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NCA's Doctoral Program Guide

Ohio university, school of communication studies.

The mission of the doctoral program in communication studies at Ohio University is simple: Through their research, teaching, and service, scholars from this program seek to improve, entertain, and enlighten the world around them. They feel strongly that their scholarly efforts are directly tied to the academic community that they are able to build. Consequently, they are continually searching for students and faculty who are passionate about their work as scholars.

Areas of Study 

• Relating & Organizing
• Health Communication
• Rhetoric & Public Culture

QS World University Rankings—Communication & Media Studies

• #151-200 of 200 World Universities

URAP University Rankings—Language, Communication & Culture  

• #196 of 300 World Universities

Admission Requirements  

• To be admitted unconditionally, you must have received a bachelor’s and a master’s degree or completed equivalent work (as approved by the University) at an accredited institution. You must present for evaluation by the graduate committee evidence of your scholarly writing ability. Additional evidence of your ability to pursue study at the doctoral level is required, as documented from previous personal, professional, and academic experi­ences.

Graduate Faculty  

• Professor Roger Aden, Ph.D., University of Nebraska
• Professor Austin Babrow, Ph.D., University of Illinois
• Professor Benjamin Bates, Ph.D., University of Georgia
• Professor Christina S. Beck, Ph.D., University of Oklahoma
• Associate Professor Laura Black, Ph.D., University of Washington
• Associate Professor Amy E. Chadwick, Ph.D., The Pennsylvania State University
• Professor Devika Chawla, Ph.D., Purdue University
• Professor Claudia Hale, Ph.D., University of Illinois
• Professor Lynn Harter, Ph.D., University of Nebraska 
• Associate Professor Angela M. Hosek, Ph.D., University of Nebraska
• Professor Judith Yaross Lee, Ph.D., University of Chicago
• Professor Jerry L. Miller, Ph.D., University of Oklahoma 
• Associate Professor Brittany Peterson, Ph.D., University of Texas
• Professor Bill Rawlins, Ph.D., Temple University
• Associate Professor J.W. Smith, Ph.D., Wayne State University
• Assistant Professor Stephanie (Robbins) Tikkanen, Ph.D., University of California, Santa Barbara
• Professor Scott Titsworth, Ph.D., University of Nebraska

NCA Awards for Faculty and Students, 2000-present  

• Woolbert Research Award, 2001, 2003
• Cushman Memorial Award, 2011, 2016
• Ehninger Distinguished Rhetorical Scholar Award, 2006

Major Code BC5381

Scripps College of Communication   100 Schoonover Center 20 E. Union St. Athens, OH 45701 Phone: 740.593.4883 [email protected] www.ohio.edu/scripps-college/

Dr. Brittany Peterson, Director of E-Learning Development, Scripps College of Communication, contact person [email protected]

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Communication is ideally suited for professionals in a variety of public, non-profit, and private organizations who have positions that emphasize internal and external communication. The major cross-trains individuals in visual, written, and oral communication, emphasizing both practical application and theory-based communication strategy. The major is delivered in a flexible online format, requiring no face-to-face meetings. The major is open to students at any stage of their college career including recent high school graduates and transfer students. Students who have already completed an associate’s degree (60 or more semester hours or 90 or more quarter hours) are also excellent candidates for this degree program. Courses in the major are designed with best practices for online pedagogy, emphasizing the same student enrichment philosophy that grounds other majors in the Scripps College of Communication.

Admissions Information

Freshman/first-year admission.

Admission requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Communication program are in line with the regional campuses. Regional campuses have an open admissions policy for high school graduates. Admission is based on an official high school transcript or equivalent.

Change of Program Policy

No selective or limited admission requirements.

External Transfer Admission

Transfer students are reviewed for admission in accordance with University policy. Standardized test scores (Accuplacer, ACT, or SAT) are not required for admission but are required for placement. Visit the web page for the appropriate regional campus for up-to-date information about application deadlines and processes.

Opportunities Upon Graduation

This program equips students with competencies in visual, written, and oral communication, emphasizing both practical application and theory based communication strategy. Students are prepared for careers in communication-intensive positions in a wide variety of public, non-profit, and private organizations.

Requirements

Universitywide graduation requirements.

Ohio University requires the completion of a minimum of 120 semester hours for the conferral of a bachelor’s degree. This program can be completed within that 120-hour requirement. For more information on the minimum hours requirement and other universitywide requirements, please review the  Graduation Requirements – Universitywide    page.

College-Level Requirements for the Scripps College of Communication

View the College-Level Requirements for the Scripps College of Communication   .

Foundational Knowledge and Skills

Complete the following courses:

• COMM 1000 - Using Communication Tools Credit Hours: 1
• COMS 1030 - Fundamentals of Public Speaking Credit Hours: 3
• JOUR 1330 - Precision Language for Journalists Credit Hours: 3 Complete with “C” 2.0 or better
• VICO 1000 - Introduction to Studies in Visual Communication Credit Hours: 3 Complete with “C” 2.0 or better
• COMS 2050 - Techniques of Group Discussion Credit Hours: 3
• JOUR 2150 - Mass Media Writing Principles Credit Hours: 3
• VICO 2514 - Introduction to Basic Publication Design Credit Hours: 3
• VICO 2561 - Introduction to Basic Web Design Credit Hours: 3

Complete five courses (three courses must be be from the 3000- or 4000-level) for a minimum of 15 credit:

• COMM 3900 - Special Topics in Communication Credit Hours: 3
• COMS 2060 - Communication in Interpersonal Relationships Credit Hours: 3
• COMS 2500 - Organizational Communication for Nonmajors Credit Hours: 3
• COMS 3250 - Communication Technology and Organizing Credit Hours: 3
• COMS 4100 - Cross-Cultural Communication Credit Hours: 3
• ITS 1010 - Consumer Issues in Telecommunication Credit Hours: 3
• ITS 2010 - Understanding Internet Technology Credit Hours: 3
• ITS 4310 - Privacy in the Internet Age Credit Hours: 3
• JOUR 2500 - Introduction to Advertising and Public Relations Credit Hours: 3
• JOUR 4660 - International Mass Media Credit Hours: 3
• JOUR 4923 - Seminar in Online Journalism Credit Hours: 3
• MDIA 1020 - Media Storytelling and the Creative Process Credit Hours: 3
• MDIA 3105 - Audience Research Credit Hours: 3
• COMM 4000 - Applied Communication Capstone Credit Hours: 3
• COMS 3420 - Qualitative Inquiry in Communication Credit Hours: 3
• JOUR 3200 - Ethics, Mass Media, and Society Credit Hours: 3

Interdisciplinary Electives

Complete one or more general elective courses in order to reach the reach minimum 120 hours required for graduation.

Communication

Why study communication, what is a ph.d. in communication with an emphasis on social justice.

The Ph.D. in Communication at the University of Cincinnati gives students the opportunity to investigate the power of communication to shape our personal identities and impact our social, organizational, mediated, and political lives.

Given our location in the heart of the urban core of Cincinnati, as well as the mission of our department to explore and address social issues, much of our work emphasizes our value of social justice. We recognize the central role that communication plays in our understanding of key social justice issues (e.g., race, gender, health, environment, globalization-related, etc.) and in finding solutions to those issues.

As graduate faculty in communication, we have identified a trend that students approach communication studies from a social justice angle, and are seeking opportunities to advance academic training that prepare them to have a social justice focus in their research or praxis career trajectory. Through academic preparation and externship work, our program prepares students to lead positive change through academic, and applied work, or in professional careers through a blend of theory, research methodology, and practical application.

What are our focus areas?

• Organizational Communication and Public Relations
• Media and Cultural Studies, Traditional and Digital Media Effects
• Health and Environmental Communication
• Interpersonal Communication and Leadership
• Culture and Globalization
• Rhetorical, Interpretive, Critical, and Quantitative Methods

What are some of the advantages of this program?

• Small classes mean you get concentrated attention from our  award-winning faculty  
• You can customize the program to your interests by choosing electives and independently working on a completion project tailored to your interests  
• Many of our full-time Ph.D. students receive a graduate assistantship (GA), a competitive assistantship that pays your tuition and provides a $16,000 stipend each year for four years. Most GA students teach their own sections of public speaking and consider it a highlight of their experience.

Admission Requirements

You will need the following to apply:

Unofficial transcripts

• A Curriculum Vitae (CV) for this program typically includes a summary of your research interests, the status of your thesis and name of your advisor, a list of peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, conference papers, panels, and, when applicable community service and any related work experience. In addition, should you have a resume demonstrating your commitment to social justice, you are encouraged to upload this document as well.

Personal Statement

• Please identify any specific area(s) of interest or specialty that you would like to study, and how your interest aligns with our program
• Please identify specific social issues and topics that motivate your research interest
• Tell us how your goals and research interests align with the department’s social justice focus
• Please name 2-5 graduate faculty from the Department of Communication who you believe could best evaluate your application materials. We strongly recommend that you review faculty profiles on our website, skim through faculty CVs and publications for connections with your research interests, and identify those individuals who you would be excited to work with if you are accepted into our program.

Writing Sample

• A writing sample showcases your ability to synthesize literature, articulate your ideas, and build an argument. Please submit a research paper, which includes academic citations. This may be a published article, book chapter, conference paper, or one written for a class, preferably in communication or a related field. If you have written a thesis or capstone paper, turning a portion of those in would be preferred. Your writing sample should be at least 5 pages (excluding references).

Proof of English Language Proficiency (for international applicants only)

Additional notes about applications.

Submission Timing:  We encourage you to submit your application as soon as it is ready. We can only see your application once it has been submitted. Seeing your application allows us to get in contact with you. Also, please email the Graduate Director to let them know that you have applied.

Official Review:   Your file will not be officially reviewed for admission until it is complete . Your file will be complete when:

• you have uploaded your cover letter, purpose statement, transcript, and writing sample
• your reference letters have been submitted electronically by recommenders
• you officially submit your application and pay the application fee

Helpful links  about the Application Process:

• Admissions Requirements
• Frequently Asked Questions

Our program prepares students for careers in the academy and other industries. In addition to a path toward scholarly research, other career options include, but are not limited to: 

• Academic Researcher
• Non-profit/Industry Researcher
• Health Medical Ethnographer 
• Laber Relations Officer
• Marketing Director
• Public Relations/Communication Director
• Writer/Copywriter/Technical Writer/Editor 
• Medical Writer 
• Proposal Writer/Grant Manager 
• Project Management 
• Social Media Management and Analysis 
• Data Analysis  
• Content Development and Strategist
• Known for having one of the highest rated masters only Communication programs in the country
• Small program means strong faculty-student relationships
• Ph.D. program uniquely centering on social justice at the program level
• The social justice focus is reflected in our emphasis on engagement with real-life issues in research programs, particularly, through research externships that connect student research with local communities.
• The department and UC both have established internship-placement programs rated #3 in the nation that help to connect students to industry organizations
• Top scholar faculty in organizational, political, environmental, media, and health communication
• Graduate Assistantships are available in teaching or research

The Department of Communication at the University of Cincinnati promotes knowledge of human communication through research, teaching, and service. We are located in an urban center within a large research university, which provides a dynamic context for connecting theory and practice.

Our award-winning faculty members share a distinctive focus on contemporary social problems. Research centers on understanding issues of voice, identity, public participation, and advocacy/leadership across communication contexts including interpersonal, political, organizational, rhetorical, environmental, health, and mediated communication.

Degree Requirements

The degree involves a five-year program of study that includes the following elements:

Coursework: Minimum of 73 total hours are required to graduate

• COMM7001 - Advanced Rhetorical Theory
• COMM7007 - Advanced Communication Theory
• COMM7041 - Empirical Communication Research Methods
• COMM7042 - Qualitative and Rhetorical Research Methods
• COMM 8002 Communication & Social Justice
• 15 Credit Hours Minimum of Communication and Outside Electives
• COMM 8061 Research Practicum
• COMM 8062 Communication  Externship 
• COMM 9051 Comprehensive Exams
• COMM 9061 Dissertation 

Additional Specifications

• To achieve full-time status, students must take 10 or more hours of graduate coursework per semester. Students receiving assistantships or scholarships must maintain a 12-hour course load.
• Full-time students are required to register for COMM8093 - Introduction to Graduate Studies during the Fall and Spring semesters of the first year, and COMM8094 - Academic and Professional Prep during the Fall and Spring semesters of the second year.
• All students complete a Doctoral Dissertation, an independently developed and executed research project which may involve a variety of approaches and methods, including experimental, survey, observation/participation, fieldwork, or critical-textual. Students may register for 1 to 30 dissertation hours with an advisor. 
• Guide: COMMUNICATION PhD

Application Deadlines

Early Admission

General Admission

Fall Semester Application Deadline:

Part-Time Admission: February 1st Full-Time Admission: January 15th

Spring Semester Application Deadline:

Full-Time Admission: NOT ACCEPTED Part-Time Admission: October 15th

The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the  Higher Learning Commission .

Contact Information

Find related programs in the following interest areas:.

Program Code: 15DOC-COMM-PHD

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Communication (MA, PhD)

The School of Communication offers an MA and PhD in Communication. Graduate studies are in the areas of Communication Technology and Society, Health Communication and Public Opinion. The primary goal is to train individuals to conduct empirical social science research.

Online PhD in Communication Master the Art of Human Connection

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100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Expand Your Career Opportunities with Liberty’s Online PhD in Communication Studies

Communications is a vast field that, at its core, focuses on how humans connect with one another, both verbally and nonverbally. The communications industry is constantly growing and changing as new technologies emerge, so employers need people who are up-to-date on the latest communication theories, methods, and strategies.

If you want to enrich your understanding of human interaction and mass communication, then a PhD in Communication is a good next step in your academic and professional journey. Liberty’s doctoral program focuses primarily on research and theory, allowing you to strengthen and enhance your knowledge of communications.

With a degree as diverse and in-depth as communications, you can gain the skills you need to be a leader in a variety of fields and businesses. Maybe you want to advance in your current career or start your own company. Or perhaps you would like to become a researcher or college professor. Whatever your career goals are, our PhD in Communication can help you make your dreams a reality.

This online program can help deepen your passion for learning and communication. We are excited to partner with you as you continue your research and study in the field of communications.

Ranked in the Top 10% of Niche.com’s Best Online Schools in America

• What Sets Us Apart?
• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
• No Standardized Testing for Admission
• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Why Choose Liberty’s PhD in Communication Online?

Earning a PhD in Communication is a great way to advance in your current career or to enter a new field altogether. No matter what your goals are, our PhD in Communication can help provide you with a well-respected credential and research skills that are applicable to a host of professional settings, both in the public and private sector. For instance, you could teach undergraduate or graduate courses at a collegiate institution, carry out independent research, or work for a variety of businesses, agencies, and nonprofits.

As a doctoral student, you will study under professors who are experts in communication. Drawing on years of real-world experience, they can impart knowledge about the leading theories and praxis of communication – further preparing you to become an expert in the field.

At Liberty, you can become better equipped to achieve your academic and career goals — you’ll also be fostered in biblical principles and trained to be a  Champion for Christ . Our professors can help you learn how to integrate these principles into the workplace and challenge you to follow God’s calling on your life.

We believe that you can earn your degree without putting your life on hold. That’s why we’ve designed our doctoral program to be completely online, meaning you won’t have to worry about attending on-campus classes. That way, you can complete your education while still focusing on your family and your job.

You already have a high level of mastery in the field of communications. But if you are looking for a terminal degree or a degree that allows you to mix theory and innovation, then our PhD in Communication is the program for you.

What Will You Study in Our Communications PhD Online Degree Program?

Potential career opportunities.

• Advertising/public relations executive
• Chief customer experience officer
• Communications executive
• Director of online sales and services
• Research manager
• Social media executive
• University administrator
• University professor
• Vice president of customer satisfaction

Featured Courses

• DIGI 720 – Qualitative Data Analysis
• DIGI 825 – Seminar: From Digital Analytics to Communication Action
• DIGI 835 – Current Topics in Content Communication
• DIGI 845 – Communicating Research Data

Degree Information

• This program falls under our  School of Communication and the Arts .
• View the  Graduate Communication and the Arts Course Guides   (login required) .

Degree Completion Plan (PDF)

Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

• Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour ( learn more ) .

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Admission Requirements

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
• Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

Admissions Office Contact Information

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(888) 301-3577

Email for Questions

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Email for Documents

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Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

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Available Benefits:

• Discounted divinity block rate – $2,700 per semester *
• Additional discount for veterans who service in a civilian capacity as a First Responder
• 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)

*Credits taken below 7 and above 15 credit hours per semester are charged at the part-time rate of $395/credit hour.

Eligible current and former service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour ( learn more ), but the $300/credit hour doctoral military rate cannot be combined with the First Responder Discount .

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Investigative journalism work by Ohio University Fulbright Scholar and journalism graduate student will be featured on FRONTLINE

Patricia Marcano Meza, an Ohio University Fulbright Scholar who is pursuing a master’s degree in journalism at the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, is both excited and nervous for the national premiere of a new documentary for FRONTLINE on PBS called "A Dangerous Assignment: Uncovering Corruption in Maduro’s Venezuela." It airs   on Tuesday, May 14, at 10 p.m. on WOUB HD. The investigative reporter from Venezuela is featured in the documentary as one of the reporters who covered government corruption for the Venezuelan independent news outlet  Armando.info .

“For us, because we are a small independent media in Venezuela, the opportunity to show this documentary in America is great. We are glad and honored. In Venezuela, there is a lot of censorship and persecution, so this is an important window to show the reality and to reach more people. The people can see what the situation is in our country and how we are doing journalism in a difficult environment,” said Marcano Meza. “But I am also concerned about the consequences of this. Our four editors-in-chief had to go into exile because they were sued by Alex Saab and threatened by the Maduro government. We don't want anything to happen to our team in Caracas. The Maduro government's response to the announcement of the documentary was a new attack on our work; through the Attorney General they are trying to involve us in a corruption case that we revealed last year.”

President Nicolas Maduro is South America’s longest ruling authoritarian leader and has held power since 2013. The FRONTLINE episode examines the Armando.info investigation of a food program called CLAP that was created by Maduro’s government in 2016 when Venezuela was in economic freefall and consumed by hunger. The CLAP program was a domestic aid initiative that was billed as providing high-quality, essential food items to Venezuelans impacted by the nation’s economic crisis — some of whom were at risk of starvation. But the CLAP program was not all that the government claimed it to be.

“We are so excited that this documentary will introduce Patricia’s work to an even wider audience in the U.S. She is a highly decorated journalist, one of Venezuela’s best, and a Pulitzer Prize finalist,” said E.W. Scripps School of Journalism Associate Director for Graduate Studies Aimee Edmondson. “She’s incredibly brave and talented.”

The documentary features groundbreaking reporting from investigative journalist Roberto Deniz and his colleagues, including Marcano Meza. They revealed that the government was purchasing low-quality products for the CLAP program. In fact, a chemical analysis conducted by the Institute of Food Science and Technology at Universidad Central de Venezuela at the request of Armando.info showed some of the powdered milk offered in the CLAP boxes was so deficient in calcium and high in sodium that a researcher noted it couldn’t be classified as milk at all.

The team at Armando.info uncovered that the CLAP initiative itself was enriching a close associate of Maduro’s — Alex Saab, the biggest contractor for the food program. The Armando.info journalists’ reporting ended up helping expose a vast corruption scandal that had benefited Maduro and other officials, spanning from Venezuela to Europe to the U.S. — and it ultimately made the journalists targets of the Maduro government. Facing threats, harassment and possible jail time, Deniz and some of his colleagues made the difficult decision to flee Venezuela. As a result of Deniz’s reporting, he has a warrant out for his arrest, his family’s home has been raided, and he has been sued for criminal defamation by Saab.

“I appear in the FRONTLINE episode talking about an investigation we did on the quality of food delivered by the government through the subsidized food program, and this story is one of several others involving corruption that we tell in the documentary, all linked to Alex Saab,” said Marcano Meza. “We have covered stories about Alex Saab since 2016, in particular my colleague, Roberto Deniz, who has led this investigation, but as a team at Armando.info it has marked us.”

In her master’s degree program, Marcano Meza is focusing on the study of data journalism and plans to take what she learns at Ohio University back to Venezuela to train fellow journalists so they can all improve the investigative work they are doing.

“I would like to learn a lot here and then go back to Venezuela to teach and train my colleagues to use data journalism and do deeper and better investigative work.”

"A Dangerous Assignment: Uncovering Corruption in Maduro’s Venezuela" premieres on Tuesday, May 14, at 10 p.m. on WOUB PBS and on YouTube, and at 7 p.m. on PBS.org/frontline, in the PBS App, and will also be available on the PBS Documentaries Prime Video Channel. 

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The 100% online PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy (60 credits) is specially designed for people looking to expand their hearts and minds while developing skills to meet the challenges of 21st Century life. Research and study in counseling theories and practice are integrated with theological inquiry in this vibrant doctoral program.  

You may also be interested in: Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy .

Program Details

• Note: Internship placements will be in-person at a location near you.
• Additional credits required until the completion of dissertation; additional credits may also be required if interested in pursuing state license)
• Enrolling New Students: August
• $28,800 total in tuition & fees for the full 60-credit program (2023-2024)
• Financial Aid: Explore our federal financial aid options that may be available to you.

100% Online. Flexible. Affordable.

• Integration of Psychology & Christianity : Students assess individuals, couples, families, and congregations from an integrated point of view, incorporating theological issues with Marriage and Family systems theory and pertinent psychological perspectives in pastoral or clinical settings.
• Broad Audience : Students demonstrate advanced counseling skills appropriate to meet the needs of individuals, couples, families, and congregations seeking mental health services and programs.
• Self-Reflection : Students practice in-depth self-reflection to enhance their ongoing personal and professional development.
• Significant Research Project: Students create and present a significant research project resulting in a dissertation that contributes to the field of marriage and family therapy.
• Enrichment Programs : Students create and deliver integrated psychological and spiritual enrichment programs.  Examples of previous enrichment programs created by Eastern doctoral students include workshops for individuals, couples, and families, as well as seminars offered on special topics in a clinical or church setting.

Brooke Wheeler, PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy ’25

Our Mission

The PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy trains students in professional mental health and pastoral counseling fields to be skilled scholar/practitioners in marriage and family therapy who apply their minds and hearts to promoting processes of change and growth in individuals, couples, families, and communities. This scholar/practitioner research program prepares students for leadership roles in academia, research, behavioral healthcare, and pastoral care.

State Authorizations

Please check the  State Authorizations page  to determine if Eastern University’s program fulfills your state credentialing requirements. Students who seek similar credentialing in states other than Pennsylvania are advised to contact the appropriate credentialing agency within their home state to seek information and additional guidance about credentialing in your state of residence. Additional state or local requirements may exist for field placements or practica in this state. Out-of-state student placements/practica cannot be guaranteed by the program or the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. Students are responsible for following all state and local requirements and regulations for their field placement/practica coursework.

Learn More: PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy

• Admissions Requirements
• Course Descriptions
• Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy
• DMin in Contextual Leadership
• PhD in Organizational Leadership

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