Over two academic years, Theory and Research students complete 39 credit hours, consisting of four courses in each of the first three semesters and a research thesis in the fourth semester. They explore topics within the five areas of substantive study that comprise our doctoral program.
Theory and Research students in the J.D./M.A. dual-degree program follow a specialized plan that allows them to complete our requirements and those of the UNC School of Law in about four years, depending on their individual programs of study and progress.
Core
- MEJO 703: Mass Communication Research Methods
- MEJO 705: Theories of Mass Communication
- MEJO 740: Media Law
- MEJO 900: Independent Study
Substantive Areas of Study
We support the below substantive areas in our school with faculty and courses. Each student selects a primary area in which to conduct scholarly research, but students often have research interests that stretch beyond a single area or topic.
Study of the economic, ethical, historical, sociological and technological influences on media. This includes analysis of decision-making and examination of how new ways of conceptualizing news and journalism are influencing management decisions. Current and recent research topics that fall under this heading include changing news values for changing media, work-culture change in an evolving media landscape, shifting conceptualizations of international, ethnic and alternative media, advertisers’ responses to converged and multimedia operations and the influence of ethical standards on media practice and performance.
Study of the law and public policy affecting communication. Current and recent research topics that fall under this heading include First Amendment theory, the intersection of law and ethics, regulation of online media, censorship, intellectual property and government regulation of commercial and corporate speech.
We offer a dual-degree program with the UNC School of Law, enabling students to earn Ph.D. and J.D. degrees in about five years, depending on their individual programs of study and progress.
Study of how audiences process media messages and the effects of communication on audiences, often influenced by theoretical frameworks in cognitive, social and developmental psychology. Current and recent research topics that fall under this heading include media impact on health, media and identity, audience uses of media and the effects of news and message design elements on cognitions, affect and behavior.
Study of mediated communication and how it affects health-related attitudes, behaviors and health status. This includes the theory-based study of health messages, campaigns and social marketing, as well as the Internet and emerging communication technologies. Current and recent projects have focused on improving healthy diet, reducing tobacco use, preventing skin cancer, promoting HPV vaccination and increasing safer sexual behavior.
Study of the ways in which organizations, governments and members of social and political groups create and disseminate messages designed to persuade and inform. Current and recent research topics that fall under this heading include the impact of media on the political process and public opinion, the role of media in sociocultural identities, advertising effectiveness and brand communication, crisis communication, ethical transparency in strategic communication, the role of networks in public relations and advocacy, and social media and network analytics.
Other courses
- Three foundation courses appropriate to the student’s research emphasis
- Six courses, including a MEJO methods course and at least two outside the school, defining the specific focus of the student’s program
Thesis
In the final semester, students complete and defend a comprehensive research paper in consultation with a faculty member and thesis committee.