The University of Florida's College
of Journalism and Communications offers 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 both publishing academic articles and in winning top-paper awards at national and
regional scholarly meetings.
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.
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.
A joint degree in law and mass communication can usually be completed in four years. Students must be accepted to both the College of Journalism and Communcations Graduate Program and the UF College of Law. This program is designed for students interested in practicing or teaching media law or reporting the courts. For more information, please read the program introduction letter.
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.
For more information: Contact Dr. David Ostroff, media law graduate program coordinator, at (352) 392-0463 or dostroff@jou.ufl.edu.