Communication (PhD)

A classroom setting with students seated in rows, each with laptops or notebooks on desks. The focal point is a woman in a white shirt actively participating in a discussion, gesturing with her hands. Other students appear attentive.

You will acquire the leading-edge theory and research methodologies you need to shape a more ethical and just world.

Whether you seek a career in academia, the industry, or governmental and non-governmental organizations, you will become a critical educator and researcher of communication through rigorous coursework, independent and collaborative research projects, and teaching opportunities.

You will work side by side with your peers and our distinguished faculty to advance knowledge in the field while creating interdisciplinary solutions to complex societal and organizational problems. At the same time, you will build a professional network of worldwide and lifelong connections with fellow scholars and practitioners.

USC Annenberg’s location at the heart of a top-tier research university and in the dynamic city of Los Angeles provides you with the ideal setting to explore ways to inventively fuse your scholarship and expertise in communication studies with disciplines such as political science, international relations, sociology and information sciences as well as gender, media and popular culture studies.

By the numbers

school for studying communication and mediaIn 2024, QS World University Rankings named USC the foremost school for studying communication and media in the U.S.

In 2024, QS World University Rankings named USC the foremost school for studying communication and media in the U.S.

academic journalWe are home to the International Journal of Communication, an open access journal publishing work from communication scholars from around the world where our PhD students serve as assistant editors. According to the latest statistics from Google Scholar, IJoC ranks 7th among all Humanities, Literature and Arts journals, and 9th among Communication journals.

We are home to the International Journal of Communication, an open access journal publishing work from communication scholars from around the world where our PhD students serve as assistant editors. According to the latest statistics from Google Scholar, IJoC ranks 7th among all Humanities, Literature and Arts journals, and 9th among Communication journals.

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research centers and groupsDoctoral students are able to work alongside faculty to conduct cutting-edge research on topics ranging from health equity to games.

Doctoral students are able to work alongside faculty to conduct cutting-edge research on topics ranging from health equity to games.

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conferencesDuring the 2023-2024 academic year, current students presented their work at conferences including the Association of Internet Researchers (AoIR), the Society of Social Studies of Science (4S), the Society for Cinema and Media Studies (SCMS), as well as the annual NCA and ICA conferences.

During the 2023-2024 academic year, current students presented their work at conferences including the Association of Internet Researchers (AoIR), the Society of Social Studies of Science (4S), the Society for Cinema and Media Studies (SCMS), as well as the annual NCA and ICA conferences.

Student and faculty work

Changing the world through better communication

Former U.S. Navy Blue Angels team member Amber Lynn Scott became interested in studying high-reliability organizations for her dissertation to make a positive impact for military and first responders.

Requiem for a meme

Alexandria Arrieta researches how the intersection of memes and music are having a profound impact on people’s communication and connection across social media.

Making social media a better tool for political activism

With his lifelong interest in politics, Alfonso Hedge realized Annenberg’s doctoral program would be the perfect place to study how grassroots political organizations use social media.

Male Asian man plays key board and DJs at night club

From music to AI

Event promoter and DJ Stephen Yang examines the on-the-ground practices of technologists and media professionals as they reshape the culture of production.

Jermaine Anthony Richards named 2023 Paul & Daisy Soros Fellow

The merit-based program provides funding for Richards to explore his research on how transmedia storytelling animates human security politics, security cultures, and political movements.

Exploring identity through social media

Samah Sadig shares her passion for identity, expression and education — and how it all brought her to USC Annenberg.

Work on groundbreaking research with expert faculty

As innovations in information and communication technologies continue at a rapid pace, USC Annenberg remains at the forefront of efforts to explore these social, cultural, rhetorical, and organizational processes. You will work and collaborate with fellow doctoral students, our world-class faculty, and industry and public/private sector professionals to advance research and insights across a wide range of interdisciplinary areas of study. You will also have the opportunity to lead research endeavors that impact scholarship and practice across the contemporary communications landscape.

Explore the research of USC Annenberg faculty and students. View the areas of study available to our PhD students.

PhD student working at desk and smiling.

Get to know your fellow students

The communication doctorate program enrolls students from diverse backgrounds, nationalities and educational experiences. Connect with fellow students by viewing their profiles and get to know USC Annenberg through their eyes.

Meet the students