The field of mass communication is expansive as it evolves at a fast clip with communication technologies at the same time that it reflects a symbiotic relationship with older disciplines in the social sciences such as sociology, political science, psychology, history, and literature. This offers the Ph.D. student a broad spectrum of academic foci in which to pursue research interests. Accordingly, the coursework in the UAEU program provides opportunities to pursue study of the effects of new communication technologies on culture (especially in the Arab and/or Islamic region), the role of communication in development, comparative media systems, as well as regulatory frameworks for different media systems. Students must develop a strong grasp of research methodologies to pursue independent study in the field.

Required Credit Hours: minimum hours