“Communication is more than just how you choose your words,” Dr. Monteiro said. “Without communication, nothing in society happens, so we explore all aspects of society—politics, economics, diplomacy, and international relations—through the lens of communication.”
Dr. Monteiro, who is also Director of the University’s Institute for International Communication, began work on the program in 2018 and it launched with nine students in Spring 2021. Enrollment grew to 13 students that fall. Enrollment for Fall 2022 continues.
“Nowadays, communication is not one clear-cut industry,” said Ph.D. candidate Tara DeWorsop, a 35-year-old nonprofit development professional from Brooklyn, NY.
“We look at how things like social media can impact global policy and how communication can impact a number of different sectors. This program helps you think about communication in a different way.”
A graduate of Rutgers University with a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology and an M.B.A. from New York University, Tara was attracted by the diversity of St. John’s Ph.D. program. She has about 18 months of study remaining. In the meantime, she and several colleagues will deliver a paper on the impact of global disinformation as part of a research symposium at St. John’s Rome, Italy, campus this summer.
Joining her will be Andrew White, a 39-year-old higher education administrator from Richmond Hill, Queens. A holder of two master’s degrees, Andrew appreciates the opportunity to work with Dr. Monteiro, whom he calls “one of the best human beings” he’s ever met.
“When I heard he was starting a multisector communication Ph.D. program, I asked, ‘what’s that?’” Andrew said. “But I saw a connection to not only the field of communication, but to a whole other series of industry needs. The program offers a thorough analysis of how so many aspects of industry are interwoven and how media impacts that.”
The program is open to those with a master’s degree. Thirty post-master’s credits are required in courses that range from crisis communications, science and technology studies, data analysis, economics, and more. Dr. Monteiro said the program is ideal for those considering careers in corporate and strategic communication, communication technology, and in the academic sector.
Students receive an additional six credits for completion of a dissertation. Full-time students can complete the Ph.D. program in three to 3 ½ years or possibly sooner; part-time students can complete the program in five to 5 ½ years.
The program at St. John’s is modeled after similar programs at the London School of Economics and the University of Leicester in England, and is an ideal fit for working professionals, Dr. Monteiro said. The entire cohort meets with him weekly on Wednesday evenings.
“For some, Ph.D. programs in the United States can be burdensome in terms of time and cost,” Dr. Monteiro said, describing the advantages of the St. John’s program.
The program draws students from a variety of backgrounds. Included in the 2022 mix of students are diplomats, economists, attorneys, engineers, clergy, and several who aspire to careers in academia.
Dr. Monteiro attributed the diversity of student backgrounds to the forward-looking nature of the curriculum. “Media is always emerging,” he explained. “Where it is going next is the question to be explored.”
