NCA's Doctoral Program Guide

The Doctor of Philosophy in Communication provides study and training for entry into academic or professional careers that would necessitate theory-driven basic or applied research on communication practices and outcomes. The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's program thrust emphasizes studying the effects of professional communication practices on organizational goals and structure, the processes of interpersonal communication and conflict resolution, and the conduct of civic practice and public communication.

Admission Requirements

• Online application completed at the UW-Milwaukee Graduate School
• Statement of Reasons for Graduate Study
• Graduate Record Examination scores
• Unofficial copy of all undergraduate transcripts (official copy required before enrollment)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Writing Sample
• Copy of curriculum vitae

Graduate Faculty

• Professor Mike Allen, Ph.D., Michigan State University
• Adjunct Assistant Professor Lisa Bradford, Ph.D., Arizona State University
• Adjunct Assistant Professor Alice Gattoni, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
• Associate Professor Leslie Harris, Ph.D., Northwestern University
• Associate Professor John Jordan, Ph.D., University of Georgia
• Associate Professor Sang-Yeon Kim, Ph.D., Michigan State University
• Professor Tae-Seop Lim, Ph.D., Michigan State University
• Professor Kathryn Olson, Ph.D., Northwestern University
• Associate Professor Sarah Riforgiate, Ph.D., Arizona State University
• Associate Professor Erin Ruppel, Ph.D., University of Arizona
• Associate Professor Erin Sahlstein Parcell, Ph.D., University of Iowa
• Assistant Professor Sara VanderHaagen, Ph.D., Northwestern University

NCA Awards Received by Faculty and Students, 2000-present

• James L. Golden Outstanding Student Essay in Rhetoric Award, 2021
• Diamond Anniversary Book Award, 2008
• Golden Anniversary Monograph Award, 2006