the Stanford Communication PhD program, students must submit a number of materials, including a personal statement, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and GRE scores. The program also requires students to submit a research proposal, which outlines their research interests and goals. The proposal should be no more than 10 pages in length, and should provide a clear and concise overview of the student’s research plans.
- Personal statement (3-5 pages)
- Transcripts from all previous academic institutions
- Letters of recommendation from at least three academic or professional references
- GRE scores (Stanford's institution code is 4704)
- Research proposal (no more than 10 pages)
What are the admission requirements for the Stanford Communication PhD program?
+To apply to the Stanford Communication PhD program, students must submit a number of materials, including a personal statement, transcripts, letters of recommendation, GRE scores, and a research proposal. The program looks for students with a strong academic record, a clear research focus, and a demonstrated commitment to the field of communication.
How long does it take to complete the Stanford Communication PhD program?
+The Stanford Communication PhD program is a five-year program that provides students with a comprehensive education in the theory, methods, and practice of communication research. The program includes a combination of coursework, research, and teaching, and culminates in the completion of a dissertation that makes an original contribution to the field of communication.
What kind of funding is available to students in the Stanford Communication PhD program?
+Students who are admitted to the Stanford Communication PhD program are typically provided with full funding, including tuition, fees, and a stipend, for the duration of their studies. Funding is provided through a combination of university fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships.
