Philip Merrill College of Journalism | University of Maryland

Ph.D. Suggested Course of Study

Fall 1

JOUR 800 – Introduction to Doctoral Study – 3 credits

METHODS 1 – JOUR 770 – Principles of Research Methods – 3 credits

JOUR 601 - Public Communication Theory, (or JOUR elective, if already student has already taken the equivalent) – 3 credits

JOUR 808a - Developing Your Cognate Colloquium – 1 credit

Spring 1

JOUR 801 – Advanced Theory – 3 credits

METHODS 2 – JOUR 775 – Quantitative Research Methods
or JOUR 776 – Qualitative Methods

COGNATE1 – 3 credits

JOUR 808b – Examination of Teaching Colloquium – 1 credit

Prior to Leaving for Summer – First Year Review – Plan Remaining IP and research elective

Fall 2

Journalism History 610 – 3 credits

METHODS 3 – Research methodology elective in any department, in consultation with one's adviser

COGNATE 2 – 3 credits

JOUR 808c – Building a Common Language Colloquium – 1 credit

Spring 2

JOUR 802 – Contemporary Issues in Journalism – 3 credits

COGNATE 3 – 3 credits

JOUR elective – 3 credits

JOUR 808d – Comprehensive Examination Colloquium – 1 credit

Prior to Leaving for Summer – Second Year Review – Plan for comprehensive exams and research design initiatives

Fall 3

JOUR 899 – Dissertation Credit – 6 credits

Sit for comprehensive exams – advance to candidacy

Spring 3

JOUR 899 – Dissertation Credit – 5 credits

Subsequent Semesters

JOUR 899 – Dissertation Credit (12 credits total required) – 1 credit – Students advanced to candidacy must be continuously registered, fall and spring semesters, using their dissertation credit and adviser section designation, until successful defense of their dissertation, which can last no more than four years, or eight academic semesters.