Elevate Your Impact
NDSU’s Ph.D. program in Communication encourages research that addresses real-world problems across organizational, educational, technological, and mediated contexts. Students can focus on Organizational Communication or Media and Society, with a curriculum that includes coursework in theory, research methods, and dissertation credits (60 total post-master’s).
With a strong emphasis on research, dedicated faculty mentorship, and a commitment to teaching excellence, graduates often leave with multiple publications and presentations—well-prepared for academic or professional careers.
We receive some common questions from applicants. As you prepare your application, please review the frequently asked questions.
Our priority deadline for admission into our 2026-27 cohort is February 15. Our Director of Graduate Studies will consult with our graduate committee on reviews of applications. The number of admitted students will be comparable with prior years, though this is subject to change based on university funding.
College Teaching Certificate
Students generally have two to three publications and multiple convention presentations at graduation, and students who are pursuing careers in the professoriate have a keen understanding of teaching and learning. For students interested in advanced training in teaching and learning, the college teaching certificate, a nine-credit certificate in pedagogy, is available through the Office of Teaching and Learning.
We're Here to Help
For more information on the Ph.D. program, contact Dr. Justin Walden, Director of Graduate Studies.
Prospective or admitted doctoral students may also consider setting up an account with IMAGINE PHD (unaffiliated with NDSU) to explore and plan for career options for doctoral students in the humanities and social sciences.