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The PhD in Strategic Communication offered by the Department of Advertising, Public Relations and Design is one of three separate and distinct tracks of the Media Research and Practice doctoral program within the College of Communication, Media, Design and Information.

A PhD in Strategic Communication is a distinct track that is designed to provide students with rigorous training in theory and research. Students gain an understanding through coursework that explores theories and methods that shape strategic communication research. This programÌýemphasizes how theory informs practice, critically analyzing how advertising and public relations operate in ways that can—or could—constructively contribute to the successful, ethicalÌýand resilient functioning of society.

The strategic communication and journalism studies tracks for the PhD are administered together by the departments of Advertising, Public Relations and DesignÌýand Journalism. Students in both tracks are taught by and have access to the faculties of both departments. The curriculum includes an overview of mass/public communication literature with specific modules and courses dedicated to advertising, journalism and public relations. Classes also focus on areas that straddle each industry such as social media, political communication, ethics, media organizations, health communication and video games. We welcome and appreciate both qualitative and quantitative approaches to research. Graduates pursue teaching and research positions at universities as well as work in the private sector.Ìý

APRD is proud to share its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion mission statement:ÌýAPRD strives to be a community whose excellence depends on diversity, equity, and inclusion. We aim to understand and challenge systems of privilege and disadvantage in higher education, such as those based on class, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and dis/ability. We seek to reach across social and political divides and to make space for voices historically underrepresented in higher education and marginalized in society. In other words, diversity is not just a future reality for which we try to prepare students. It is a priority we want to put into practice here, now, and together, in order to foster places of learning where all members can thrive.

Why enroll?

• One of the few doctoral programs offered in an advertising and public relations department
• Study with award-winning researchers and teachers who are committed to assisting students achieve mastery of their work and chart a successful post-doctoral career
• Faculty who have conducted research in an array of specialties (see list below)
• Design a personally-designed plan of study to suit your interests
• Collaborate with faculty and fellow graduate students on research projects
• Study within a supportive environment, with the opportunity to teach courses relevant to your area of interest

Research interests of faculty teaching in the program

• Advertising and Public Relations Pedagogy: Erin Schauster
• Activism and Organizations: Krishnamurthy Sriramesh, Jordan Morehouse, Kay Weaver
• Corporate Branding and Image Management: Burton St. John III, Seow Ting Lee, Erin Willis
• Corporate Social Responsibility: Krishnamurthy Sriramesh, Burton St. John III, Seow Ting Lee
• Crisis Communication and Risk Management: Burton St. John III, Seow Ting Lee,ÌýKrishnamurthy Sriramesh,ÌýJordan Morehouse
• Critial Theory:ÌýKay Weaver
• Digital Advertising: Chris J. Vargo, Harsha Ganga, Toby Hopp, Bridget Barrett
• Digital Games and Society: Harsha Ganga, Toby Hopp, Jolene Fisher, Mia Wang
• Global Public Relations: Krishnamurthy Sriramesh,ÌýKay Weaver
• Health Communication: Seow Ting Lee, Erin Willis,ÌýMia Wang
• Media Effects: Harsha Ganga,ÌýMia Wang,ÌýKay Weaver
• Media Ethics: Erin Schauster, Seow Ting Lee
• Moral Psychology: Erin Schauster
• Organizational Culture: Erin Schauster,ÌýKrishnamurthy Sriramesh
• Persuasion and Digital Media: Harsha Ganga, Erin Willis, Seow Ting Lee,ÌýJordan Morehouse,ÌýMia Wang
• Propaganda: Burton St. John III,ÌýKay Weaver
• Public Diplomacy: Krishnamurthy Sriramesh, Seow Ting Lee
• Social and Economic Effects of Advertising: Harsha Ganga
• Social and Media Analytics: Chris J. Vargo, Toby Hopp,ÌýBridget Barrett
• Strategic Public Relations Management: Krishnamurthy Sriramesh, Seow Ting Lee,ÌýJordan Morehouse,ÌýKay Weaver
• Strategic Communication for Social Change: Burton St. John III, Jolene Fisher,ÌýMia Wang,ÌýKay Weaver
• Sustainable Development and Communication: Krishnamurthy Sriramesh, Burton St. John III
• Technology and Advertising: Harsha Ganga,ÌýMia Wang,ÌýBridget Barrett
• Quantitative Methodology: Seow Ting Lee, Chris J. Vargo, Toby Hopp, Harsha Ganga, Kelty Logan,ÌýMia Wang
• Qualitative Methodology: Erin Schauster, Erin Willis, Jolene Fisher,ÌýJordan Morehouse,ÌýBridget Barrett,ÌýKay Weaver