usc communication phd requirements

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Applying to Annenberg

Communication major admission standards, requirements and application.

• Journalism Major Admission Standards, Requirements And Application
• Public Relations Major Admission Standards, Requirements And Application

Communication Major Information And Requirements For Current Students 

The USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism offers programs of study leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication. Communication has become a highly prized commodity in modern society, for it is through communication that our social, economic and cultural lives are shaped — globally, daily and comprehensively. 

By design, the courses in the curriculum tend to cluster into different areas of study. These areas represent important foci in the communication discipline and are areas in which USC Annenberg’s faculty possess special expertise. Four such areas of study are described below. They are not mutually exclusive, nor do they exhaust the curriculum; rather, they represent partially overlapping areas of extraordinary depth. Students may specialize in one of these areas or may design individual programs of study by choosing combinations of electives that best meet their needs and career objectives. 

Media, Law and Politics 

Designed for students who are interested in careers in government and public service, the law, and political and legal consulting. Students examine communication processes in the public sphere and learn how to participate competently in these practices. 

Communication and Culture 

Designed for students whose careers have an international or multicultural dimension, from those interested in foreign service, travel and consulting to those seeking careers in the arts. 

Entertainment, Communication and Society 

This major track is attractive to students who wish to pursue careers in the entertainment industry, as well as students interested in the relationship of communication and entertainment to popular culture, globalization, cultural studies, marketing, advertising and ethics. Students choosing this option will be well prepared for graduate study and will also be able to enter the entertainment industry with grounding in the theory, roles, issues and effects of entertainment. 

Organizational and Interpersonal Communication 

This option is most relevant to students interested in careers in business, management, human resources and development, corporate communications and consulting. 

Major Requirements

Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 overall GPA in their upper-division courses. No more than 16 upper division communication elective units may be taken prior to completion of the entire theory and Annenberg experience classes. 

Students who have not been admitted to the communication major or one of the minors may complete a maximum of 20 communication units at USC. No further communication courses may be taken until the student is admitted. 

For more information regarding major requirements for the Annenberg School for Communication, please click here  or visit the  USC Catalogue . 

Bachelor of Arts in Communication  (48 units) 

Theoretical and Foundational Classes (12 units total): 

Communication Interaction, Influence and Impact (4 units) COMM 200 – Communication and Social Science     OR  COMM 313  – Communication and Mass Media [Duplicates credit in COMM 203]  Communication, Civic Life, and Culture (4 units) COMM 206  – ​Communication and Culture     OR  COMM 311  – Communication and Publics Economics and Technologies of Communication (4 units) COMM 209  – Communication and Media Economics [Duplicates credit in COMM 207 and 208]     OR  COMM 309  – Communication and Technology [Duplicates credit in COMM 202] Methods of Communication Practice (8 units total): COMM 204  – Public Speaking     OR  COMM 322  – Argumentation and Advocacy     AND  COMM 301Lg  – Empirical Research in Communication     OR   COMM 305  – Understanding Social Science Research  Annenberg Experience (4 units): ASCJ 200  – Navigating Media and News in the Digital Age         OR  ASCJ 210  – Contours of Change in Media and Communication  Electives:

• Upper division COMM courses (16 units)
• Lower or upper division COMM or ASCJ courses (4 units, excluding ASCJ 100x,ASCJ 220x and COMM 205x) 
• One 400-level non-cross-listed COMM course (4 units, excluding COMM 490, COMM 494, and COMM 499) 

Learn More About Our:

USC Annenberg faculty members are among the top scholars and professionals in their fields. They include renowned researchers, Pulitzer Prize and Emmy Award-winning journalists, and leaders in fields including law, education, publishing, government, advertising and public relations. Students at USC Annenberg learn from the best and graduate with a range of experiences and contacts that will be of great value throughout their careers. 

Academic Advisement

All undergraduate communication majors are required to meet with a USC Annenberg undergraduate adviser each semester to review degree requirements and plan their communication major progress. Students must use their USC email accounts to receive advisement and academic information. 

USC Annenberg Career Development

The USC Annenberg Career Development Office provides internship and job listings, job fairs, résumé and career workshops, and one-on-one counseling to aid both students and alumni in their search for a fulfilling career.

USC Annenberg Connects

Annenberg Connects engages the local community to strengthen current programs and identifies potential new opportunities for partnerships while working with our faculty, staff, and students to build curricular programming that incorporates and promotes civic and community engagement.

USC Annenberg International Programs

USC Annenberg sponsors international undergraduate study abroad programs and graduate internship programs in exciting cities around the globe. Each of the programs provides students with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain international experience in their chosen field of study. 

USC Annenberg has many professional and social organizations that contribute to USC's 800+ student organizations, which are responsible for the majority of programs and events held on campus, including concerts, lectures, special events, spirit rallies, cultural and social events, and conferences.

Admission Standards and Application Requirements 

Admission Standards

To be eligible to apply, current USC students must have: 

• Completed 16 units at USC. 
• 2.5 USC GPA recommended.

Application Requirements

The documents below are required.  Incomplete applications will not be considered.

• Completed  Communication Major online application  for current USC students only.
• Statement of Intent: A statement of intent is required for students who have below a 2.5 USC GPA. This should be a one-page essay on any pertinent information that may have affected your academic performance. Limit 500-600 words.

For more information about the School of Communication or the application process, please contact USC Annenberg Student Services at (213) 740-0900 or [email protected] . Information sessions are throughout the fall and spring semesters for students who plan to apply to the School of Communication.  Click  here  to RSVP for an information session.

NOTE:  The Admission Committee will review students’ academic records (transcripts and transfer credit statements) on the university system. Students accepted to the Communication major will be admitted to the semester in which they apply. 

Application Availability, Deadline and Notification Deadlines 

It is recommended that students interested in applying to the Communication major apply during their sophomore year. 

Fall applications are made available on July 1.

• Fall applications are due by 4:30 p.m. on the first Friday of the fall semester (in August).
• Fall applicants will be notified on the fourth Friday of the fall semester (in September).

Spring applications are made available on December 1.

• Spring applications are due by 4:30 p.m. on the first Friday of the spring semester (in January).
• Spring applicants will be notified on the fourth Friday of the spring semester (in February).

Summer applications are made available on April 1.

• Summer applications are due by 4:30 p.m. on the first Friday after commencement (in May).
• Summer applicants will be notified two weeks after the deadline (in June).

Please reference the academic calendar on the schedule of classes for specific dates relating to each semester.

Late applications will not be considered. 

Questions? Contact  [email protected]

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Suggested search, ph.d. program overview.

The Political Science and International Relations (POIR) Ph.D. program began in 2003 and is part of the POIR Department. POIR is a medium-size Ph.D. program with approximately 60 students currently enrolled across all years. The POIR faculty have expertise in the fields of American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and research methods. Ph.D. students train in three of these areas, with most students emphasizing American politics, comparative politics, or international relations as their first field. Each incoming POIR cohort is approximately 8-12 students in size. Students take courses their first two-three years; take their qualifying exams in their third year; and write and complete their dissertations in years three, four, and five.

Learning Objectives

The Political Science and International Relations Ph.D. program provides a well-structured and suitable education and training that reflects the current state of the disciplines and offers a breadth and flexibility rarely found in separate political science and international relations programs. Through effective and student-centered mentoring, research and teaching assistantships, professionalization workshops, and collaborative support for conference participation and publishing, POIR students train to be leading scholars who are competitive in both the academic and non-academic job markets.

Students will demonstrate mastery in critically applying knowledge and methodologies to address fundamental questions in the fields of American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and/or methods, as evidenced by their academic performance in the programs curricular requirements and the qualifying examinations.   Students will gain, practice and evaluate their skills in various quantitative and qualitative methods of analysis to conduct scholarly research consistent with the highest standards of the discipline as evidenced by their academic performance in the core and advanced methodology courses, the acceptance of their dissertation proposal, participation in the POIR Math Bootcamp, and/or completion of the POIR Methods field.

Qualifying Exams

Students will be able to demonstrate mastery in recognizing, assessing and synthesizing the existing literature and research in the fields of political science and international relations as evidenced by students’ academic performance in the program’s core courses and the comprehensive examinations.

Research & Dissertation

Students will gain the intellectual independence and skills to conduct research that results in an original contribution to knowledge as evidenced by the extent of students participating at major conferences, the degree of students with peer-reviewed publications and grant applications, and the completion of their dissertations.

Students will demonstrate a mastery of pedagogical skills and knowledge at a level required for college and university undergraduate teaching in their discipline as evidenced by their academic performance in the teaching practicum seminar, the quality of students’ teaching evaluations, and student participation in POIR and campus wide teaching workshops and trainings.

Professionalization

Students will gain and demonstrate scholarly communication skills adequate to publish, prepare grant proposals and present work not only in the fields of political science and/or international relations, but also across disciplines and diverse audiences as evidenced by the quality of their course papers and presentations, their participation at professional conferences and other research colloquia in various disciplines.   Students will develop the professional skills needed in their intended career placement as evidenced by their level of professionalism in the program, their participation in professionalization activities and training, the quality of their faculty mentorships, and the completion of the placement support group requirements.

Program Concentrations

Pursue your specialized area of study and research within Political Science and International Relations

American Politics

Comparative politics, international relations, methods and research tools, director of graduate studies.

David Kang [email protected]

Graduate Program Administrator and Advisor

Danielle De Rosa Ballard [email protected] DMC 214A

Graduate Program Assistant

Karin Amundsen [email protected] DMC 214B

Graduate Student Association

Miguel Hijar Chiapa, Co-President Melissa Watanabe, Co-President José Alcocer, Treasurer José Múzquiz, Senator Stephen Schick, Communications Director

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How-To Videos

The following videos will guide you through usc’s graduate application, show you how to apply for fee waivers, enter your academic information and submit test scores., navigating your usc graduate application.

This video introduces prospective students to USC’s online application system, providing an overview of its different quadrants. Applicants are providing useful guidelines on how to register an account, select programs and complete each segment of the application.

The USC Graduate Application: Fee Waivers

This presentation provides step-by-step directions to request application fee waivers for graduate programs at USC.

The USC Graduate Application: Entering Your Academic History

This presentation provides prospective applicants with important guidelines in order to complete the academic history quadrant on USC’s online application.

The USC Graduate Application: Entering Your GPA

This presentation provides prospective applicants with useful tips in order to enter their cumulative GPA within the academic history quadrant on USC’s online application.

The USC Graduate Application: Entering Your Standardized Test Scores

This presentation provides prospective applicants with useful tips to enter test scores (e.g. GRE and GMAT) on USC’s online application as well as our policies on score validity and receipt.

How to Apply: Doctoral (PhD) Programs

Register for an upcoming webinar to learn more about the doctoral program at USC Viterbi

Explore the options below to learn more about:

Application deadline, materials requirement, application steps, application video tips, doctoral program application deadline, doctoral program application material requirements.

• Bachelor's degree of equivalent in engineering, math or hard science
• Official Academic Transcripts
• Personal Statement
• 3 Letters of Recommendation
• Demonstrated Research Ability & Experience
• GRE Required: Astronautical Engineering (ASTE), Industrial & Systems Engineering (ISE)
• GRE Not Required: All Viterbi School PhD programs except ASTE and ISE
• English Proficiency scores (International Applicants only)*

Doctoral Program Application Steps

Start the Application for Graduate Admission ($90 application fee)

TRANSCRIPTS: Upload  Electronic  Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. A mailed hard copy or official e-transcript is not required for admission to our programs. These instructions apply only to applicants to the master's and Ph.D. programs of the Viterbi School of Engineering

• Submit an electronic copy of official transcripts (.pdf recommended) and other degree related documents through the online graduate application (International applicants, visit USC Graduate Admission’s  Country Requirements  page for details on required documents)
• Unofficial transcripts from university student portals are not acceptable
• If the transcript includes a separate grading scale, make sure it is also uploaded
• For upload purposes, all transcript-related documents for a single school must be submitted as one document
• If you are admitted, you will be given specific instructions on submitting your hard copy transcripts

Submit the following materials through the online application system:

• PERSONAL STATEMENT
• LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION (3 required) from faculty members with direct knowledge of your research abilities. Recommenders included in the online application will be contacted by email. Your application may be submitted before letters of recommendation are received. The recommender module is separate.

International Students should also submit the following:

• A Photocopy of the first two pages of your passport
• A report of your scores on the TOEFL/IELTS sent electronically by the testing agency to USC. Please review USC's English Proficiency Criteria
• Applicants that have earned a previous degree at USC are exempt from the English Proficiency Requirement and do not need to submit TOEFL/IELTS scores and watch the English Proficiency Requirement for International Students video
• Required official copies of materials from non-U.S. schools vary from country to country. Please see Admission Requirement by Country .

Please complete the Contact Us form.

USC Graduate Application Videos

Navigating the USC Graduate Application

Entering your Academic history

Entering your GPA

Entering your standardized test scores

Published on July 18th, 2017

Last updated on April 25th, 2024

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Fully Funded PhD in Communication at University of Southern California

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The USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, situated in Los Angeles, California, provides an outstanding opportunity for aspiring scholars through its fully funded Ph.D. program in Communication. This program, designed to foster interdisciplinary research, focuses on humanistic and behavioral approaches to communication.

PhD Program Requirements

To be eligible for admission, prospective candidates should possess a strong academic background and a keen interest in advancing the field of communication through rigorous research. A master’s degree in a related field is typically required, and applicants are evaluated based on their academic achievements.

PhD Funding Coverage

The USC Annenberg School of Communication is committed to providing comprehensive financial support to all doctoral students. Admitted students receive funding for up to five years, subject to satisfactory academic progress. The funding package includes:

Tuition Coverage: Up to 12 units of tuition per semester, allowing students to focus on their studies without the financial burden of tuition expenses.

Health Care Fees: Full payment of all required health care fees, ensuring students have access to essential healthcare services.

Stipend: A generous monthly stipend totaling $34,000 annually, providing financial support for living expenses and research-related costs.

Application Requirement

The admission application package should include the following components:

Academic Transcripts: Transcripts from all previous academic institutions attended.

Letters of Recommendation: Strong letters of recommendation from academic or professional references who can attest to the candidate’s research potential.

Statement of Purpose: A well-articulated statement outlining the candidate’s research interests, academic and professional background, and reasons for pursuing a Ph.D. in Communication at USC Annenberg.

Curriculum Vitae (CV): A comprehensive CV detailing the candidate’s academic and professional experiences.

Writing Sample: A sample of the candidate’s scholarly writing, demonstrating their ability to engage in academic discourse.

Application Deadline

December 1, 2024

Application Fee

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PhD Admissions

The USC Marshall School of Business fosters an entrepreneurial and global mindset across all disciplines, and this thought-leadership starts in our faculty and student research. Our PhD Program is dedicated to developing researchers who will become innovators as faculty at business schools throughout the world.

A desire to lead through research, academic potential, and personal discipline are the qualities it takes to succeed as a Marshall PhD student. The new students we enroll each year embody this spirit.

This section of our website is dedicated to finding the next generation of Marshall PhD students. Review the admissions information carefully and prepare an application that best expresses your academic abilities, research interests, and future goals.

Thank you for your interest in the USC Marshall PhD Program. We look forward to receiving your application.

Gizem Ceylan PhD '22, Marketing Postdoctoral Researcher, Yale School of Management

Application Timeline

December 15, 2023 : Application Deadline – Accounting, Data Sciences & Operations, and Management & Organization

January 15, 2024: Application Deadline - Finance & Business Economics and Marketing

* Although the Marshall PhD Program application is open until January 15th, the Accounting, Data Sciences & Operations, and Management & Organization programs application deadline is December 15th.

You can submit your application up until 11:59 PM PST on the deadline date. Ensure you allow for time to complete the required payment section. You must click Submit and complete the final payment information before the deadline in order to guarantee your submission is accepted.

Special Notes:

• All applicants will select the Marshall PhD Program Application (495).
• Please refer to final section of the Marshall PhD Program Application to specify the program (accounting, finance, management, marketing, operations, or statistics) you would like to pursue.
• INFO SESSIONS

Application Requirements

- Completion of Bachelor’s Degree - Transcripts - GRE or GMAT scores - IELTS or TOEFL scores (international applicants) - Statement of Purpose - Resume/CV - Three Letters of Recommendation - Passport - Application Fee ($90)

All required application materials (below) must be submitted. In the online application system, you will be required to fill out four sections. Please refer to the following four sections (Personal Information, Academic History, Supporting Information, and Program Materials) in which to submit your documents. Please refer to Program Materials section of the Marshall PhD Program Application to specify the program (accounting, finance, management, marketing, operations, or statistics) you would like to pursue. Under the questions on the program materials section, you will identify your program track of interest.

Inputting unofficial (student) score reports via the online application system is a requirement to complete the Marshall PhD application. We know that you may have requested official score reports be sent to USC when you took your exams, but, unfortunately, these records are not immediately available to the Marshall PhD program. Even if you have requested official score reports to be sent to USC, you still need to input the unofficial (student) score report to the online system to ensure timely review of your application. Official test score reports will be requested of applicants who proceed to Round 2 of applications review. Round 2 decisions are sent in mid- to late-February.

If any requirements change, further information will be posted on this page.

Academic History

• Completion of Bachelor's Degree or the Equivalent by Term of Admittance: Applicants must have completed or expect to complete a four-year bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) by the beginning of the Fall 2023 semester with the equivalent of a 3.0 GPA (B average) on the U.S. 4.0 scale. For international applicants, specific equivalencies by country are available on the USC Graduate School website.
• Transcripts (unofficial copies of ALL transcripts must be uploaded): Uploading unofficial transcripts via the online application system is a requirement to complete the Marshall PhD application. Please do not upload protected PDF copies of the transcript to the online application system. Official transcripts may be requested of applicants who proceed to Round 2 of applications review. Round 2 decisions are sent in mid- to late-February. Please refer to the Graduate Admission site for more information on transcripts and submission of official transcripts .
• GRE or GMAT scores (valid scores must be submitted; no exceptions):
• GRE and GMAT should be taken within 5 years from the date of the intended date of enrollment. Your scores are considered valid only if earned within five years to the month of your intended first term at USC. (For example, no earlier than August 1 five years prior if applying for the fall term). USC’s ETS school code is 4852. No department code is required

IELTS or TOEFL scores (for international students ONLY; valid scores must be submitted; no exceptions). Fall 2024, the TOEFL must be taken after August 1, 2022. For additional information for the Fall 2024 admission, please refer check here .

To determine if USC requires TOEFL/IELTS scores for a country, please check here .

Exceptions: International applicants are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement only under the circumstances noted here .

For additional more information on the English Proficiency requirements, please refer to the Graduate Admission Frequently Asked Questions.

As a reminder, inputting unofficial (student) score reports via the online application system is a requirement to complete the Marshall Ph.D. application.

Personal Information

In this section of the online application, you will be required to provide your personal information such as First and Last (Family) Name, Date of Birth, Gender, Phone Number, Email Address, Mailing Address, etc.

Supporting Information

• Passport Copy (for international students ONLY)

Program Materials

• Three Letters of Recommendation: Letters of recommendations are submitted via the online application system. In the online application, you will submit the names and email addresses of three recommenders. The system will send them an email that provides instructions on how to submit the recommendation letter on your behalf. The admissions committee prefers recommendations from academics familiar with your scholastic and research capabilities; those from faculty members with whom you have worked in a research capacity are particularly valued.
• Personal Statement: Please upload a personal statement addressing the following two prompts:

1) Statement of Purpose: Please describe why you wish to pursue a PhD degree in Business Administration in your chosen field of specialization. Please also explain why you believe that the Marshall School of Business would be a good fit for you. 2) Research Experience/Interest: Please describe any significant academic research experience you have had, if any. Indicate who you worked with, the topic you studied, the skills you developed, activities you engaged in and the output from the project (e.g., conference paper, publication, etc.). You can also describe your research interest as well.

If desired, you can upload additional documents pertaining to your research experience. For example, if your previous research experience culminated in a conference paper or journal publication, you can upload it under "Optional Documents" below. Again, this is not required.

Financial Support

The USC Marshall School of Business provides full financial support to PhD students for five years in the form of a fellowship or assistantship. After a student has advanced to candidacy (typically in the third year), the student becomes eligible for additional research awards.

Fellowships & Graduate Assistantships

All applicants who apply by the deadline(s) are automatically considered for competitive fellowships each year. Accepted students receive a package that includes a full tuition waiver, generous stipend, individual health and dental insurance, and coverage of mandatory student health center fees. The total financial support provided is approximately $100,000-110,000K per year, depending on a student's course-load.

Fellowship recipients are guaranteed funding through either the continuation of the fellowship or through an assistantship for five years provided they maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Outside Funding

Occasionally a student brings outside funding to replace or supplement the funding from the USC Marshall School of Business. Examples of outside funding sources include the foreign governments and the National Science Foundation program. Such funding is acceptable, but applicants should understand that funding source is not considered in the evaluation process. We accept only the top applicants regardless of the source of funding.

Research Support & Awards

Marshall Ph.D. students are provided with a discretionary account for teaching and research activities. The annual funding increases as the student progresses in the program into more research activities in the later years.

After advancing to candidacy, students become eligible for competitive research awards open exclusively to USC Marshall Ph.D. students. Past awards have been sponsored by the Ford Foundation, USC Marshall Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurship and other awards sponsored by Marshall or the USC Graduate School.

2021 Class Profile

Total Number of Applications: 663

Number of Students Enrolled: 15

Mean GMAT: 98.50 Percentile

Mean GRE: Q79.89 Percentile

Mean GRE V: 85.44 Percentile

Mean Age: 25

Age Range: 21-38

Percent Women: 40%

Percent International: 53%

Percent with Prior Graduate Degree: 47%

Prospective students often wonder how they measure up to our past admitted students. Please refer to the snapshot for the incoming, Fall 2021, cohort for reference.

We caution applicants who review these profiles that they are raw means and actual values vary widely between individuals and among applicant pools. The admissions committee reviews all aspects of a students' application, such as academic preparation, letters of recommendation, and statements of purpose. A low ranking in individual criteria will not necessarily preclude a candidate who is otherwise qualified.

At USC Marshall, we believe that successful solutions to business problems depend on having access to the widest range of ideas, opinions, and experiences. By cultivating a diverse pool of Ph.D. students, we are helping redefine the academic business community of the 21st century.

The PhD Project

The PhD Project. Since 1994, the PhD Project has more than tripled the number of minority business school professors, who inspire a new generation of business professionals. Participation is available to anyone of African American, Hispanic American, and Native American descent interested in business doctoral studies. USC Marshall currently has three PhD Project scholars, Courtney (Alexis) Keys ,  Jacob Roberson , and Calvin Wright . We actively recruits at the annual PhD Project conference. Learn more and apply to the conference: http://www.phdproject.org/

STAY CONNECTED

Ph.D. Program Marshall School of Business University of Southern California 3670 Trousdale Parkway, BRI 306 Los Angeles, California 90089-0809

Students in the doctoral program learn theories that guide research into communication processes and effects and into institutions and technologies that lend pattern to communication. Applicants for the PhD are expected to acquire and demonstrate humanistic and behavioral knowledge of communication while acquiring skills requisite to scholarly research in the discipline.

Screening Procedures

Student progress is carefully monitored by the School of Communication faculty. Students are normally screened at the end of their first year of graduate study. At that time they must have completed no fewer than 16 and no more than 24 units, including COMM 525   , COMM 526   , COMM 550    and COMM 552   . Students are evaluated on subject matter competence, teaching potential and their ability to conduct independent research. Upon successful passage of the screening procedure, the student has 30 days in which to form a qualifying exam committee.

Course Requirements

The student is required to take a minimum of 72 units and write an approved dissertation.

Four core courses

• COMM 525x Humanistic and Social Scientific Approaches to Human Communication I Units: 4
• COMM 526x Humanistic and Social Scientific Approaches to Human Communication II Units: 4
• COMM 550 Quantitative Research Methods in Communication Units: 4
• COMM 552 Qualitative Research Methods in Communication Units: 4

And Doctoral Dissertation

• COMM 794a Doctoral Dissertation Units: 2 are required for all students
• COMM 794b Doctoral Dissertation Units: 2 are required for all students

Students specialize in one of seven tracks by completing a minimum of three courses (12 units) in one of the following:

(1) rhetoric, politics and publics:.

• COMM 509x Classical Rhetorical Theory Units: 4
• COMM 511x Contemporary Rhetorical Theory Units: 4
• COMM 512x Rhetorical Criticism Units: 4
• COMM 513x Neoclassical Rhetorical Theory Units: 4
• COMM 514x Social Movements as Rhetorical Form Units: 4
• COMM 515x Postmodern Rhetorical Theory Units: 4
• COMM 517x Rhetorical Theory and Culture Units: 4
• COMM 518x American Public Address Units: 4
• COMM 520 The Rhetoric of the Presidential Campaign Trail Units: 4
• COMM 521x Argumentation Units: 4
• COMM 522x Kenneth Burke’s Dramatistic Theory Units: 4
• COMM 573 Networked Publics: Theories and Encounters Units: 4
• COMM 576 Civic Media and Participatory Politics Units: 4
• COMM 580 Media and Politics Units: 4

(2) Media, Culture and Community:

• CMGT 587 Audience Analysis Units: 4
• COMM 516x Feminist Theory and Communication Units: 4
• COMM 519x Cultural Studies in Communication Units: 4
• COMM 564 Communication, Culture and Capitalism Units: 4
• COMM 575 Advocacy and Social Change in Entertainment and the Media Units: 4
• COMM 605 Advanced Macro Theories of Communication Units: 4
• COMM 618 Mass Media Effects Units: 4
• COMM 629 Global Culture Units: 4
• COMM 653 Research, Practice and Social Change Units: 4
• COMM 654 Art, Artists and Society Units: 4
• COMM 655 Studies in Sound, Music and Communication Units: 4
• COMM 656 Theorizing Race, Culture, Cross-Cultural Exchange Units: 4
• COMM 662 Video Games Research Units: 4
• COMM 672 Experiments in Critical Writing Units: 4

(3) Health Communication and Social Dynamics:

• CMGT 581 Media in Social Services: Design and Evaluation of Campaigns Units: 4
• CMGT 583 Social Marketing and Entertainment Education Units: 4
• CMGT 588 Global Storytelling: The Power of Narrative Units: 4
• COMM 554 Regression and Multivariate Communication Research Units: 4
• COMM 602 Seminar in Persuasion Units: 4
• COMM 611 Communication Technology and Healthcare Units: 4
• COMM 612 Designing Health Communication Interventions Units: 4
• COMM 613 Grant Writing in Communication Units: 4
• COMM 614 Computational Approaches in Health Communication Units: 4
• COMM 615 Health Communication Units: 4
• COMM 616 Meta-Analysis in Health Communication Units: 4
• COMM 650 Survey Construction and Validation Units: 4
• COMM 651 Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Designs Units: 4

(4) Groups, Organizations and Networks:

• COMM 508x Power, Politics and Conflict in Communication Units: 4
• COMM 524x Small Group Process Units: 4
• COMM 585x Organizational Communication Units: 4
• COMM 635 Economics of Information Units: 4
• COMM 636 Interpretive and Cultural Approaches in Organizational Communication Units: 4
• COMM 637 Current Readings in Organizational Communication Units: 4
• COMM 638 Global, International and Intercultural Communication in Organizations Units: 4
• COMM 640 Communication and Organizational Change Units: 4
• COMM 641 Organizations and Communication Technologies Units: 4
• COMM 645 Communication Networks Units: 4
• COMM 648 Online Communities and Networks Units: 4
• COMM 652 Ethnographic Field Research in Communication Units: 4

(5) Political Economy of Global Communication:

• COMM 546 The Political Economy of Innovation Units: 4
• COMM 553 Global Internet Governance Units: 4
• COMM 559 Globalization, Communication and Society Units: 4
• COMM 560 Global Media and Communication in China and Asia Units: 4
• COMM 561 Leading and Communicating Change in Global Organizations Units: 4
• COMM 567 The Political Economy of Privacy and Cybersecurity Units: 4
• COMM 570 Economics of the Communication Industries Units: 4
• COMM 582 Information and Communication Technology for Development Units: 4
• COMM 630 Communication Technology and Social Change Units: 4
• COMM 647x Network Society Units: 4
• PUBD 504 Global Issues and Public Diplomacy Units: 4
• PUBD 510 Technologies and Public Diplomacy Units: 4
• PUBD 515 Transnational Diplomacy and Global Security Units: 4
• PUBD 516 International Broadcasting Units: 4
• PUBD 522 Hard Power, Soft Power and Smart Power Units: 4

(6) Information, Political Economy and Entertainment:

• CMGT 582 International Communication: National Development Units: 4
• COMM 563 Black Popular Culture: Theory and Central Debates Units: 4
• COMM 566 Using Theory to Craft Policies to Affect Change Units: 4
• COMM 660 Entertainment and Games Units: 4
• COMM 670 Economic Cultures Units: 4

(7) New Media and Technology:

• CMGT 530 Social Dynamics of Communication Technologies Units: 4
• CMGT 531 Communication and the International Economy Units: 4
• CMGT 537 The Industry, Science and Culture of Video Games Units: 4
• COMM 572 Theories of Computer-Mediated Communication Units: 4
• COMM 577 Fandom, Participatory Culture and Web 2.0 Units: 4
• COMM 578 New Media Literacies Units: 4

Additional Requirements

In addition, students must take at least two courses in one other track outside their specialization (8 units total).

Students also pursue an approved cognate program of study in which at least 8 units (normally two courses) are taken in a related field outside Communication.

Students entering the School of Communication with a master’s degree may, with approval, apply part of their previous graduate course work toward the PhD degree.

Students will develop methodological abilities through coursework, collaboration with faculty advisers and mentors, work with Annenberg research groups and centers, and individual and group research projects.

Qualifying Exam Committee

This committee is composed of five faculty members, at least three of whom have appointments in the School of Communication. Students are expected to work closely with the members of their qualifying exam committee in selecting advanced course work and shaping areas of interest and research. In addition to helping the student plan a program, the committee administers the qualifying examination.

Qualifying Examination

Qualifying examinations for the PhD usually are taken near the end of the third year of study following completion of all required courses. The examination includes both written and oral portions. The student’s qualifying exam committee composes the questions for the written portion of the exam and administers the oral defense. Students must pass both portions to advance to candidacy.

Doctoral Dissertation

The dissertation is an original research project contributing to knowledge about human communication and should demonstrate a high level of competence in methodologies of scholarly inquiry.

Doctoral Dissertation Committee

This committee is composed of at least three and no more than five faculty members. A majority of the committee must have an appointment in the School of Communication.

Defense of Dissertation

Dissertations are defended in a formal meeting with the dissertation committee prior to submission of the final manuscript to the Graduate School.

• PhD Program Requirements
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• Is a Career in the Pharmaceutical and Translational Sciences Right for Me?
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All students admitted through the Pharmaceutical & Translational Sciences (PHTS) Program will take a set of foundation core courses in addition to courses specific to each track. Students must complete all core courses (foundation and track-specific) before advancing to candidacy.

Program Learning Objectives

The Program Learning Objectives for the Pharmaceutical & Translational Sciences (PHTS) Program are available  here .

Unit/Course Requirements

A minimum of 60 units of graduate course credits is required for the Ph.D., including course work, and research and dissertation units. At least 24 units of formal course work are required at the 500 level or above (see Course Offerings below), exclusive of directed research. No more than 8 units of 794 Doctoral Dissertation may be applied toward the Ph.D. degree. Students must complete the first year PHTS foundation curriculum as well as course requirements for their specific Ph.D. program track. Additional course work relevant to the research interests of the student may be required by the student’s guidance committee or by the student’s faculty adviser. A minimum of 12 of the 24 units is to be taken in courses in the student’s chosen track. Of the total 60 units, 36 units may be fulfilled with other courses, directed research and dissertation.

Student Teaching

Teaching experience is considered an integral part of the training of graduate students. Thus, each Ph.D. student is given the opportunity to participate in the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) teaching program of the school. Most students will be supported as teaching assistants during their first two years in the PhD program.

Graduate Seminar

All first-year PhD candidate students are required to attend departmental and other scheduled School-wide seminars. Students who have passed their qualifying exam are required to present at least one departmental seminar per year.

Qualifying Examination

Students will be required to pass a qualifying exam by the end of the 1st semester of their third academic year in the program. Before permission is granted to sit for the qualifying examination, all students must complete the 24 required units as stated above, with no grades lower than “C” and with an overall GPA of 3.0 or better. Final evaluation of the examination is determined by a consensus of the guidance committee. If a student fails, it is at the discretion of the committee to allow the student to repeat the examination within 60 days. The program has the option to dismiss the student from the program with or without the option of a terminal masters degree after the first or second failure.

Individual Development Plan (IDP)

All PhD students regardless of their chosen tracks/PhD programs are required to complete an Individual Development Plan (IDP) and a Curriculum Vitae annually at the end of each year of matriculation. IDPs are intended to serve as a tool to facilitate communication between trainees and their advisors. The student will meet with his/her advisor and IDP committee to systematically identify training needs and competencies, establish goals and take stock of year‐by‐year progress during the PhD years; and to plan and prepare for their post‐PhD future while they are in graduate school. The IDP committee is comprised of the student’s primary advisor (or Program Chair if the student does not yet have an advisor at the end of the first year) along with two other members from the student’s qualifying or dissertation committee (see below), with the option of substituting one of the committee members with a professional from the student’s career of interest.

Thesis/Dissertation

Each student must satisfactorily complete a thesis/dissertation, based on an original investigation, under the direct supervision of a faculty member. Presentation and oral defense of an acceptable dissertation is required for PhD candidates.

PHTS Foundation Core Curriculum

All students in the Pharmaceutical & Translational Sciences (PHTS) program are strongly urged to take a foundation core of classes and seminars (total 24 units). These courses are designed to introduce students to various areas of pharmacology, pharmaceutical sciences, mechanisms of disease, drug development and disease, a broad range of pharmaceutical sciences research methods, and to build a solid foundation in scientific writing, biostatistics, literature evaluation, and ethical conduct in research. The core courses for all students, regardless of track, include:

• MPTX 502 – Pharmacology (4 units, Fall)
• PSCI 556 – Principal Research Approaches and Scientific Writing (4 units, Fall)
• INTD 500 – Ethics and Accountability in Biomedical Research (or equivalent course that satisfies NIH RCR requirements) (1 unit, Summer)
• PM 510L* – Principles of Biostatistics (or equivalent course) (4 units, Spring)
• MPTX 500 – Cell Signaling/Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology I (4 units, Spring or Fall),
• PSCI 665 – Drug Transport and Delivery (4 units, Spring)
• CXPT 609 – Preclinical Experimental Therapeutic Drug Development) (4 units, Spring or Fall)

Additional Course Offerings:

Graduate students are expected to possess knowledge in various areas of pharmacology, pharmaceutical sciences, mechanisms of disease, drug development and efficacy. To reach the required 24 units of course work, the student can take more than one of the track courses, and any of the approved courses listed below, as well as other individualized program selected offerings approved by PHTS and the student’s adviser.

• CXPT 610 Experimental and Clinical Drug Metabolism and Transport
• CXPT/PHRD 664 Clinical Problem Solving
• MPTX 510 Topics in Pharmacology: The Other Side of Drugs
• MPTX 517 Clinical Trial Design (* cross-list with CXPT)
• MPTX 520 Toxicology and the Media
• PSCI 501 Drugs: Principles of ADME and Bioavailability
• PSCI 502 Drugs: Principles of Therapeutic Mechanisms
• PSCI 515 Drugs: Genetics and Pharmacogenetics
• PSCI 557 Methods in Chemical Biology
• PSCI 599 Computational Drug Design
• PSCI 599 Medical Marijuana and Other Legal Plant Medicines
• PSCI 655 Immunopharmaceutics
• PSCI 662 Advanced Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics
• PSCI 667 Intracellular Drug Delivery and Targeting
• RSCI 533 Safety Evaluation during Drug Development
• RSCI 603 Managing Complex Projects

The following are graduate courses offered for the Health Sciences Campus as “campus-wide” general courses. Any of these courses can be taken with approval of the student’s adviser and applied towards the 24 units of required coursework.

• INTD 500 Ethics and Accountability in Biomedical Research
• INTD 504 Molecular Biology of Cancer
• INTD 531 Cell Biology
• INTD 549 Protein Chemistry – Structure and Function
• INTD 561 Molecular Biology
• INTD 572 Systems Physiology and Disease
• PATH 575 Frontiers of Pathology

Course Catalogue

For Pharmaceutical Sciences (PSCI) and Molecular Pharmacology & Toxicology (MPTX) and Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics (CXPT) courses, see the  School of Pharmacy courses of instruction.

For Interdepartmental (INTD) and Physiology and Biophysics (PHBI) courses, see  Keck School of Medicine catalogue.

USC Course Catalogue

Schedule of Classes

For course availability for the current year see the  Schedule of Classes .

The 117th USC Mann Commencement | Saturday, May 11, 2024