The graduate program is grounded in theory and research concerning human communication. Graduate students participate in research teams with a guiding faculty member, enabling hands-on research experience, sometimes on grant-funded projects. A broad range of coursework and educational research opportunities is available, with extensive preparation in scientific research methods. Graduates may enter a variety of academic, private sector, or public positions.

The department offers the Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees with a major in communication. Application materials are available online at www.datamonster.sbs.arizona.edu/communication/grads/applying.php. A minor in Communication is an option for graduate students majoring in other departments.

Master's students may select a thesis or non-thesis option. Students electing either option must complete 37 units. Up to 3 of those elective units may be taken outside the department. All students must complete the core courses (600, 661, and 671) and two of the required theory seminars (609, 610,. 620, 669). Three units of COMM 900 (research team), 4 units of COMM 695 (colloquium), and up to 3 units of independent study may be counted toward the minimum 37 units. Students planning to enter a doctoral program are strongly urged to select the thesis option. Students interested in applied programs or positions in industry and government and who do not plan to pursue a Ph.D. are urged to select the non-thesis option.

Doctoral students must complete the following requirements, as well as declare areas of concentration: Major: 56 total units. All students are required to complete core courses 600, 661, 671; at least two of the four communication theory seminars (609, 610, 620, and 669); and 9 elective units. With guidance committee approval, some elective units may be taken from other departments offering courses with communication-related content. Four units of COMM 900 (research team), 4 units of COMM 695 (colloquium), and  up to 3 units of independent study may count toward the minimum units required. Scholarly research tool: All students must complete a minimum of 6 additional hours of research methods course work, preferably related to the type of research they plan to conduct for their dissertation. Dissertation: 18 units.

Minor (minimum 9 units): All doctoral students must select one or more minors, the requirements of which are determined by the minor department.

Additional requirement for both programs: All courses counted toward degree minimums must be passed with a grade of B or better (or P or better for S/P Special Grades).  All students must register for 1 unit of research team (COMM 900) each semester they are enrolled until successful completion of Ph.D. comprehensive exams.