Name

Camille Reyes

School

Rutgers University

Degree Program

First year PhD student in Media Studies

Previous Degrees

Master of Arts in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University, 2011; Bachelor of Arts in English from Principia College, 1996

Thesis Topic

Media and power relations

Research Interests

Sociology of news; Propaganda; Media ownership; Digital media; Critical cultural studies

Advisor

Not yet chosen

Hobbies

Singing, tennis, soccer

Graduate School – Application Process

How did you select your graduate school or program?

I selected my PhD program in media studies at Rutgers University based on funding and program specialties. Rutgers offered a great funding package and the media studies department has faculty who share my research interests.

In addition, I got the advice of my professors during my masters studies at New York University and also attended a recruitment event at Rutgers University in order to talk to faculty and students.

What did you do to prepare yourself for graduate school?

I prepared for graduate school by producing original research during my masters program at New York University. I wrote a thesis that examined the relationship between public relations professionals and journalists in specific contexts. Having produced original research set me apart from other applicants.

Did your application requirements include standardized test scores?

Yes, my application required GRE test scores. Rutgers University required a minimum score for admission, but I don’t remember the exact number.

What kind of information did you include in your personal statement?

In my personal statement, I talked about my masters research and thesis to give the admissions board a better idea of my research potential. In addition, I discussed my professional background in public relations and how it has given me a unique perspective on the academic field.

How did you choose faculty to approach for letters of recommendation?

For my letters of recommendation, I chose faculty who knew me well and could speak to my academic achievements. As a result, I approached 3 of my graduate professors as well as my advisor for my masters thesis.

Do you have any other tips for a student who is considering applying to graduate school in media studies?

I would tell a student who is considering applying to graduate school in media studies to find a program that best suits their research interests. In order to do this, students should explore the program’s website as well as read articles on faculty members’ published research.

In addition, I would tell a student not to select a program based on its marketability in terms of getting a job. Instead, students should choose a program that they enjoy so they can produce good work.

Graduate School – The Program

How long is your program and how is the curriculum distributed?

The PhD program in media studies at Rutgers University can range anywhere from 4 to 7 years, depending on how fast students move through it.

During the first year of the program, students focus on taking foundational classes in communication, library and information science, and media studies. In the second year, students typically prepare for and take their qualifying exams. With the help of a committee of professors, students participate in a week-long written exam and oral defense.

After passing the qualifying exams, students advance to candidacy and stop taking coursework during their third and fourth years. Instead, students focus on researching and writing their dissertations.

What is the focus of your dissertation research?

Because I am still figuring out my exact dissertation topic, I only have a vague idea of what I want to research, which is media and power relations. In order to narrow down my topic, I am paying extra attention to the topics that most interest me in class.

Students at Rutgers University are given ample time to determine their dissertation research topic. In general, most students decide on their topic by the end of the second semester of their first year.

How is the dissertation process different from working on a masters thesis?

The main difference between the dissertation process and the masters thesis process is the amount of time and output. A dissertation is typically twice as long as a thesis and is usually far more rigorous in terms of research methodology.

Does your program have a practicum component?

Yes, my program has a practicum component starting in the second year. Students need to complete a project under the guidance of a faculty member and then present their research to the academic community.

What role does your advisor play in your education?

Because I am still a first year student, I do not have an advisor yet. Rutgers University is unique in that it doesn’t require media studies students to select a formal advisor until the end of their first year of the program.

I anticipate my advisor giving me guidance and detailed feedback on coursework. I hope to find an advisor who has strong subject area knowledge as well as a willingness to spend a good amount of time working with me.

Does your doctoral program require comprehensive exams prior to graduation?

Yes, my doctoral program requires comprehensive exams prior to graduation. In the second year, students need to pass their qualifying exams. In order to prepare, students should maintain a rigorous academic schedule and stay organized in their studies.

How does a doctoral program differ from graduate study at the masters level?

The main difference between a doctoral program and a masters program is the academic expectations. In addition to reading and writing, PhD students are required to create original work for various conferences and journals.

Graduate School – Paying for It

How much does your PhD program cost?

My PhD program costs me nothing because I am completely funded.

How are you funding your education?

I am funding my education through a part-time teaching assistantship. In return for working 15 hours per week teaching an undergraduate course in media studies, I receive complete funding for my tuition and a stipend from the university.

How difficult do you anticipate it will be to pay off your loans after graduation?

I have massive students loans from my masters education. I anticipate them being fairly difficult to pay off, especially if I stay in academia. Professors do not make much money relative to the private sector.

Graduate School – Living Life

What are the time commitments for a PhD in media studies?

The time commitments for a PhD program in media studies are varied but enjoyable. I spend about 7 hours per week in class and at least 15 hours per week working as a teaching assistant. At the moment, I have little free time.

How has graduate school affected your personal life?

Although graduate school has limited my personal life, I still make time for socializing with co-workers and other students in the program. In order to do this, I manage my workload using a calendar as well as practicing moderation. I believe in working moderately and playing moderately.

Graduate School – After Graduation

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In the next 5 years, I hope to be a professor of media studies at a research university. Ideally, I would like to teach a class on public relations because I believe my professional background in the field gives me a unique perspective on the subject area. In addition, I hope to emphasize to my students the importance of practicing public relations in an ethical manner.

Graduate School - Advice

What insights can you offer a student who is interested in pursuing a PhD in media studies?

I would advise a student interested in pursuing a PhD in media studies to personally visit the different schools that interest them. For me, I knew that Rutgers University was a good fit because I actually visited the campus in order to determine the vibe of the program.

In addition, I would warn a prospective student that the job market is not lucrative for media studies graduates. If a student’s end goal is to obtain a job, they should not bother earning their PhD. Students should pursue a PhD if they want to become a better researcher, writer and teacher.