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.
Attend a virtual open house
Professional M.A. Virtual Open House
Tuesday, October 24
6 – 7 p.m. CDT
Interested in applying for the Professional M.A. program? Join us for an informational open house! Hear from graduate adviser Lisa Aarli, program director Stacy Forster and other faculty members about our customizable program, the department, UW-Madison and the Madison community. We’ll also share helpful application tips and answer all of your questions.
Ph.D. and Research M.A. Virtual Open House
Wednesday, October 25
6 – 7 p.m. CDT
Looking to further your research education? Join our informational open house to learn more about our Ph.D. and Research M.A. programs! Graduate adviser Lisa Aarli, program director Mike Wagner and other faculty members will share information about our internationally recognized program, our department, UW-Madison, and the Madison community. They’ll also share helpful application tips and answer all of your questions.
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.
SJMC Grad Students and Faculty to Present Research and Receive Awards at AEJMC 2023 Conference
SJMC grad students and faculty will travel to Washington D.C. to present their research the AEJMC 2023 Annual Conference from August 7-10, 2023.