Mass Media and Communication Doctoral Program
About MM&C
About MM&C: An Overview
Temple University's doctoral program in Mass Media & Communication (MM&C) offers a comprehensive curriculum in communication theory and research designed to provide advanced students with the breadth and depth of knowledge they'll need to make significant contributions in the field of mediated communication, and communication generally.
In addition to providing a foundational background in communication theory and research methodology, the curriculum is built around topics in areas that include:
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International communication
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New media
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Communication and gender studies
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Communication history
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Media institutions
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Psychological processing of media
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Communication and social change
Other topics of study are listed on the Faculty page.
MM&C students may also complete a limited amount of production coursework in audio, video, film and/or journalism.
Each Ph.D. student is mentored through an individualized course of study by a member of the MM&C faculty in one or a combination of areas of study. Preliminary examinations are tailored individually to each student's research program, and there are typically ample opportunities for students to participate in research and publication projects with individual faculty members. Because several departments in Temple's School of Communications and Theater (SCT) contribute faculty and other resources to MM&C, there are also ample opportunities for qualified MM&C students to obtain experience in undergraduate teaching.
The Ph.D. requires a minimum of 72 graduate semester hours beyond the B.A., the successful completion of preliminary examinations, and the doctoral dissertation. The program is designed to take approximately 4 years: two and a half years of course work (the first year 'core' courses taken only with other doctoral students), half a year for writing the dissertation proposal and preparing for and taking the preliminary examinations, and a year for conducting and writing the dissertation.
For information concerning degree requirements and descriptions of specific courses offered, please consult the MM&C section of the on-line Temple University Graduate Bulletin.
For information on courses offered during the current and upcoming semesters, please consult the Temple University online Course Schedule pages.
The School of Communications and Theater
The MM&C program is part of the School of Communications and Theater (SCT), which consists of six departments: Broadcasting, Telecommunications, and Mass Media; Film and Media Arts; Journalism; Advertising; Strategic and Organizational Communication; and Theater. SCT includes approximately 3,700 undergraduates, more than 200 graduate students pursuing masters and doctoral degrees, 170 full- and part-time faculty members and extensive production and performance facilities.
For more information about SCT, click here to visit the School's web site.
Temple University
Temple University is a dynamic, urban institution founded in 1884. A Type I research university, Temple offers its approximately 35,000 students degrees in more than 100 fields. The main campus is located on 94.5 acres in North Philadelphia. The large Health Sciences Center is located nearby. Temple University Ambler is situated on 186 acres of rolling fields in suburban Montgomery County. Other campuses include the Tyler School of Art, Temple University Center City, and international campuses in London, Rome, and Tokyo. Follow the link below to see pictures of Temple's main campus, including Annenberg Hall, where most MM&C and other SCAT faculty work. Click here to visit the Temple University web site.
Photos of Temple's main campus
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is the sixth largest metropolitan area in the United States, a center for the mass media, corporations, and not-for-profit organizations. The birthplace of the nation, Philadelphia is internationally recognized as a major historical and cultural center which showcases great music, museums, theaters, dance, restaurants, architecture, and parks. The city's many neighborhoods are rich in culture and tradition. Philadelphia is approximately two hours from both Washington, DC and New York City.
