Graduate Programs
As one of the world’s top communication schools, Annenberg combines the intimacy of small, highly-selective graduate and undergraduate programs with the dynamism, resources, and personnel of a major research institute, all in support of scholars who are committed to advancing knowledge of our media environment.
Founded through the generosity and vision of publisher, diplomat, and philanthropist Walter Annenberg, the Annenberg School for Communication is devoted to furthering our understanding of the role of communication in public life through research, education, and service. Annenberg currently offers two graduate programs: the Doctorate in Communication and the Master of Communication and Media Industries (MCMI).
Doctorate in Communication:
Our five-year doctoral program has a strong reputation as one of the best in Communication, based on Annenberg’s unparalleled combination of world-class faculty, students, and alumni, as well as access to the larger intellectual and cultural resources of the University of Pennsylvania and Philadelphia.
In an inherently interdisciplinary field, Annenberg researchers are engaged with a spectrum of topics related to health, politics, media systems, networks and digital culture, journalism, race and gender, and more, using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
Our Ph.D. program allows students to tailor a curriculum to suit their specific interests, and provides them the financial resources to launch their academic career. In addition to a full tuition waiver, our students currently receive an annual stipend as well as a budget for research and travel and health insurance for all five years.
Master of Communication and Media Industries
Our master’s program prepares students to navigate and lead in a rapidly evolving media landscape. Designed for aspiring media professionals and strategic communicators, the program bridges academic rigor with real-world application, offering a deep understanding of media systems, content creation, analytics, and industry trends.
As a program that bridges both theory and practice, MCMI allows students to interact with leading experts in the fields of media, digital content platforms, entertainment, and the tech industry to deepen their classroom learning and provide a direct bridge to industry opportunities.
The MCMI program will admit a small, highly-selective cohort of 15 students for its inaugural year. This intimate structure fosters close mentorship, individualized academic support, and a dynamic, collaborative learning environment.
