Communication (Ph.D.)
Important: This degree plan is effective for those starting this degree program in fall 2025 through summer 2026. This degree plan will remain in effect for students who do not break enrollment or who do not change degree programs, concentrations, or cognates.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Program Courses | ||
| Advanced Core Courses | ||
| DIGI 700 | Digital & Strategic Communication Orientation I 1 | 3 |
| DIGI 705 | Digital & Strategic Communication Orientation II | 3 |
| DIGI 715 | Advanced Communication Theory | 3 |
| DIGI 825 | Seminar: From Digital Analytics to Communication Action | 3 |
| DIGI 835 | Current Topics in Content Communication | 3 |
| DIGI 845 | Communicating Research Data | 3 |
| Research Courses | ||
| DIGI 710 | Communication Research Methods | 3 |
| DIGI 720 | Qualitative Data Analysis | 3 |
| DIGI 750 | Qualitative Research Methods | 3 |
| DIGI 760 | Mixed Methods Research | 3 |
| DIGI 880 | Research Concepts | 3 |
| Professional Application Courses | ||
| DIGI 860 | Communication and Philosophy | 3 |
| STCO 546 | Effective Media Analysis | 3 |
| STCO 638 | Video Storytelling | 3 |
| STCO 658 | Strategic Communication Campaigns for the Digital Age | 3 |
| Dissertation and Practicum Courses | ||
| COMS 987 | Dissertation I | 5 |
| COMS 988 | Dissertation II | 5 |
| COMS 989 | Dissertation III | 5 |
| COMS 990 | Dissertation Defense | 0 |
| Total Hours | 60 | |
- 1
DIGI 700 is required of all entering doctoral students, and is a prerequisite for all remaining courses
All applicable prerequisites must be met
Graduation Requirements
- Complete 60 hours
- A maximum of 50% of a post-graduate and doctoral degree may be transferred if approved and allowable, including credit from an earned degree from Liberty University on the same academic level
- 3.0 GPA
- No grades lower than a B- may be applied to the degree
- Degree must be completed within 7 years
- Submission of Degree Completion Application must be completed within the last semester of a student’s anticipated graduation date
Program Offered in Online Format
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours | |
| DIGI 700 | Digital & Strategic Communication Orientation I 1 | 3 |
| DIGI 705 | Digital & Strategic Communication Orientation II | 3 |
| DIGI 710 | Communication Research Methods | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| DIGI 715 | Advanced Communication Theory | 3 |
| DIGI 720 | Qualitative Data Analysis | 3 |
| DIGI 760 | Mixed Methods Research | 3 |
| STCO 546 | Effective Media Analysis | 3 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Third Semester | ||
| DIGI 750 | Qualitative Research Methods | 3 |
| DIGI 845 | Communicating Research Data | 3 |
| DIGI 860 | Communication and Philosophy | 3 |
| STCO 638 | Video Storytelling | 3 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| DIGI 825 | Seminar: From Digital Analytics to Communication Action | 3 |
| DIGI 835 | Current Topics in Content Communication | 3 |
| DIGI 880 | Research Concepts | 3 |
| STCO 658 | Strategic Communication Campaigns for the Digital Age | 3 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fifth Semester | ||
| COMS 987 | Dissertation I | 5 |
| Hours | 5 | |
| Sixth Semester | ||
| COMS 988 | Dissertation II | 5 |
| Hours | 5 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Seventh Semester | ||
| COMS 989 | Dissertation III | 5 |
| Hours | 5 | |
| Eighth Semester | ||
| COMS 990 | Dissertation Defense | 0 |
| Hours | 0 | |
| Total Hours | 60 | |
- 1
DIGI 700 is required of all entering doctoral students, and is a prerequisite for all remaining courses
All applicable prerequisites must be met