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Doctoral programs to expand
Program to be underway by fall 2008
By Jim Krause
The communication program here at UWM can rival that of any other in the country.
In just a few semesters, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee students can ready themselves for two new doctoral degree programs that will be available in communication and educational psychology.
The communication addition will help to geographically balance Wisconsins shortage of doctoral degrees in this particular field; the University of Wisconsin is the only other school that offers the doctoral degree in communication.
The program was fast-tracked and approved in just two years by the Board of Regents due to the demand for the program and the highly educated staff that comprises the communication department. Associate Professor of Communication William M. Keith is excited about the expansion of his department as it achieves doctoral status.
The program will not only attract students on a state level, but on a national level as well. The communication program here at UWM can rival that of any other in the country, Keith said.
The doctoral program being offered has no set tracks or areas of focus yet, but plans are in the works and being heavily debated. The program will consist of three years of course work accompanied by one to two years dedicated toward a dissertation. This program will add at least 10 teaching jobs to the communication department, creating additional economic opportunities in Milwaukee.
Students who earn their doctorate in communication will most certainly become thoroughly engaged within our very diverse community. As Milwaukee grows, the economic diversity and opportunity only multiplies, so students with this PhD will only create bigger and better options for themselves as they move into the job market, Keith said.
The communication department is excited to add a new element to UWM and its diverse selection of educational tracks.
This addition will only expand the appeal for aspiring college students that visit UWM, Keith said.
The educational psychology program differs slightly in that similar degrees are already being offered by the university. Students have been able to receive doctorates in educational psychology in the past, but it was labeled as an Urban Education degree.
The program has already been in place, said Prof. of Educational Psychology Nadya Fouad. It is more of a name change than an addition, but it is an important change.
The intention is that the change in name will increase the visibility of the program in the eyes of students.
The job market is also strong in the area, especially with a multicultural focus, with the program boasting a 100% placement rate in the field for doctoral students.
The programs will be available for enrollment in the fall of 2008.
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