In the Ph.D. in Mass Communications program, doctoral programs are unique to a student’s theoretical and research interests and are developed in consultation with the faculty advisor. Students must:

• Maintain a 3.5 cumulative GPA.
• Complete a 65-credit (minimum) curriculum assembled in consultation with a faculty advisor. Appropriate theory and methods courses from the master’s degree may be applied toward the 65-credit minimum if that work applies to the focus of the student’s doctoral program. At least 32 credits must be earned at UW–Madison.
• Acquire training in the responsible conduct of research.
• Obtain graduate committee approval of Ph.D. program proposal.
• Pass preliminary examinations. After completion of course work, command of the discipline is tested in a set of five preliminary examinations.
• Write a dissertation proposal. After successful completion of preliminary exams, students must write a proposal outlining dissertation research. The dissertation committee must approve the proposal.
• Successfully defend and deposit the dissertation.