University of Wisconsin, Department of Communication Arts

Critical Cultural Communication (including Gender/Race/LGBTQ+ Communication) Film Studies Interpersonal Communication (includes Small Group) Mass Communication/Media Studies (including New Media) Rhetoric
University of Wisconsin

overview of program

The Department of Communication Arts at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has long been one of the world’s leading centers for study and research in communication. It was the first department in the United States to award a Ph.D. degree in the field, and its graduates serve on the faculties of leading universities, in research institutions, and in public and private agencies throughout this country and abroad.


Carnegie Classification: R1

Professional Development Funding: $4,500 for conference travel, research

Ph.D. Degrees per year: 8

Communication doctorates conferred between 2010-19: 157

Contact information

Director of Graduate Studies

Dr. Jeremy Morris

Communication Arts Department

6117 Vilas Hall
821 University Avenue
Madison, WI 53706

  • Media Studies/Film Studies
  • Digital/New Media
  • Rhetoric
  • Cultural Studies
  • Interpersonal Communication

  • Statement of purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official GRE Scores
  • Transcripts
  • Writing Sample

  • Golden Anniversary Monograph Award, 2001, 2003, 2018
  • Winans-Wichelns Award for Distinguished Scholarship in Rhetoric and Public Address, 2004, 2010
  • Wallace Memorial Award, 2001, 2013