Why choose UCSB?

Our world-class graduate training will prepare you to conduct socially relevant, theoretically motivated, and methodologically rigorous communication research. Students choose our program in order to work with our distinguished faculty and to be trained in cutting-edge theory and methods. Our strong commitment to mentorship and individualized advising, means we aim to have every student feel supported and productive.

What can I study?

Researchers in the department use a range of cutting-edge quantitative and qualitative approaches to advance the study of communication across contexts. Graduate students are trained in one or more core areas: Interpersonal & Intergroup Communication, Media & Digital Communication, and Organizational & Group Communication. Read more about our research…

What does the MA/PhD program entail?

Students can enter our program with or without an MA degree. Students entering without any previous graduate work complete the program in five years, earning a Master of Arts (MA) degree in the first two. Students with an MA from another university complete the Ph.D. degree in four years. Read more about our graduate program of study…

What can I do with my degree?

Students who earn a Ph.D. in our program pursue teaching and research careers in academic settings, and a range of careers in the private and public sectors. Our graduates have obtained faculty positions at such distinguished institutions as Cornell University; University of Wisconsin, Madison; The Ohio State University; University of Arizona; Indiana University; University of Texas, Austin; San Diego State University; Samford University; University of San Diego; and University of Southern California. Read more about our amazing alumni…