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The Ph.D. in Mass Communication and Public Affairs is an innovative,
interdisciplinary program - the only one in the country to focus exclusively
on media and politics. The program produces graduates who excel in the
research, teaching and practice of public affairs communication and provides
experience in real-world strategic public affairs problems, mastery in
social science inquiry, and the effective communication of research results.
Campaign & Elections Magazine has noted that "This new doctoral
opportunity speaks volumes about the burgeoning profession of practical
politics and its increased specialization. It will make the school unique in
its ability to turn out professionals and scholars at the highest level."
The Ph.D. program's emphasis on mass
communication and public affairs is accomplished through required courses
and student choices of minor and/or other disciplines of study. Emphasis is
based on practical application of traditional studies of research and
theory. Students are encouraged to developed a research agenda and a record
of publications as part of their programs of study.
Admission
Procedures and Requirements
The Manship School
accepts Ph.D. applicants for the fall semester only. The school admits as
many as five full-time Ph.D. students and offers each a financial package of
at least $24,000 a year. Admission is highly competitive. Thus, compliance
with the minimum admission standards listed below does not guarantee
acceptance. Although the Manship School may consider applications received
after the deadline, applications must be received by January 25th to receive consideration for assistantships and fellowships. The
School will consider applications for part-time study, but applicants must
meet university and school admission requirements. ALL APPLICANTS must meet these
minimum admission standards:
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A master's degree from an accredited institution of higher
learning in a relevant course of study.
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A 3.0 undergraduate GPA and a 3.5 graduate GPA.
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A composite GRE score of 1000 on the combined verbal
and quantitative sections of the exam; a minimum score of 500 on the verbal
section of the exam. International students also must score at least 600
(213 on the computer-based exam) on the TOEFL examination.
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Applicants must fill out and submit the LSU Graduate School
application form, available online:
http://gradlsu.gs.lsu.edu/
All transcripts
and test scores must be sent to the LSU Graduate School. In addition to the
admission requirements above, the following must be sent to the Manship
School of Mass Communication:
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A letter in which the applicant describes his or her
objectives in pursuing the Ph.D. degree, career goals, and research
interests.
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A resume that provides a summary of the applicant's academic
and employment history, honors, publications (if any).
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Three letters of recommendation that attest to the applicant's
aptitude for study at the Ph.D. level. At least one must be from a College
or University Professor.
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Examples of professional and scholarly work also may be
submitted. An applicant whose scholastic average or GRE scores do not meet
the Manship requirement may be considered if the applicant presents evidence
of notable professional qualifications or outstanding undergraduate and/or
graduate academic work.
The materials
above and inquiries concerning the program, financial assistance, and
applications procedures should be addressed to Dr. Margaret DeFleur,
Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Research, The Manship School of Mass
Communication, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803-7202;
Phone: 225-578-0334; e-mail: defleur@lsu.edu
Requirements
For Ph.D. Degree
Note:
Students who
enter the program without a mass communication background may be required to
take MC 4111 (Mass Media Practices) and MC 4211 (Mass Media Principles) for
non-degree credit. Course credit for master's degree work may also be
counted toward the total number of hours required for the Ph.D. degree, with
the approval of the Associate Dean For Graduate Studies.
I.
Required Courses Within The School (58 hrs.)
MC 7000:
Pro-Seminar In Mass Communication and Public Affairs (1)
MC 7001: Research Methods in Mass Communication (3)
MC 7002: Mass Communication Philosophy and Principles (3)
MC 7005: Public Opinion and Public Affairs (3)
MC 7018: Legal Problems of the Mass Media (3)
MC 7019: Media Systems: Policy and Technology (3)
MC 7021: Mass Communication Theory (3)
MC 7036: Seminar in Media and Public Affairs Theory (3)
MC 7201: Advanced Research Methods in Mass Communication and Public
Affairs (3)
MC 7209: Public Communication Practices (3)
MC 7210: Public Communication Administration (3)
MC 8009: Public Affairs Service Externship (9)
MC 9000: Dissertation Research (18)
II. Mass
Communication Electives (12 hrs.)
III. Two
additional advanced statistics and methodology courses outside the School (6
hrs.)
IV. Four
courses concentrated in a single outside minor program or concentration of
four courses drawn from at least two support fields (12 hrs.)
Total Number
Hours Required For Degree: 88
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