Mar 28, 2024  
OHIO University Graduate Catalog 2007-09 
    
OHIO University Graduate Catalog 2007-09 [Archived Catalog]

Communication Studies


For the most up-to-date information on our graduate program, visit our Web site at www.coms.ohiou.edu.

The School of Com­mu­ni­ca­tion Studies expects its graduates to develop a specialist’s depth in the study of human communication as well as a generalist’s perspective. Individualized programs of study are emphasized, but all students are required to complete a common set of core courses.

The school offers the Ph.D. degree. Primary areas of study include rhetoric and public culture, health communication, and relating and organizing. Students may select their primary and related areas of study in consultation with their program of study committee and with permission of the school’s graduate committee.

Admission to graduate study is granted on the basis of a match between the student’s academic goals and the school’s primary areas of study, recom­mendations of those familiar with the student’s academic and other work, undergradu­ate and graduate GPA and class standing, scores on the Graduate Record Examination, submitted writing sample, and experientia l and other nonformal learning. International students from non-English speaking countries are required to submit a TOEFL score. International students applying for assistantships should also submit a TSE score. Students with a strong background in communication studies are eligible to be selected as graduate teaching assistants. Graduate teaching assistants serve as instructors in basic courses, assist in teaching advanced courses, help with the forensics program, and join faculty in research projects.

Applications for admission are reviewed during January, February, and March. In order for an application to receive priority treatment (i.e., to be among the files receiving initial consideration with respect to both entry and financial assistance), the file should be complete no later than February 1. International applicants are strongly urged to send all their materials in by December 15, as their applications take longer to process. The majority of the decisions are made by April 15. Files received after March 15 are at a significant disadvantage.

Admission is typically granted for the fall quarter. Students wishing to begin studies at a different point during the academic year must petition the Graduate Committee for permission.

Doctoral Program

To be admitted unconditionally, you must have received a bachelor’s and a master’s degree or completed equivalent work (as approved by the University) at an accredited institution. You must present for evaluation by the graduate committee evidence of your scholarly writing ability. Additional evidence of your ability to pursue study at the doctoral level is required, as documented from previous personal, professional, and academic experi­ences.

The Doctor of Phi­losophy requires 148 quarter hours of nondissertation credit beyond the master’s degree (or its equivalent), demonstration of research competency, and completion of a satisfactory dissertation. This entire process is expected to take four years. A maxi­mum of 16 quarter hours of postmaster’s degree graduate credit with B or better grades may be accepted by transfer from approved institutions that offer post-master’s (doctoral-level) work. Transfer work may not be more than five years old and must be acceptable to the student’s advisor and advisory committee, the school’s graduate committee, and the associa te provost for graduate studies. All 16 hours may be applied to the student’s primary area; a maximum of eight transfer hours may be applied to the student’s related area. At least 48 quarter hours of doctoral credit must be earned on the Ohio University campus. At least three consecutive quarters must be spent in full-time status on the Athens campus.

All Ph.D. students are required to take COMS 700 A-F, Professional Seminar in Communication Studies, COMS 705-706, Integrated Theory in Communication Studies, COMS 711-712, Research Design and Analysis, COMS 731, Introduction to Relating and Organizing, COMS 741, Introduction to Rhetoric and Public Culture, and COMS 751, Introduction to Health Communication.

Communication Studies Courses


Click here for courses.