Michigan State University, Department of Communication
overview of program
The Information and Media PhD Program at Michigan State University is an interdisciplinary, STEM-designated (09.0702 Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia) doctoral program that explores the dynamic relationships between media, technology, information, and society.
This unique program is housed within the College of Communication Arts and Sciences and brings together faculty and students from three departments—Advertising and Public Relations, Journalism, and Media and Information. With expertise spanning communication, sociology, law, computer science, information studies, economics, marketing, and more, the program fosters a rich, collaborative environment where diverse perspectives thrive.
The interdisciplinary nature of the program offers key advantages:
– Exposure to a wide range of theories and schools of thought
– A broad toolkit of research methods and analytical strategies
– Enhanced communication and collaboration across fields
Carnegie Classification: R1
Modes Offered: In-person
Professional Development: $1,500 for conference travel
Communication doctorates conferred between 2020-25: 30
Contact information
Patricia Huddleston, Ph.D.
404 Wilson Rd.
ComArtSci, Room 304
East Lansing, MI 48824-1212
- Advertising + Public Relations
- Media Psychology and Persuasion
- Neuroscience and Social Influence
- International Advertising and Public Relations
- Effects of Media on Child and Family Development
- Political Communication
- Social Media and Advertising
- Journalism
- Media Sociology
- International and Comparative Media Systems
- Political Communication
- Visual Communication
- Science, Health, Environment, and Crisis Communication
- News Content and Effects
- Media and Information
- Social Media and Social Computing
- Human-Computer Interaction, Games, and Meaningful Play
- Management of Information Systems (Policy and Economics)
- Health Communication, ICT, and International Development
Library Information
Additional Resources
The Information and Media Ph.D. Program at Michigan State University is consistently recognized as one of the top programs in the world for communication, media, and information research.
According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject (2025), MSU ranks #16 globally and #8 in the U.S. in Communication & Media Studies. In the ShanghaiRanking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (2024), MSU ranks in the top 5 worldwide for Communication, highlighting the university’s global research impact and disciplinary leadership.
The National Communication Association (NCA) has recognized MSU as:
– #1 in the U.S. for producing top researchers in communication technology and health communication
– Among the top four programs nationally in mass communication, interpersonal and small group communication, and international/intercultural communication
Additionally, MSU ranked #3 nationally in a faculty publication productivity study reported in the Electronic Journal of Communication, further underscoring the program’s commitment to impactful scholarship.
These rankings reflect the strength of our interdisciplinary, STEM-designated program and the excellence of our faculty, students, and research community.
- GRE Scores
- Letters of Recommendation
- Master’s Degree
- Essay(s)/Personal Statement
- Academic Writing Sample
- Resume or CV
- Ecroyd Award for Outstanding Teaching in Higher Education, 2013