PhD Program

Doctoral Program

The Latest

Read the newest headlines, get updates and discover events happening at Grady.

Headshot of Wenqing Zhao with headline Ph.D. Profile

Ph.D. Profile: Wenqing Zhao

Wenqing Zhao is a doctoral student in the Department of Advertising & Public Relations at UGA. Her research focuses on health, crisis and conflict communication. She is a lab manager […]

Ph.D. Profile – Brown James

Brown James is a third-year Ph.D. student and lecturer at Grady. Using primarily qualitative methods, his research focuses on the intersection of news media and the American political and legal […]

Ph.D. Profile: Sihao “Max” Zhou

Sihao “Max” Zhou (MA ’23) is a Ph.D. student concentrating in public relations. His research interests are health and science communication, social media data analytics and the framework of U.S. […]

Students look at computer screens with large displays monitors overhead.

The future of media research resides at Grady College

For over 100 years, the University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication has served as a destination for students building careers in journalism, media, advertising, public relations, and more. […]

Grady College graduate students bring home accolades

The summer of 2024 was an exciting time for Grady College as numerous students from the graduate studies program brought home various awards and honors for their hard work and […]

Headshots of new faculty.

New researchers join Grady College faculty

Grady College is proud to welcome three new tenured/tenure-track members to its faculty, enhancing its research expertise in the effects of digital media, AI and social media on human behavior […]

Events

Intern Hours

Join us for Intern Hours, a peer networking event for Grady College students. Each session features a group of current Grady students who had or have internships in Summer/Fall 2024 or Spring 2025. Get tips on how they found their internships, how to prep for internship applications, what they did in the role and more. See details on this month’s featured interns on Instagram @UGAGradyCareers.

Washington DC Alumni Event

Join Grady alumni and friends at the Henri in Washington DC for a networking reception to welcome current students visiting the city. To RSVP, please click here.

Small Talk 101

Through our hit Professional Fridays series, the NMI has gathered years of feedback from industry partners about what traits help graduates land jobs. One common request is the development of soft skills. They need employees who can work on a team, solve problems, and demonstrate rockstar interpersonal skills. Just like with new technology, the NMI believes it takes practice to master a skill. Small Talk 101 will bring our current students together with industry experts, alumni and University friends to expand professional connections and practice networking skills. We will highlight tips and tricks to better relate in professional settings.Small Talk 101 is made possible by the support of Brooke MacLean (ABJ, 2011), CEO at Marketwake. Help our students build critical interpersonal skills. Join us on February 21 – and share with your colleagues! RSVP here: https://bit.ly/smalltalk2025

Grady College Prospective Student Day

Prospective Student Day is an opportunity for high school and transfer students and their guardians to learn more about Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. Current UGA students who are interested in applying for Grady College majors are also welcome. In addition to a guided tour, students will hear about admissions, eligibility requirements and programs of study. This event covers our undergraduate programs only. If you are interested in graduate program information, email anne.hurne@uga.edu. Register here to join us at Grady College Prospective Student Day!

Gray Media Visit

Gray Media is visiting Grady College for internship and full-time hiring. They will host 1:1 meetings for students throughout the day. Check the Grady Job Leads listserv emails and weekly newsletter for more information soon.

Women in Media – A Seat at the Table 2025

UGA Women in Media hosts its Seat at the Table event. More information coming soon.

Perspectives

“It’s such an incredible feeling having so many professors believe in me and my interests. Their constant support and guidance have not only helped me create professional and meaningful work but also given me the confidence and direction to pursue my passions.”

Grace Adams

Current PhD Student

Perspectives

“Grady College is one of the best journalism and mass communication colleges in the United States with amazing faculty.”

Anne Perera

Current PhD Student

Perspectives

“The highlight of my doctoral education has to be the unending access to like-minded individuals. With my time spent in Grady, I truly believe that there are individuals always willing to assist and answer questions. In my opinion, this makes the entire academic journey much more pleasurable.”

Rhoda Olaleye

PhD ’23

Perspectives

“Since coming to Grady, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with several faculty members on research projects that are in various stages of development. The faculty here really want you to engage in research and take the lead on projects, and the program facilitates those connections for you so you are able to start researching right away.”

Leslie Klein

Current PhD Student

Perspectives

“I knew that Grady was the perfect program to dive deeper into media communication research that would complement my knowledge in interpersonal communication. I am so grateful to be here because I continue to learn from and work with the top scholars dedicated to this research.”

Farrah Youn-Heil

Current PhD Student

Perspectives

“As a native Georgian, I was aware that Grady College ranked among the best schools of communication in the country. I thought it offered a friendly and collaborative environment.”

Marcus Howard

PhD ‘21

Apply

Your advanced education starts here. Admission to Grady College’s graduate studies is a collaborative process involving Grady College and the University of Georgia’s Graduate School.