The PhD in Communication Studies is a 5-6 year program requiring successful completion of the following:
- One year of required coursework (18 credits) that includes COMS 616 Professional Seminar (3 credits) + 5 complementary graduate-level courses (15 credits), one of which may be taken outside of AHCS or at another university in Montreal.
Graduate course titles in the 91社区 calendar are rather general, as professors tend to explore different topics each year in keeping with recent research developments in their fields and in the discipline.
All courses taken outside of the Art History and Communication Studies department require the approval of the Graduate Program Director, in consultation with the student鈥檚 academic supervisor and the professor teaching the seminar.
PhD students who have selected the Graduate Option in Gender and Women's Studies are required to take 9 credits (as part of the 18 credits of required coursework): WMST 601 Feminist Theories and Methods (3 credits) and WMST 602 Feminist Research Symposium (3 credits) + one complementary 3-credit Communication Studies听course related to gender and women's studies. All course selections must be approved by the academic supervisor and the graduate program director. - Comprehensive exam听(COMS 702).
听 - Language requirement.
听 - Dissertation Proposal (COMS 703).
听 - A thesis developed in consultation with the student's supervisor. The Communication Studies program recommends either the American Psychological Association (or APA) or the Chicago Manual of Style, but the student and supervisor can agree to an acceptable style. Students should consult a style guide before submitting course work, proposals, or theses. Learn more about the guidelines for the final submission of the e-Thesis to the University. If you are using images in your thesis, keep in mind issues of and .
Typical PhD Timeline
| Year in Program | Milestones | Details |
|---|---|---|
|
Year 1 (PhD2) Entering program with an MA = PhD2; otherwise, PhD1 |
Complete required coursework. Compile comprehensive examination bibliography. |
Fall:
Winter:
Summer:
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| Year 2 (PhD3) |
Complete Comprehensive exam. Develop your thesis proposal. Expand your skillsets. |
Fall:
Winter:
Summer:
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| Year 3 (PhD4) | Ensure that language requirement has been fulfilled and continue progress on thesis. |
Fall:
Winter:
Summer:
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| Year 4 (PhD5) | Thesis research and writing continues. |
Fall:
Winter:
Summer:
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| Year 5 (PhD6) | Thesis successfully examined and oral defense passed. |
Fall:
Winter:
Summer:
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| Year 6 (PhD7) | Thesis successfully examined and oral defense passed. |
Fall:
Winter:
Summer:
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In the doctoral program, students must be registered on a full-time basis for one or more years after completion of the residency (i.e., Ph.D. 4) before continuing as Additional Session students. More information on residency requirements.