Graduate Studies

Ph.D. Program
The College of Journalism and Communications has a Ph.D. program in mass communications focusing on mass media law and telecommunication policy. The doctoral degree is a research degree. Students may apply theories and methods of this approach to any of several mass communication emphases in advancing knowledge of the field. Most emphases focus on mass communication industries and activities, and include advertising, health communication, international communication, journalism, political communication, public relations and broadcasting. New information technologies also may be addressed under the mass media law and telecommunication policy approach. Students may elect to pursue a general theoretical orientation rather than an emphasis on a specific mass communication industry or activity. The variety of coursework and focus on legal research have made this one of the top programs of its kind in the country. Students in the program have consistently been among the nation's leaders in winning top-paper awards at national and regional scholarly meetings. Click here for a list of selected papers published and/or presented by University of Florida Ph. D. students. More information is also available at the Citizen Access Project Web site in the "About" section.

Ph.D./J.D. Joint Degree
This program allows a student to receive both a Juris Doctorate and a Ph.D. in Mass Communication, reducing the amount of time it would take to get both degrees independently.

M.A./J.D. Joint Degree
A joint degree in law and mass communication can usually be completed in four years. It is designed for students interested in practicing or teaching media law or reporting the courts. Click here for an introduction to the program.

M.A. in Media Law
For a few students with specialized needs, the college offers a Master of Arts in Mass Communication with a specialty in media law. This program is primarily available to students who are in law school, already have a J.D., or who are seeking a teaching position in a college or university.

Assistantships
The Brechner Center funds doctoral fellowships each year in media law. One assistant edits The Brechner Report and another acts as a research assistant for the Joseph L. Brechner Eminent Scholar. Other assistants conduct research about freedom of information and assist with the Citizen Access Project. Each assistantship covers tuition (9 credits) for fall and spring semesters. Summer assistantships also are available.

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