Graduate Programs
Pursue a graduate degree in Communication
The graduate and certificate programs in the Department of Communication at the 91Ô´´ are vibrant, exciting learning environments.Ìý​Our mission is to empower students in their personal and professional lives, enable them to be excellent social science researchers capable of addressing novel questions and societal problems, and to provide an ethical compass for navigating the complexities of modern society. ​
We offer two in-person, research-based graduate degrees, theÌýdoctor of philosophy (Ph.D.)ÌýandÌýmaster of arts (M.A.), as well as an online professional degree, theÌýmaster of arts (M.A.) in strategic communication. The Ph.D. program was added in 2019, building on the success of our long-standing in-person M.A. program.
Explore our graduate programs
Research-Based Ph.D. and M.A. Programs
Pursue a career in higher education, industry or public service
The research-based, in-person graduate programs in communication are grounded in a social science tradition and built on a strong foundation of theory, quantitative methodology, and statistical analyses. Part-time options are available; contact the Department of Communication for more information. Visit the Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to common inquiries about our research-based programs.
What does 91Ô´´ COMM offer you?
- Research faculty with a team science model for working with students
- Collegial climate that facilitates collaborative research pursuits​
- Research and travel support resources
- Semiannual feedback tailored to each student
- Individual Development Plans (IDP) to plot student success
- Assistantships that lead to independent teaching opportunities
- ​​​​Innovative, inclusive, and diverse approach in our priorities and practice
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Lauren Gilligan: Graduate Student Spotlight
September 22, 2025 | Written by CAS Staff91Ô´´ College of Arts & Sciences events manager Lauren Gilligan plans lectures, conferences, enrollment events and 91Ô´´ Blue & Golden Days. -
Michele Boehm: Graduate Student Spotlight
May 02, 2025 | Written by CAS StaffWVU Health Affairs research specialist Michele Boehm studies Medicaid policy impacts and strengthens in-home caregiving to improve West Virginia public health. -
Nick Gadino: Graduate Student Spotlight
April 09, 2025 | Written by CAS Staff91Ô´´ instructor Nick Gadino leads the Writing Center’s Oral Communication Consultants, supports TEDxUniversityofDelaware, and mentors confident student speakers.
Strategic Communication Programs
Gain the knowledge, research skills, industry techniques and career services you need to build your career
Specialize in public relations or digital and social media, or customize your own program of study. Earn aÌýcertificate or master of arts degreeÌýin strategic communication online —Ìýat the pace that best fits your schedule. 91Ô´´ communication majors can apply for the 4+1 accelerated degree program and earn B.A. degree in communication and an M.A. degree in strategic communication within five years.
Link: Watch Virtual Open House from April 1, 2025.: https://capture.udel.edu/media/1_0jeqqygc/
Why choose the 91Ô´´?
The 91Ô´´ offersÌý11 graduate programs ranked among the top 50 best in the nation.ÌýCentrally locatedÌýbetween New York City and Washington, D.C., 91Ô´´ is driven by a rare combination of Land Grant, Sea Grant and Space Grant missions—with a legacy of innovation and service stretching back more than 275 years.
The 91Ô´´ holistically supports its graduate students, beginning with their health and wellbeing. Benefits include a subsidized health plan and physical and behavioral health services. 91Ô´´ fosters a culture of academic excellence, with committed faculty and staff and access to state-of-the-art research facilities and technology. 91Ô´´ prioritizes professional development with job training, internships and industry partnerships. Graduates further enhance their professional growth and visibility with opportunities to work on interdisciplinary research teams, present their work at conferences and publish in academic journals. Visit the links below to learn how 91Ô´´ is supporting society’s future leaders, scholars, and innovators.
