1) PROGRAM OVERVIEW

School of Journalism and communication offers Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Program admitting students from all over the world. As a research-based program, the program aims to develop profound academic research skills for students who are interested in how to analyze—not only for academic research, but also for government policymaking, corporate strategic planning and other purposes from the perspective of global communication.

Within the four years period of study, the students are required to finish both course work and the Ph.D. thesis. Students pursuing Ph.D. degree should concentrate on an independent research project under the guidance of their supervisors. Coursework is integrated into the programs to underpin research studies. The School of Journalism and Communication offers research focuses in Media and Public Opinion; New Media & Global Communication; Media and Cultural Studies in New Media Age; Public Diplomacy and Intercultural Communication; Chinese Media and Global Journalism.

This program prepares its graduates for academic or government/policy roles related to international journalism; multinational media and other corporations, including entertainment and publishing; international public relations and marketing/advertising for corporations, NGOs or governments, including health; public and other types of diplomacy; education; and other sites of globalization. Professors and other researchers will be prepared for research in all areas of international, transnational and intercultural media, communications and information flows.

2) DURATION

This program is a four-year program. Most students can finish taking all the courses in the first and second year and prepare PhD dissertation in the third and fourth year. If students fail to finish their learning tasks due to personal or specific reasons, they should make an application first and then extend their study after being approved. The length of extension is usually half a year, and no more than three years of extension including suspending of schooling.

3) CURRICULUM

Total Courses required: 26 credits.

Core Courses	Mass Communication Theory, Communication Research Methods, Research in Global Communication
Electives	History of Global Communication, Global Cities & Media, Chinese Media Today, Public Diplomacy & Global Media, Chinese Media and Global Public Opinion, New Media and Society, Statistics
Language Courses	Chinese Language
Thesis	The students are required to participate the prospectus defense and acquire candidature status in the second year. A thesis based on the student’s independent research on an original topic is compulsory to fulfill the degree requirement.

4) APPLICATION QUALIFICATIONS

Applications are open to non-Chinese citizens with reliable financial support and stability who are university graduates with a completed master’s degree (transcript required) and in good health.

5) ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

Applicants must have a good command of English, with one of the following: TOEFL IBT (internet based) test result of at least 80 points, TOEFL (computer based) test result of at least 213 points, TOEFL (paper based) test result of at least 550 points, or IELTS test result of at least 6.0.

This requirement does not apply to an applicant who has studied for at least two years at, or received a degree from an English speaking high school, college, or university.

6) ENTRANCE EXAMINATION

The Entrance Examination includes both a written and oral test, usually held in March, April or May. The SISU Graduate School via email communication will send out exact examination date and place arrangements (with an option for an on-line Skype interview in special cases).

7) APPLICATION DEADLINE

May 15. Applicants for scholarships should follow the application regulation of scholarships.

8) TUITION AND FEES

Application Fee	800 RMB
Tuition	28,000 RMB /Year