Communication (Ph.D.)

Communication (Ph.D.)

Important: This degree plan is effective for those starting this degree program in fall 2024 through summer 2025. This degree plan will remain in effect for students who do not break enrollment or who do not change degree programs, concentrations, or cognates.

Advanced Core Courses
DIGI 700Digital & Strategic Communication Orientation I 13
DIGI 705Digital & Strategic Communication Orientation II3
DIGI 715Advanced Communication Theory3
DIGI 825Seminar: From Digital Analytics to Communication Action3
DIGI 835Current Topics in Content Communication3
DIGI 845Communicating Research Data3
Total Hours18
1

DIGI 700 is required of all entering doctoral students, and is a prerequisite for all remaining courses

Research Courses
DIGI 710Communication Research Methods3
DIGI 720Qualitative Data Analysis3
DIGI 750Qualitative Research Methods3
DIGI 760Mixed Methods Research3
DIGI 880Research Concepts3
Total Hours15
Professional Application Courses
DIGI 860Communication and Philosophy3
STCO 546Writing for Effective Social Media3
STCO 638Video Storytelling3
STCO 658Strategic Communication Campaigns for the Digital Age3
Total Hours12
Dissertation and Practicum Courses
COMS 987Dissertation I5
COMS 988Dissertation II5
COMS 989Dissertation III5
COMS 990Dissertation Defense0
Total Hours15

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

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
First SemesterHours
DIGI 700 Digital & Strategic Communication Orientation I 1 3
DIGI 705 Digital & Strategic Communication Orientation II 3
DIGI 710 Communication Research Methods 3
 Hours9
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
 Hours12
Second Year
First Semester
DIGI 750 Qualitative Research Methods 3
DIGI 845 Communicating Research Data 3
DIGI 860 Communication and Philosophy 3
STCO 638 Video Storytelling 3
 Hours12
Second 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
 Hours12
Third Year
First Semester
COMS 987 Dissertation I 5
 Hours5
Second Semester
COMS 988 Dissertation II 5
 Hours5
Fourth Year
First Semester
COMS 989 Dissertation III 5
 Hours5
Second Semester
COMS 990 Dissertation Defense 0
 Hours0
 Total Hours60
1

DIGI 700 is required of all entering doctoral students, and is a prerequisite for all remaining courses

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