phd research topics for communication

100 Communication Research Topics

Table of contents

1 What Is Communication Research?
2.1 Top Research Topic Ideas
2.2 Research Topics for College Students
2.3 Business-Focused Research Topics
2.4 Social Media Research Topics
2.5 Mass Communication Research Topics
2.6 Interpersonal Communication Research Topics
2.7 Intercultural Communication Research Topics
2.8 Virtual Communication Research Topics
2.9 Health-Related Research Topics
2.10 Interesting Communication Research Topics
3 Coming up with a Thesis Statement
4.1 How to Create Strong Questions for Your Paper?
4.2 How to Find the Right Research Topics?
4.3 What Makes a Research Paper Topic Strong?
4.4 Tips for Structuring and Writing Your Paper
5 Conclusion

All fields of study have fresh and intriguing new research paper topics to explore. Within the subject of communication, there are loads of possibilities for research papers . This is thanks to the development of mass media and the growing popularity of various modern communication methods.

This article covers a broad range of effective research paper topics that are both interesting and relevant for this field. Any of them would make a suitable focal point for any research paper to do with how we interact with one another.

What Is Communication Research?

This is the study of how we interact with one another. It includes how the way we interact is affected by technology, culture, and individual differences. Researchers in this field use a variety of methods to study the way we converse and interact with each other, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and experiments.

Research in this area can be used to improve communication skills in personal relationships, in the workplace, and in other settings.

Lists of Key Communication Research Topics

The range of research paper topics in this field is extensive, to say the least. Below are 100 relevant topics that are arranged in groups of 10.

They cover a broad selection of modern communication issues and debates, from corporate and computer mediated communication to effective interpersonal communication, communication strategies, and more.

Research Topics for College Students

These topics are ideal for college students. They focus on how communication processes can influence someone’s mental health and personality traits. Both of these are important since they can influence a student’s academic progress.

How does communication shape our identities?
How do we use it to build relationships?
What role does it play in influencing our emotions?
How is our thinking influenced by it?
In what ways do we use it to manage conflict?
How is our behavior influenced by it?
What factors influence the effectiveness of communication?
In what way is it impacted by technology?
What influences do cultural differences have on it?
How does it shape our physical and mental health?

Business-Focused Research Topics

Having effective business communication is necessary for any sort of commercial activity to improve its marketing value. Both business to business communication and interactions with the public have to get the right message across. Below are some potential areas to do with organizational communication and public relations.

The impact of new communication technologies.
The use of social media and external communication.
What effects does globalization have?
How organizational communication is used in virtual teams.
The impact that intercultural communication has.
The way humor is used.
What are the effects of gender?
How we use non-verbal communication.
The effect that technology has on corporate communication etiquette.
The way we use business communication in crisis situations.

Social Media Research Topics

The focus of these topics is on social media, and it affects the way we communicate with one another. Using social media and being exposed to social media marketing can both have significant effects on practical communication skills. These topics focus on the way modern digital platforms influence our interactions.

The effect of social media on communication practices and patterns.
How social media changes relationship development.
What influence does social media have on how people interact with each other?
The effect of social media on the way people share information.
How social media impacts the way people interact with businesses.
The effect of social media on the way people interact with governments through proper communication channels.
What consequences does social media have on online interactions?
The effect that social media has on the way people interact with each other offline.
Social media’s influence on the way people interact with each other in different cultures.
What effects does social media have on the way people interact with each other in different age groups?

Mass Communication Research Topics

Mass communication is when you share information with a large number of people at the same time. Topics to do with mass communication are very relevant, thanks to the internet, social media platforms, and other kinds of mass media. The purpose of mass media is simply to inform loads of people about something as quickly and conveniently as possible.

What effect do social media platforms have on mass communication?
How does new technology affect it?
The impact that advertising has on it.
How news media influences it.
Ways in which propaganda impacts it.
The influence that public relations have on it.
How it’s impacted by digital media and print media.
Globalization’s impact on it.
How new forms of media affect it.
The ways it’s influenced by social networking.

Interpersonal Communication Research Topics

This is a broad term that refers to the exchanging of information between people. It’s when you use effective communication skills to share thoughts, ideas, and facts with at least one other person. The topics in this section look at some of the latest interpersonal communication trends.

The effect of technology on interpersonal communication.
The effect of culture on it.
How gender influences it.
The effect of age on it.
How someone’s interaction style may impact it.
The way context may influence it.
How relationships can influence it.
How it can be influenced by social apprehension.
The effect of social competence on it.
How it’s impacted by satisfaction.

Intercultural Communication Research Topics

This is when people from different cultures exchange information. Things like different languages, traditions, and even artifacts affect intercultural communication. The topics below look at intercultural communication and how culture shapes the many ways we interact with one another.

How culture influences the ways we interact with one another.
The impact of intercultural communication styles on relationships.
How culture impacts our perceptions of interaction.
The effect that interaction has on business relationships.
How culture influences the way we interpret nonverbal communication.
The impact of culture on our way of interpreting speech.
How culture influences our information processing.
The way culture impacts our process of making decision.
The impact of culture on how we solve problems.
How culture influences our interactions with others.

Virtual Communication Research Topics

Are virtual communication skills essential? You have to be just as proficient at virtual dialogue as you are at spoken words. Mastering interactive online communication is key for anyone who wants to succeed, and the topics below delve into this further.

The impact on the development of personal relationships.
The use of virtual dialogue in the business world.
How it influences the way we think and learn.
The benefits of virtual communication for people with social anxiety.
The way it’s used in education.
How it impacts our mental health.
Ways in which it influences family relationships.
How it’s used in the workplace.
The effect it has on relationships.
The advantages and disadvantages of virtual communication.

Health-Related Research Topics

It’s essential to have effective communication strategies in any sort of healthcare setting. Having interpersonal communication competence is vital so that practitioners can speak with patients clearly and effectively. The topics below look at how internal and external communication in the healthcare industry affects and is affected by different factors.

The effectiveness of health communication campaigns in changing health behaviors.
The impact of social media on interactions in the health industry.
How humor is used in it.
How storytelling is used in it.
What effects it has on reducing health disparities.
What effects it has on increasing health literacy.
How new media technologies are used in it.
How it influences public health outcomes.
The role it plays in health education.
The impact it has on patient satisfaction.

Interesting Communication Research Topics

This last batch of topics looks at how both spoken words and non-verbal communication affect different things. Some of the topics are about how we interact with one another in different areas of life.

The impact of new communication technology on social interactions.
The way it is used in the workplace.
How we use it in education.
Ways in which it is used in marketing.
How people use it in healthcare.
The way it affects personal relationships.
The effects it has on organizational cultures.
How it impacts individual productivity.
Its effects on consumer behavior.
The influences it has on the environment.
Free unlimited checks
All common file formats
Accurate results
Intuitive interface

Coming up with a Thesis Statement

Once you have come up with a potential research topic, you should start writing. Your first step is to write an effective thesis statement .

Your thesis statement is the argument or main point you want to make about your topic. It’s a summary of what your paper is going to be about. The purpose of it is to show the reader what you will be discussing and invite them to read your work.

Once you have your thesis statement, start writing your paper. Make sure to include evidence from scholarly sources to support your work.

Topic Selection and Writing Tips

How to create strong questions for your paper.

This question doesn’t have a single answer, as the best way to create strong questions for your paper will vary depending on the specific research project and its goals.

However, some tips on how to create strong questions include:

Start by thinking about the specific goals of your research project. What are you trying to learn or understand?
Draft a few potential research questions that can help you answer your goals. Be sure to make them as specific as possible.
Test your research questions by asking them to others to see if they are clear and understandable. Are they interesting to people outside of your field of study?
Revise and refine your research questions as needed. Be sure to keep them concise and easy to understand.

How to Find the Right Research Topics?

When writing a communication research paper, first, you should decide what topic you want to learn more about.

Do the effects of social media and mass media on communication interest you?
What about the role of communication in a competitive global business environment?
What is the impact of new technology on the ways we exchange information?
Whether effective communication is necessary to ensure credible reporting?
How do improved relations make broadcasting media laws effective?

Once you have a general topic in mind, you can begin to narrow it down by focusing on a specific aspect of this field that interests you.

For example, if you are interested in the communication importance in a business market, you might want to focus on the impact of effective business interactions on employee productivity or customer satisfaction.

Alternatively, you could look at how private media ownership is affecting mass media, bringing journalism ethics into the discussion, and how journalists are ensuring credible reporting.

What Makes a Research Paper Topic Strong?

There is no one answer to this question, as it depends on the individual and the specific research goals. However, some factors that could make a research topic strong include its relevance to current events or real-world issues, its potential to generate new and innovative ideas, and its ability to generate interesting and valuable research findings.

Additionally, a strong topic should be interesting and engaging to read and write about, and it should be something that the researcher can be passionate about.

Tips for Structuring and Writing Your Paper

When writing communication research papers, it is important to structure your argument in a manner that’s clear and concise. Your paper should have a clear research paper introduction , body, and conclusion. Within the body of your paper, there should be a strong thesis statement, evidence that supports your argument, and a conclusion summarizing your argument.

Additionally, throughout the research paper writing process, it is significant to use clear and concise language. Use communication tips to help you put your own points across more effectively.

Deciding what to focus your research paper doesn’t have to be daunting. There are a huge number of research topics available. Finding the right one is easy.

First, think about the ideas that interest you the most. Which part of communication studies are you most passionate about? Is it media ethics, mass media, or something else?

When you’ve settled on one of the research topic ideas , start the research paper writing process. Find key sources such as books and academic articles. Think about what needs addressing in your research paper.

Now, it’s time for you to produce an excellent communication research paper.

Readers also enjoyed

WHY WAIT? PLACE AN ORDER RIGHT NOW!

Just fill out the form, press the button, and have no worries!

We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy.

How It Works
PhD thesis writing
Master thesis writing
Bachelor thesis writing
Dissertation writing service
Dissertation abstract writing
Thesis proposal writing
Thesis editing service
Thesis proofreading service
Thesis formatting service
Coursework writing service
Research paper writing service
Architecture thesis writing
Computer science thesis writing
Engineering thesis writing
History thesis writing
MBA thesis writing
Nursing dissertation writing
Psychology dissertation writing
Sociology thesis writing
Statistics dissertation writing
Buy dissertation online
Write my dissertation
Cheap thesis
Cheap dissertation
Custom dissertation
Dissertation help
Pay for thesis
Pay for dissertation
Senior thesis
Write my thesis

178 Communication Research Topics For Your Paper

Imagine what the world would be without communication! How would we get along? I guess there would be no sense in existing after all. That is just a tiny snippet of how important communication is in everyday life. Exchanging information is a key component of coexistence as it creates order and a sense of satisfaction in the end.

However, communication as a discipline cuts across all other niches in the academic world. Students from an Engineering course would also take up communication as a unit of study. Students delve into the transmission, representation, reception, and decoding of information communicated to a greater extent.

Situations When You May Need To Write A Communication Paper

Various scenarios call for a communication paper either as an assignment or a research project in college. The communication papers needed for every situation vary in format and outline. Here are some of the cases when communication papers are necessary:

When writing a resume or cover letter In presentations and reports Internal or external communication in a company Writing a thesis statement

When writing communication papers in these different scenarios, students can develop the following aspects:

Understand the various communication phenomena Ability to direct communication messages towards accomplishing individual and organizational goals Understand various types of communication such as rhetoric, interpersonal or organizational

Such an assignment is peculiar because it deals with students’ communication processes. Therefore, the student can easily relate a communication assignment to the real-world environment.

You will have to conduct extensive digging before writing your paper like any other research project. In writing a communication research paper, you will benefit from the importance of communication in general, such as building better relationships and finding the right solutions to various problems.

It takes a lot of time to create a high-quality writing, so you have all the right to ask dissertation writers for hire to help.

Guidelines On Structure And Step By Step Tips On Writing

To have an award-winning communication paper, you need to understand that structure is always at the heart of it all. A great communication paper follows the structure below:

Solid intro : Begin by presenting a captivating introduction by highlighting the facts, questions, or problems that you will explore in the body. The reader should find more than a million reasons to proceed with your essay by reading the first two lines. A strong thesis statement is also necessary for the introduction. An insightful literature review : It shows the theoretical basis of your research project, thus giving it validity. An in-depth literature review will give room for exploration and further research. Main body : This is where we expect to find all your findings, methodological steps, concepts, analyses, and the outcome. Discussion and conclusion : Depending on your professor’s instructions, you can divide this into two parts or put it as one. In either case, this section will consist of the strengths and weaknesses of your research and any future development or improvements. You could also compare the results found in your research with what other authors have discovered.

Provided you have all your facts at hand, a communication research paper will be the easiest you will ever handle in college. Nonetheless, you can order a custom paper from various online writing experts.

If you want to make an impression with your communication research paper, here are some tips to consider:

Select a thought-provoking and captivating research topic Have a working outline with all the arguments and examples/evidence in place Ensure that you exhaust reading all the possible research materials on your topic Such papers are always in the first person except in unique cases

You can review some of the samples on our essay writer to familiarize yourself with the structure and outline of a communication research paper.

Let’s now explore 178 of the hottest communication research topics to ace your project:

World-Class Communication Research Topics For College Students

Understanding the historical research methods in communication
Discuss the relationship between technology, media, and culture
Evaluate the various revolutions in human communication
Discuss the developments made in the invention of human speech and language
The role of image-making, cinema, and media entertainment in communication
How to overcome communication barriers among students
Steps in encouraging participation in meetings
How employees contribute to the information flow in organizations
How to evaluate a report based on its findings
Sources of error during nonverbal communication
How the media can match the channels of communication to their audience
Ensuring audience attention during a presentation
The impact of graphics in communication strategies
How to interpret non-verbal signals
Developing communication methods that match a given purpose

Possible Topics For Communication Research

How to develop realistic communication strategies
Discuss the economics of finance in communication processes
How exposure to radio and TV impacts communication
How to manage controversial issues in communication
Why speaking with confidence is still difficult for many people
The effectiveness of communicating with words and body language
Why defining your purpose is key in any communication process
Why explanatory communication is more difficult than informative communication
The place of communication in long-distance relationships
Communication strategies that influence people
How to use communication effectively for conflict resolution
Developing your self-esteem for effective communication
Effects of redundancy in communication processes
The place of responsibility in developing communication messages
How to acquire effective communication skills in college

Latest Communication Topic For Research

The role of persuasive dialogue in negotiations
Why everyone must learn proper expression strategies
Effects of emoji and other characters in enhancing textual conversations
The role of propaganda in shaping communication tones
Evaluate the unique political language used in America versus Africa
The continuing impact of the internet on interpersonal communication
How images are enhancing communication
Discuss the effects of gender victimization on communication
Evaluate the development of modern digital communication
How to effectively communicate during a war or crisis
How hacking is transforming communication of encrypted messages
Effects of stereotyping in developing communication messages
Is virtual reality ruining effective communication?
Evaluate language as a barrier in communicating messages
The role of empathy in communicating to victims of a disaster

Top-Notch Communication Research Paper Topics

The role of diplomacy in fostering better relations among countries
Why aided communication may not achieve the intended purpose
Effects of using a translator in the communication of critical messages
Evaluate the development of audio-visual devices for communication
The dangers of failing to notice barriers to communication
How stigma and prejudice impact effective communication
Discuss the impact of having a common language in a country
How social classes affect communication messages
Factors that hinder communication between fighting political sides
How to develop strong communication skills in a marketplace
Why opinions may prevent one from seeing the true picture
Discuss the role of fantasy and exaggeration in communication
Differences between oral and verbal messages in conveying information
The role of attitude and mood in enhancing effective message delivery
How the media sets the communication pattern of a given society

Highly Rated Mass Communication Research Topics

Discuss the essence of social media among PR practitioners
The role of mass media in rebranding a nation
Challenges to media freedom and their impact on proper communication
Discuss the effects of news commercialization and their credibility
How TV advertisements impact children and their development
Compare and contrast between animation and real-people adverts in mass media
How the internet affects professionalization in news media
How mass media messages contribute to the development of religion in Africa
Evaluate the radio listenership patterns between men and women
How does mass media contribute to an emerging democracy
Discuss how the media enlightens the public on issues of concern
The role of mass media in communicating development messages
Why mass media is critical before, during, and after elections
Assess the influence of community radio in remote areas
How mass media contributes to national integration

Good Communication Research Topics

What determines consumer preference patterns in the 21 st century?
Effective communication strategies for creating awareness against drug abuse
Prospects and challenges of local dialects in communication
Evaluate the influence of television on public opinion
Discuss the growing cyberactivism in the digital age
How social media is contributing to misleading information
Challenges facing teachers when communicating to pre-school students
Discuss the impact of information overload on the credibility of information
Evaluate communication patterns among the youth in the US
Assess the effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on communication patterns
How public perception influences communication strategies
Explain how mothers learn to communicate with and understand their babies at such a tender age
The role of music in shaping communication models
How to overcome the challenge of top-down communication in companies
Management of information on online media for effective use

Business Communication Research Paper Topics

Discuss the increasing role of influencers on brand marketing
Why company blogs are essential in attracting new clients
Evaluate the differences between face to face and virtual business meetings
The growing popularity of social media in business marketing
Why every company should have a partner relations department
Dealing with complaints in a relaxed and useful manner
Why online project management is the future of business
Discuss why it is necessary to have company retreats
Explore the role of digital document sharing in speeding up business communication
Effects of relying on online communication at the expense of physical meetings
The role of effective business management in the performance of an organization
How staff motivation improve the overall working environment
Discuss the place of corporate social responsibility in a company
Effective ways of handling crisis in a large company
Explain why trust is important in any business partnerships

Intercultural Communication Research Topics

Discuss how Muslims interact with Christians at a social level
Evaluate the reception of instructions from a man to a woman
How Americans interact with Africans at the basic level
Discuss how an American Democrat would associate with a Chinese politician
Discuss the impact of marginalization in developing communication messages
How migration and immigration affect communication patterns
Effects of social stereotyping in communication
How do Western communication models differ from those of Africa?
Impact of discriminatory communication messages
How to organize an effective intergroup come-together
How the media represents various groups in its communication
Effects of the growing intercultural norms
The role of language attitudes in inhibiting effective communication
Evaluate how ethnographic perspectives affect communication messages
Why it is difficult to solve intercultural conflicts

Additional Interpersonal Communication Topics For Research Paper

The role of interpersonal communication in team member satisfaction
How collaboration and teamwork enhances business success
Discuss how interpersonal communication enhances problem-solving skills
The role of trust in interpersonal communication
Effects of confusion, negativity, and conflicts on interpersonal communication
How to deal with workplace miscommunication effectively
The role of personalizing information
How to improve internal communication channels in a company
Discuss the role of interests in communication patterns
Challenges when implementing modern communication solutions
Evaluate how jargon and inattention make internal communication difficult
The role of feedback in interpreting messages correctly
Discuss the influence of environmental factors in communication
Why miscommunication may result in a disconnect among a group of people
Discuss the role of skills and knowledge in effective communication among leaders

Interesting Communication Research Topics

How can effective interpersonal communication be a catalyst for action
Why a focused and intentional approach is necessary for effective communication
Discuss why online dating is not successful in most cases
Evaluate the role of non-verbal communication and customer satisfaction
Why is it important to have a list of communication networks?
Effects of lack of personal contact when it comes to communication
Discuss the various forms of human interactions and their influence on communication
The role of clear communication during an organizational change process
Why online communication is not as effective as physical meetings
Evaluate the roles and issues involved in a nurse-patient communication
The role of TV shows in determining how people relate to each other in the society
Effects of the digital divide in communication paradigms
The relationship between quality leadership and effective communication
Why is email still not yet an effective communication medium?
Effects of integrating marketing communication

General Communication Studies Research Topics

Discuss the differences in body language between male and female
The role of communication in familiarizing with someone
How online gaming communication affects one’s interpersonal communication
Why a leader without proper communication skills may not succeed
The role of communication in achieving an organization’s vision
How mobile phone conversations are turning around interpersonal communication
Discuss the role of different personality types in communication
Is there a difference between language and communication?
Discuss how communication in the military is different from that in a normal setting
Compare and contrast between written and spoken forms of communication
Why family communication is critical for a peaceful coexistence
Shortcomings to understanding foreign languages
Discuss the effectiveness of web-based communication

Professional Help On Research Paper Writing

If you are still unsure which writing idea to use for your project, your expert paper writing help might be what you need. Our service has a team of select paper writers who can crush any task in a snap. You can pay for dissertation today or request a writer to help you with your incomplete task.

Let us help you brainstorm great ideas that will turn your project into a world-class paper!

Doctoral Dissertation Topics

Doctoral Graduates Photo Credit: Rene Dailey

2023 Graduates

Doctoral Student: Dr. Qinyan Dickerson

Dissertation Supervisor: Dr. Rene Dailey

TOWARD A COMMUNICATION FRAMEWORK OF RELATIONAL STIGMA MANAGEMENT IN NONTRADITIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Doctoral Student: Dr. Mian Jia

Dissertation Supervisor: Dr. Matt McGlone

AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO METADISCOURSE IN TEXT-BASED MASSPERSONAL ADVICE

Doctoral Student: Dr. Colton Krawietz

Dissertation Supervisor: Dr. Anita Vangelisti

TOPIC AVOIDANCE AS A MULTIPLEX PHENOMENON AMONG INDIVIDUALS TRANSITIONING FROM DATING TO COHABITATION

Doctoral Student: Dr. Inbal Leibovits

Dissertation Supervisor: Dr. Roderick Hart

THE HOMELESS CIVIC SOCIETY: A STUDY OF LIMINAL CITIZENSHIP

Doctoral Student: Dr. Mary Lever

Dissertation Supervisor: Dr. Michael Butterworth

YES, COACH: THE RHETORIC OF PATERNALISM IN COLLEGE SPORTS

Doctoral Student: Dr. Ashley McDonald

Dissertation Supervisor: Dr. Johanna Hartelius

A PLACE IN THE HOUSE FIRE

Doctoral Student: Dr. Courtney Powers

Dissertation Supervisor: Dr. Keri Stephens

ORGANIZATIONAL RESILIENCE IN THE FACE OF CRISIS: COMMUNAL COPING IN FAMILY BUSINESSES

Doctoral Student: Dr. Shelbey Rollison

Dissertation Supervisor: Dr. Joshua Barbour

ADVANCING COLLECTIVE COMMUNICATION DESIGN FOR FERTILITY TRACKING

Doctoral Student: Dr. Oshyn Sky

Dissertation Supervisor: Dr. Rene Dailey

THE ROLE OF COMMUNICATION AND SELF-ADVOCACY IN SEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS: EXPLORING SEXUAL COMMUNICATION AMONG CIS AND TRANS WOMEN, TRANS MEN AND NON-BINARY PEOPLE

Doctoral Student: Dr. Kendall Tich

Dissertation Supervisor: Dr. Keri Stephens

UNPRECEDENTED OR UNPREPARED? EXPLORING THE ROLE OF ORGANIZATIONS IN MOTIVATING EMPLOYEE PROTECTIVE BEHAVIORS DURING A HEALTH CRISIS

Doctoral Student: Dr. Joy Woods

Dissertation Supervisor: Dr. Erin Donovan

AT THE MOUTH OF MY GRAVE WHILE TENDING MY GARDEN: FEAR OF DEATH AND HOPE FOR LIFE IN BLACK WOMEN'S CONVERSTATIONS ABOUT REPRODUCTIVE AND MATERNAL HEALTH

Explore More

Master's Thesis Topics

Verify originality of an essay

Get ideas for your paper

Cite sources with ease

Appealing Communication Research Topics for the Most Demanding Students

Updated 13 Jun 2024

Recent innovations in computing, transportation, and telecommunication have combined to increase the frequency and ease of people’s communication, intensifying cross-cultural interactions. While innovations benefited modern society, they also brought some challenges, particularly in the realm of communication. In the post 9/11 world, more people in the US and worldwide recognize the role of effective dialogue in preserving peace, and this understanding reflects in development of a corresponding academic discipline.

Nowadays, communication discipline covers many interesting and complex areas, which makes the choice of communication research topics especially challenging for students. We’ve decided to simplify this task for you and prepared a list of relevant topics, united into ten most common categories.

If you're looking for a research essay for students , EduBirdie helps you. Our platform provides many examples, allowing you better understand the structure and approach for research essays.

Four Different Approaches to Studying Communication

Before proceeding to the topics and research essay writing activities, consider the four distinct approaches to studying communication: social science approach, interpretive approach, critical approach, postmodern approach. As an academic discipline addresses creation of meaning in various contexts across cultures using verbal or nonverbal messages through a variety of channels and media, particular focus of your research paper largely depends on the chosen approach.

Social Science Approach Social science approach suggests that human behavior is predictable. Also known as functionalist or behaviorist, this approach aims at describing or predicting behavior, relying on quantitative research methods along with observations. This approach stems from research in sociology and psychology, it perceives culture as a measurable variable which influences dialogue as much as personality traits do.
Interpretive Approach Interpretative approach treats behaviors as unpredictable and creative. Also known as humanist, this approach uses qualitative methods originating from anthropology and linguistics, aiming at understanding and explaining behaviors instead of predicting them. This approach allows studying culture from perspectives of members rather than through frameworks imposed by researchers.
Critical Approach Critical approach suggests that reality is subjective and dialogue depends on contexts in which it occurs. Followers study culture as resulting from power struggles. Rather than only studying human behavior across cultures, critical approach aims at effecting change in society. Followers seek to liberate those individuals who lack power in society.
Postmodern Approach Postmodern approach aims at understanding contemporary human condition through subjective people’s perceptions. It sees reality as a collection of many truths. Suggesting that human nature is fluid, this approach challenges social constructions of race, ethnicity, gender.

What Should You Do To Write a Really Good Research Paper

In order to write a really good research paper on communication, consider these simple recommendations:

Limited scope of your research Students should choose their research topics depending on the required length of research papers. They should avoid too general topics, limiting focuses of their research to several aspects that can be well-discussed within allowed page limits.
Referring to several sources Research paper writing suggests that students should conduct exhaustive research, reviewing several sources on chosen topics. Remember that students relating to one source only can end up with plagiarism accusations.
Using legitimate sources Like other pieces of academic writing, research papers require students find credible sources. Although professors often accept books or credible websites as sources, it is always better to use articles from academic journals, because they are peer reviewed.
Using relevant information Students should always look for recent publications, making sure that their ideas are still relevant. Information relevance is especially important in communication research questions discussion because this academic discipline is largely influenced by technology innovations that alter its patterns.
Presenting information objectively Students should examine their chosen topics, reflecting on all existing perspectives. Rather than presenting only one view point, make sure to highlight and refute the opposite points as well. Present relevant examples to illustrate each point in an interesting manner.
Making sure your paper has appropriate structure While writing, include a catchy introduction with a clear thesis statement. Organize your body paragraphs, using topic sentences and bringing evidence that support your view. If it is relevant to your chosen topic, include at least one paragraph where you discuss, as well as refute the opposite point of view. Conclude by summarizing content and presenting your ideas: what changes, if any, does your research promote in relation to the examined phenomenon?
Proofreading your writing In order to receive a high grade, make sure your research paper has a good flow and is error free. Either spend some time proofreading the text or consider asking EduBirdie cheap research paper writers for help. Our writers will save your time and bring you an A+.

Need more writing assistance?

Connect with our top writers and receive a paper sample on communication crafted to your needs.

200 Communication Research Topics

For your convenience, we’ve grouped 100 topics into 10 popular categories. Remember that you can choose from these topics or topics provided by your professor and receive a ready-made custom research paper using EduBirdie research paper help for communication research topics.

Journalism Topics

The impact of digital media on traditional journalism practices.
The role of investigative journalism in maintaining democracy.
Ethical dilemmas faced by journalists in conflict zones.
The influence of social media on news consumption and distribution.
The future of print media in a digital age.
The effects of corporate ownership on media bias and independence.
The role of citizen journalism in the 21st century.
The impact of artificial intelligence on news production and curation.
Challenges of reporting on climate change and environmental issues.
The ethics of undercover journalism.
The role of journalism in combating misinformation and fake news.
The impact of press freedom restrictions on global journalism.
The evolution of photojournalism in the digital era.
The significance of local journalism in community engagement.
The challenges of maintaining objectivity in political journalism.
The role of journalism in human rights advocacy.
The impact of journalism on public policy and social change.
The challenges and opportunities of data journalism.
The influence of celebrity culture on news values and priorities.
The role of journalism in shaping public opinion on social issues.

Public Relations Topics

The role of public relations in crisis management.
The impact of social media on public relations strategies.
The ethics of spin in public relations.
The role of public relations in corporate social responsibility initiatives.
The impact of influencer marketing on brand reputation.
The role of public relations in political campaigns.
The challenges of managing public relations in a global market.
The impact of digital communication on public relations practices.
The role of public relations in nonprofit organizations.
The future of public relations in the age of information overload.
The impact of public relations on consumer behavior.
The role of storytelling in public relations.
The challenges of internal communications in large organizations.
The impact of public relations on environmental advocacy.
The role of public relations in the entertainment industry.
The challenges of ethical transparency in public relations.
The impact of public relations on tourism and hospitality.
The role of public relations in healthcare communication.
The impact of cultural differences on international public relations.
The role of public relations in educational institutions.

Advertising Topics

The impact of digital advertising on consumer behavior.
The role of creativity in effective advertising.
The ethics of advertising to children.
The impact of ad-blocking technologies on the advertising industry.
The role of advertising in promoting sustainable products and practices.
The challenges of cross-cultural advertising in a globalized market.
The future of television advertising in a streaming world.
The impact of native advertising on consumer trust.
The role of advertising in shaping gender norms.
The challenges and opportunities of mobile advertising.
The impact of social media platforms on advertising strategies.
The role of data analytics in advertising effectiveness.
The ethics of behavioral targeting and personalized advertising.
The impact of celebrity endorsements on brand image.
The role of advertising in the fast food industry.
The challenges of advertising regulation and compliance.
The impact of virtual reality on advertising experiences.
The role of advertising in political campaigns.
The challenges of maintaining consumer privacy in digital advertising.
The future of outdoor advertising in urban spaces.

Interpersonal Communication Topics

The impact of nonverbal cues on the interpretation of messages.
The role of emotional intelligence in effective communication.
The effects of technology on face-to-face communication.
The importance of active listening in building relationships.
Conflict resolution strategies in personal relationships.
The impact of communication styles on interpersonal dynamics.
The role of self-disclosure in developing intimacy.
The effects of gender on communication patterns.
The impact of cultural background on communication preferences.
The role of communication in maintaining long-distance relationships.
The impact of social anxiety on interpersonal communication.
Strategies for effective communication in the workplace.
The role of empathy in enhancing communication.
The impact of communication on family dynamics.
The role of assertiveness in interpersonal communication.
The effects of communication on mental health and well-being.
The role of feedback in the communication process.
The impact of first impressions on relationship development.
Strategies for overcoming barriers to effective communication.
The role of communication in conflict prevention and management.

Intercultural Communication Topics

The challenges of communication across cultural barriers.
The role of language in shaping cultural identity.
The impact of cultural norms on communication styles.
Strategies for effective intercultural communication in global teams.
The role of nonverbal communication in intercultural interactions.
The impact of globalization on cultural communication practices.
The role of intercultural communication in international diplomacy.
The effects of cultural stereotypes on communication.
Strategies for teaching intercultural communication skills.
The role of media in shaping perceptions of other cultures.
The impact of cultural assimilation on communication practices.
The role of intercultural communication in conflict resolution.
The effects of cultural differences on negotiation and persuasion.
The role of cultural intelligence in enhancing communication.
The impact of migration on intercultural communication.
Strategies for overcoming language barriers in communication.
The role of intercultural communication in international business.
The effects of cultural diversity on team dynamics.
The role of religion in intercultural communication.
The impact of educational exchange programs on intercultural understanding.

Topics on Virtual Communication

The impact of virtual communication on social skills.
The role of email etiquette in professional communication.
The effects of video conferencing on team cohesion.
Strategies for managing miscommunication in virtual teams.
The role of virtual reality in enhancing communication experiences.
The impact of digital communication on relationship maintenance.
The effects of screen time on communication skills development.
Strategies for effective communication in online education.
The role of virtual communities in social support networks.
The impact of telecommuting on workplace communication.
The effects of anonymity on online communication behavior.
Strategies for building trust in virtual teams.
The role of social media in personal communication.
The impact of virtual communication on empathy and emotional connection.
The effects of multitasking on communication quality in virtual environments.
Strategies for enhancing interactivity in virtual meetings.
The role of digital communication in cross-cultural interactions.
The impact of virtual communication on consumer behavior.
The effects of virtual communication on privacy and security.
Strategies for combating cyberbullying in virtual communication platforms.

Social Media Research Topics

The impact of social media on body image and self-esteem.
The role of social media in political mobilization and activism.
The effects of social media on youth mental health.
Strategies for managing personal privacy on social media.
The role of social media in shaping consumer behavior.
The impact of social media on news consumption and dissemination.
The effects of social media on interpersonal relationships.
Strategies for combating misinformation and fake news on social media.
The role of social media influencers in marketing and advertising.
The impact of social media on cultural trends and movements.
The effects of social media on academic performance.
Strategies for effective brand communication on social media.
The role of social media in crisis communication and management.
The impact of social media on professional networking and career development.
The effects of social media algorithms on content visibility and engagement.
Strategies for fostering community and engagement on social media platforms.
The role of social media in international relations and diplomacy.
The impact of social media on language and communication styles.
The effects of social media on privacy and data security.
Strategies for using social media for social change and advocacy.

Leadership Topics

The impact of leadership styles on organizational culture.
Transformational vs. transactional leadership: Effects on employee motivation.
The role of emotional intelligence in effective leadership.
The impact of gender diversity in leadership positions on corporate performance.
Ethical leadership and its influence on corporate social responsibility.
The challenges of cross-cultural leadership in global organizations.
The role of leadership in managing organizational change.
The impact of technology on leadership practices.
Leadership development programs: Effectiveness and outcomes.
The influence of leadership on team dynamics and conflict resolution.
The role of servant leadership in nonprofit organizations.
The impact of charismatic leadership on follower engagement.
Leadership in high-stress environments: Strategies and outcomes.
The role of leadership in innovation and creativity within organizations.
The challenges and opportunities of remote leadership in virtual teams.
The impact of leadership on employee retention and turnover.
The role of leadership in ethical decision-making and integrity.
Leadership succession planning: Strategies and challenges.
The influence of millennial leaders on workplace culture.
The role of leadership in enhancing organizational learning and knowledge management.

Get plagiarism-free papers in just 3 hours

Zero AI - 100% human-crafted content
Tailored to your writing style
Sourced from the latest, reliable sources

Guaranteed Turnitin success ✌️

Negotiations Topics

The role of negotiation in conflict resolution.
The impact of cultural differences on negotiation strategies.
Emotional intelligence and its influence on negotiation outcomes.
The role of power dynamics in negotiation processes.
The impact of communication styles on negotiation effectiveness.
Negotiation ethics: Balancing assertiveness and cooperation.
The role of third-party mediators in negotiation success.
The impact of technology on negotiation practices and outcomes.
Gender differences in negotiation strategies and outcomes.
The role of negotiation in international diplomacy.
The impact of negotiation training on business outcomes.
Negotiation in the digital age: Challenges and opportunities.
The role of trust in successful negotiation processes.
The impact of nonverbal communication in negotiations.
Negotiation tactics and their psychological underpinnings.
The role of negotiation in labor disputes and industrial relations.
The impact of personality traits on negotiation style and success.
The role of negotiation in sales and customer service.
The impact of negotiation on corporate mergers and acquisitions.
The role of negotiation in environmental disputes and sustainability efforts.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback.

Written by David Kidwell

David is one of those experienced content creators from the United Kingdom who has a high interest in social issues, culture, and entrepreneurship. He always says that reading, blogging, and staying aware of what happens in the world is what makes a person responsible. He likes to learn and share what he knows by making things inspiring and creative enough even for those students who dislike reading.

Delimitations in research: meaning, types, and examples

Working on academic papers can make it easy to feel overwhelmed by the huge amount of available data and information. One of the most crucial consi...

Discover how to compose acknowledgements in research paper

This post will help you learn about the use of acknowledgements in research paper and determine how they are composed and why they must be present ...

Join our 150K of happy users

Get original papers written according to your instructions
Save time for what matters most

Research Topics & Ideas: Journalism

50 Topic Ideas To Kickstart Your Research Project

Research topics and ideas about journalism

If you’re just starting out exploring journalism-related topics for your dissertation, thesis or research project, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll help kickstart your research by providing a hearty list of journalism-related research ideas , including examples from recent studies.

PS – This is just the start…

We know it’s exciting to run through a list of research topics, but please keep in mind that this list is just a starting point . These topic ideas provided here are intentionally broad and generic , so keep in mind that you will need to develop them further. Nevertheless, they should inspire some ideas for your project.

To develop a suitable research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , and a viable plan to fill that gap. If this sounds foreign to you, check out our free research topic webinar that explores how to find and refine a high-quality research topic, from scratch. Alternatively, consider our 1-on-1 coaching service .

Journalism-Related Research Topics

Analyzing the impact of social media on news consumption patterns among millennials.
Investigating the role of investigative journalism in combating political corruption.
The impact of digital transformation on traditional print media business models.
Examining the ethical challenges of undercover reporting in investigative journalism.
The role of citizen journalism in shaping public opinion during major political events.
Analyzing the effectiveness of fact-checking platforms in combating fake news.
The impact of smartphone journalism on the quality of news reporting.
Investigating the representation of minority groups in mainstream media.
The role of photojournalism in humanizing the impacts of climate change.
Analyzing the challenges of maintaining journalistic objectivity in conflict zones.
The impact of artificial intelligence on newsroom operations and reporting.
Investigating the influence of media ownership on editorial independence.
The role of journalism in shaping public policy on environmental issues.
Analyzing the portrayal of mental health issues in news media.
The impact of live streaming technology on broadcast journalism.
Investigating the challenges faced by freelance journalists in the digital era.
The role of journalism in promoting government accountability in emerging democracies.
Analyzing the effects of sensationalism in news reporting on public trust.
The impact of virtual reality technology on immersive journalism.
Investigating the role of press freedom in protecting human rights.
The challenges of reporting on science and technology in mainstream media.
Analyzing gender representation in sports journalism.
The impact of media consolidation on diversity of perspectives in news.
Investigating the ethical implications of drone journalism.
The role of independent media in fostering democratic processes.

Journalism-Related Research Ideas (Continued)

Analyzing the portrayal of immigration in national news outlets.
The impact of censorship and media regulation on journalistic practices.
Investigating the role of podcasts in the future of journalism.
The challenges and opportunities of bilingual reporting in multicultural societies.
Analyzing the dynamics of news reporting in authoritarian regimes.
The impact of audience analytics on news content and presentation.
Investigating the implications of deepfake technology for journalistic integrity.
The role of local journalism in community engagement and development.
Analyzing the effects of journalism on public health awareness campaigns.
The impact of economic pressures on investigative journalism.
Investigating the challenges of reporting in a polarized political climate.
The role of media literacy in fostering critical thinking among audiences.
Analyzing the influence of celebrity journalism on cultural values.
The impact of cross-platform journalism on audience reach and engagement.
Investigating the effects of social media algorithms on news distribution.
The role of data journalism in enhancing transparency and public understanding.
Analyzing the impact of crowd-sourced journalism on news authenticity.
The challenges of balancing speed and accuracy in digital news reporting.
Investigating the role of international correspondents in the digital age.
The impact of public relations practices on journalistic independence.
Analyzing the representation of LGBTQ+ issues in mainstream journalism.
The role of journalism in addressing societal issues like homelessness and poverty.
Investigating the effects of editorial bias in shaping public perception.
The impact of journalism on political activism and social movements.
Analyzing the challenges of maintaining journalistic standards in entertainment reporting.

Recent Journalism-Related Studies

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a research topic, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual studies in the journalism space to see how this all comes together in practice.

Below, we’ve included a selection of recent studies to help refine your thinking. These are actual studies, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

Imagination, Algorithms and News: Developing AI Literacy for Journalism (Deuze & Beckett, 2022)
Evaluation of the Effect of a Live Interview in Journalism Students on Salivary Stress Biomarkers and Conventional Stress Scales (Roca et al., 2022)
Professional and Personal Identity, Precarity and Discrimination in Global Arts Journalism (Sharp & Vodanovic, 2022)
The Impact of Information and Communication Technologies on Journalism in the Digital Ara A Descriptive and Critical Approach (Chettah et al., 2022)
Women in Mass Communication (Creedon & Wackwitz, 2022)
Newsgames: Experiential Reality, Ludenic News Reading, Conflict of Purposes and Norms (Cengi̇z & Kaya, 2022)
Deep Journalism and DeepJournal V1.0: A Data-Driven Deep Learning Approach to Discover Parameters for Transportation (Ahmad et al., 2022)
A View From the Trenches: Interviews With Journalists About Reporting Science News (Anderson & Dudo, 2023)
Understanding Journalisms: From Information to Entertainment by Persuasion and Promotion (Bernier, 2022)
Role of educational institutions in promoting medical research and publications in Pakistan (Aslam, 2022)
Ethics for Journalists (Keeble, 2022)
“I Felt I Got to Know Everyone”: How News on Stage Combines Theatre and Journalism for a Live Audience (Adams & Cooper, 2022)
Newsafety: Infrastructures, Practices and Consequences (Westlund et al., 2022)
The Golden Age of American Journalism (Alent’eva et al., 2022)
Advancing a Radical Audience Turn in Journalism. Fundamental Dilemmas for Journalism Studies (Swart et al., 2022)
Mcluhan’s Theories and Convergence of Online and Papers’ Newsrooms (Barceló-Sánchez et al., 2022)
Scientific communication after the COVID-19 crisis: TikTok publishing strategies on the transmedia board (Neira et al., 2023)

As you can see, these research topics are a lot more focused than the generic topic ideas we presented earlier. So, for you to develop a high-quality research topic, you’ll need to get specific and laser-focused on a specific context with specific variables of interest. In the video below, we explore some other important things you’ll need to consider when crafting your research topic.

Get 1-On-1 Help

If you’re still unsure about how to find a quality research topic, check out our Research Topic Kickstarter service, which is the perfect starting point for developing a unique, well-justified research topic.

Research Topic Kickstarter - Need Help Finding A Research Topic?

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Print Friendly

Our websites may use cookies to personalize and enhance your experience. By continuing without changing your cookie settings, you agree to this collection. For more information, please see our University Websites Privacy Notice .

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES

Department of Communication

Ph.d. program of study.

Grad Admissions
Graduate Program Inquiry
Grad Course Descriptions
Paying for Graduate Education
Grad Student Publications
Graduate Program Alumni
Comm Grad Student Assn
Grad Student Handbook
Beyond the Program…Why UConn?

The general aim of the Ph.D. program in Communication is to provide students with a rigorous course of study that will prepare them for careers in either the academic or commercial spheres. The curriculum is not directed toward either of these domains, but rather attempts to give students a breadth of scholarly training that will allow them to pursue either of these career paths.

Academic Sphere. There is a very strong academic research component to communication. Persons with interests in communication are currently found on Communication faculties and in schools of Journalism and Mass Communication. Communication is an established academic area, as reflected in published research by faculty members in departments of Communication.

Commercial Sphere. Many organizations realize the value of research in mass communication effects, advertising, audience analysis, and other areas of communication. They have created a significant number of positions in communication. At the middle and upper management level, these are often filled by people with Ph.D. degrees. Training for persons filling these positions is often obtained in programs which do not equally emphasize communication theory and methods. The Ph.D. program in Communication is designed to provide the student with strong knowledge of communication theory, coupled with very strong research skills. A graduate of this program can step into a commercial research position without facing a period of hit-or-miss "on-the-job" training.

Ph.D. Program Elements

Length of Program

The time required for completion for the Ph.D. program will differ, depending on the degree status of entering students, and the courses already completed by the student at the graduate or undergraduate level. It is expected that students entering with a master’s degree will require approximately four years to complete the requisite course work, pass qualifying exams, and then write and defend the dissertation. (Note that students who earn an M.A. degree from our own program will require approximately three years, having already taken some of the required coursework.) The final program of course work and research for a student is created in consultation with his/her academic advisory committee. This program takes into account the student’s prior coursework and career objectives.

Research Requirement

Students participate in at least two research projects mentored by faculty before beginning their dissertation. These projects provide students with the necessary research experience before beginning the independent research required by the dissertation. They also put students in a better position to enter the Ph.D. job market.

Elective Courses (9 credits)

The student, in consultation with the academic advisory committee, will take an additional 9 credits in an area chosen to provide breadth or specialized skills. Typical areas might be social/behavioral research, computer science, or specialized business or communication areas.

Qualifying Exams

After coursework is completed, students take a general exam. When they pass, they are considered “Ph.D. Candidates” or "A.B.D." (all but dissertation).

Dissertation

An original research project designed by the student, approved by the advising committee.

Ph.D. Program Coursework Overview

Required for all tracks.

4 Required Methodology Courses:

COMM 5001 Introduction to Graduate Communication Research COMM 5002 Communication Research Methods COMM 5003 Advanced Communication Research Methods COMM 5010 Theory Construction and Research Design

2 Elective Methodology Courses (choose two of the following, or similar with approval of committee) -- one must be an advanced course (as indicated by *):

AH 6005 Multilevel Mediation and Moderation Modeling* COMM 6001 Proseminar in Communication Research* EPSY 6615 Structural Equation Modeling* HDFS 5002 Special Topics: Longitudinal Methods* HDFS 5005 Qualitative Research Methods MKTG 6203 Quantitative Models in Marketing NURS 6130 Intro to Qualitative Methods in Nursing NURS 6165 Mixed Methods in Nursing Research PSYC 5702 Field Research Methods PSYC 5130 Causal Modeling in Social Psychology* PSYC 5131 Meta-Analysis: Theory and Practice PSYC 6130 Measurement and Scaling SOCI 5231 Qualitative Methodology STAT 5515 Design of Experiments

1 Directed Research Requirement:

COMM 6800 Seminar and Directed Research in Communication

3 Required Communication Theory Courses (determined by track—see options below)

5 Emphasis Area Courses (1 must be COMM; determined by track—see options below)

Substitutions to required courses may be possible for students who have already completed the required course(s) elsewhere with a grade of B or higher. In such cases, students may substitute a different course within the requirement area (e.g., methods, content, theory, etc.) with approval of the advising committee.

Note on Emphasis Area Courses : Students may add a secondary sub-track as their emphasis area by taking any of the required courses for the secondary track to complete the requirements for the emphasis area.

Ph.D. Program Tracks

Interpersonal Communication Track

Required Communication Theory Course Options (choose at least 3):

COMM 5200 Interpersonal Communication (required) COMM 5100 Persuasion Theory and Research COMM 5220 Group Communication Research COMM 5500 Nonverbal Communication

Emphasis Area Course Recommendations (choose 5 from theory course options above, course list below, or similar with approval of committee—1 must be COMM):

COMM 5230 Organizational Communication: Theory and Research COMM 5501 Seminar in Nonverbal Communication and Persuasion HDFS 5240 Aging: Personality and Social Interaction HDFS 5250 Close Relationships HDFS 5310 Patterns and Dynamics of Family Interaction HDFS 5311 Theories of Family Development PSYC 5101 Motivation PSYC 5460 Social and Personality Development PSYC 5500 Research Seminar in Language and Psychology PSYC 5568 Psychology of Language PSYC 5703 Advanced Social Psychology PSYC 5770 Current Topics in Social Psychology PSYC 5612 Leadership in the Workplace PSYC 6731 Person Perception PSYC 6752 Interpersonal Relations SOCI 5651 Seminar in the Family

Marketing Communication Track

COMM 5100 Persuasion Theory and Research COMM 5200 Interpersonal Communication COMM 5300 Mass Communication Theory COMM 5310 Seminar in Mass Communication Research COMM 6850 Seminar in Marketing Communication (required) MKTG 5115 Market-Driven Management MKTG 6202 Advanced Seminar in Buyer Behavior

COMM 5120 Communication Campaigns COMM 5501 Seminar in Nonverbal Communication and Persuasion COMM 6895 Topics in Applied Communication Research MKTG 5250 Marketing Research and Information Systems MKTG 5640 Integrated Marketing Communications MKTG 5625 Marketing for Global Competitiveness MKTG 6210 Seminar in Theory and Practice in Marketing

Mass Communication Track

COMM 5300 Mass Communication Theory (required) COMM 5100 Persuasion Theory and Research COMM 5120 Communication Campaigns COMM 5150 Crisis and Risk Communication COMM 5310 Seminar in Mass Communication Research COMM 6895 Topics in Applied Communication Research

ANTH 5352 Medical Anthropology COMM 5200 Interpersonal Communication COMM 5230 Organizational Communication: Theory and Research COMM 5330 Children and Mass Media GPAH 5319 Allied Health Education POLS 5341 Public Opinion and American Democracy POLS 5342 American Political Parties POLS 5336 Comparative Political Communication POLS 5386 Public Opinion and Public Policy PSYC 5120 Health Psychology PSYC 6733 Social Cognition PSYC 5616 Human Judgment and Decision Process PUBH 5400 Intro to Public Health PUBH 5401 Principles of Epidemiology PUBH 5404 Environmental Health PUBH 5405 Social Foundations of Public Health PUBH 5419 Public Health Agencies PUBH 5430 Public Health Informatics PUBH 5451 Maternal and Child Health Services PUBH 5452 Injury and Violence Prevention PUBH 5453 Chronic Disease Control PUBH 5455 Health Education PUBH 5462 International Health PUBH 5473 Women, Public Health and Reproduction PUBH 5474 Minority Health PUBH 5475 Gerontological Health SOCI 5453 Medical Sociology SOCI 5801 Political Sociology SOCI 5821 Social Movements SOCI 5829 Social Change

New Communication Technology Track

COMM 5660 Computer-Mediated Communication (required) COMM 5100 Persuasion Theory and Research COMM 5300 Mass Communication Theory COMM 5640 Social Media Use and Effects COMM 5650 Communication Technology and Society: Theory and Research

COMM 5200 Interpersonal Communication COMM 5220 Group Communication Research COMM 5230 Organizational Communication: Theory and Research COMM 5500 Nonverbal Communication COMM 5501 Seminar in Nonverbal Communication and Persuasion EPSY 5220 Introduction to Educational Technology EPSY 5520 Instructional Design EPSY 5530 Learning Theory MKTG 5250 Marketing Research & Information System MGMT5260 Management of Technology and Innovation MKTG 5640 Integrated Marketing Communication MKTG 5665 Digital Marketing OPIM 5165 Management Information Systems OPIM 5270 Systems Development OPIM 5620 Managing and Controlling Information Systems PSYC 5615 Human Factors PSYC 5101 Motivation PSYC 5620 Design and Analysis of Human-Machine Systems PSYC 5703 Advanced Social Psychology PSYC 6731 Person Perception PSYC 6752 Interpersonal Relations

Nonverbal Communication Track

COMM 5500 Nonverbal Communication (required) COMM 5100 Persuasion Theory and Research COMM 5200 Interpersonal Communication COMM 5300 Mass Communication Theory COMM 5501 Seminar in Nonverbal Communication and Persuasion

COMM 5220 Group Communication Research COMM 5230 Organizational Communication: Theory and Research COMM 5310 Seminar in Mass Communication COMM 6850 Seminar in Marketing Communication Research MKTG 410 Seminar in Theory and Practice in Marketing MKTG 402 Advanced Seminar in Buyer Behavior PSYC 5101 Motivation PSYC 5701 Experimental Social Psychology PSYC 5703 Advanced Social Psychology PSYC 5770 Current Topics in Social Psychology PSYC 6732 Attitude Organization and Change PSYC 6752 Interpersonal Relations

Persuasion Track

COMM 5100 Persuasion Theory and Research (required) COMM 5120 Communication Campaigns COMM 5200 Interpersonal Communication COMM 5300 Mass Communication Theory COMM 5310 Seminar in Mass Communication Research COMM 5501 Seminar in Nonverbal Communication and Persuasion

COMM 5230 Organizational Communication: Theory and Research COMM 5500 Nonverbal Communication PHIL 5316 Seminar in the Philosophy of Social Science PHIL 5317 Seminar in the Philosophy of Psychology PSYC 5567 Memory and Cognition PSYC 5613 Organizational Psychology PSYC 5703 Advanced Social Psychology PSYC 6732 Attitude Organization and Change

Ph.D. Program Optional Specialty Areas

Additional recommendations for Emphasis Area Courses for students choosing to specialize in the following areas (can be applied to any track emphasis area requirements):

Health Communication

ANTH 5352 Medical Anthropology COMM 5200 Interpersonal Communication COMM 5230 Organizational Communication: Theory and Research COMM 5770 Health Communication GPAH 5319 Allied Health Education PSYC 5120 Health Psychology PSYC 6733 Social Cognition PSYC 5616 Human Judgment and Decision Process PUBH 5400 Intro to Public Health PUBH 5401 Principles of Epidemiology PUBH 5404 Environmental Health PUBH 5405 Social Foundations of Public Health PUBH 5419 Public Health Agencies PUBH 5430 Public Health Informatics PUBH 5451 Maternal and Child Health Services PUBH 5452 Injury and Violence Prevention PUBH 5453 Chronic Disease Control PUBH 5455 Health Education PUBH 5462 International Health PUBH 5473 Women, Public Health and Reproduction PUBH 5474 Minority Health PUBH 5475 Gerontological Health SOCI 5453 Medical Sociology

Political Communication

POLS 5341 Public Opinion and American Democracy POLS 5342 American Political Parties POLS 5386 Public Opinion and Public Policy POLS 5336 Comparative Political Communication SOCI 5801 Political Sociology SOCI 5821 Social Movements SOCI 5829 Social Change

Theory and Research Ph.D.

Main navigation.

The Ph.D. program prepares students to conduct original research on communication processes, their origins, and their psychological, political and cultural effects. Most of our doctoral graduates enter academic teaching and research careers, or communication-related professions that require research skills.

Students usually enter the program with strong interests in one of our three areas of special strength: Media Psychology , Political Communication , or Journalism, Media and Culture . Within the program, students tend to anchor in one area while exploring key empirical and theoretical concerns in the others. After a core curriculum of courses in quantitative and qualitative methods, statistics, and mass communication theory, each student builds a research specialization through advanced courses and seminars in Communication and related departments, research projects, teaching, and an examination in the area of concentration. These requirements are normally completed within four years, and the dissertation within six.

Ph.D. Requirements and Procedures

Explore your training options in 10 minutes Get Started

Graduate Stories
Partner Spotlights
Bootcamp Prep
Bootcamp Admissions
University Bootcamps
Coding Tools
Software Engineering
Web Development
Data Science
Tech Guides
Tech Resources
Career Advice
Online Learning
Internships
Apprenticeships
Tech Salaries
Associate Degree
Bachelor's Degree
Master's Degree
University Admissions
Best Schools
Certifications
Bootcamp Financing
Higher Ed Financing
Scholarships
Financial Aid
Best Coding Bootcamps
Best Online Bootcamps
Best Web Design Bootcamps
Best Data Science Bootcamps
Best Technology Sales Bootcamps
Best Data Analytics Bootcamps
Best Cybersecurity Bootcamps
Best Digital Marketing Bootcamps
Los Angeles
San Francisco
Browse All Locations
Digital Marketing
Machine Learning
See All Subjects
Bootcamps 101
Full-Stack Development
Career Changes
View all Career Discussions
Mobile App Development
Cybersecurity
Product Management
UX/UI Design
What is a Coding Bootcamp?
Are Coding Bootcamps Worth It?
How to Choose a Coding Bootcamp
Best Online Coding Bootcamps and Courses
Best Free Bootcamps and Coding Training
Coding Bootcamp vs. Community College
Coding Bootcamp vs. Self-Learning
Bootcamps vs. Certifications: Compared
What Is a Coding Bootcamp Job Guarantee?
How to Pay for Coding Bootcamp
Ultimate Guide to Coding Bootcamp Loans
Best Coding Bootcamp Scholarships and Grants
Education Stipends for Coding Bootcamps
Get Your Coding Bootcamp Sponsored by Your Employer
GI Bill and Coding Bootcamps
Tech Intevriews
Our Enterprise Solution
Connect With Us
Publication
Reskill America
Partner With Us

Resource Center
Bachelor’s Degree
Master’s Degree

The Top 10 Most Interesting Communication Research Topics

Communication students usually face two problems when it comes to research. The first is identifying compelling communication research topics. The second is crafting appropriate communication research questions that are specific and relevant.

Fortunately, choosing communication research paper topics doesn’t have to be challenging. This article outlines all you need to know about selecting the right topics for your research. It also lists 10 interesting examples of communication research topics you can consider for your essay or thesis.

Find your bootcamp match

What makes a strong communication research topic.

Simplicity is what makes a strong communication research topic. Your research topic should contain relevant content that gives readers a general insight into what you intend to study. However, it must be concise and free from unnecessary jargon or wordy sentences.

As a communication researcher, you must also tackle relevant subjects. Your research should contribute to existing knowledge in your field by corroborating previously known facts or drawing attention to new insights.

Tips for Choosing a Communication Research Topic

Find out your school’s requirements. Some schools have curriculum requirements that may streamline your communication research topic ideas. For example, your department may have a specified word count for research papers. Such a condition would prevent you from selecting a topic that would require a lengthy write-up.
Read industry-related surveys. If you want your research to address a specific industry pain point, industry-related surveys can help you choose a suitable topic. Some communication and media firms release their survey findings to the public. You can explore these surveys to identify the direction your research should take.
Visit an academic journal. Journals like The International Journal of Communication and Journal of Health Communication can provide you with inspiration for choosing your communication topic. These reliable sources cover many subjects and contain ideas that can steer you on the right path.
Attend conferences. Conferences are a credible source to learn about the future of communication research. This knowledge can be beneficial for choosing a topic that would attract much interest. You can visit online sources like conferenceindex.org to find a list of upcoming communication conferences.
Avoid over-researched topics. There is already a wealth of research available on many communication topics. As much as you can, it’s best to avoid over-researched topics. Choose topics that allow you to provide unique information rather than rehashing previously published ideas.

What’s the Difference Between a Research Topic and a Research Question?

A research topic highlights the researcher’s area of focus during research. Research questions are usually narrow enough to allow the researcher to focus on a particular sub-topic within their field. However, they are also extensive enough to allow for exploration of the chosen subject from various angles.

Research questions, on the other hand, are more succinct. They are usually derived from the chosen research topic and leave no room for ambiguity. Research questions show the purpose of the study. They clearly define the parameters being studied. They may also provide insight into the research methods employed.

How to Create Strong Communication Research Questions

Strong communication research questions must focus on addressing a particular issue. Also, they must be presented objectively. Your research question should not reflect bias or attempt to tilt the reader’s mind toward a particular direction.

2. The Influence of Public Relations in Building Thriving Businesses

Most highly ranked companies place a premium on maintaining their brand image through external communication. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for public relations specialists are expected to increase by 11 percent between 2020 and 2030. An examination into the impact of public relations in building a reputable business would make a great research topic.

3. Critical Approaches for Dealing With Fake News

Due to the prominent role of bloggers in contemporary society, there is a shortage of legitimate sources for information. This challenge has brought about a need to provide credible reporting and establish proper communication channels. Your research could provide a critical approach for examining the spread of fake news and suggest effective methods for building reliable communication networks.

4. Practical Communication Skills for the Development of Intimate Relationships

Interpersonal dialogue is one of the most intriguing aspects of communication. Several studies have been carried out on effective dialogue as a tool for building strong personal relationships. However, there is still a wide knowledge gap on the subject. You could carry out communication studies on practical communication skills that can facilitate the growth of relationships.

5. Email as an Effective Business Communication Tool

All emerging tech businesses use email as a corporate communication tool, according to Statista. Despite this, some still have concerns about the adverse effects of email on business-to-business communication. You could carry out research to determine the positive or negative influences of email and instant messaging on the overall work culture of organizations.

6. The Evolution of Horizontal and Downward Communication in the Business Environment

Workplace culture has changed massively in the 21st century with the advent of Zoom meetings and other non-traditional discussion channels. Your research could examine the history of communication in organizations. It could also highlight the changes in downward and horizontal communication practices in leading global businesses.

7. Regular Social Media Communication and Its Impact on Human Behavior

Social media has become a vital part of our personal life. Unfortunately, regular social media use has been linked to vices like substance abuse and several mental health challenges. A study of the effect of social networks on the attitude of viewers would make a very relevant topic for a communication research paper.

8. Techniques for Improving Virtual Communication

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been a sharp increase in the use of virtual dialogue globally. Various companies have experimented with different techniques to improve the experience of virtual communication technology. Your research could compare these strategies and, if possible, offer some communication tips for virtual environments.

9. The Relationship Between Organizational Communication and Workplace Culture

Communication is one of the vital factors that affect employee performance and workplace culture. Different companies have devised effective communication strategies to eliminate organizational uncertainty. You can study these various communication processes and show how they influence employee behavior in the workplace.

10. The Growth of Instant Messaging and Its Effect on Modern Society

No one can deny that instant messaging apps have become a ubiquitous phenomenon. Presently, Whatsapp has a total of 2 billion active monthly users , according to Statista. For your research paper, you could explore the impact of this mass adoption of instant messaging apps on our overall quality of everyday life.

Communication Research Questions

What are the most effective public health communication methods for patient-centered communication?
What is the importance of non-verbal interpersonal communication in developing professional relationships?
What is the role of mass media in improving international relations?
What are the most effective communication styles for social marketing?
What is the role of social media platforms in promoting intercultural dialogue?

Choosing the Right Communication Research Topic

Although it is essential to learn different research methods , your research won’t have much impact without choosing a strong topic. So, selecting an excellent research topic is the first step in writing a noteworthy research paper on communication.

Also, selecting the right communication research paper topic can help you identify which communication discipline is right for you. If you are wondering what you can do with your communications degree , a research paper is a perfect way to get a feel of various areas of interest before you graduate.

Communication Research Topics FAQ

Qualitative questions are open-ended and aim to explore a thought or subject matter through qualitative methods. For example, with qualitative research, rather than comparing data sets, the goal is to gather and interpret data to generate a hypothesis.

Quantitative research questions usually seek to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between two or more data sets. Unlike qualitative research, quantitative research aims to confirm or test the accuracy of a hypothesis.

A thesis statement is a brief overview of the main point of a research paper. Your thesis statement should be short, straightforward, and inform the reader of what your paper is all about.

Yes, online communication master’s degree programs also involve research work. So, if you are considering getting an online master’s in communication , you must be ready to write a research paper as one of the major requirements for graduating.

About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication .

What's Next?

Get matched with top bootcamps

Ask a question to our community, take our careers quiz.

250+ Communication Research Topics & Ideas for Students to Consider

Table of contents

Use our free Readability checker

Picture this: you're sitting at your desk, racking your brain for a killer communication research paper topic. You've scrolled through countless websites, but nothing is resonating. Sounds frustrating, right?

Well, good news – your search ends here. Our blog has been carefully designed to combat this exact problem by providing a broad array of unique communication research topics. Aimed at students like you, it offers topics that are not only relevant, but also engaging and thought-provoking.

We invite you to dive into these communication research paper topics, sure to set your communication study on the right track. They're ready to be picked, expanded, or simply serve as a spark to ignite your creativity. Forget the nightmare of topic selection! With our blog, that's a problem of the past. Dive in this collection from our paper writers online and let the inspiration flow!

What Are Communication Research Topics?

Communication studies is an academic field that integrates aspects of sociology, psychology, media and politics to examine human communication. It's an incredibly dynamic field that explores how information is transmitted and understood among people, organizations, cultures, or nations.

In this regard, communication research topics cover a wildly diverse range of areas. Some subjects might revolve around understanding social media algorithms, while others focus on the power of political speeches. Basically, if your research explores sending, receiving, and understanding of messages – it fits right into communication studies.

Characteristics of Good Communication Research Paper Topics

Finding the right communication topics for a research paper is like looking for the perfect ingredient. It's not just about grabbing the first thing you see. Instead, you need to select a topic that satisfies your professor’s requirements and adds value to the academic conversation.

So, what makes a communication research paper topic truly stand out? The answer is simple. You should be governed by a few key attributes that elevate a topic from good to great. Below are some of these features:

Present-time significance Choose a topic that resonates with contemporary issues. These subjects may vary from understanding the impact of social media on public discourse to exploring the ethics in digital advertising.
Novelty Communication field is vast, but repetitive themes can lose their appeal. Strive for novelty. A fresh viewpoint or a new exploration in a familiar domain can make your paper truly distinctive.
Practicality Grand ideas are wonderful, but an effective topic is the one that can be comfortably researched given your resources and timeframe. Consider your access to data, available literature, and your expertise while navigating through research topics for communication.
Personal engagement A study should keep you involved. Your own enthusiasm can make the research process more rewarding.
Precision A crucial attribute is the scope. An overly broad topic can lead to a surface-level discussion, while a hyper-narrow theme can limit the scope of your research. Make sure your communication research topic keeps that balance.

How to Choose a Communication Research Topic?

Selecting a good research topic in communication can be a time-consuming process since there are many areas to pick from. But with these steps, making a choice can be way easier.

Discover Stay updated with the latest trends, theories, and debates in communication studies. This can help you identify emerging or important areas that could form the basis of your title.
Ideate Generate a list of possible topics for communication research based on your readings, interests, and specific requirements. Ensure these themes are intriguing and meet instructions.
Refine Critically assess your ideas considering the availability of resources for research. Narrow down your list to ideas that can be researched with the resources you have.
Finalize Select a theme that you are genuinely interested in. Confirm your choice after discussing it with your mentors, peers or online research paper writing service .

Communication Research Topics List

Before you begin searching, remember to align your topic with your instructor's guidelines and course objectives. Our expert term paper writers have curated a list of engaging communication research paper topics. These ideas, both intriguing and diverse, can provide a robust starting point for your exploration.

Impact of emojis on digital conversation.
Non-verbal cues in virtual meetings.
Evolution of political discourse on social media.
Crisis communication in the age of Twitter.
Role of memes in shaping public opinion.
Ethics of persuasion in advertising.
Are podcasts a new form of storytelling?
Influence of cultural nuances on business communication.
Fake news and media literacy.
Language barriers in international diplomacy.
Social media influencers as modern change-makers.
Impact of technology on interpersonal communication.
Role of humor in effective communication.
How does workplace diversity affect communication styles?
Accessibility in digital communication.

Interesting Communication Research Topics

Great communications research topics should also tackle real-world issues and invite further exploration. We've tailored our suggestions to align with these criteria, aiming to pique your curiosity. Here are fascinating topics that you might find interesting:

Role of communication in climate change awareness.
Deconstructing political rhetoric in election campaigns.
Can emojis replace words in digital conversations?
Impact of influencers on consumer behavior.
Fake news and public trust in media.
Miscommunication: Root causes and effects.
Bridging cultural gaps in international negotiations.
Understanding gender dynamics in conversation.
Ethical boundaries in persuasive advertising.
Memes as a form of political commentary.
Podcasts: Reviving oral traditions in a digital age?
Influence of social media on body image.
Digital detox: A solution for information overload?
Negotiating language barriers in global diplomacy.
What impact does social media have on public opinion?

Good Communication Research Topics

If you are still in search of something more specific, the following communication research topics ideas can help. They cover a range of disciplines and avenues for exploration, from healthcare research topics to business topics and ideas.

Crisis communication in natural disasters.
Role of body language in job interviews.
Digital activism: Effective tool or just noise?
How does social media shape our self-image?
Impact of AI on interpersonal communication.
Ethics and transparency in public relations.
Humor as a communication tool in education.
Can language shape our perception of reality?
Exploring intercultural communication in multinational companies.
Analyzing propaganda techniques in modern media.
Role of storytelling in organizational leadership.
Communication strategies in health campaigns.
Power dynamics in family conversations.
Navigating digital communication etiquette: Do’s and don'ts.
Is anonymity empowering or threatening in online communication?

Simple Communication Research Paper Topics

Browsing through tons of research topics in communication can quickly become overwhelming if not managed properly. To simplify the process, these easy yet comprehensive ideas may be of help.

Role of silence in effective communication.
Influence of celebrity endorsements on brand image.
Impact of texting on language skills.
Social media as a tool for social change.
Power of non-verbal communication in public speaking.
Exploring communication styles across cultures.
Understanding effective communication in sports teams.
Cyberbullying: A new face of aggression?
Role of communication in customer service excellence.
Music as a universal language: Myth or reality?
Exploring personal space in different cultures.
Are billboards still effective advertising tools?
Impact of language proficiency on academic performance.
Bridging generational gaps through effective communication.
Role of communication in conflict resolution.

Latest Communication Research Topics

Keeping pace with the latest trends is crucial, as it allows you to tap into contemporary debates. It's about understanding the pulse of the present, exploring the new, and challenging the status quo. To help you get involved in these current discussions, here are some trending communication topics for research:

Role of TikTok in shaping youth culture.
Impact of remote work on team communication.
Is cancel culture affecting freedom of speech?
Rise of mental health conversations on social media.
Understanding AI's role in customer service communication.
Influencer marketing: Revolutionizing traditional advertising?
Dealing with misinformation in the era of instant news.
Impact of virtual reality on interpersonal communication.
Communication strategies in pandemic crisis management.
Role of livestreaming in shaping consumer behavior.
Can chatbots replace human customer service?
NFTs and their impact on digital art communication.
E-sports communication: New rules of the game.
Voice technology: Future of human-machine communication?
Communication patterns in online learning environments.

Communication Research Topic Ideas for Students

Requirements to research differ depending on the academic level. If you are searching for research topics on communication divided into separate groups based on their academic complexity, don’t go any further. Below we selected the best communication research ideas for both college and university students.

Communication Research Paper Topics for College Students

College-level studies require a more sophisticated approach than a high-school one. You should explore beyond the surface and engage critically with various facets of communication. To meet these academic expectations, we offer you a selection of communication research topics for college students.

Biases in news media coverage.
Understanding communication breakdown in diplomatic relations.
Role of data visualization in business communication.
The psychology of persuasion in advertising.
Impact of subliminal messaging in advertising.
Cross-cultural communication in global business.
Role of LinkedIn in professional networking.
Impact of language nuances on legal communication.
Political correctness in public discourse: Necessity or limitation?
Social media algorithms and user behavior.
Analyzing crisis communication in the airline industry.
Impact of cyber communication on teenage self-esteem.
Exploring echo chambers in digital media.
Communication strategies for environmental advocacy.
Role of whistleblowers in corporate communication.

Communication Research Paper Topics for University Students

University-level research is often more intensive and complex. To help you cope with this, we've prepared a selection of communication research topics for university students. These ideas should give you plenty of material to investigate.

Impact of bilingualism on interpersonal communication.
Role of visual aids in classroom communication.
AI's influence on journalism: A revolution?
Social networking sites: Anxieties and self-presentation.
How does music communicate cultural identities?
Body language in job interviews: What does it communicate?
Gated communities and their communication culture.
Graffiti: A form of social communication?
Comics: Communicating societal issues through art.
Silent films: Mastering communication without words.
Decoding communication in dance forms across cultures.
Role of color in marketing communication.
Dealing with information overload in the digital age.
Visual communication in the age of Instagram and Snapchat.
The impact of dark social on marketing.

Research Topics in Communication by Subject

Navigating through different communication research paper topics can be daunting, which is why we've categorized them by subject for your convenience. Whether you're focused on interpersonal communication, media studies, or communication technology, there's something here for everyone. Below, you'll find an array of communication paper topics, thoughtfully organized to cater to your specific academic needs.

Interpersonal Communication Research Topics

Interpersonal communication is the process by which people exchange information, feelings, and meaning through verbal and non-verbal messages. It's not just about what is said or expressed, but also how it's perceived and understood. Below are some interpersonal communication research paper topics you might find interesting:

Impact of language barriers on interpersonal relationships.
Perception of sarcasm in online communication.
Power dynamics in family communication.
Self-disclosure in romantic relationships: Benefit or bane?
Face-to-face vs. digital communication.
Exploring communication styles in leadership roles.
Interpersonal communication in multi-generational workplaces.
Art of persuasion in interpersonal communication.
Examining the role of empathy in effective communication.
Listening skills: Their impact on interpersonal relationships.
The role of humor in easing interpersonal tensions.
Social etiquette: Unspoken rules of interpersonal communication.
Impact of cultural norms on interpersonal communication.
Role of interpersonal communication in fostering team spirit.
The psychology of small talk.

Intercultural Communication Research Topics

Intercultural communication investigates how people from different societies interact and communicate with each other. It encompasses various topics, including language acquisition, cultural identity, political discourse, cross-cultural differences in business communication, and more. Here are some intercultural communication topics for research papers to get you started:

Body language: Deciphering variations across cultures.
Cultural adaptations in international business communication.
Etiquette in digital correspondence between representatives of different cultures.
Role of cultural intelligence in effective intercultural communication.
Impact of cultural stereotyping on communication.
Religious sensitivities in intercultural dialogue.
Challenges in international diplomacy.
Interpreting emotions across cultures.
Exploring cultural nuances in humor.
Role of intercultural communication in global marketing.
Cross-cultural adaptation of immigrants: Communication barriers and breakthroughs.
Cultural perceptions of privacy in communication.
Role of translation in intercultural understanding.
Impact of globalization on intercultural communication.
How cultural backgrounds affect negotiation tactics.

Communication Research Paper Topics on Public Relations

Public relations involve strategic communication and relationships between organizations, their target audiences, customers, suppliers, employees, media stakeholders, and other relevant publics. Below are some topics related to communication and public relations:

Ethics in PR: Navigating gray areas.
Social media's influence on modern PR strategies.
Celebrity endorsements: A PR perspective.
Public relations and communication in corporate social responsibility.
PR for start-ups: Building a brand from scratch.
The influence of PR on consumer decision-making.
PR in sports: Handling controversies and scandals.
Environmental PR: Advocating for sustainability.
Impact of fake news on PR practices.
Diversity and inclusion in PR campaigns.
PR and event management: Making a splash.
Dealing with PR failures: Lessons from high-profile cases.
PR in the hospitality industry: Ensuring customer satisfaction.
How does PR shape the public image of celebrities?
Communication strategies for handling negative PR.

Mass Communication Research Topics

Mass communication is a mechanism for disseminating information and ideas to large audiences. It can be used for educational, marketing, or advertising purposes. Here are some of the best mass communications research topics on offer:

Influence of political bias in news reporting.
Analyzing audience behavior in the digital age.
Impact of sensationalism on news quality.
How mass communication shapes societal norms.
Mass communication in health promotion campaigns.
Effects of product placement in television shows.
Understanding censorship in mass media.
Media literacy: The need for critical consumption.
Role of mass communication in electoral politics.
Effects of celebrity culture on mass audiences.
Representation of minority groups in mainstream media.
Pop culture influence on youth.
Role of mass communication in environmental awareness.
Impact of digital platforms on print journalism.
Mass communication and its effect on consumer behavior.

Communication Research Topics on Social Media

Social media has revolutionized the way people communicate, with far-reaching implications for marketing and public relations. Below are some research topics in communication for your next social media essay or project:

Balancing privacy and connectivity on social platforms.
What makes content shareable?
Brands navigating cancel culture on social platforms.
Social media and mental health: Exploring connections.
LinkedIn etiquette: Navigating professional communication online.
Snapchat's influence on short-term content consumption.
Crisis management on social media: Case studies.
The evolution of Facebook's news feed algorithm.
How does social media affect political discourse?
Twitch and the rise of livestreaming cultures.
Ethical considerations in data mining on social platforms.
Digital activism: Social media's role in social movements.
Analyzing the growth and influence of TikTok.
Determining the impact of fake news on voting preferences.
Pros and cons of using AI for content moderation.

>> View more: Social Media Research Paper Topics

Communication Research Topics on Journalism

Journalism is an integral part of our society as it informs and shapes a public opinion. As this field evolves, especially with digital technology, new research angles constantly arise. We did our best to collect the best journalism communication related topics below:

Challenges of investigative journalism in the digital age.
Citizen journalism versus traditional journalism.
The role of artificial intelligence in news generation.
Journalism ethics in the era of "clickbait."
Combating fake news: Strategies for news outlets.
The impact of podcasts on journalism.
Role of photojournalism in conflict reporting.
Impact of social media on newsroom practices.
24/7 news cycle: A boon or a bane?
Exploring objectivity in political journalism.
The decline of print media: What's next?
Environmental journalism and its role in climate change awareness.
Multimedia communication: Integration of text, audio, and video.
Journalism's role in fostering social change.
The rise and impact of opinion journalism.

Communication Research Ideas on Negotiations

Negotiations are at the heart of business communication and diplomacy, making them a highly relevant topic of research. Explore these research topics about communication and negotiations:

Role of cultural understanding in international negotiations.
How do emotions affect negotiation outcomes?
Strategies for dealing with deadlock.
The art of persuasive language in communication.
Power dynamics in business negotiations.
The effect of gender stereotypes on negotiation.
Online negotiations: New rules and dynamics.
The psychology of 'win-win' scenarios.
Pre-negotiation stage: Preparation and its importance.
Building trust in communication processes.
Negotiation styles across different industries.
The role of ethics in negotiations.
The impact of negotiation training on business outcomes.
Strategies to handle aggressive negotiators.
Do introverts or extroverts negotiate better?

Virtual Communication Topics for a Research Paper

Virtual communication refers to the process of exchanging information between two or more people within a simulated environment. This could be anything from social media platforms to online gaming forums, virtual reality, and computer-mediated conferencing. Here are some digital communication research paper topics to consider:

Exploring how virtual teams bridge geographic divides.
Investigating how emojis and emoticons are changing language norms.
Defining digital etiquette and rules for the new age.
Virtual communication and work-life balance.
What is the role of virtual reality in revolutionizing communication?
Is social media a friend or foe in professional communication?
The evolution of language in the age of texting.
How does 5G influence our communication habits?
Is e-learning an effective method or just a convenient option?
How to navigate misinformation in online conversations?
Telemedicine marks a new era for healthcare communication.
Are virtual meetings a productivity booster or a time waster?
Is blockchain a game changer for secure communication?
The use of virtual reality in public speaking training.
Digital communication and the paradox of loneliness.

Communication Research Topics on Advertising

Advertising is the process of attracting attention to products and services through various forms of communication — from TV commercials to creative content marketing campaigns. Take a look at these advertising communication research ideas to pick a fitting topic:

How does emotional appeal work in advertising campaigns?
How do colors influence purchasing decisions in advertising?
Can humor in advertising guarantee a positive response?
The role of nostalgia in marketing campaigns.
How do different cultures react to the same ad?
Analyzing the communication techniques in Nike's 'Just Do It' campaign.
Evaluating the 'Got Milk?' campaign: The role of concise messaging.
The influence of McDonald's 'I'm Lovin' It' campaign on consumer behavior.
The impact of Apple's 'Think Different' campaign on brand perception.
Analysis of 'Share a Coke' ad: Personalization as a communication tool.
The 'Because You're Worth It' campaign by L'Oreal: A study in self-affirmative messaging.
'Don't Be Evil': Understanding Google's corporate identity through its original slogan.
How are 'Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt' (FUD) used in smear campaigns?
How do 'Calls to Action' affect the success of digital campaigns?
The role of user-generated content in advertising.

>> More ideas: Marketing Research Topics

Communication Research Topics on Leadership

Leadership is all about effective communication. Leaders must be able to communicate their vision effectively in order for their followers to understand and buy into it. Below are some communication research topic ideas for your leadership essay or scholarly study.

Impact of transformational leadership communication on employee morale.
Persuasive techniques of successful women leaders.
Leadership and team productivity: The unspoken connection.
Comparison of narrative styles among autocratic and democratic leaders.
Communication pitfalls in leadership.
Effect of non-verbal communication in leadership efficacy.
Role of effective message conveying in conflict resolution among leaders.
Analysis of Steve Jobs' leadership communication style.
Assertive message conveyance and its effect on leadership success.
How does style of expression influence perception of leadership?
Importance of cultural intelligence in leadership communication.
Emotional intelligence and empathy in leadership.
Role of open dialogue in leadership and trust building.
Examining the importance of listening skills in effective leadership.
Communication strategies for leading remote teams.

Extra Communication Research Topic Ideas

As the field of communication is vast and encompasses multiple subjects, not all topics find their exact match in pre-established categories. For those unique, fascinating, and sometimes offbeat communication research paper topics, we have created an extra section. Here, you can explore additional ideas that although didn't neatly fit into a particular category, hold immense research potential.

Communication Research Questions

Are you about to write a research paper or a dissertation in communication but haven't settled on a topic yet? If so, then you can consider one of the following communication research questions:

In what ways has COVID-19 influenced remote communication techniques?
Can online video platforms replace face-to-face meetings fully?
How do different age groups perceive and interpret memes?
Is digital detox a viable solution for communication overload?
How does color psychology influence marketing communication?
What role does silence play in non-verbal dialogue?
How do political leaders use body language in public speaking?
How has podcasting influenced knowledge dissemination?
What are the communication challenges faced by astronauts during space missions?
Can communication training improve emotional intelligence?
How does culture impact our perception of visual communication?
How is AI changing the landscape of communication in healthcare?
Does text messaging and instant messaging deteriorate writing skills?
How does bilingualism influence communication styles?
What role does music play in cross-cultural communication?

Research Topics on Communication for Exam

If you have scrolled down this far, chances are you are about to take an exam on communication topics. To help you make the best of your exam preparation, we've compiled a list of communication research paper topics that you might face on your exam.

Evolving trends in workplace interactions.
The impact of social media on personal connections.
Ethical considerations in journalistic practices.
Influence of culture on conversation styles.
Symbolism in advertising messages.
Effect of virtual reality on social interactions.
The role of storytelling in organizational dialogue.
Gender differences in dialogue styles.
Importance of active listening in effective exchanges.
How leadership effectiveness is influenced by dialogue techniques.
Effects of mass media on societal behavior.
AI's impact on future interaction systems.
Technological advancements in telecommunication fields.
How does noise affect the quality of conversation?
Influence of personal branding on messaging.

Main Approaches to Studying Communication

Scholars have developed multiple frameworks to study this discipline. These techniques provide the backbone to many communication research studies and guide how we understand, analyze, and interpret messages. In the subsequent section, you can see 4 major approaches to studying communication, each offering a unique perspective.


	Rooted in empirical evidence and quantitative methods, this approach is objective and often uses or to study communication as a predictable and somewhat controlled phenomenon.
	Interpretive approach emphasizes understanding communication subjectively within its context. It tends to use , such as interviews or observations, focusing on the meanings and experiences of individuals.
	This technique views communication as a form of power and control. Scholars using this approach often analyze societal issues related to media, culture, gender, and race, and their effects on communication.
	This approach questions the existence of a single truth, emphasizing the multiplicity of realities. It challenges traditional norms and focuses on the complexity and unpredictability of communication, often through deconstructive analysis.

Bottom Line on Research Topics About Communication

We hope that this assortment of communication research paper topics will aid you in finding the right idea. Keep in mind that the research questions are just a starting point. Don’t hesitate to build on them or explore related sub-topics based on the direction your project takes. And remember to always cite properly when using existing studies for your paper. From how to cite a book in APA to how to cite a journal in MLA or create a Chicago website citation , we’ve collected the latest guidelines and examples for any citation format.

If you're feeling overwhelmed or simply need some expert guidance, reach out to our team of academic professionals. They all have solid experience in the field and are eager to assist you. Just say " write my research paper ," and get your project done in no time.

Joe Eckel is an expert on Dissertations writing. He makes sure that each student gets precious insights on composing A-grade academic writing.

Development Communication Research Paper Topics

Activist Media
Citizens’ Media
Communication Evaluation Research
Communication Strategies for Empowerment
Communication Technology and Development
Community Media
Daniel Lerner
Dependency Theories
Development Communication Campaigns
Development Communication in Africa
Development Communication in Asia
Development Communication in Latin America
Development Communication in the Middle East
Development Discourse
Development Institutions
Development Journalism
Development Support Communication
Development, Gender, and Communication
Everett Rogers
Geometry of Development
Health Campaigns for Development
Media Democracy Movement
Modernization
Participatory Action Research
Participatory Communication
Planning of Development Communication
Population Campaigns
Postdevelopment
Radio for Development
Rural Development
Social Mobilization
Spirituality and Development
Sustainable Development
Telecenters
Television for Development
Transnational Civil Society
Wilbur Schramm

Development Communication in Historical Context

Historically, development strategies have targeted developing countries, meaning those with fewer resources than the wealthier countries supporting bilateral and multilateral development institutions. More recently, development goals have been incorporated into social and political protests, through transnational movements actively engaged in promoting economic, political, social, or cultural progress. Social change may be occurring as a result of a variety of factors, such as long-term shifts in policies and political leadership, economic circumstances, demographic characteristics, normative conditions, and ideological values: development communication intersects with social change at the point of intentional, strategic, organized interventions.

Academic Writing, Editing, Proofreading, And Problem Solving Services

Get 10% off with 24start discount code.

Following World War II, development communication emerged as a foreign aid strategy, designed by northern and western institutions to promote modernization among less wealthy countries. Early approaches articulated by Daniel Lerner, Wilbur Schramm, and others advocated the promotion of media toward national modernization. Critics raised concerns with hierarchical communication transmissions devoid of historical, structural, or geopolitical context, with some arguing for more participatory processes.

Justifications for participatory development have varied greatly. Development institutions interested in creating efficient and effective projects understand participation as a necessary tool for achieving defined ends. Other development institutions concerned with the ethical aspects of participation are more likely to conceive of participation as an end in itself, regardless of project outcomes. Some participatory approaches build on more resistant strategies to fight oppressive conditions, inspired through Freire’s work in liberation theology. These concerns resonate with recent attention in development to the importance of social and political movements in the broader context of social change.

Although the focus of development communication has changed over time from concerns with modernity, to dependency, cultural imperialism, globalization, participation, and resistance, these shifts have not evolved in a linear fashion. Many underlying concerns with power, whether conceived within political-economic structures or within community contexts, or whether posited as hegemonic or pluralist processes, remain. Highlighting experiences of oppression and dominance, a reframing of the ‘geometry of development’ shifts the landscape of development from nation-states in north/ south orientations toward a more fluid sense of transnational collectivities and agencies.

Academic attention to development communication typically addresses programs designed to communicate for social change, or what can be called “communicating for development.” More recent critical approaches of development concern “communicating about development,” questioning the way that social change projects articulate assumptions about problems, solutions, and communities. These are not mutually exclusive endeavors: ongoing critique and research engaged through communicating about development should contribute to improving strategies for communicating for social change.

Communicating for Development

Communicating for development engages intentional strategies to promote socially beneficial goals. Development problems often addressed through these projects can be found in health, agriculture, governance, population, nutrition, sustainable development, and other subjects. These programs address a variety of themes, such as stimulating economic growth, promoting transparent governance, asserting cultural identities, and creating social spaces for community dialogue, through project implementation.

Communication interventions may help to mobilize support, create awareness, foster norms, encourage behavior change, influence policymakers, or even shift frames of social issues. The goals themselves vary with the underlying approach taken to development, such as social change frameworks based in social marketing, entertainment education, or media advocacy. What unites these approaches is having an intentional, organized strategy toward a specific, noncommercial goal. These types of projects differ, however, in terms of the types of groups they address and the nature of the social change process assumed. Some projects integrate more than one of these types of interventions in broader programmatic efforts. They also may incorporate a variety of mediated technologies as part of their strategic intervention. Communications technologies and processes contribute to these strategic approaches to directed social change.

Communicating about Development

A complementary approach within the broader field of development communication addresses the topic of communication about development. Critical of a development industry that appears to channel resources yet has worsening rather than improving consequences, some scholars position development as a particular discourse that communicates problematic assumptions about the nature of the problems addressed, appropriate solutions, and communities at risk.

The ideological assumptions of development are deconstructed and criticized in this approach. The underlying issue questions how development communicates particular ideological assumptions, and, moreover, what the implications are in terms of understanding power. Power can be understood as a negotiated and fluid process through which some agencies have the economic, cultural, and other resources to dominate and advance their agendas, whereas other groups have the potential to subvert and resist. Some development strategies explicitly take on the goal of empowerment, advocating the rights and responsibilities of particular communities.

Recent attention to postdevelopment posits social movements as radical alternatives to dominant development structures and ideologies. In this regard, social movements are seen not as a way to transform or improve mainstream development, but as potential channels for resistance. Opening our gaze to the possibilities of more resistant strategies means advocating a more inclusive conceptualization of development and social change.

Development Communication Research Agendas

Development communication requires research as integral to the dialogic implementation and assessment of programs. Individual projects need to be analyzed not only in terms of their defined objectives, but also as they relate to broader programmatic strategies and underlying social problems. Monitoring and evaluation research allows an assessment of the program consequences, in order to contribute to improving future projects.

Although quite different in strategies implemented and theories engaged, these approaches are united in their attempts to build on communication toward and about social change. Sharing a profound concern with devastating conditions worldwide, critical scholars and advocates broaden their vision of development communication to include concerns with inequities and to advocate for social justice. Development communication continues to offer an increasingly holistic and far-reaching framework for engaging in dialogue and action toward social change. Future research can inform development communication to improve its contribution toward resolving global concerns.

References:

Dutta, M. (2011). Communicating social change: Structure, culture, agency. London: Routledge.
Enghel, F. & Wilkins, K. (eds.) (2012). Communication, media and development: Problems and perspectives. Nordicom, Special Issue, 31.
Escobar, A. (1995). Encountering development: The making and unmaking of the third world. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.
Gumucio-Dagron, A. & Tufte, T. (2006). Communication for social change anthology: Historical and contemporary readings. South Orange, NJ: Communication for Social Change Consortium.
McAnany, E. (2012). Saving the world: A brief history of communication for development and social change. Urbana, IL: University of Illinois Press.
S. (ed.) (2012). Development communication in directed social change: A reappraisal of theory and practice. Singapore: AMIC.
Nedervee Pieterse, J. (2001). Development theory: Deconstructions/reconstructions. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Sparks, C. (2007). Globalization, development and the mass media. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Wilkins, K. & Mody, B. (eds.) (2001). Communication, development, social change, and global disparity Communication Theory, Special issue, 11(4).
Wilkins, K., Tufte, T., & Obregon, R. (eds.) (2014). Handbook of development communication and social change. Oxford: Wiley Blackwell.

Back to Communication Research Paper Topics .

ORDER HIGH QUALITY CUSTOM PAPER

MyU : For Students, Faculty, and Staff

Hubbard School

of journalism and Mass Communication

Explore Majors
Journalism Major
Strategic Communication Major
Media and Information Major
Internships
Mentorships
Professional Development Funding
Study Abroad
Student Organizations
Scholarships
Student Profiles
Internship Success Stories
Student Work
Major and Pre-Major Advising
Career Services
Mental Health & Well-Being Resources
Why Hubbard?
Have Questions?
Explore Programs
MA in Mass Communication
PhD in Mass Communication
Professional MA in Strategic Communication
MA/PhD & JD in Mass Communication & Law
MA in Health Communication
Graduate Faculty
Graduate Student Research
Graduate Clubs & Organizations
Research Opportunities
Student Funding
Meet Our Students
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Past Dissertations and Theses
Student Conference Presentations
Graduate Fellowship Recipients
Doctoral Alumni
Contact Graduate Student Services
Administration
Industry Inclusion Fellows
Graduate Students
Advertising & PR
Health Communication
Journalism Studies
Law, Policy, Ethics & History
Political Communication
Silha Center
MN Journalism Center
Connect with the Hubbard School
Murphy Reporter
Meet Our Alumni
Director's Circle
Undergraduate Mentorships
Meet the Alumni Society Board
Join the Board Application
Past Award Recipients
Media Contact
The Hubbard Family
Location & Facilities
Accreditation
Plagiarism & Fabrication Policy
Hubbard School Feedback
Work at the Hubbard School
Curriculum & Courses
How to Apply
Explore our Programs

The PhD program is designed to prepare independent scholars for academic careers in teaching and research in mass communication and related fields. You will build a solid foundation in the discipline through multifaceted exploration of the theories and methods that influence the shape and scope of mass communication research. You are strongly encouraged to develop your own theoretical and methodological approach to mass communication research and to interact and collaborate with our multidisciplinary faculty on cutting-edge research in mass communication in the global and multicultural context.

Application Deadline

Fall 2024 Admissions Update : Applications for Fall 2024 Admissions are no longer being accepted for the Mass Communication M.A. and Ph.D. graduate programs . The program will begin to accept applications for Fall 2025 admissions in September 2024 and this page will reflect our program requirements for Fall 2025 admissions. Fall 2025 Admissions Deadline: Our program admissions deadline for the Mass Communication M.A. and Ph.D. graduate programs will be December 15, 2024. If you have additional questions about the application process, please email [email protected] .

Program Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for the PhD program, you must have completed, or be in the process of completing, a master's degree or equivalent advanced degree.

Once you're admitted to the PhD program, you will work closely with a faculty advisor to select your dissertation field and supporting coursework. Common areas of research include:

Advertising
Communication law and regulation
Health communication
History of mass communication
International mass communication
Journalism studies
Mass media structures, processes, and effects
Political communication
Public relations

You do not know how strong you are until you are inspired to bring that hidden strength forward. That is the greatest strength of our graduate program: It guides you in surfacing your own individual greatest strengths—as a scholar, as a teacher, as a student and as a person. Our faculty, graduate students and staff members inspire you when you are at your most dire, lift you when you drift away and genuinely, deeply and faithfully value you every day.

Your Career Path

The typical career path for our PhD students is to take a tenure-track academic position at a university. Our PhD graduates have been placed at top-ranked universities in the U.S. and other countries, and have pursued careers at high-profile non-profit organizations, major advertising, public relations and media organizations, research firms, large corporations, and as consultants.

Degree Requirements

All PhD students must complete a minimum of 46 graduate credits, 24 thesis credits, and a dissertation. All course work must be taken on an A-F grading basis.

The following requirements must be fulfilled to complete the Ph.D. program in mass communication:

1. Required Mass Communication Core (7 credits)

JOUR 8001: Studies and Theories of Mass Communication (3 cr)
One more theory course inside the HSJMC(e.g., JOUR 8514) (3 cr)
JOUR 8009: Pro-seminar in Mass Communication (1 cr)

2. Required Methodology Core (9 credits)

JOUR 8501: Research Methods in Mass Commucation (3 cr)
One additional method course inside of the HSJMC (3 cr)
One additional method course inside or outside of the HSJMC (3 cr)

3. Additional academic requirements:

30 additional credits of coursework.
18 of the additional credits must come from HSJMC courses
12 of the additional credits must come from courses outside of HSJMC. This can be achieved by any combination of theory, method and topic seminar courses taken outside the HSJMC. Students are encouraged to explore freestanding graduate minors or graduate minors related to another major.

4. Doctoral thesis credits (24 credits) 5. Preliminary written examination 6. Preliminary oral examination 7. Approved dissertation 8. Final oral examination

View curriculum & courses

Written Examination and Oral Examination

Preliminary written PhD examinations are scheduled to test mastery of the student's chosen area of study after coursework in the degree program has been completed. Written examinations cover the examinee's dissertation and supporting areas of study, including methodologies and mass communication research coursework.

Comprehensive and aimed at the highest levels of scholarship, the exams are designed to assess abilities in abstract and concrete thought, including an ability to:

Conceptualize problems
Create and critique research designs
Assimilate, associate, and synthesize areas of knowledge
Evaluate literature, research, theories, models, and methodologies
Discern, discuss, and explain substantive issues, problems, trends, alternative perspectives, and research approaches in both general and specific areas of the field

An examination may include all or any combination of the above. Students should plan ahead and budget preparation time for the examinations. Generally, most students allow at least one semester for review, reading, thought and reflection in preparation for the examination.

Once a student passes the written preliminary examination, they proceed to the oral defense examination where they are questioned by their committee members. Once a student successfully defends both the written and oral portions of the preliminary exam, they are considered to have reached ABD – All But Dissertation – status.

PhD Dissertation Process

PhD students are eligible to defend their dissertation after they have passed their preliminary written and oral exams, as well having received approval of their dissertation proposal and dissertation from their committee members. PhD candidates work closely with their faculty advisors during the stages of writing their dissertation. Instructions for preparation of the dissertation (e.g.) margins are available from the Graduate School.

A dissertation and final oral examination is required of all PhD candidates.

Transferring Credits

With the approval of their advisor, the Director of Graduate Studies, and the College of Liberal Arts (CLA), students may bring a limited number of credits with them from other graduate programs.

Learn more about transferring credits .

Want to Learn More?

The Hubbard School Graduate Program is one of the best in the nation.

Skip to Content
Catalog Home
Institution Home
School of Architecture
College of Arts & Sciences
School of Business Administration
School of Communication
School of Education & Human Development
College of Engineering
School of Law
Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science
Miller School of Medicine
Frost School of Music
School of Nursing & Health Studies
The Graduate School
Division of Continuing & International Education
Search Miami.edu Search
People Search
Department Search
Course Search
Student Life

Registrar's Office

Graduate Academic Programs >
Communication >
Doctor of Philosophy in Communication
General University Information
Undergraduate Academic Programs
Architecture
Arts and Sciences
Cinematic Arts
M.A. in Communication for Global Social Change
Communication Studies
Interactive Media
J.D./M.A. in School of Communication
J.D./M.S. in School of Communication
Journalism and Media Management
Strategic Communication
Education and Human Development
Engineering
Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science
Nursing and Health Studies
Law Academic Programs
Graduate Student Handbook for UOnline Students
Special Programs
Program Index
Course Listing
Previous Bulletin Archives

The doctoral program is designed to provide students with the requisite foundation in theory as well as research skills for using communication to make positive change at the societal, community, and individual levels. The program allows learning across content and creative areas, methodological orientations, and platforms of expression for engaged scholarship and immersive experience, globally and locally. You will engage with communication theory, research, and practice using advocacy and storytelling, with particular attention to new and social media for social and behavioral change. This will be your niche: conducting research, engaging in immersive experience, and translating these into evaluation-based practice for the well being of community, society and the world.

The program includes field research experience and the teaching, writing, and media skills necessary for a career in higher education, research institutions, non-profits, government organizations, media, business, and industry. You may choose from health, environmental, international, intercultural and organizational communication as well as from journalism studies and media development to create an appropriate combination for your career goals.

Admission to Graduate Studies at the Doctoral Level

The following is a list of the required conditions as well as the required documents/fees for your application for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy in Communication program:

A master’s degree in communication or another appropriate field. The degree must be in addition to a bachelor’s degree. All degrees must be from accredited institutions.
The School’s official application
An $85.00 non-refundable application fee
Three letters of recommendation
Note: In addition, international applicants must send an official copy of their diploma for all degrees earned, and all documentation that confers their degree, with English translation for all degrees earned.
Note: All transcripts must be the original document, forwarded directly from the university; Xerox copies, true copies, notarized copies and other types of copies are not acceptable.
Note: Only for international applicants.
Note: Only for international applicants. The name entered on the graduate application must exactly match your name as it appears on your passport.
Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
500-word typed statement of your academic and professional goals, research area you want to pursue and why, and how your background has prepared you for this. A copy of the completed master’s thesis if it has been completed. If the master’s thesis is in progress, submit completed chapters. If a thesis is not required by your master’s program, submit comparable scholarly work.

Curriculum Requirements

For the doctoral program, students must complete 57 credit hours of course work beyond the master’s degree; 12 of the 57 credit hours must be dissertation credit hours. Doctoral students cannot take intersession courses.

Course List
Code	Title	Credit Hours
Required Core Courses
	Theories of Communication	3
	Foundations of Quantitative Communication Research Methods	3
	Qualitative Research Methodologies	3
	Advanced Quantitative Communication Research Methods	3
	Special Topics in Communication	3
	Directed Readings	3
	Independent Research	3
School of Communication Electives		9-12
Courses outside the School of Communication		12-15
Dissertation
	Doctoral Dissertation	1-12
Oral Qualifying Examinations
Total Credit Hours		57

Students must take a minimum of 9 credit hours in COM 609 and/or COM 695 / COM 698 or any combination of the three. Students are allowed to take up to 6 credit hours of Directed Readings/Independent Research in total.

The dissertation committee may be the same as the student’s qualifying exams committee. The guidelines for the composition of the dissertation committee are the same as those for the qualifying exams committee. Students must complete 12 dissertation credit hours. These credit hours begin after students have successfully completed their qualifying exams. Students are required to defend a dissertation proposal to the dissertation committee. Students may proceed with the dissertation once the proposal has been approved by the committee and accepted by the director of graduate studies. The dissertation must be an investigation of a substantial scholarly topic and must be defended orally in the presence of the dissertation committee. Students should note that they cannot conduct human subjects research without approval from the University of Miami’s Institutional Review Board.

All School of Communication Ph.D. students will take written and oral qualifying examinations following the conclusion of all course work prior to being admitted to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree. A student who fails the exam is given one opportunity to retake it with the permission of the exam committee and must pass it within one calendar year of failing the first exam. Any student who fails to be admitted to candidacy for the degree within this one-year period will be dismissed from the program. To be admitted to candidacy, students must have successfully completed qualifying exams and received approval from the department chair, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and have submitted all original transcripts and standardized test results. A qualifying exams committee consists of a minimum of four members including the chair.

Suggested Plan of Study

Course List
Code	Title	Credit Hours
Year One
Fall
Required Courses:
	Theories of Communication	3
	Foundations of Quantitative Communication Research Methods	3
Elective
	Doctoral Colloquium	3
Spring
Required Courses:
	Qualitative Research Methodologies	3
	Advanced Quantitative Communication Research Methods	3
	Special Topics in Communication	3
Year Two
Fall
SoC Elective		3
Outside Elective		3
	Special Topics in Communication	3
or
	Directed Readings
or
	Independent Research
Spring
SoC Elective		3
Outside Elective		3
	Special Topics in Communication	3
or
	Directed Readings
or
	Independent Research
Year Three
Fall
SoC Elective		3
Outside Elective		3
Outside Elective		3
Spring
	Research in Residence ((Qualifying Exams))	1
Year Four
Fall
	Doctoral Dissertation	6
Spring
	Doctoral Dissertation	6
Total Credit Hours		58

The mission of the Doctor of Philosophy program in Communication is to provide students with a rigorous advanced education and field experience in communication theory, concepts and practice as well as in qualitative and quantitative research methods.

The expected outcome from this education and experience is that students and graduates will be able to conduct original research, translate it into practice, and teach effectively.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of communication theory, research methods, and their areas of specialization.
Students will demonstrate the ability to propose and implement original research and present and defend the research in academic and professional contexts. They will demonstrate effective written communication, oral communication, and critical thinking skills.
Students will demonstrate the ability to teach undergraduate communication courses independently.

Office of the University Registrar

1306 Stanford Drive
The University Center Room 1230
Coral Gables, FL 33146
[email protected]
Parking & Transportation

Print Options

Print this page.

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

PDF of the entire 2024-2025 Academic Catalog.

Some of the content on this website requires JavaScript to be enabled in your web browser to function as intended. This includes, but is not limited to: navigation, video, image galleries, etc. While the website is still usable without JavaScript, it should be enabled to enjoy the full interactive experience.

About the School of Communication
Undergraduate Programs
Graduate Programs
Undergraduate Advising
Student Groups & Organizations
Internships and Independent Study
Presidential Studies Program
Center for Demographics and Policy
Careers and Connections
Faculty Directory
Support the School of Communication

» Ph.D. in Communication

If you’re driven to pursue research and to empower the next generation of impactful communicators, Chapman University’s Ph.D. in Communication program will prepare you to lead. Here, you’ll develop your own research identity as you explore options aided by a supportive community built on mentorship and collaboration. You’ll gain extensive knowledge of communication processes grounded in both quantitative and qualitative approaches to research and teaching.

The Chapman Ph.D. program offers three principal areas of emphasis:

Interpersonal Communication
Health Communication
Media and Communication Technology

If you choose to focus on other sub-disciplines in Communication, faculty mentors are eager to help guide your specialty research pursuits, including in:

Family Communication
Instructional Communication
Intercultural Communication

Our Students and Alumni

Here are some of the employers who have hired graduates with a Chapman Ph.D. in Communication:

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Planned Parenthood
UCLA Health
Orange County United Way
Clemson University
Lighthouse Health and Wellness
Concordia University Irvine

Sampling of Faculty-Student Research

Digital Flourishing: Conceptualizing and Assessing Positive Perceptions of Mediated Social Interactions by Dr. Sophie H. Janicke-Bowles , Tess M. Buckley (Ph.D. ’22) , Rikishi Rey (Ph.D. ’22) , Tayah Wozniak (Ph.D. ’22) , Adrian Meier & Anna Lomanowska

Understanding First Responders’ Perspectives of Mental Health Communication within Their Departments by Erin Craw (Ph.D. ’22) and Dr. Michelle Miller-Day

“Like Being Deployed to War”: Stress and Resilience in Frontline Nurses During the COVID-19 Pandemic by Erin Craw (Ph.D. ’22) , Tess Buckley (Ph.D. ’22) , and Dr. Michelle Miller-Day

The impact of HPV vaccine narratives on social media: Testing Narrative Engagement Theory with a diverse sample of young adults by Leader, A., Dr. Michelle Miller-Day , Rikishi Rey (Ph.D. ’22), Selvan, P., Pezalla, A., & Hecht, M.L

“This isn’t just busy, this is scary”: Stress, Social Support, and Coping Experiences of Frontline Nurses during the COVID-19 Pandemic by Erin Craw (Ph.D. ’22) , Tess Buckley (Ph.D. ’22) , and Dr. Michelle Miller-Day

Men’s stories: an account of translating vaccine decision narratives from young men in the US into a targeted public health intervention by Erin Craw (Ph.D. ’22) and Dr. Michelle Miller-Day

Ambiguous loss, stress, communal coping, and resilience: A mixed- methods study of K-12 teachers’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic by Erin Craw (Ph.D. ’22) and Dr. Jennifer Bevan

Extending Psychological Reactance Theory to Include Denial of Threat and Media Sharing Intentions as Freedom Restoration Behavior by Noel H. McGuire (Ph.D. Candidate ’24) & Dr. Hannah Ball

Shot Talk: Development and Pilot Test of a Theory of Planned Behavior Campaign to Combat College Student COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy by Dr. Hannah Ball , Tayah Wozniak (Ph.D. '22) , & Cailin M. Kuchenbecker (Ph.D. Candidate ’24)

Coursework & Credit Requirements

Full-time students coming into the program with a Master’s degree will need to complete a minimum of 36 credit hours of coursework and are expected to graduate within three years. Additionally, students will register for up to 18 hours of research during their third year in the program. Thus, students entering with a Master’s degree, or the equivalent, must complete a minimum of 54 total credit hours.

Students admitted without a master’s degree will need to complete the Health and Strategic Communication master’s degree as an integral part of the Communication Ph.D. program, in addition to the doctoral work. Thus, students entering without a Master’s degree, or the equivalent, must complete a minimum of 66 credit hours of coursework in addition to 18 credit hours of research.

Area of Emphasis

Our Ph.D. program has 3 Areas of Emphasis (AoE). These AoE’s mirror the specialties of the current faculty: Interpersonal Communication, Health Communication, and Media and Communication Technology.

Interpersonal Communication: Involves the study of both the processes and effects of social interaction. Communication in personal and family relationships are two important contexts in which interpersonal theories are applied.
Health Communication: Health communication is a multidisciplinary field of study and practice that applies communication evidence, strategy, theory, and creativity to promote behaviors, policies, and practices that advance the health and well-being of people and populations.
Media and Communication Technology : Deals with the content, history and effects of various media, including mass media, and new communication technologies (i.e., social media, digital media)

Program Timeline

Student Enters the Program
Formal Advisor Chosen
Complete Committee

Summer Semester Y2

Completes Comps or Preliminary Papers
Complete Coursework
Prospectus Defense
Dissertation credits
Dissertation

Required Coursework

Coursework requirements have been organized into five separate areas. The first is the Core Theory Courses, followed by Core Methods/Stats classes, Electives in Primary Area, Electives in Secondary Area, as well as Dissertation and Research.

All students will take one (1) Core Communication Theory course (COM 700). Students will take an additional two (2) Core Theory courses (6 credit hours). These two courses will be representative of the student’s primary and secondary areas of emphasis.

Students will declare a primary area of emphasis no later than the beginning of the second semester of their program. Similarly, students will declare a secondary area of emphasis no later than the beginning of their third full semester in the program (summer and interterm semesters do not count as full semesters).

Students will take a minimum of four (4) Research Methods/Statistics courses (12 credit hours). All students will take Introduction to Research Methods (HCOM595), Quantitative Research Methods (COM695), and Qualitative Research Methods (COM696). Students must then choose one additional research methods course based upon their research interests and discussion with their Dissertation Advisor.

Area 1. Core Theory Courses (Area Credits = 9; Total credits = 9)

Communication Theory (COM 700)
Theories of Health Communication (HCOM 580)
Theories of Interpersonal Communication (HCOM 570)
Mass Communication Theory (COM 571)
Organizational Communication (COM 572)
Courses listed above
Qualitative Research Methods (COM 696)
Quantitative Research Methods (COM 695)
Advanced Quantitative Methods (COM 795)
Multivariate Research Methods (COM 797) OR Advanced Qualitative Research Methods (COM 796)

Area 3. Electives in Primary Area (Area Credits = 12; Total credits = 30)

Courses listed for Area 1 requirements can be double counted to fulfill Area 2 requirements but can only be counted once toward the 36 credit hour requirement.

With approval of the Ph.D. Director, up to 6 credit hours of coursework from the student’s master’s degree can be applied toward fulfillment of the Ph.D. in Communication. Area 4. Electives in Secondary Area (Area Credits = 9; Total credits = 36)

Courses listed for Area 1 requirements can be double counted to fulfill Area 4 requirements but can only be counted once toward the 36 credit requirement.

With approval of the Ph.D. Director, up to 6 credit hours of coursework from the student’s master’s degree can be applied toward fulfillment of the Ph.D. in Communication. Area 5. Dissertation Proposal and Research (Area Credits = 18; Total credits = 54)

Application Requirements and Deadlines

A bachelor's degree and/or master's degree from accredited institutions. Official transcripts must be submitted from all degree-granting (bachelor's and master's degrees) colleges and universities attended.*
3.000 is the minimum recommended undergraduate and graduate cumulative grade point averages.
Two letters of recommendation are required, including one from an academic source (i.e., graduate-level professor) who can describe academic and professional abilities.
2-4 page personal statement addressing interest in the Ph.D. in Communication at Chapman University, research and career goals.
Writing sample from previous academic coursework or paper submitted to academic conference or publication (10-12 page minimum requirement).
Current curriculum vitae showing relevant education, research, publications, grants, coursework, teaching experience, work experience.
Verbal: 152
Quantitative: 146
Analytical Writing: 4.0
Interview with Graduate Director or Graduate Coordinator

* If a student is admitted without an approved M.A./M.S. degree in Communication or related field, students will need to complete the M.S. degree program first, prior to beginning their doctoral work.

Application Deadlines

Early decision applications are due January 15th. Applications received after January 15th will be considered on a space available basis. All other applications must be submitted by March 15th. Because the number of students is limited, meeting the following minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

Our Students

Tess Buckley '22: Read More

Erin Craw '22: Read More

Rikishi Rey '22: Read More

Tayah Wozniak '22: Read More

Information Sheet

MS in Health & Strategic Communication
Ph.D. in Communication
Graduate Application
Financial Aid
Admission Deadlines
Information Sessions

Competencies
PhD Plus Team
Foundation Series
Career Design
Business in Society

Communicating Research

Data Literacy
Future Faculty
Science Policy
Grant & Fellowship Writing
Upcoming Events
Affiliate Events
Request an Event
Past Events (Archive)
For Employers/Recruiters
Industry Insights
PhD Plus Internship Program
Additional Opportunities
Institutional Partners
Initiatives

Research Communication Series, Level 1 (RCS L1)

This series exposes graduate students and postdocs to the fundamentals of communicating their research to a range of audiences. Participants learn how to craft engaging and clear messages for a variety of audiences, practice presenting their research through different mediums, and learn about tools they can use to clarify their messages.

Session Topics

Audience Awareness | Oct. 24
Purpose and Medium | Oct. 31
Writing in Plain Language | Nov. 7
Storytelling | Nov. 14

Grad Thesis SLAM

This exciting competition, modified from the 3 Minute Thesis model, takes place every April. PhD Plus hosts preparatory workshops leading up to the competition to help students craft and practice effective 3-minute presentations of their research for general audiences. Find more details about the competition here .

Writing Op-Eds: Translating Your Research to a Broad Audience

Interested in converting your academic writing and research to make it more accessible for broad audiences? Our popular PhD Plus Writing Op-Eds series helps you learn how to do just that! Over the course of 5 weeks (on Zoom ), you’ll learn strategies and mechanics of writing op-eds (opinion-editorials) and how they differ from academic writing.

READ MORE AND REGISTER FOR FUTURE WORKSHOPS HERE

"Made by History" Editorial Workshop - J-Term

PhD Plus, GAGE (Governing America in a Global Era), and the Jefferson Scholars Foundation National Fellowship Program host this editorial workshop designed and taught by the editors of TIME's “Made by History” column (previously published in the Washington Post). Over the course of ten days in January, students engage in a virtual “boot camp” that combines online training sessions on Zoom, short editing assignments and one-on-one mentoring. Many participants have had their op-eds published in the Made by History column. See our panel discussion featuring former participants on YouTube . The Call for Applications is released every October. The workshop is open to PhD students whose work is shaped by historical perspectives. Successful applicants are paid a stipend of $750.

Questions about these or other Research Communication offerings? Contact one of our Assistant Directors of Research Communication: Sam Lake or Kelly Oman

Ph.D. in Mass Communications

Our doctoral program in mass communication, jointly administered with the Department of Life Sciences Communication, is internationally recognized for our faculty and areas of research. Applicants to the Joint Ph.D. in Mass Communications may apply to one or both departments, depending on your areas of research interest. Options are:

Mass Communications: Journalism & Mass Comm (code G630L)
Mass Communications: Life Sciences Comm (code G630A)

The Ph.D. degree in Mass Communications provides future academics and professionals with rigorous training in theory and research with highly individualized programs that students develop in consultation with their advisors. Our Ph.D. graduates become some of the most successful researchers and leaders in the field of mass communication. We require our students to engage in a systematic search for answers to well-formulated and substantive questions. The research process culminates in the discovery and reporting of new knowledge to others.

A doctoral dissertation in Mass Communications demonstrates a student’s ability to examine in detail an important issue in the field, using original research. Faculty members expect the dissertation to be clearly presented while conveying the student’s close familiarity with his or her research area.

The program offers several internationally recognized areas of research and teaching excellence:

civic and political communication
health and environmental communications
history of media institutions
information technologies
social networking and digital media
processes and effects of mediated communication
law and ethics of media
international and inter-cultural communication
public opinion
science and risk communication
social marketing
journalism studies
media ecologies
race and media

Working closely with their advisor and committee, students draw from courses offered in departments across campus to develop a plan of study in preparation for independent and original research in their area of specialization.

Visit the Ph.D. in Mass Communications website for more information.

Visit Ph.D. in Mass Communications for more information.

Ph.D. Handbook (PDF)

Request more information

The Graduate School >
Beyond the Classroom >
Graduate Professional Development >
Graduate Professional Development for Doctoral Students >

Communication Resources for Doctoral Students

Effective communication is crucial for completing your doctoral program. This section offers various resources to support your communication needs as you advance through your doctoral program and into your career. From the initial stages of developing your research proposal to the final presentation of your dissertation, we aim to provide resources to assist you at every step of your journey.

Within this section, you will find a wealth of tools and services curated for doctoral students. We understand your unique challenges in producing scholarly research and communicating complex ideas effectively to broad audiences. We want to empower you to excel in all aspects of writing and communication. With everything from support for English language learners to presentation coaching for advanced doctoral candidates, we are confident that UB has a resource to meet your needs.

Writing Resources

Center for Excellence in Writing

The Center for Excellence in Writing (CEW) is the place on campus where graduate students can find support for their writing. Writing consultants can help you with various writing projects, including papers, dissertations, theses, proposals, fellowships, job application materials and conference presentations.

International students can take advantage of individual consultations and resources offered by the CEW. Individual consultations can support graduate students working in a language outside their native language.

The CEW holds dissertation retreats, dissertation cafés, writing groups and more throughout the year. Be sure to subscribe to the Graduate Writing Support listserv to receive emails about graduate writing and dissertation support programs .

Graduate Student Association (GSA) Editorial Services The Graduate Student Association offers free copyediting services to graduate students. GSA editorial services can help you with quick copy edits, grammar questions, and submissions of up to 50 pages. Be sure to build in plenty of time to get your edits returned.

National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity (NCFDD) The University at Buffalo is a National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity (NCFDD) member. Through the NCFDD, graduate students can find support for writing through writing challenges and a dissertation success curriculum. This is a free resource for faculty, postdoctoral scholars and graduate students.

The Center for Excellence in Writing has proven to be a powerful resource for graduate students and can help with a wide variety of writing projects including: course papers, dissertations, theses, proposals, job application materials, conference presentation, group projects, journal articles and more.

Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition was developed by the University of Queensland , and the competition celebrates the exciting research conducted by PhD students by cultivating students' academic, presentation and research communication skills. Participants are judged on effectively conveying the essence and importance of their research engagingly to a non-specialist audience in just three minutes with one PowerPoint slide.

Communicating Your Research

3MT Micro-Credential The 3MT Micro-Credential: Communicating Research to Broad Audiences is an optional resource intended to help graduate students learn how to communicate their research. Participants will learn to articulate strategies and techniques to communicate graduate-level research to a non-specialist audience. Upon completing the micro-credential, participants will have prepared a three-minute pitch about their research and developed an effective, supporting PowerPoint slide, all while giving and receiving peer feedback.

Venture Coaching UB' Startup and Innovation Collaboratory (CoLab) offers free, confidential, one-on-one mentoring and support from their network of venture coaches . Get help moving your idea forward with assistance that is perfect for individuals or startups at any stage in any industry. Whether you're creating a business model canvas, starting the customer discovery process, prepping a pitch deck for a competition, or just need some feedback, their venture coaches have got you covered.

Art of Research Competition

The Art of Research celebrates the extraordinary research of University at Buffalo graduate students and postdoctoral scholars by showcasing original images highlighting the inherent beauty in research, scholarship and creative activity.

In this communication competition, entrants submit an original image that represents their research and a brief description of how it relates to their overall research.

Publishing Resources

The Center for Excellence in Writing can assist in preparing papers and manuscripts for publication.
University Libraries offer support and consultation to assist with digital scholarship and scholarly publishing. In addition, University Libraries host micro-credentials to support digital literacy . Three related courses are designed to develop digital literacy skills.

External Resources

Publish Not Perish is a newsletter for academics who want to write more while being balanced.
Purdue OWL is a free writing resource that provides writing guides and online resources.

Stay Informed

The graduate brief.

Every Wednesday during the semester, the Graduate School emails the Graduate Brief to all doctoral and professional students. The Grad Brief is a weekly selection of news and happenings within the Graduate School and its partnering offices. If you want to be added to the mailing list, please contact [email protected] .

Upcoming Events

Culture, Communication and Media MPhil/PhD

London, Bloomsbury

The MPhil/PhD programme provides a route for you carry out a piece of research that will make a distinctive contribution to knowledge in the fields of education, culture and communication. You will work closely with your supervisor(s) to develop your project, supported by a flexible programme of methodology courses and a strong research community of staff and doctoral students. This programme is available to study both face-to-face and online.

UK tuition fees (2024/25)

Overseas tuition fees (2024/25), programme starts, applications accepted.

Entry requirements

The normal minimum requirement is a Master’s degree from a UK university in a subject appropriate to the programme to be followed, or a qualification of equivalent standard appropriate to the programme to be followed awarded by a university (or educational institution of university rank) outside the UK. The majority of our successful applicants hold a Merit at Master’s level, and may have additional relevant experience.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 4

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website .

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

The Department of Culture, Communication and Media has innovative, research-active staff able to supervise postgraduate research in the following areas: applied linguistics; TESOL; art, design and museology; music education; English education, social semiotics and multimodality; media education; learning with digital technologies; teacher professional development; and psychosocial studies. We have seven research centres: The Centre for Applied Linguistics, The Academic Writing Centre, The Confucius Institute for Schools, The International Centre for Intercultural Studies, Digital Arts Research in Education, The Centre for Multimodal Research and the UCL Knowledge Lab.

Who this course is for

The MPhil/PhD is for applicants with a strong interest in an aspect of educational and social research, which may be understood broadly across the life course, in relation to other subject areas and wider social, economic, political and cultural changes. You should normally have completed an MA to merit level and want to develop a specific area of research. You may have a background in education or a cognate area of study. It is suitable for both recent graduates and those progressed in a career.

What this course will give you

IOE, UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society is a world-leading centre for research in education and related social science. We host the UK's largest doctoral cohort in these areas. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject (2023), the Institute was ranked first for education for the tenth year running, ahead of Harvard, Stanford, Oxford and Cambridge. In the UK's recent Research Excellence Framework (2021), we were ranked first for research strength and research power in Education, according to the Elsevier REF 2021 Results Analysis Tool. We attract extensive research funding each year and host many prestigious research centres and projects.

Doctoral students at IOE have access to the wider UCL community as well as the education cluster constituting the ESRC UBEL Doctoral Training Partnership . The Institute's programme has been designed to provide comprehensive and broadly based research training and to meet the requirements of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and the UK Researcher Development Framework.

Students work closely with their supervisor(s) to develop each stage of research; supervisors also help put together a programme of additional courses and activities to support progress towards completion of the final thesis.

The foundation of your career

Students will develop general and specialist skills in research methodology, academic writing and presentation, as well as gaining experience of engaging with a wide range of practitioners across different sectors of education.

UCL’s commitment clearly supports research like mine through bespoke, untested and uncommon approaches. This luxury is something not lost on me - it motivates me each and every day. David Ruttenberg Culture, Communication and Media MPhil/PhD Q&A with David Ruttenberg

Employability

IOE doctoral graduates in the Department of Culture, Communication and Media progress to careers in university teaching, educational research, policy and curriculum development, as well as creative arts education.

The Department of Culture, Communication and Media has a wide range of research seminars, where students can join discussion of our ongoing projects, as well as being the base for national and international conferences. There are also opportunities to work with education practitioners and organisations beyond IOE. The Centre for Doctoral Education holds two annual conferences for IOE doctoral students; and there are opportunities for students to offer specialist reading groups and workshops and to act as facilitators on courses within the research training programme.

Teaching and learning

In addition to UCL's Doctoral Skills Development Programme, IOE's Centre for Doctoral Education provides a comprehensive Research Training Programme.

The Core Courses aim to meets the needs of early stage doctoral students.

There is also a wide range of introductory, advanced methods, advanced theoretical, and generic academic skills courses, as well as student-led workshops and reading groups.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) consists of a piece of supervised research, normally undertaken over a period of three years full-time or five years part-time. Assessment is by means of a thesis, which should demonstrate your capacity to pursue original research based upon a good understanding of the research techniques and concepts appropriate to the discipline. It must also represent a distinct and significant contribution to the subject, whether through the discovery of new knowledge, the connection of previously unrelated facts, the development of new theory, or the revision of older views. It should reflect the exercise of critical judgement with regard to both your own work and that of other scholars in the field.

For those who decide not to pursue the full PhD, or are unable to do so, the degree of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) consists of a piece of supervised research, normally undertaken over a period of three years full-time or five years part-time. Assessment is by means of a thesis, which should represent a contribution to the subject, either through a record of your original work or a critical and ordered exposition of existing knowledge.

You must ensure you have adequate time to devote to this research, at least six hours a day (2-3 days a week part time).

Research areas and structure

Applied linguistics: bilingualism and multilingualism; neoliberal ideology and language teaching; materials analysis; English as a global language; language learning and identity; language teacher identity; language education, gender and sexuality; critical discourse analysis; second language acquisition; language testing; translanguaging; ethnography
Art, design and museology: artists in sites of learning, curatorial practices and the shaping of knowledge in galleries and museums, artists interventions in educational contexts; visual culture
Music education: musical development, the psychology of music, singing and voice science, music in special education, music ideology, gender and music, the sociology and philosophy of music, informal and popular music education, the wider benefits of music
English education, social semiotics and multimodality: teacher identities; literature in urban classroom; social and digital literacy practices; identity, subject knowledge and communication; visual methodologies; subject knowledge and policy
Media education: the moving image and video games; young people’s production of digital animation, film and computer games; online communities, virtual worlds, play and film
Learning with digital technologies: software interventions to support learners with disabilities; the development of adaptive technologies; learner modelling; virtual learning environments; methods for analysing the effectiveness of interactive learning environments; technology mediated knowledge in the curriculum
Psychosocial studies: reflexivity; psychoanalytically informed approaches to educational research; knowledge practices in the humanities and social sciences; unconscious aspects of learning, professional practice and research; post-structural theories of gender and subjectivity

Further details of staff research and publications are available on the department website.

Research environment

As a research student in the Department of Culture, Communication and Media, you can participate in the seminars organised by department research centres or according to interest groups.

Since October 2014, we have also – in addition to the campus-based mode - offered the option to study online in a distance-learning mode. Choosing the distance-learning mode means that there are no residency requirements and it is not necessary to attend during doctoral study, the viva examination take place in-person at UCL or online. However, you are welcome to visit and use campus facilities including the library, attend seminars etc. In the first year of full-time study (and first two years of part-time study), distance learners take a series of compulsory research methods modules that are studied online. This typically involves provision of materials (articles, eBooks, videos etc.), forums to facilitate discussion of various tasks, and synchronous sessions to discuss the activities. Alongside these you will work with your supervisors on your research (e.g., using Teams/Zoom and email). In addition, there are other resources and training opportunities to support distance-learning students, e.g., sessions to develop generic skills.

The length of registration for the research degree programmes is 3 years for full-time.

You are required to register initially for the MPhil degree with the expectation of transfer to PhD after successful completion of an upgrade viva 9-18 months after initial registration.

IOE Centre for Doctoral Education provides an extensive Research Training Programme. A mandatory core course is provided that aims to meet the needs of early-stage doctoral students. There is also a wide range of introductory, advanced methods, advanced theoretical, and generic non-credit bearing academic skills courses, as well as student led workshops and reading groups which you can attend.

Full-time MPhil/PhD students are required to fulfil minimum 20 ‘points’ of training activity in their first year, and are encouraged to fulfil the same in their subsequent years of study. This training can be selected from the UCL Doctoral Skills Development Programme, IOE faculty’s Research Training Programme, the multi-institutional Bloomsbury Postgraduate Skills Network, and from other sources. Each point is worth approximately a half-day of face-to-face training, or an online equivalent. Other activities such as attending and presenting at conferences also count towards research training. Students may undertake additional training beyond these minima, as relevant to their research and/or as agreed with their supervisors.

You are expected to upgrade from MPhil to PhD status towards the end of your first year of study if full-time. Students whose performance is satisfactory will transfer from MPhil to PhD status.

Processes aimed at assisting you during your course of study include the Research Student Log (an online project management tool), and periodic reviews of students’ progress.

Upon successful completion of your approved period of registration you may, if necessary, register as a register as a completing research status (CRS) student while you finish writing your thesis.

The length of registration for the research degree programmes is 5 years for part-time.

Part-time students are required to fulfil minimum 12 ‘points’ of training activity in each year of study. This training can be selected from the UCL Doctoral Skills Development Programme, IOE faculty’s Research Training Programme, the multi-institutional Bloomsbury Postgraduate Skills Network, and from other sources. Each point is worth approximately a half-day of face-to-face training, or an online equivalent. Other activities such as attending and presenting at conferences also count towards research training. Students may undertake additional training beyond these minima, as relevant to their research and/or as agreed with their supervisors.

You are expected to upgrade from MPhil to PhD status at around 18 months if part-time. Students whose performance is satisfactory will transfer from MPhil to PhD status.

Upon successful completion of your approved period of registration you may, if necessary, register as a completing research status (CRS) student while you finish writing your thesis.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk . Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team .

Where you'll study

The Department of Culture, Communication and Media is committed to excellence in research and teaching in the areas of Art, Design and Museology, Academic writing, English education, Applied Linguistics, Music Education, Learning with Digital Technologies and teacher professional development.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course.

Fee description	Full-time	Part-time
Tuition fees (2024/25)	£7,580	£3,790
Tuition fees (2024/25)	£22,700	£11,350

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees .

Additional costs

Students should take into account any travel, accommodation and expenses involved in their thesis.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs .

Funding your studies

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding webpage: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/scholarships/funding-students-postgraduate-research-courses

UCL's Research Excellence Scholarships (RES) are available annually to prospective and existing UCL research students from any country: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/scholarships/research-excellence-scholarship . The UCL, Bloomsbury and East London Doctoral Training Partnership offers studentships annually. More information is found here: https://ubel-dtp.ac.uk/

UBEL, RES and other funding programmes are not available to online and non-resident students.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website .

After choosing a programme to apply for, you should develop a research proposal and identify a potential supervisor. For more information, visit our website to find a supervisor and get in touch with departmental graduate tutors.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

Got questions get in touch.

Culture, Communication and Media

[email protected]

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students .

Prospective Students Graduate

Graduate degrees
Taught degrees
Taught Degrees
Applying for Graduate Taught Study at UCL
Research degrees
Research Degrees
Funded Research Opportunities
Doctoral School
Funded Doctoral Training Programmes
Applying for Graduate Research Study at UCL
Teacher training
Teacher Training
Early Years PGCE programmes
Primary PGCE programmes
Secondary PGCE programmes
Further Education PGCE programme
How to apply
The IOE approach
Teacher training in the heart of London
Why choose UCL?
Entrepreneurship
Inspiring facilities and resources
Careers and employability
Your global alumni community
Your wellbeing
Postgraduate Students' Association
Your life in London
Accommodation
Funding your Master's

Educational resources and simple solutions for your research journey

How to Choose a PhD Research Topic

For most doctoral aspirants, starting on their PhD journey can be both exciting and challenging at the same time. It often begins with having to make a critical decision – choosing a research topic. A well-considered and relevant PhD research topic is crucial because it significantly impacts the overall success and quality of your Ph.D. research. While it may be perfectly normal for your topic to evolve as you progress in your research and make discoveries, the significance of the right PhD thesis topic cannot be overstated.

The path to earning a PhD often lasts several years. To maintain the motivation and unwavering commitment throughout this journey, you must have a genuine interest in the subject matter you choose to explore. Your enthusiasm can be a driving force, leading you to overcome obstacles and persist in your academic pursuits.

Let’s explore some methods to help you navigate the process of PhD topic selection, from brainstorming to finalizing your proposal.¹²³

Focus on your field of study – It is always a good idea to consider your past research experiences and what questions or problems intrigue you. Remember, while the subject of your PhD should definitely interest you, it should also contribute to the existing body of knowledge in your field. Deeply engaging with subjects that genuinely captivate you can lead to both academic excellence and personal fulfillment. Therefore, take time to evaluate trending PhD topics carefully – this can also help you make your choice.
Review relevant academic literature – Immerse yourself in the literature of your field. Conduct thorough research to identify gaps, controversies, or unexplored avenues in current research. The existing body of knowledge can provide invaluable insights into potential research areas.
Assess available resources – It is critical to assess the feasibility of your chosen topic. Consider the resources, data, and tools required to conduct your research. Ensure that you have access to the necessary resources and that your chosen PhD thesis topic aligns with your academic and financial capabilities.
Seek guidance from trusted advisors – Consulting with experienced mentors and advisors is essential. They can provide guidance, suggest refinements to your topic, and help you avoid potential pitfalls. Their insights can be invaluable in shaping your research direction.

Table of Contents

Formulating a Focused Research Question

After PhD topic selection, the next step is to refine it into a straightforward research question. Your research question should be specific, relevant, and well-defined. It should be detailed enough to guide your research and provide clear direction while also leaving room for exploration and analysis. Consider the significance of your question – why is it important, and what contributions can your research make to the field?

Creating a Research Proposal

Once you have a well-defined research question, you will need to create a research proposal. This document is a blueprint for your entire research efforts. In the research proposal, you will outline the precise scope of your study, the objectives you aim to achieve, the methodology you intend to employ, and the anticipated outcomes of your research.

Your research proposal typically goes through a thorough review and approval process involving critical evaluation and feedback from your academic advisors. This scrutiny ensures that your research is not only academically sound but also aligns with the standards and expectations of your academic institution.

The approval of your research proposal marks the culmination of your efforts to refine your PhD research topic. This process finalizes your research topic and sets the stage for the beginning of your PhD journey.

Evolution of Your PhD Research Topic

It’s important to remember that choosing a PhD thesis topic can be daunting, and it’s okay for your topic to evolve as you progress through your doctoral studies. New findings and interesting discoveries may lead you in unexpected directions. This adaptability is a natural part of the PhD journey. 4

Your Ph.D. dissertation serves a dual purpose: enhancing your understanding of your field and making valuable contributions to it. While it doesn’t need to be groundbreaking, it must demonstrate originality and your research and argumentation skills. In essence, a Ph.D. program aims to identify scholars capable of making noteworthy contributions to their fields. Thus, your dissertation is a critical milestone in your academic career, and it all begins with the careful selection of your PhD research topic.5

References:

How to Choose a Dissertation Topic For Your Doctoral Degree. Walden University website. https://www.waldenu.edu/online-doctoral-programs/resource/how-to-choose-a-dissertation-topic-for-your-doctoral-degree
How to Choose a PhD Topic. Doctoral Journey, Grand Canyon University website; August 2020. https://www.gcu.edu/blog/doctoral-journey/how-choose-phd-topic
How do you select a research topic for your dissertation or thesis? LinkedIn Higher Education article, November 2023. https://www.linkedin.com/advice/1/how-do-you-select-research-topic-your-dissertation
How to decide on a PhD topic. The University of Queensland website, April 2022. https://study.uq.edu.au/stories/how-to-decide-phd-topic
John Komlos, John Goldsmith. How does one choose a dissertation topic? IIT Delhi. https://web.iitd.ac.in/~mamidala/HTMLobj-155/How_to_choose_a_PhD_topic.htm

R Discovery is a literature search and research reading platform that accelerates your research discovery journey by keeping you updated on the latest, most relevant scholarly content. With 250M+ research articles sourced from trusted aggregators like CrossRef, Unpaywall, PubMed, PubMed Central, Open Alex and top publishing houses like Springer Nature, JAMA, IOP, Taylor & Francis, NEJM, BMJ, Karger, SAGE, Emerald Publishing and more, R Discovery puts a world of research at your fingertips.

Try R Discovery Prime FREE for 1 week or upgrade at just US$72 a year to access premium features that let you listen to research on the go, read in your language, collaborate with peers, auto sync with reference managers, and much more. Choose a simpler, smarter way to find and read research – Download the app and start your free 7-day trial today !

How Does R Discovery’s Interplatform Capability Enhance Research Accessibility

What is Convenience Sampling: Definition, Method, and Examples

PhD Research Topics in Communication

PhD research topics in Communication are our treasure, which shells out copious pearls of ideas for PhD/MS dreamers. Then, we will assist scholars in R&D in their needy time.

Do you know this? “ World without communication is deaf and dumb ”. So, Communication leads to play a vital role in current research to explore ‘advance novelties.’

Be ‘unique,’ ‘confident, ‘and an ‘achiever’ in your research…Of course, if you want to be above all, then you want to be a part of us…

Communication has rapid growth in each and every research domain. PhD research topics in Communication also helps you to find ‘best-hidden truths.’ We instigate your mind to explore new facts.

Latest PhD Research Topics in Communication engineering

BANG UP-TO-DATE AREAS IN COMMUNICATION

Peer to Peer Services
Optical Camera Communication
Underwater Communication through RF
Radio and also in Space Technology
Multi-Antenna System

TOPICS IN NEW 5G TECHNOLOGY

Cooperative D2D Establishment
Pedestrian-to-Vehicle Optimization
Integrated Cellular Networks
Hybrid Satellite-M2M also Communication
And also in Microwave/mmWave Technology

COMMUNICATION USING AI

Human-Machine Interaction
Human Bond Collaboration
Computer and also Intelligent Communication
ML and DL based Modulations
And also in Intelligent Robot Systems

At the moment, our technical experts are involved in the probe of trendy research. In the same way, we work on problems that have a high demand for researchers. Then, we are also in the study of yielding apt solutions. Reach us to know more in detail about latest PhD research topics in communication . For this reason, we develop our own algorithms as well as pseudo-code. Thus, it boosts up your research-grade level.

Topmost Techniques in Recent Research

Antenna Techniques (like SISO, SIMO, and also MISO, MIMO)
Backscatter and Light Fidelity
Hybrid Beamforming
Flying Drone Base Station
Smart Dust (also as Ad-hoc WSN)
And also in 6G Communication

We are here to guide you from top to bottom in your PhD/MS study. If you want our help in the execution phase, then we are ready to do that too. In conclusion, we also stretch our support not only in this field but also in other areas.

Here, we have portrayed few more newly discovered notions from our PhD research topics in Communication,

The new design for Symbol Error Rate Model meant for Communication used by Femtosecond Pulses for Space Applications

A new method for Joint Communication and Ranging System Based on Chaotic Light system

An innovative method for Nyquist-PAM-4 transmission by linear DPD and MLSE for indoor visible light communications

A novel study method for detection mode of MRR communication based on speckle technology practice

An inventive design method for Bias-Free Operational UTC-PD above 110 GHz and Its Application to High Baud Rate Fixed-Fiber Communication and W-Band Photonic Wireless Communication

The new process of Design for bandwidth-variable TWDM access network supporting inter-ONU communication based on tunable bandwidth wavelength selective switch system

An inventive method for Radio propagation and wireless coverage of LSAA-based on 5G millimeter-wave mobile communication systems

The novel study function of Demonstration for superiority based on novel Multi-Modulus Circular (1,5,10) constellation in detectable light communication

An innovative mechanism for modified Viterbi and Viterbi phase estimation scheme in faster than Nyquist optical communication system

A new source for approach in Exploring channel diversity for HF communication systems

An innovative method for Sensitive Network Structural design Algorithm based on LED Optical Wireless Communication

An inventive method for Optical mobile communications system

An inventive methodology function of Laser based on underwater communication experiments in Baltic Sea practice

An effectual mechanism for Modeling Ka-band satellite communication system with MPSK

An inventive method for PC to PC data transmission using visible light communication

An innovative mechanism for High power budget coherent free space optical communication system based on fiber laser phased array

A new process of Hybrid Acoustic, Wireless Optical and Fiber-optic Underwater Cellular Mobile Communication Networks

The survey process of Interference in IM/DD optical wireless communication networks

An effective method for Cooperative System in Free-Space Optical Communications for Simultaneous Multiuser Transmission

An inventive methodology for Simplified Integration of Power Line and Visible Light Communication

Why Work With Us ?

Senior research member, research experience, journal member, book publisher, research ethics, business ethics, valid references, explanations, paper publication, 9 big reasons to select us.

Our Editor-in-Chief has Website Ownership who control and deliver all aspects of PhD Direction to scholars and students and also keep the look to fully manage all our clients.

Our world-class certified experts have 18+years of experience in Research & Development programs (Industrial Research) who absolutely immersed as many scholars as possible in developing strong PhD research projects.

We associated with 200+reputed SCI and SCOPUS indexed journals (SJR ranking) for getting research work to be published in standard journals (Your first-choice journal).

PhDdirection.com is world’s largest book publishing platform that predominantly work subject-wise categories for scholars/students to assist their books writing and takes out into the University Library.

Our researchers provide required research ethics such as Confidentiality & Privacy, Novelty (valuable research), Plagiarism-Free, and Timely Delivery. Our customers have freedom to examine their current specific research activities.

Our organization take into consideration of customer satisfaction, online, offline support and professional works deliver since these are the actual inspiring business factors.

Solid works delivering by young qualified global research team. "References" is the key to evaluating works easier because we carefully assess scholars findings.

Detailed Videos, Readme files, Screenshots are provided for all research projects. We provide Teamviewer support and other online channels for project explanation.

Worthy journal publication is our main thing like IEEE, ACM, Springer, IET, Elsevier, etc. We substantially reduces scholars burden in publication side. We carry scholars from initial submission to final acceptance.

Phd Research Topics In Dsp

Phd Consultancy Services

Phd Research Topics In Ece

Phd Research Topics In M2m

Phd Research Topics In Eee

Phd Consultancy Service In Uk

Phd Research Topics In Electrical

Phd Consultancy Service In Usa

Phd Research Topics In Electrical Engineering

Phd Consultancy Service In Tunisia

Phd Research Topics In Electrical Matlab Simulink

Phd Consultancy Service In United Arab Emirates

Phd Research Topics In Electronics Communication

Phd Research Topics In Machine To Machine Communication

Phd Research Topics In Electronics And Communication

Our Benefits

Throughout reference, confidential agreement, research no way resale, plagiarism-free, publication guarantee, customize support, fair revisions, business professionalism, domains & tools, we generally use, wireless communication (4g lte, and 5g), ad hoc networks (vanet, manet, etc.), wireless sensor networks, software defined networks, network security, internet of things (mqtt, coap), internet of vehicles, cloud computing, fog computing, edge computing, mobile computing, mobile cloud computing, ubiquitous computing, digital image processing, medical image processing, pattern analysis and machine intelligence, geoscience and remote sensing, big data analytics, data mining, power electronics, web of things, digital forensics, natural language processing, automation systems, artificial intelligence, mininet 2.1.0, matlab (r2018b/r2019a), matlab and simulink, apache hadoop, apache spark mlib, apache mahout, apache flink, apache storm, apache cassandra, pig and hive, rapid miner, support 24/7, call us @ any time, +91 9444829042, [email protected].

Questions ?

Click here to chat with us

UVA Doctoral Students Showcase Potential of Advanced Data Science Research

Doctoral students from the University of Virginia’s School of Data Science kicked off the new academic year with a research showcase, highlighting the broad range of areas that advanced studies in data science can help illuminate.

The event also served as a celebration of the doctoral program and what it means to the mission of the School of Data Science.

"The Ph.D. program is kind of the perfect mixing of our research endeavors and our educational endeavors," said Thomas Stewart , an associate professor of data science and Ph.D. program director, in opening remarks.

Don Brown , senior associate dean for research and the Quantitative Foundation Distinguished Professor in Data Science, noted that the event was "arguably the best part of the summer," as faculty, staff, and students are given the opportunity to see first-hand the high-level research that Ph.D. students at the School of Data Science had been pursuing in recent months.

Brown also urged audience members as they listened to the oral presentations from second-year students and viewed the research posters from third-year students to ask challenging questions, saying that was "the biggest gift you can give the person" who was presenting.

Oral presentations were delivered by 13 second-year Ph.D. students, whose research covered everything from health care chatbots to deep dives into a wide range of methodological techniques, as well as issues pertaining to large language models.

Later, 13 third-year students presented research posters that addressed critical issues such as health care, K-12 education, the environment, and many others.

Following the presentations, an awards ceremony was held, one that both recognized the research that had just been discussed and that celebrated the achievements of the School of Data Science doctoral program — its students, faculty, and staff — over the previous year. Stewart also highlighted a sampling of recent research publications from the School's doctoral students.

As the day wound down, Jeffrey Blume , Quantitative Foundation Associate Dean for Academic and Faculty Affairs in Data Science, urged the newest group of School of Data Science Ph.D. students in attendance to take inspiration from what they had just seen.

"For those students who are new and who are here, you get a sense of what people are doing their first couple of years, so it's something to look forward to. We look forward to seeing your names up here on publications and listening to your work," he said.

The 2024-25 academic year will mark the third full year of UVA’s data science doctoral program , which launched in fall 2022. And, for the first time, students in all academic programs will be able to take classes and collaborate with faculty and classmates at the new home of the School of Data Science, which held its grand opening in April .

Awards

Best Oral Presentations

Ethan Nelson , who discussed his work that examined whether signal neural networks can evolve to capture how signals travel between neurons over time
Ahson Saiyed , who presented his enhanced benchmark, called TAXI 2.0, for evaluating the capacity of knowledge editing methods to leverage batched property edits to make consistent categorical knowledge edits in large language models

Best Research Poster

Karolina Naranjo-Velasco , who presented her work on facilitating data-drive approaches to legal text analysis of documents from the Colombian Constitutional Court
Jason Wang , who presented his work assessing computer vision-based worker poster analysis methods

Leadership and Service Award

Beau LeBlond , a third-year Ph.D. student

Outstanding Teaching Award

Jonathan Kropko , a Quantitative Foundation Associate Professor of Data Science

Outstanding Mentoring Award

Stephen Baek , a Quantitative Foundation Associate Professor of Data Science

Outstanding Student Support Award

Kylen Baskerville , program manager for the School of Data Science

Full list of second-year oral presentations

Supervising faculty: Stephen Baek
Supervising faculty: Don Brown
Supervising faculty: Heman Shakeri
Supervising faculty: Jeffrey Blume
Supervising faculty: John Darrell Van Horn
Supervising faculty: Sheng Li
Supervising faculty: Teague Henry
Supervising faculty: Tom Hartvigsen
Supervising faculty: Sheng Li and Tom Hartvigsen
Supervising faculty: Alex Gates

Full list of third-year poster presentations

Zhanwen Chen : Video Understanding through Video-to-Text Representation Learning
Supervising faculty: Thomas Stewart
Supervising faculty: Jonathan Kropko
Supervising faculty: William Basener
Supervising faculty: Jess Reia and Jeffrey Blume
Supervising faculty: William Basener

UVA PhD poster presentation with faculty and PhD students

Effective Communication Strategies for Ph.D. Research Presentations

UVA’s School of Data Science Honors the Class of 2024

UVA Raven Society Members posing with The Raven banner outdoors

School of Data Science Ph.D. Students and Faculty Member Named To Raven Society

Ph.D. in Data Science Dissertation Defense

Ph.D., Data Science: Jiahao Tian Successfully Defends Dissertation

Get the latest news.

Subscribe to receive updates from the School of Data Science.

Prospective Student
School of Data Science Alumnus
UVA Affiliate
Industry Member

IMAGES

Innovative Top 15 PhD Research Topics in Communication Domain
Innovative Top 15 PhD Research Topics in Communication Domain
150+ Amazing Communication Research Topics and Ideas
Top 5 Interesting PhD Research Topics in Wireless Communication
The 150 Best Communication Research Topics for 2023
Innovative Top 5 PhD Research Topics in Communication System

COMMENTS

100 of the Most Appealing Communication Research Topics
2.3 Business-Focused Research Topics. 2.4 Social Media Research Topics. 2.5 Mass Communication Research Topics. 2.6 Interpersonal Communication Research Topics. 2.7 Intercultural Communication Research Topics. 2.8 Virtual Communication Research Topics. 2.9 Health-Related Research Topics.
199 Potential Topics For a Communication Research Paper
199 Potential Topics For a Communication Research Paper. A communication research paper can help cap your academic career and position you for a postgraduate career. Communication research topics span a wide range of subjects and issues about how people convey information, allowing you to make unique discoveries about human behavior.
Research Topics About Communication (+ Free Webinar)
Communication-Related Research Topics. Analyzing the effectiveness of crisis communication strategies in the airline industry post-accidents. The role of social media in shaping corporate brand identity in the fashion industry. Investigating the impact of internal communication on employee engagement in remote work environments.
178 Communication Research Topics To Impress The Professor
Latest Communication Topic For Research. The role of persuasive dialogue in negotiations. Why everyone must learn proper expression strategies. Effects of emoji and other characters in enhancing textual conversations. The role of propaganda in shaping communication tones.
Doctoral Dissertation Topics
2023 Graduates. Doctoral Student: Dr. Qinyan Dickerson. Dissertation Supervisor: Dr. Rene Dailey. TOWARD A COMMUNICATION FRAMEWORK OF RELATIONAL STIGMA MANAGEMENT IN NONTRADITIONAL RELATIONSHIPS. Doctoral Student: Dr. Mian Jia. Dissertation Supervisor: Dr. Matt McGlone. AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO METADISCOURSE IN TEXT-BASED MASSPERSONAL ADVICE.
200 Trendy Communication Research Topics
Appealing Communication Research Topics for the Most Demanding Students. Updated 13 Jun 2024. Recent innovations in computing, transportation, and telecommunication have combined to increase the frequency and ease of people's communication, intensifying cross-cultural interactions. While innovations benefited modern society, they also brought ...
Journalism Research Topics & Ideas (Includes Free Webinar)
Journalism-Related Research Topics. Analyzing the impact of social media on news consumption patterns among millennials. Investigating the role of investigative journalism in combating political corruption. The impact of digital transformation on traditional print media business models. Examining the ethical challenges of undercover reporting ...
Ph.D. Program of Study
The Ph.D. program in Communication is designed to provide the student with strong knowledge of communication theory, coupled with very strong research skills. A graduate of this program can step into a commercial research position without facing a period of hit-or-miss "on-the-job" training.
Theory and Research Ph.D.
Theory and Research Ph.D. The Ph.D. program prepares students to conduct original research on communication processes, their origins, and their psychological, political and cultural effects. Most of our doctoral graduates enter academic teaching and research careers, or communication-related professions that require research skills.
Communication Research Topics
Also, selecting the right communication research paper topic can help you identify which communication discipline is right for you. If you are wondering what you can do with your communications degree, a research paper is a perfect way to get a feel of various areas of interest before you graduate. Communication Research Topics FAQ
250+ Communication Research Topics to Write Your Paper
Mass Communication Research Topics. Mass communication is a mechanism for disseminating information and ideas to large audiences. It can be used for educational, marketing, or advertising purposes. Here are some of the best mass communications research topics on offer: Influence of political bias in news reporting.
Development Communication Research Paper Topics
See our list of development communication research paper topics. Development communication refers to strategic communication toward and about social change. Development encompasses intentional strategies designed to benefit the public good, whether in terms of material, political, or social needs. Communication engages mediation by communities ...
PhD in Mass Communication
The PhD program is designed to prepare independent scholars for academic careers in teaching and research in mass communication and related fields. You will build a solid foundation in the discipline through multifaceted exploration of the theories and methods that influence the shape and scope of mass communication research.
Doctor of Philosophy in Communication < University of Miami
The following is a list of the required conditions as well as the required documents/fees for your application for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy in Communication program: A master's degree in communication or another appropriate field. The degree must be in addition to a bachelor's degree. All degrees must be from accredited ...
Ph.D. in Communication
The Chapman Ph.D. program offers three principal areas of emphasis: Interpersonal Communication. Health Communication. Media and Communication Technology. If you choose to focus on other sub-disciplines in Communication, faculty mentors are eager to help guide your specialty research pursuits, including in: Family Communication.
Communicating Research
Research Communication Series, Level 1 (RCS L1) ... Session Topics. Audience Awareness | Oct. 24; Purpose and Medium ... PhD Plus hosts preparatory workshops leading up to the competition to help students craft and practice effective 3-minute presentations of their research for general audiences.
Ph.D. in Mass Communications
The Ph.D. degree in Mass Communications provides future academics and professionals with rigorous training in theory and research with highly individualized programs that students develop in consultation with their advisors. Our Ph.D. graduates become some of the most successful researchers and leaders in the field of mass communication.
Communication Resources for Doctoral Students
Communication Resources for Doctoral Students. Effective communication is crucial for completing your doctoral program. This section offers various resources to support your communication needs as you advance through your doctoral program and into your career. From the initial stages of developing your research proposal to the final ...
Best Doctorate in Mass Communication and Media Studies Programs
How much money graduates with a Ph.D. in mass communication and media studies can make depends on the career path, years of experience, and location. According to the BLS, the median salary for post-secondary teachers in the communication field was $77,560 in 2021. The top 10% of earners had a median salary of $132,720.
Culture, Communication and Media MPhil/PhD
The MPhil/PhD programme provides a route for you carry out a piece of research that will make a distinctive contribution to knowledge in the fields of education, culture and communication. You will work closely with your supervisor(s) to develop your project, supported by a flexible programme of methodology courses and a strong research community of staff and doctoral
How to Choose a PhD Research Topic
Formulating a Focused Research Question. After PhD topic selection, the next step is to refine it into a straightforward research question. Your research question should be specific, relevant, and well-defined. It should be detailed enough to guide your research and provide clear direction while also leaving room for exploration and analysis.
PhD Research Topics in Communication
Topmost Techniques in Recent Research. Antenna Techniques (like SISO, SIMO, and also MISO, MIMO) Backscatter and Light Fidelity. Hybrid Beamforming. Flying Drone Base Station. Smart Dust (also as Ad-hoc WSN) And also in 6G Communication. We are here to guide you from top to bottom in your PhD/MS study. If you want our help in the execution ...
134 PhD programmes in Communication Studies
Communication, Cultural and Media Studies. Ph.D. / Full-time, Part-time / On Campus. 20,615 EUR / year. 3 years. University of Huddersfield Huddersfield, England, United Kingdom. Ranked top 3%. Top 3% of Universities worldwide according to the Studyportals Meta Ranking.
UVA Doctoral Students Showcase Potential of Advanced Data Science Research
Don Brown, senior associate dean for research and the Quantitative Foundation Distinguished Professor in Data Science, noted that the event was "arguably the best part of the summer," as faculty, staff, and students are given the opportunity to see first-hand the high-level research that Ph.D. students at the School of Data Science had been ...

100 Communication Research Topics

What Is Communication Research?

Lists of Key Communication Research Topics

Top Research Topic Ideas

Research Topics for College Students

Business-Focused Research Topics

Social Media Research Topics

Mass Communication Research Topics

Interpersonal Communication Research Topics

Intercultural Communication Research Topics

Virtual Communication Research Topics

Health-Related Research Topics

Interesting Communication Research Topics

Coming up with a Thesis Statement

Topic Selection and Writing Tips

How to Find the Right Research Topics?

What Makes a Research Paper Topic Strong?

Tips for Structuring and Writing Your Paper

Readers also enjoyed

WHY WAIT? PLACE AN ORDER RIGHT NOW!

178 Communication Research Topics For Your Paper

Situations When You May Need To Write A Communication Paper

Guidelines On Structure And Step By Step Tips On Writing

Top Interpersonal Communication Research Topics

World-Class Communication Research Topics For College Students

Possible Topics For Communication Research

Latest Communication Topic For Research

Top-Notch Communication Research Paper Topics

Highly Rated Mass Communication Research Topics

Good Communication Research Topics

Business Communication Research Paper Topics

Intercultural Communication Research Topics

Additional Interpersonal Communication Topics For Research Paper

Interesting Communication Research Topics

General Communication Studies Research Topics

Professional Help On Research Paper Writing

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Doctoral Dissertation Topics

Explore More

Appealing Communication Research Topics for the Most Demanding Students

Four Different Approaches to Studying Communication

What Should You Do To Write a Really Good Research Paper

Need more writing assistance?

200 Communication Research Topics

Journalism Topics

Public Relations Topics

Advertising Topics

Interpersonal Communication Topics

Intercultural Communication Topics

Topics on Virtual Communication

Social Media Research Topics

Leadership Topics

Get plagiarism-free papers in just 3 hours

Negotiations Topics

Other Communication Research Topic Ideas

Was this helpful?

Written by David Kidwell

Related Blog Posts

Delimitations in research: meaning, types, and examples

Discover how to compose acknowledgements in research paper

Join our 150K of happy users

Research Topics & Ideas: Journalism

Journalism-Related Research Topics

Journalism-Related Research Ideas (Continued)

Recent Journalism-Related Studies

Get 1-On-1 Help

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Department of Communication

Ph.D. Program Elements

Ph.D. Program Coursework Overview

Ph.D. Program Tracks

Ph.D. Program Optional Specialty Areas

Health Communication

Political Communication

Theory and Research Ph.D.

The Top 10 Most Interesting Communication Research Topics

Find your bootcamp match

Tips for Choosing a Communication Research Topic

What’s the Difference Between a Research Topic and a Research Question?

How to Create Strong Communication Research Questions