Contacts
Office: McClatchy Hall, Building 120, Room 110
Mail Code: 94305-2050
Phone: (650) 723-1941
Web Site: http://comm.stanford.edu
Courses offered by the Department of Communication are listed under the subject code COMM on the Stanford Bulletin's ExploreCourses web site.
Stanford's Department of Communication focuses on media in all its forms. The department studies the processes and effects of mass communication: the nature and social role of the various media; their structure, function, and ethics; and their impact on the political system, culture, and society. In this context, it considers not only traditional mass media, such as newspapers, magazines, radio, television, and film, but also information technology, online media, virtual reality, and the Internet. Students are trained as social scientists who can study the media and as potential practitioners in the use of the media in journalism, mass communications, and digital media. The department combines theory and practice and fosters individual research opportunities for its students, employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches.
The Department of Communication engages in research in communication and offers curricula leading to the B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees. The M.A. degree prepares students for a career in journalism. The department also offers current Stanford University undergraduates a coterminal program with an M.A. emphasis in Media Studies. The Ph.D. degree leads to careers in university teaching and research-related specialties.
The John S. Knight Journalism (JSK) Fellowships champions innovators and entrepreneurs from around the world as they reinvent journalism. Each year, the program gives up to 20 fellows the resources to test their ideas for improving the quality of news and information reaching the public, while challenging misinformation and disinformation; holding the powerful accountable; strengthening local news; and fighting bias, intolerance and injustice.
Mission of the Undergraduate Program in Communication
The mission of the undergraduate program in Communication is to expose students to a broad-based understanding of communication theory and research. Students in this major are expected to become familiar with the fundamental concerns, theoretical approaches, and methods of the field, and to acquire advanced knowledge in one or more sub-areas of the discipline. This is accomplished by several levels of study: a core curriculum; intermediate-level electives; and optional internships. Majors also have the opportunity to do advanced research projects. The department is committed to providing students with analytical and critical skills needed for success in graduate programs, professional schools, or immediate career entry.
Learning Outcomes (Undergraduate)
The department expects undergraduate majors in the program to be able to demonstrate the following learning outcomes. These learning outcomes are used in evaluating students and the department's undergraduate program. Students are expected to demonstrate:
an understanding of core knowledge within the discipline of communication.
the ability to communicate ideas clearly and persuasively in writing.
the ability to analyze a problem and draw correct inferences using qualitative and/or quantitative analysis.
the ability to evaluate theory and critique research within the discipline of communication.
Learning Outcomes (Graduate)
The purpose of the master's program is to further develop knowledge and skills in digital communication and media/multimedia to prepare students for professional careers or doctoral studies. The subplan in media studies prepares students to serve as developers and managers of digital media communications, while the subplan in journalism prepares students for careers in digital journalism. This is achieved through completion of courses in the primary field, as well as related areas, and experience with independent work and specialization.
The Ph.D. is conferred upon candidates who have demonstrated substantial scholarship and the ability to conduct independent research and analysis in communication. Through completion of advanced coursework and rigorous training in research, the doctoral program prepares students to make original contributions to the knowledge of communication and to interpret and present the results of such research.
Admission
Prospective Undergraduates: Applications are available at Undergraduate Admissions.
Prospective Coterminal Students: See the University Registrar's web site for information on how to apply.
Prospective Graduate Students: Applications are available online at Graduate Admissions.
Submission of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores is optional for applicants to the Ph.D. Program in Communication, and not required for applicants to the master’s program. Admission to each graduate degree program is competitive and based on the pool of applicants each year rather than on standard criteria that can be stated in advance. See Communication Department admission procedures and requirements for detailed information about admission to the department.
Stanford students who are completing an M.A. degree and who desire entry into the Ph.D. program must file a Graduate Program Authorization Petition in Axess. Such students are considered alongside all other doctoral applicants.
Faculty
Emeriti: (Professor) Theodore L. Glasser, Donald F. Roberts; (Professor, Teaching)
Chair: James T. Hamilton
Director, Doctoral Program in Communication: Jeremy Bailenson
Director, John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships: Dawn E. Garcia
Director, Graduate Program in Journalism: James T. Hamilton
Director, Graduate Program in Coterminal Media Studies: Byron Reeves
Director, Undergraduate Studies: Fred Turner
Professors: Jeremy Bailenson, James S. Fishkin, James T. Hamilton, Jeffrey T. Hancock, Shanto Iyengar, Jon Krosnick, Jennifer Pan, Nilam Ram, Byron B. Reeves, Fred Turner
Assistant Professors: Angèle Christin, Gabriella Harari, Xiaochang Li
Courtesy Professors: Nathaniel Persily, Walter Powell
Lorry I. Lokey Visiting Professor in Professional Journalism: Cheryl Phillips, Serdar Tumgoren
Hearst Professionals in Residence: Geralyn Migielicz
Carlos Kelly McClatchy Visiting Lecturer: Janine Zacharia
Lecturers: R.B. Brenner, Gary Pomerantz, James Wheaton