UW-Madison ranks as one of the top universities for communication and media studies in the world. Our doctoral program in mass communication, jointly administered with the Department of Life Sciences Communication, is internationally recognized for our faculty and areas of research. Our program offers: engaged advising and mentoring; training in quantitative and qualitative research methods; and opportunities for collaborative research.
Top 5
university for communication and media studies worldwide.
Faculty & Staff
Internationally recognized faculty
87%
of our Ph.D. graduates find placement in university positions. Recent graduates
Research and Teaching Strengths
- Civic and political communication
- International & inter-cultural communication
- Information technologies
- Health, environmental and science communication
- History of communication
- Law and ethics of media
- Social networking and digital media
- Journalism studies
- Processes and effects of mediated communication
Explore our Graduate Programs
Mass Communications Ph.D.
The Ph.D. degree in Mass Communications provides future academics and professionals with rigorous training in theory and research with highly individualized programs that students develop in consultation with their advisors.
Research M.A.
The Research M.A. focuses on developing tools in mass communication research and typically leads to enrollment in a doctoral program.
Professional M.A.
The professional M.A. typically leads to careers in news and information production.
Graduate Program News
What's Next for our 2023 PhD Graduates?
Many of the J-School's 2023 Ph.D. graduates are venturing out into the world and pursuing their new adventures. Check out where they're going.
Graduate Student Highlight: Lynne Cotter
Ph.D. student Lynne Cotter recently won the Top Poster Award from AEJMC. She shares more about her research and the award.
Graduate Student Highlight: Professional M.A. Class of December 2023
This December, four professional master's students graduated and presented their final portfolios of published work. Check out their work and see what they hope to do next.