A doctoral student holds up a phone and smiles while taking photos.

Become a leader in your field

When you enter our doctoral program and pursue a concentration in advertising or public relations, you will be mentored and supported along the way by faculty. This interdisciplinary program allows you to tailor your interests and broaden your perspectives as we prepare you to be a leader in the academic world of advertising or public relations.

Research at the Tombras School

As part of a Research 1 institution, our faculty is constantly engaged in innovative and cutting-edge research. Students working with faculty will learn how to conduct peer-reviewed academic research on a wide range of media-connected topics from sports communication to new media to political communication. Check out our faculty showcase to explore recent research produced by our faculty.

Doctoral students also have the opportunity to seek support for research from the College of Communication and Information’s Research and Innovation Center (RIC).

ADPR here at UT has allowed me to work one-on-one with some brilliant professors who constantly challenge me in my research and teaching. I feel lucky to have a school and college that prioritize their grad students!”

Shelby Luttman Rios
PhD alumnaTombras School of Advertising and Public Relations

We’re here to help!

Sifan Xu

Sifan Xu


Associate Professor and Graduate Programs Coordinator for the Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations

[email protected]

Jenny Crowley


Associate Professor and CCI Director for College-Wide Graduate Programs

865-974-1144