Advanced Study in Communication and Mass Communication
Download (.pdf) our graduate brochure to learn more about our programs and curriculum.
The Depart of Communication and Journalism has been training graduate students since the 1940s. We are proud to support a Masters degree and an Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Both degrees offer Communication and Mass Communication tracks.
Introduction
We appreciate your interest in our graduate programs. The Master's program was identified as one of the top M.A. programs in the Eastern United States. According to a 1999 external review of the department, our "graduate program is outstanding." We are proud that it is described as "among the most rigorous academic master's programs in the country." We plan to continue that excellent tradition with our new I.Ph.D. The size of our graduate program contributes to a congenial yet professional atmosphere. Each year about 24 graduate students actively pursue graduate degrees. With 12 graduate faculty, we are able to take a personal interest in students as we work together in courses and on projects.
Our graduate students and faculty are active scholars. The kind of work students produce is indicated by graduate publications, conference papers and thesis titles. Our faculty research programs cover a broad range of issues and feature numerous articles in leading scholarly journals as well as single-authored and edited books.
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Master of Arts Degree
The M.A. program combines teaching and research in a curriculum that prepares students for scholarly inquiry or work outside the academy. The M.A. in Communication emphasizes two major areas of interest: Communication or Mass Communication. Graduate Students can pursue a program in either area. Both areas provide students with a liberal arts curriculum that prepares them for life in the twenty-first century:
- A broad understanding of historical and contemporary theories;
- The research skills necessary to explore and contribute to knowledge;
- The ability to apply their knowledge in varied settings.
All students are expected to demonstrate a holistic understanding of theory and research and to be competent analysts of literature appropriate to their program of study. Both areas encourage the integration of knowledge from among the diverse approaches. Both areas provide students with a broad foundation for doctoral study and for employment as communication specialists and professional.
More information can be found here.
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Interdisciplinary Ph.D. (I.Ph.D.) Degree
The Department of Communication and Journalism participates in the Interdisciplinary Ph.D. (I.Ph.D.) program at the University of Maine. Designed to be relatively small, the program will enroll approximately 4 doctoral students at a time.~The program is designed for the student who desires a doctorate with a strong focus in the theory and research areas of Communication or Mass Communication and a secondary concentration in a discipline such as Psychology, English, Disability Studies, History, Women's Studies, and more. Students are expected to synthesize their chosen fields through their coursework and dissertation.~ The successful I.Ph.D. student will be prepared to:
- Become a faculty member or join an appropriate profession;
- Conduct research utilizing theories and methods blended from different disciplines;
- Make linkages between disciplines and professions.
The I.Ph.D. program is intended to provide a guided, rigorous program for those students who wish to incorporate the knowledge and perspective of more than one discipline but who wish to focus in Communication and Mass Communication. All students will be expected to be competent in appropriate theory and method for the major area of focus as well as their concentration. Both Communication and Mass Communication students will be able to specialize their research interests in order to generate a viable program of research or produce applied knowledge relevant to their chosen profession. More information can be found here
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Financial Support
In addition to University fellowships and scholarships offered by the Graduate School, the Department offers graduate assistantships to qualified Masters and I.Ph.D. students.
The department currently administers 18 graduate assistantships for which students may apply. Assistantships typically include a stipend and tuition waiver for 9 credits per semester, 3 credits during the summer. Assistantships are awarded on a yearly basis. If performance in the assistantship is satisfactory and if the student is making adequate progress in the graduate program, the assistantship will be renewed. Normally, applications for assistantships will not be considered until after the candidate has submitted all materials required for admission to graduate study and has been accepted, at which time the candidate will be forwarded an application for a graduate teaching assistantship. For more information, see the Graduate Assistant page.
Apply for a Graduate Assistantship Here (.pdf form).
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Resources
The University of Maine library provides students access to extensive databases, the major books and periodicals in the field, and to library collections around the world. In addition to campus-wide wireless access and computer clusters, Department facilities include classrooms with hardwired net access, and recording and pro jection equipment for teachers. Graduate students also have access to a video editing and analysis laboratory, and research rooms to facilitate data collection and work on research projects.
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Past Graduate Student Work and Employment
Our graduate students are active as scholars and professionals, pursuing Ph.D. study and private sector employment. They have published papers in journals, presented papers at professional conferences, engaged in internships with organizations in Maine and New England, and graduated to pursue exciting careers or doctoral study.
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Questions about our graduate programs?
Please contact:
Graduate Coordinator
Department of Communication and Journalism
5724 Dunn Hall, Room 420
University of Maine
Orono, ME 04469
E-mail: comgrad@maine.edu
