PhD in Digital Media and Political Communication
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About Program
Program Goals
Program Learning Outcomes
About Program
Program Overview
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Digital Media and Political Communication is a research-intensive doctoral program offered by the College of Media and Mass Communication at the American University in the Emirates (AUE). The program prepares scholars, researchers, academic leaders, policy analysts, and communication professionals to advance knowledge in digital media, political communication, public discourse, media governance, communication policy, and emerging technologies.
The program integrates advanced theoretical study, rigorous research methodology, specialized doctoral coursework, comprehensive examination, and original dissertation research. Students engage with contemporary issues such as digital political communication, platform governance, artificial intelligence, disinformation, civic engagement, media ethics, communication policy, and technology-mediated public discourse.
Program Facts
- Degree: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Major: Digital Media and Political Communication
- College: College of Media and Mass Communication
- Total Credit Hours: 66
- Delivery Mode: Face-to-Face
- Location: American University in the Emirates, Dubai
- Minimum Graduation GPA: 3.0/4.0
- Recommended Duration: Four Years
Program Goals
Program Goals
The PhD in Digital Media and Political Communication has the following program goals:
- To develop advanced theoretical knowledge in digital media and political communication and enhance doctoral-level critical and analytical inquiry.
- To prepare specialized researchers in digital media, political communication, strategic communication, and media policy who are capable of producing innovative, theory-driven solutions to complex communication challenges.
- To support original research in digital media and political communication that serves the national agenda of the United Arab Emirates and contributes to effective governance, ethical communication practices, and a sustainable digital media ecosystem.
- To strengthen academic and research collaboration with national and international institutions specializing in media, communication, political studies, and related interdisciplinary fields.
- To provide advanced doctoral education that meets the needs of academia, public communication institutions, policy organizations, and media sectors, and that contributes to the development of evidence-based public communication and media policy.
Program Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the PhD in Digital Media and Political Communication, graduates will be able to:
- Analyze and critically interpret digital media systems, political communication processes, and mediated public discourse in accordance with regional and international scholarly standards.
- Develop evidence-based communication and media policies that address contemporary challenges such as digital governance, disinformation, political persuasion, and ethical media practice.
- Conduct advanced, original scientific research in digital media and political communication and publish findings in peer-reviewed scholarly journals.
- Provide expert analysis and research-informed consultation grounded in critical scholarship and advanced methodological inquiry in media and political communication contexts.
- Apply professional and research ethics in the design, conduct, and dissemination of scholarly work in digital media and political communication.
- Utilize emerging technologies and advanced analytical tools, including digital platforms, data analytics, and AI-assisted methods, in media and political communication research and analysis.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Admission Requirements
Applicants seeking admission to the PhD in Digital Media and Political Communication must satisfy the following requirements:
Academic Qualifications- Master's degree in Media, Communication, Political Communication, Strategic Communication, Public Relations, Journalism/Media Studies, Political Science, Public Policy, International Relations, or a closely related field from a MOHESR-recognized institution.
- Minimum cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- IELTS Academic score of 6.5 or higher; or
- TOEFL iBT score of 91 or higher.
- Research proposal (1,500-2,000 words) demonstrating the applicant's intended research focus and capacity for doctoral-level inquiry.
- Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.
- Successful performance in an admission interview conducted by the doctoral admissions committee.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
To be awarded the PhD in Digital Media and Political Communication, students must:
- Complete 66 credit hours.
- Achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Pass the Comprehensive Doctoral Examination.
- Publish at least two research papers in peer-reviewed, Scopus-indexed journals prior to the dissertation defense.
- Successfully defend an original doctoral dissertation.
ACCREDITATION
The American University in the Emirates is licensed by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research – Commission for Academic Accreditation | caa.ae
This Program is Pending SACSCOC approval.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Course Category
Total Number of Courses
Total Number of Credit Hours
Core Courses
8
27
Elective Courses
3
9
Comprehensive Exam
0
Dissertation
30
Total
66 Credit Hours
PROGRAM Courses
Core Courses
Elective Courses
Comprehensive Exam
Dissertation
Core Courses
CORE COURSES
8 COURSES | 27 CREDIT HOURS
Provides an advanced foundation in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research. Students examine philosophical paradigms, research design, theoretical framework development, data collection, analysis techniques, and research ethics while developing competencies in doctoral-level research and academic writing.
Examines foundational and contemporary theories of digital media and political communication, including platformization, public discourse, power, ideology, representation, and technological mediation.
Explores artificial intelligence, algorithms, automation, big data, governance challenges, ethical considerations, and the societal implications of emerging technologies for media and political communication.
Focuses on political communication, strategic messaging, persuasion, framing, agenda-building, and public engagement in digital communication environments.
Examines media law, regulatory frameworks, freedom of expression, digital platforms, and ethical issues affecting contemporary media systems in regional and international contexts.
Analyzes crisis communication, governance, stakeholder communication, trust, legitimacy, and reputation management within political and organizational environments.
Investigates leadership theories, innovation, institutional adaptation, and digital transformation within media and communication organizations.
Provides an advanced theoretical foundation in strategic communication and public relations, emphasizing communication planning, stakeholder engagement, narrative construction, and reputation management.
Elective Courses
ELECTIVE COURSES
CHOOSE THREE COURSES | 9 CREDIT HOURS
Examines AI, machine learning, automation, algorithmic influence, and data analytics in media production, political communication, and public discourse.
Explores political campaigns, digital activism, social movements, networked participation, and digital engagement.
Focuses on political branding, persuasion, symbolic communication, political marketing, and campaign identity.
Examines entrepreneurial practices, platform economies, innovation, and sustainability within the digital media industry.
Explores intercultural communication, public diplomacy, soft power, identity, and geopolitical communication.
Examines misinformation, disinformation, media effects, trust, polarization, and public opinion formation in digital environments.
Explores VR/AR technologies, immersive communication, ethical issues, and emerging forms of mediated public engagement.
Comprehensive Exam
Comprehensive Exam
0 CREDIT HOURS
The examination consists of written and oral components and assesses students’ mastery of theory, methods, and substantive knowledge across the curriculum before dissertation registration.
Dissertation
Dissertation
The dissertation requires the completion of original, independent research that contributes new knowledge to the field of Digital Media and Political Communication.
RECOMMENDED STUDY PLAN
Program Director
Dr. Emad Ahmed
Associate Professor / Program Director of Doctorate in Business Administration