phd topics in public relations and advertising

Skip to Content

• PhD: Strategic Communication

You are here

• Share via Twitter
• Share via Facebook
• Share via LinkedIn
• Share via E-mail

Fall Application Deadlines

US applicants:  Nov. 15 International applicants:  Nov. 15

In the online application, select Advertising, Public Relations and Media Design (APRD)  as the department, Media Research & Practice  as the degree, and Strategic Communication  as the subplan/track.

How to Apply

The PhD in Strategic Communication offered by the Department of Advertising, Public Relations and Media Design is one of three separate and distinct tracks of the Media Research and Practice doctoral program within the College of Media, Communication and Information.

A PhD in Strategic Communication is a distinct track that is designed to provide students with rigorous training in theory and research. Students gain an understanding through coursework that explores theories and methods that shape strategic communication research. This program emphasizes how theory informs practice, critically analyzing how advertising and public relations operate in ways that can—or could—constructively contribute to the successful, ethical and resilient functioning of society.

The strategic communication and journalism studies tracks for the PhD are administered together by the departments of Advertising, Public Relations and Design and Journalism. Students in both tracks are taught by and have access to the faculties of both departments. The curriculum includes an overview of mass/public communication literature with specific modules and courses dedicated to advertising, journalism and public relations. Classes also focus on areas that straddle each industry such as social media, political communication, ethics, media organizations, health communication and video games. We welcome and appreciate both qualitative and quantitative approaches to research. Graduates pursue teaching and research positions at universities as well as work in the private sector. 

APRD is proud to share its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion mission statement: APRD strives to be a community whose excellence depends on diversity, equity, and inclusion. We aim to understand and challenge systems of privilege and disadvantage in higher education, such as those based on class, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and dis/ability. We seek to reach across social and political divides and to make space for voices historically underrepresented in higher education and marginalized in society. In other words, diversity is not just a future reality for which we try to prepare students. It is a priority we want to put into practice here, now, and together, in order to foster places of learning where all members can thrive.

Why enroll?

• One of the few doctoral programs offered in an advertising and public relations department
• Study with award-winning researchers and teachers who are committed to assisting students achieve mastery of their work and chart a successful post-doctoral career
• Faculty who have conducted research in an array of specialties (see list below)
• Design a personally-designed plan of study to suit your interests
• Collaborate with faculty and fellow graduate students on research projects
• Study within a supportive environment, with the opportunity to teach courses relevant to your area of interest

Research interests of faculty teaching in the program

• Advertising and Public Relations Pedagogy: Erin Schauster
• Activism and Organizations: Krishnamurthy Sriramesh , Jordan Morehouse , Kay Weaver
• Corporate Branding and Image Management: Burton St. John III , Seow Ting Lee , Erin Willis
• Corporate Social Responsibility: Krishnamurthy Sriramesh , Burton St. John III , Seow Ting Lee
• Crisis Communication and Risk Management: Burton St. John III , Seow Ting Lee ,  Krishnamurthy Sriramesh ,  Jordan Morehouse
• Critial Theory:  Kay Weaver
• Digital Advertising: Chris J. Vargo , Harsha Ganga , Toby Hopp , Bridget Barrett
• Digital Games and Society: Harsha Ganga , Toby Hopp , Jolene Fisher , Mia Wang
• Global Public Relations: Krishnamurthy Sriramesh ,  Kay Weaver
• Health Communication: Seow Ting Lee , Erin Willis ,  Mia Wang
• Media Effects: Harsha Ganga ,  Mia Wang ,  Kay Weaver
• Media Ethics: Erin Schauster , Seow Ting Lee
• Moral Psychology: Erin Schauster
• Organizational Culture: Erin Schauster ,  Krishnamurthy Sriramesh
• Persuasion and Digital Media: Harsha Ganga , Erin Willis , Seow Ting Lee ,  Jordan Morehouse ,  Mia Wang
• Propaganda: Burton St. John III ,  Kay Weaver
• Public Diplomacy: Krishnamurthy Sriramesh , Seow Ting Lee
• Social and Economic Effects of Advertising: Harsha Ganga
• Social and Media Analytics: Chris J. Vargo , Toby Hopp ,  Bridget Barrett
• Strategic Public Relations Management: Krishnamurthy Sriramesh , Seow Ting Lee ,  Jordan Morehouse ,  Kay Weaver
• Strategic Communication for Social Change: Burton St. John III , Jolene Fisher ,  Mia Wang ,  Kay Weaver
• Sustainable Development and Communication: Krishnamurthy Sriramesh , Burton St. John III
• Technology and Advertising: Harsha Ganga ,  Mia Wang ,  Bridget Barrett
• Quantitative Methodology: Seow Ting Lee , Chris J. Vargo , Toby Hopp , Harsha Ganga , Kelty Logan ,  Mia Wang
• Qualitative Methodology: Erin Schauster , Erin Willis , Jolene Fisher ,  Jordan Morehouse ,  Bridget Barrett ,  Kay Weaver

It is expected that a student will devote her or his full time to the doctoral program and assistantship duties during the fall and spring semesters while in the program, unless other arrangements have been made with the department.

The following is a summary of minimum requirements to earn a Ph.D. in Strategic Communication or in Journalism Studies. Students will take two semesters of Proseminar, two semesters of methods, four semesters of Doctoral Professionalization Seminar and 30 credits of electives, which must include 9 credits of advanced methods electives. Students are expected to take courses numbered at the 6000 or above levels. There are some exceptions to this in which doctoral students can receive permission to take 5000-level courses.

• Proseminar in Mass Communication (6 Credits): All doctoral students are required to enroll in JRNL/APRD 7001 in their first semester of study, and in JRNL/APRD 7003 in their second semester. These courses are designed to introduce students to the major paradigms within the field of mass communication.
• Doctoral Professionalization Seminar (4 Credits): All first- and second-year doctoral students will be required to enroll in JRNL/APRD 7004. The course, which is 1 credit each semester, prepares students for life in a doctoral program and for life after one, all while providing a sense of community amongst multiple doctoral cohorts and both departments’ faculty. 
• Methods (15 Credits): All first-year doctoral students enroll in Quantitative Research Methods in the fall, and in Qualitative Research Methods in the spring. These general courses deal with a variety of research methods used within the field. PhD students are also required to take three additional graduate level courses in the areas of research methods (9 hours). These may be taken inside or outside the departments.
• Area of Concentration (18 hours): Doctoral students are required to take a minimum of 18 hours of course work selected on the basis of the student’s area(s) of research interest. These courses should come from a combination of both inside and outside electives. For example, for a student interested in media effects, a combination of classes from both APRD/JRNL and psychology would make sense.
• Independent study: Ph.D. students may take a  maximum  of two independent study courses in their course of study, either inside APRD and JRNL or outside of those home departments. Generally, these will be taken no earlier than the third semester of the program.
• Comprehensive examinations: Each doctoral student will be required to pass comprehensive examinations, consisting of four questions, which are generally administered after the last semester in which the student takes course work. The examinations are individually tailored for each student and comprise both written and oral examinations.
• Dissertation: A minimum of thirty hours of dissertation credit, APRD 8991, must be taken. Various restrictions apply to these hours.
• No more than 10 dissertation credit hours may be taken in any one semester
• No more than 10 dissertation credit hours may be taken prior to the semester in which comprehensive examinations are taken.
• No more than 10 dissertation credit hours may be taken in the semester in which comprehensive examinations are taken.
• After passing comprehensive examinations, student must enroll for at least 5 dissertation credit hours (full time) or 3 dissertation credit hours (part time) each semester until graduation.

Typically students enroll for 10 dissertation hours in the semester they are taking comprehensive examinations and 10 dissertation hours each in the following fall and spring terms. Students must be aware of Graduate School rules regarding registration for dissertation hours.

Applicants to the Strategic Communication track of the PhD program in Media Research and Practice are expected to hold the master’s degree or equivalent graduate work. In exceptional cases, applicants without a master’s degree may be considered for admission.

Completed domestic and international applications must be received by the program no later than November 15 prior to the fall semester for which entrance is sought. Late applications may be considered under special circumstances.

Successful applications typically have an undergraduate cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.2 and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 in previous graduate work.

Applicants are required to:

• Provide three letters of recommendation.
• Provide a 700-word Statement of Purpose.
• Provide a resume or CV that includes academic and employment experience.
• Provide a writing sample that exhibits the ability to undertake the conceptual and empirical studies required of doctoral students (e.g., a chapter from a master’s thesis or graduate-level term paper).

Meeting these criteria does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Because we accept relatively few new doctoral students each fall, we may have more qualified applicants than available openings.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are not requiring GRE scores at this time.

In the online application, select  Advertising, Public Relations and Media Design  as the department,  Media Research & Practice  as the degree, and  Strategic Communication  as the subplan/track.

For review and decision purposes you are required to upload an unofficial copy of your transcript(s) in the online application. We require one copy of the scanned transcript from each undergraduate and graduate institution that you attended. This includes community colleges, summer sessions, and extension programs. While credits from one institution may appear on the transcript of a second institution, unofficial transcripts must be submitted from each institution, regardless of the length of attendance, and whether or not courses were completed.    Failure to list and submit transcripts from all institutions previously attended is considered to be a violation of academic ethics and may result in the cancellation of your admission or dismissal from the university.

ONLY after you are recommended for admission will you need to provide official transcripts. 

Instructions for Uploading Unofficial Transcripts to Your Application  (scroll to 'Uploading Unofficial Transcripts in the Application')

FAQ  |  Online Application  |  International Students Online Application

Research or teaching assistantships, including a tuition waiver and stipend, as well as fellowships, are available. PhD students may receive assistantships for a maximum of four years.

Erin Schauster

Associate Chair for Graduate Studies

In this section: APRD

• Department Home
• APRD Faculty and Staff
• Undergraduate Program: Strategic Communication
• MA: Corporate Communication
• MA: Strategic Communication Design
• Our Graduate Students
• Recent Publications
• Explore CMCI Academics

Apply   Visit   Donate

Thanks for your interest in CU Boulder’s College of Media, Communication and Information.  We welcome your questions or comments and will respond as quickly as possible.

• How it works

Useful Links

How much will your dissertation cost?

Have an expert academic write your dissertation paper!

Dissertation Services

Get unlimited topic ideas and a dissertation plan for just £45.00

Order topics and plan

Get 1 free topic in your area of study with aim and justification

Yes I want the free topic

Public Relations Dissertation Topics

Published by Grace Graffin at January 4th, 2023 , Revised On May 3, 2024

Public relations is a communication process that builds a positive relationship between an organisation and its audience. In other words, a public relations professional is responsible for using strategic communication to build a positive image of an organisation or individual through unpaid and earned means. The earned channels leveraged to build a positive image include news and press, media outreach, and social media engagements.

Public relations is a lot different from advertising and is much more difficult, too. Using unpaid means and earned channels for image building is more difficult than employing paid methodologies for creating brand awareness and image.

Given its high importance for a company, a public relations professional has to be the master of his job. Choosing public relations as a career is deemed as a very excellent choice, as its demand and importance are gaining importance day by day.

You might have approached or just entered your final year of the public relations degree and may be required to start working on the dissertation. If that is the case, you may be quite nervous and slightly clueless as to where to begin your work. the entire process starts with choosing a topic that is worthy of being discussed. If you are struggling to select the right topic for your public relations dissertation , here are a few topics along with their research aims for your guidance.

Want to know what essay structure and style will work best for your assignment?

Problem fixed! We can write any type of essay in any referencing style. We ensure every essay written is beyond your expectations.

Topic 1: Investigating the role of target marketing through public relations while confronting the increasing competition in digital marketing.

Research Aim: The research examines the significance of target marketing with the help of public relations while dealing with the rising competition in digital marketing.

Objectives:

• To identify the use of public relations strategies for target marketing practices.
• To analyse the way companies use PR strategies for target marketing to gain competitive advantages in digital marketing activities.
• To suggest ideas about how PR strategies can be used in a better way for target marketing thereby confronting competition in digital marketing.

Topic 2: Examining the role of different PR tools in improving relations between brands and customers – a study on the usefulness of newsletters.

Research Aim: The research aims to identify and assess the usefulness of different PR tools to improve the relationship between brands and customers. For analysing PR tools, this study will specifically focus on the use of newsletters.

• To identify different PR tools and analyse their importance in marketing, especially newsletters.
• To investigate the role of newsletters as a PR tool in improving relations between brands and customers.
• To recommend strategies about how newsletters can be used more strategically to improve relations between brands and customers.

Topic 3: A study on the impact of the rising demand and trend of digital marketing on the radical changes in public relations strategies.

Research Aim: The research aim is to carry out a detailed discussion on the impacts of the growing demands and ongoing trend of digital marketing on the radical changes in public relations strategies in the modern age.

• To describe how demand for digital marketing is increasing and the way it is becoming an important trend.
• To examine how changes in PR strategies are driven by the trend of digital marketing and rising demands for advanced marketing practices.
• To provide recommendations for advancing the PR strategies to respond to the increasing demands of digital marketing.

Topic 4: The impact of paid PR on the brand penetration of UK based tech startups through their social media platforms

Research Aim: The research aim evaluates the impact of paid PR on the brand penetration of UK-based tech startups through their social media platforms

• To shed light on the concept of brand penetration and paid PR
• To examine the significance of brand penetration and paid PR in UK-based tech startups
• To analyse how brand penetration of UK-based tech startups has been impacted by paid PR through their social media platforms

Topic 5: An investigation into the different ways paid PR is impacting the workforce and productivity of the UK-based SMEs

Research Aim: The research aim concentrates on the different ways paid PR is impacting the workforce and productivity of UK-based SMEs.

• To examine the concept of paid PR and its importance in SMEs
• To identify different ways through which the workforce and productivity of the UK-based SMEs can be improved
• To evaluate how paid PR in different ways is impacting the workforce and productivity of UK-based SMEs

Topic 6: Impact of social media on public relations strategies

Research Aim: Even since social media was invented, it has changed the patterns of communication in regular and corporate settings. Social media has inevitably changed how organisations interact with their audience since they are ensuring their presence on relevant platforms.

The main aim of the research will be to identify how social media has affected traditional public relations strategies.

Topic 7: The relationship between public relations and inbound marketing

Research Aim:  Inbound marketing uses multiple marketing tools and techniques such as content marketing, blogs, and social media to create brand awareness and attract new business. Inbound marketing aims to build a relationship of goodwill with the customers, consumers, and prospects which somehow relates to public relations.

The aim of the research is to identify how(if ) public relations and inbound marketing are related to each other by tracing their overlapping characteristics.

Topic 8: Can Public relations and advertising go hand in hand

Research Aim:  Most people confuse public relations for advertising, although they are two separate strategies employed to achieve similar goals for a business. In that regard, it is important to identify if public relations and advertising can go hand in hand and what outcomes they may cause.

Topic 9: Public relations and artificial intelligence

Research Aim:  The future belongs to artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence refers to technology   that can imitate human cognitive abilities and thus perform tasks that are ascribed to humans. Since artificial intelligence is going to take over, it already has, and it will change the operation of public relations. The responses and communication generated by public relations professionals will be generated by bots geared toward artificial intelligence.

The target of the research will be identifying how and in what capacity artificial intelligence will modify the practice of public relations.

Topic 10: Differences between traditional vs modern public relation practices

Research Aim: The aim of the research will be to compare and contrast the conventional and modern practices of public relations. The researcher will evaluate the key practices employed and the channels selected today versus a couple of decades ago and highlight the key differences. The researcher can identify as many variables as possible to perform a clear and broad comparison between both strategies.

Topic 11: The evolution of the PR agency model

Research Aim: The PR agency model today is not the same as what it used to be a couple of years ago. The researcher will study and evaluate the evolution process of the PR agency model and key changes that have occurred over the period.

Topic 12: Significance of public relations for social media influencers

Research Aim:  Social media influencers are gaining more importance as their influencer marketing is reaching new heights. While they play a significant role in helping brands achieve their marketing goals, they need to build public relations to keep themselves relevant, credible, and valuable to a particular niche. The aim of the research will be to identify how it is important for social media influencers to strengthen their PR strategies.

Topic 13: positive public relations- case study

Research Aim: Public relations is perceived with a negative connotation in general, although it is not like that. The aim of the research is to study and highlight positive public relations through different case studies. The researcher can choose very immediate examples or global examples.

Topic 14: public relations strategy employed by brands in the pandemic

Research Aim: While the pandemic was a shocking situation for all of us, the brands were having multiple problems in terms of managing health as well as the economic crisis at the time. During the pandemic, different responses from different brands were noted, which was a part of the public relations policy. The aim of the research is to identify how brands were able to execute their public relations strategy.

Topic 15: Public relations as an instrument to increase ROI

Research Aim: The main goal of public relations is to increase brand awareness, promote goodwill, and increase demand. The aim of the research is to identify if a public relations campaign can be oriented to increase the ROI and, if it does, How.

How Can ResearchProspect Help?

ResearchProspect writers can send several custom topic ideas to your email address. Once you have chosen a topic that suits your needs and interests, you can order for our dissertation outline service which will include a brief introduction to the topic, research questions , literature review , methodology , expected results , and conclusion . The dissertation outline will enable you to review the quality of our work before placing the order for our full dissertation writing service !

Also Read: Civil Engineering Dissertation Topics

Topic 16: Effectiveness of public relations in the health sector- case study

Research Aim: Public relations is only associated with businesses, politics, and media, but it can be used for just every sector. The research will identify how necessary public relations are and how effective they can be for the health sector by conducting a case study.

Topic 17: Uses and abuses of public relations

Research Aim:  Although public relations strategies are useful and important, they have flaws of their own kind. The flaws lie in how the strategy is prepared and executed and the goals it aims to target.

The aim of the research will be to identify and analyse the uses and abuses of public relations. The researcher can evaluate in what ways public relations can be useful and in what ways they cannot.

Topic 18: Importance of public relations for political parties in the age of technology

Research Aim: The political parties rely on public relations to establish a relationship of goodwill and create a good image in front of the public. With the advent of social media, political parties have to be extra conscious as one act can ruin their established credibility. The study will aim to find out how it has become more important than ever for political parties to focus on public relations for their own benefit.

Also Read: Politics Dissertation Topics

Topic 19: Public relations and journalism

Research Aim:  The aim of the research is to identify how public relations is important in journalism and vice versa. The research will also identify the key similarities between public relations and journalism. The researcher can also point out to what extent public relations is misused by political leaders to influence journalism.

Also Read: Media Dissertation Topics

Topic 20: How PR programs have affected the government plans and decisions around the world

Research Aim: The research will analyse and evaluate how public relations programs run by state heads or governments have affected their decisions and plans. The researcher can take the example of successful and unsuccessful PR campaigns and their impact, respectively.

Topic 21: How technology has changed the strategies of public relations

Research Aim: The research will evaluate and figure out the changes that occurred to public relations strategies due to the technology. The researcher can evaluate the impact of different technologies to understand the impact.

Topic 22: Whistleblowers and public relations

Research Aim:  Whistleblowers are individuals responsible for reporting any wrongdoings that may cause a threat to society to those in authority to rectify them. The whistleblowers thus play an important role in helping public leaders in improving public relations. The aim of the research would be to find out the wide-ranging benefits of whistleblowers for making effective public relations plans.

Topic 23: Trends in advertising and public relations to look forward to

Research Aim: The aim of the research is to find out the trends in advertising and public relations today and in the future. The research will also find the potential of each trend to evaluate how long it is expected to remain relevant in their respective fields.

Topic 24: Importance of strategic communication in PR

Research Aim: Communication is the key tool of PR. The research will find the definition of strategic communication. It will also identify and explore the importance of strategic communication in PR and the ways to improve it.

Topic 25: Tourism and public relations

Research Aim:  The aim of the research is to identify the importance of public relations for tourism sectors for enhancing tourism. Tourism is not something about the tourists and destination, but it is a major government sector that can help economic growth if focused on it . It will analyse and evaluate the key elements essential for fostering tourism that is possible with public relations.

List of New & Trending Dissertation Topics on Public Relations

• A Case Study Analysis on the Role of Public Relations in Crisis Management
• The Influence of Social Media on Public Relations Strategies.
• Corporate Social Responsibility and Its Impact on Public Relations Practices.
• The Use of Influencers in Contemporary Public Relations Campaigns.
• Challenges and Solutions of Public Relations Ethics in the Digital Age
• The Effectiveness of Storytelling in Public Relations Campaigns.
• Campaign Strategies in Public Relations and Political Communication.
• Stakeholder Engagement Strategies in Public Relations
• The Role of Emotional Appeal in Public Relations Messaging.
• The Impact of Culture on International Public Relations Campaigns.
• The Role of Public Relations in Influencing Public Policy.
• Social Justice and Advocacy Campaigns in Public Relations.
• Employee Engagement in Internal Public Relations Communications.
• The Influence of Visual Communication in Public Relations.
• Globalisation and Localisation in Public Relations Campaigns.
• The Role of Public Relations in Building Trust in Financial Institutions.
• The Role of Emotion in Public Relations Crisis Communication.
• Public Relations Strategies for Startups and Small Businesses.
• The Influence of Generation Z on Public Relations Practices.

Free Dissertation Topic

Phone Number

Academic Level Select Academic Level Undergraduate Graduate PHD

Academic Subject

Area of Research

Frequently Asked Questions

How to find public relations dissertation topics.

To discover public relations dissertation topics:

• Examine recent PR challenges.
• Investigate industry trends.
• Analyse PR strategies’ effectiveness.
• Explore ethics and social media’s role.
• Consider cross-cultural PR issues.
• Select a topic aligning with your passion and career objectives.

You May Also Like

Need interesting and manageable politics dissertation topics or thesis? Here are the trending politics dissertation titles so you can choose the most suitable one.

Even though event management seems easy, it is actually quite complex once you study it. If you study event management with an instructor who is committed to teaching you with integrity, it can be manageable.

Tourism is the world’s second most important economic sector. In many countries, tourism contributes to the GDP of the country as one of the leading industries.The more tourists visiting a country.

USEFUL LINKS

LEARNING RESOURCES

COMPANY DETAILS

• How It Works

Ph.D. in Advertising

Doctorate in advertising, about the ph.d. program.

Combine field-specific expertise with methodological and theoretical rigor to become a leader in academia  and  industry. The doctoral program is designed to be flexible, and students are encouraged to draw upon the full range and interests of the faculty, both within the department and across other departments in the university.

Read more in our graduate brochure. 

Important Dates

Ph.d. applications due for fall 2025, ph.d. admission decisions released, program details.

The Stan Richards School is the only program in the world to offer a Ph.D. in Advertising. The Ph.D. program focuses on interdisciplinary coursework from multiple fields of study to allow students to focus on a unique thesis of varying interest. For example, students interested in the psychological impact of advertising would combine courses in both the advertising and psychology departments. This allows students to focus their program of study, meet their own particular goals, and become a true expert while gaining expertise in specific research areas.

Ph.D. Handbook

Meet our ph.d. students, see our ph.d.'s research, admissions and application process.

You must submit the following to the Graduate and International Admissions Center (GIAC): 

• Online Application : A completed and submitted Electronic Online Admissions application. This application should be submitted as soon as possible even if other data and documents are to follow.
• Three Letters of Reference: Three letters of reference from academic or professional sources. Reference contact information will be submitted online as part of your online application. Once you submit your complete application, an online recommendation form will be sent to each recommender to fill out. You may confirm receipt of your letters, send reminders to your references, or add a new reference via the recommendation module on the online status check. 
• Statement or Essay: A statement of purpose or short essay (no more than 2-3 pages double spaced) defining and discussing goals in pursuing graduate work in advertising, intended research areas, and previous training, education and preparation
• Optional GRE Score: An optional report from Educational Testing Service of the required GRE. An official report from Educational Testing Service of the required TOEFL or EILTS Examination for non native English speakers.
• Official Transcripts: Transcripts of undergraduate and graduate work at all schools previously attended. All transcripts must be uploaded electronically following Graduate School Directions.
• Official Resume: A resume in PDF format describing work background or professional experience, if any. Your resume can be uploaded to your admissions record shortly after you submit your application. You will receive an acknowledgment email from the Graduate and International Admissions Center (GIAC) once your documents can be uploaded.

Details about the application procedure are available in the Graduate Brochure.  Our applicant evaluation process is holistic and will consider all components of your application materials. The code for The University of Texas at Austin is 6882. International applicants must submit the required, official TOEFL or IELTS score.  View more information on TOEFL scores .

The admissions deadline for Ph.D. applicants for Fall 2025 is January 15, 2025.

We admit new students for the fall semester only. Please refer to the Graduate Handbook for detailed information on admission procedures. Apply Now using the Graduate School Application for Admission to begin your application . 

Fall 2025 Ph.D. admission decisions will be available before March 15, 2025 .

GPA: UT Austin requires a minimum GPA of 3.0

GRE: Optional

TOEFL:  Applicants whose first language is not English must submit scores from the TOEFL exam.  https://gradschool.utexas.edu/admissions/how-to-apply/graduate-admission#TestScores

• Letters of Reference - contact information will be submitted online as part of your application for three references.
• Statement of Purpose - a short essay defining and discussing goals, intended research areas, and previous training/education/experience.
• Official Resume - once your application is uploaded and acknowledged by the Graduate and International Admissions, upload your resume.

The time needed to complete a Ph.D. is varied. Some or most of the coursework taken during the master's program may be counted toward the Ph.D., depending upon how applicable a course is to the student's area of study. On average, most students take about 4 years to complete their Ph.D. program.

All students must complete a basic marketing course and a basic statistics course prior to their first semester in the program.

To be eligible for graduate study at The University of Texas at Austin, you should satisfy the following requirements: 

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or proof of equivalent training at a foreign institution.  
• At least 3.0 grade-point average in all undergraduate upper-division work (junior & senior). 
• OPTIONAL A satisfactory score on the Graduate Record Examinations General Test (GRE) is not required. We DO NOT accept the GMAT. 
• Written and oral English skills must be sufficient, at the outset of the program, for participation and contribution in classes and all written work. Non-native English speaking applicants  must submit either a TOEFL or an IELTS exam score.  

Admission materials are important for identifying applicants who possess an appropriate level of English. The statement of purpose, for example, indicates not only the applicant’s goals and training, among other things, but also the applicant’s written communication ability. 

Financial Aid

The Graduate School provides a limited number of  university fellowships  to graduate students. Fellowships are awarded competitively on the basis of three main criteria, as represented in records, letters of recommendation, and GRE scores. Financial need is considered where academic merit is equal. There is no formal application for fellowships; you will automatically be nominated if you meet the criteria.

The Graduate School offers Preemptive Fellowships to attract new top-quality graduate students to the University. A University-devised formula is used to determine eligibility. These fellowships are for recruitment only and  all applicants with completed files are automatically considered .

The Moody College of Communication scholarship application is open each January to admitted and continuing students. Students do not need to apply for each scholarship individually. By completing the application, students are considered for any of the scholarships for which they are eligible. 

Visit the  Moody College of Communication Scholarship Application  website for application information.

If you present at a recognized conference, you may submit an  application for support form . Two things will determine the amount of the support: the amount of money available and the number of students presenting. In the past, the amount has been $500 per student each year. Please attach the abstract and proof of conference acceptance to the application. Submit all paperwork to the Graduate Coordinator at least two weeks prior to the conference. 

The Stan Richards School of Advertising & Public Relations awards a very limited number of graduate  teaching assistantships.  Ph.D. students are given priority and are guaranteed funding for the first three years of study. 

If you have an interest in a Teaching Assistant position, please fill out a TA/AI  electronic application . The deadline for the Fall and Summer semesters is March 27, with both applications opening on March 13. The Spring semester application will open on October 11 with the deadline being October 20.

For more information review the  Teaching/Graduate Assistant/Assistant Instructor Hiring Policy .

Inquiries about other financial assistance, such as loans and work/study opportunities, should be directed to  The Office of Student Financial Services .

Matthew Eastin, Ph.D.

Ph.D. Graduate Advisor DMC 4.324 512.471.3429 [email protected]

Monica Ortiz, MA

Senior Academic Program Coordinator DMC 4.362 512.471.8130 [email protected]

• Search Close Search

Research Library

This research library is a database of all the public relations research conducted by the Institute for Public Relations segmented by topic area. IPR research focuses on a number of key topics that matter to the profession. IPR’s work is distinguished through its five  IPR Commission/Centers of Excellence.

Sign up for the weekly IPR Research Letter to stay up-to-date with the latest in public relations and communication research.

All our research is available for free. If you would like to support IPR, visit on our page to make a contribution.

IPR CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE

Research Topics

• Advertising
• Agency Search
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Deconstructing Blog Series
• Digital/Social Media
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Disinformation/Misinformation
• Internal Communications
• International/Country Specific
• Interdisciplinary
• Investor Relations
• Measurement
• Media Relations
• Public Affairs
• Relationships

Latest Research

How Does Fake News Affect Organizational Reputation Judgments?

This summary is provided by the IPR Behavioral Insights Research Center Dr. Simone Mariconda and colleagues examined how fake news influenced individuals’ judgment and purchasing

How are Press Releases Changing in a New Media Landscape?

PRNewswire examined how professionals issue press releases and use new technology to create them. A survey of 665 public relations industry professionals was conducted from

How do Hispanic Americans Prefer to Get Their News?

IPR is featuring research and some of the many Hispanic pioneers who have had an impact on the field of public relations in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Pew Research

We have 4 Public Relations PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

Communication & Media Studies

All locations

Institution

All Institutions

All PhD Types

All Funding

Public Relations PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

A PhD in Public Relations offers an exciting opportunity to delve deep into the world of strategic communication, reputation management, and media relations.

What's it like to study a PhD in Public Relations?

Studying a PhD in Public Relations allows you to become an expert in the field, exploring the theories and practices that underpin effective communication strategies. You will have the chance to conduct in-depth research on topics such as crisis communication, corporate social responsibility, and stakeholder engagement.

During your PhD journey, you will work closely with experienced academics and industry professionals who will guide and support you in your research. You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, including media labs and archives, to aid your investigation.

As a PhD student, you will be expected to contribute to the academic community by presenting your research at conferences and publishing your findings in reputable journals. This will help you build a strong network and establish yourself as a thought leader in the field of Public Relations.

Entry requirements for a PhD in Public Relations

To pursue a PhD in Public Relations, you will typically need a Master's degree in a related field, such as Communication, Media Studies, or Public Relations. However, some universities may consider applicants with a strong Bachelor's degree and relevant work experience.

In addition to academic qualifications, you will need to demonstrate excellent research skills, critical thinking abilities, and a passion for advancing knowledge in the field of Public Relations. A well-crafted research proposal outlining your intended research topic and methodology will also be required during the application process.

PhD in Public Relations funding options

Funding for PhDs in Public Relations may be available from various sources, including governments, universities and charities, business or industry. See our full guides to PhD funding for more information.

PhD in Public Relations careers

A PhD in Public Relations opens up a wide range of career opportunities. Graduates can pursue academic careers as professors or researchers, contributing to the development of knowledge in the field. Alternatively, you can apply your expertise in various industries, such as corporate communications, public affairs, marketing, and advertising.

With a PhD in Public Relations, you can become a trusted advisor to organizations, helping them navigate complex communication challenges and build strong relationships with stakeholders. You may also choose to work as a consultant, providing strategic guidance to clients in managing their reputation and enhancing their brand image.

Whether you aspire to be an academic pioneer or a strategic communication expert, a PhD in Public Relations equips you with the skills and knowledge to make a significant impact in the field of Communication and Media Studies.

PhD Opportunities in Communication, Media, and Film Studies

Funded phd programme (uk students only).

Some or all of the PhD opportunities in this programme have funding attached. It is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

Social Sciences Research Programme

Social Sciences Research Programmes present a range of research opportunities, shaped by a university’s particular expertise, facilities and resources. You will usually identify a suitable topic for your PhD and propose your own project. Additional training and development opportunities may also be offered as part of your programme.

Political Marketing: applied analysis of the use of marketing by campaigns, parties and governments

Phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Self-Funded PhD Students Only

This project does not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts.

Political Management: exploring the potential and limitations of applying HRM and organisational behaviour concepts to political offices, political advisers and politicians.

Research degrees in the school of media and communication, funded phd programme (students worldwide).

Some or all of the PhD opportunities in this programme have funding attached. Applications for this programme are welcome from suitably qualified candidates worldwide. Funding may only be available to a limited set of nationalities and you should read the full programme details for further information.

Arts Research Programme

Arts Research Programmes present a range of research opportunities, shaped by a university’s particular expertise, facilities and resources. You will usually identify a suitable topic for your PhD and propose your own project. Additional training and development opportunities may also be offered as part of your programme.

FindAPhD. Copyright 2005-2024 All rights reserved.

Unknown    ( change )

Have you got time to answer some quick questions about PhD study?

Select your nearest city

You haven’t completed your profile yet. To get the most out of FindAPhD, finish your profile and receive these benefits:

• Monthly chance to win one of ten £10 Amazon vouchers ; winners will be notified every month.*
• The latest PhD projects delivered straight to your inbox
• Access to our £6,000 scholarship competition
• Weekly newsletter with funding opportunities, research proposal tips and much more
• Early access to our physical and virtual postgraduate study fairs

Or begin browsing FindAPhD.com

or begin browsing FindAPhD.com

*Offer only available for the duration of your active subscription, and subject to change. You MUST claim your prize within 72 hours, if not we will redraw.

Create your account

Looking to list your PhD opportunities? Log in here .

Filtering Results

How to choose a public relations dissertation topic

Media and public relations are rich areas for research. Here are some suggestions for areas of study for students.

I deliver an annual lecture for media and public relations students at Newcastle University about contemporary areas of practice. It’s a start point to for dissertation topics.

An MA dissertation is a 12,000-word document in which you make a reasonable argument, answering a research question, problem, or hypothesis, based on evidence.  The best dissertations are original and niche. They make a genuine contribution to the professional body of knowledge in public relations. Avoid populist topics and go deep.

You are going to be spending several months investigating a topic. Make sure you find something that interests you. If it also aligns with your future career, then so much the better.

This year’s lecture was based on the final chapter from Exploring Public Relations and Management Communication. It covers societal issues impacting practice, media and innovative.

Please review the deck and review the topics that I have suggested.

Demonstrating value in public relations - and the talent paradox

Gender diversity - An issue as old as the industry itself

Representing the public that we serve - public relations in the UK is white and middle class

Mental health and wellbeing – a conversation that is getting louder

Learning on the job – value of qualifications in public relations vs tactic learning and development

Tackling fake news and disinformation - an ethical issue that strikes at the heart of public relations practice

Purpose: organisations and ESG – is purpose a means for organisations to rebuild trust in society?

The modernisation of public relations is a work in progress - digital continues to be a growth area for public relations practice

Influencer relations is messy - earned relationships of paid media?

The resurgence of internal communications - communications as an organisational performance tool

Social media activism - organisations don't listen

Alignment with management - the public relations paradox

PR slow to adopt an integrated tool stack - Microsoft Excel is the most common form of workflow in public relations

Waking up to the impact of automation and AI on PR practice - impact of AI on the professions

News media in pain but new formats emerge - the disintermediation of the media by the internet is a work in progress

Tell me a story - story telling is a fundamental means of human communication and public relations

Opportunities for public relations emerging from COVID-19 – GCS COVID-19 Communications Advisory Panel report

International public relations - corporate social responsibility meets organisational purpose

The final section of the lecture covers means of engaging with practice around your area of study and research. I recommend aligning with communities and conversations around practice. Practitioners will generally be willing to support research if you make a thoughtful and considered approach.

Thanks to my colleagues Altman Peng, Ramona Slusarczyk, and Jonathan Ward for their input into this deck. Thanks also to Johanna Fawkes, Mark Lowe, and Rachel Miller for feedback.

Speakers and topics for Lockdown Unconference (1-2pm, 26 February)

Behavioural insights to tackle the covid-19 mental health crisis.