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COURSE LOAD
Typically, students take between two and three classes in each semester. In the first year, students take four required core classes, two in communication theory and one each in quantitative methods and qualitative methods. These courses offer students a firm grounding in the elements of the communication field and also offer an opportunity for students to get to know the members of their cohort. In subsequent semesters, students choose their courses in consultation with their advisor/mentor.
FINANCES
Working as a Ph.D. at USC Annenberg is considered part-time employment and accounts for the Ph.D. student stipend (coming to $24,400 for the 2006–07 academic year, and paid monthly). In addition, doctoral students may receive tuition remission up to the equivalent of 12 units per semester of program-related coursework. The School of Communication will also pay individual USC healthcare costs for all students, including health insurance premiums, health center fees, and dental insurance premiums. Full details of these benefits are available in the doctoral student handbook.
TEACHING AND RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIPS
USC Annenberg is committed to giving Ph.D. students hands-on teaching and research experience. In the first year, all Ph.D students are assigned one teaching assistantship or research assistantship. In subsequent years, each student holds two positions. Students are encouraged to take on one assignment of each though this balance is not formally required.
Teaching Assistantships
In addition to providing students with the opportunity to lead discussion sections for lecture courses, Annenberg offers Ph.D. students the opportunity to teach "stand-alone" courses in which the graduate student is the sole classroom instructor. The school offers a set of stand-alone courses for graduate students who have not yet passed qualifying exams. Once students have passed qualifying exams (usually in the third or fourth year), they may design their own stand-alone courses in consultation with faculty. Consult the handbook for more details.
Research Assistantships
Research assistantships provide students with the opportunity to work directly on studies or research projects led by Annenberg faculty. These projects produce ground-breaking research for consumption by other academics and the general public, and, as a result, research assistantships are sought-after positions. Doctoral students should seek out faculty and projects that best align with their interests and take the initiative in pursuing these positions.
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