PhD Admissions and Applications

Admissions

Admission to the doctoral program is limited to students of exceptionally high competence and promise.

A master’s degree is required for entry into the doctoral program. Students lacking academic or professional experience in communication and information may be required to take prerequisite courses.

The following are normally minimal requirements for admission to full potential candidate status.

• A 3.0 (4.0 system) grade point average in undergraduate studies, and 3.5 for graduate work.
• At or above the 50th percentile in verbal, quantitative and analytical aptitude on the Graduate Record Examination.
• Recommendation letters from at least three former teachers or professional colleagues.
• A statement of the applicant’s goals and reasons for pursuing the doctorate.
• Personal interviews with members of the Graduate Studies Committee are recommended and may be required.
• Professional experience in some field of communication and/or information is a highly desirable criterion for admission.

For students whose native language is not English and who have not earned an earlier degree at an English-language college or university, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required.

Applications

Prospective doctoral students must complete applications to BOTH the University of Tennessee and to the College of Communication and Information for addmittance to the college's PhD program.

• College of Communication and Information Doctoral Program Application (pdf document)
• University of Tennessee Graduate Program Application (online submission).

All new students begin their graduate classes in the fall semester. If you are seeking funding, the application deadline is February 1 prior to the start of the fall for which you are applying. Even if you aren't seeking funding, you should submit application materials by February 1 to have the best chance of being considered for doctoral studies. A limited number of slots open each fall and preference is given to applicants whose materials are submitted by February 1.

Financial Aid

If you are interested in receiving funding you should also complete application forms as appropriate for

• An assistantship or associateship (pdf form)
• Scholarships/fellowships (pdf form)
• Possible funding assistance from the university

Other Helpful Information

• Learn more about living in Knoxville
• University resources for future students