Journalism

Journalism, Doctor of Philosophy

Doctoral | On Campus

Admission criteria

Application Deadline

• Minimum GPA: 3.0 undergraduate; 3.5 graduate
• Applicants should have an earned master’s degree (or will be earned by their selected start term) and a demonstrated interest, education or professional experience in journalism, advertising, public relations, mass communication or a related field. A degree (bachelor’s or master’s) in one of those fields or two years of full-time professional media experience is preferred. All required information must be received before the admission review can begin. Applicants may be required to participate in an interview with the doctoral faculty as part of the review process. Students who did not write a thesis in their master’s program may be required to complete a project to demonstrate their ability to do independent research.

Minimum Language Requirements

Click here to view the minimum English language proficiency test scores**

**Note: Every non-native English-speaking applicant who is applying to a graduate program at the Missouri School of Journalism must submit an English proficiency test score even if they meet all the criteria set by the University to be exempt from the English language requirement.

Suggested GRE Scores***

Required Application Materials

For the Graduate School

• Completed Graduate School online application
• Unofficial Transcripts- As part of the application submission process, all applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts to the online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted by the academic program.
• Official Results of English Proficiency Exams (International applicants only)

For the Journalism Doctoral Program

Please upload the following application materials into the Graduate School online application:

• Upload unofficial copies of all transcripts (in English) to the Academics of your application.
• Résumé
• Writing sample (such as thesis proposal, sole authored or first authored papers)
• 3 letters of recommendation (use the online Graduate School application system)
• GRE score (will be waived for the Fall 2026 applicants)
• Statement of Doctoral Objectives: The purpose of the statement of doctoral objectives is to give the admissions committee additional insight into the applicant’s background, research interests and goals. The statement should include the following elements:
  • Tell us about yourself. How did you become interested in the field? If your undergraduate and master’s degrees are in different fields, explain how your education prepared you for a research degree in the field of journalism or strategic communication. Take this opportunity to share details about your relevant experiences.
  • Research Interests: Explain your research interests and identify which of our main research areas you would like to explore if accepted into the doctoral program. Explain your interest in this area (or areas) and how your research plans align with it. You should also identify the research methods you have used in any prior research – such as your MA thesis or conference papers – and those you would incorporate in your future research.
  • Fit within the program and “Why Missouri.” Describe how you see your research interests aligning with the strengths of the School; this may include specific research strengths or faculty within the school. What about the doctoral program at the Missouri School of Journalism appeals to you? Specifically, why do you want to pursue a doctoral degree here?
  • Future Goals: What is your motivation to pursue a doctoral degree? What sort of position would you pursue when you complete your doctoral studies?