Abstract
This article reports the results of a national survey evaluating doctoral programs in speech communication between 1987 and 1988. Members of two professional associations rated and ranked programs across eight content areas, including communication theory and research, interpersonal communication, organizational communication, rhetorical theory, public address, communication education, oral interpretation, and public relations. Respondents also provided overall quality assessments. Analysis showed that evaluations were most often based on familiarity with faculty, publications, and graduates, with hearsay used less frequently. Confidence in ratings was positively linked to direct knowledge of faculty, students, and research output, and negatively associated with hearsay. While findings largely aligned with earlier surveys, differences reflected shifting departmental strengths and reputational change. The article emphasizes that peer evaluation remains a meaningful but partial indicator of quality and should be considered alongside other measures such as faculty productivity, resources, and graduate outcomes.
Recommended Citation
Edwards, Renee; Watson, Kittie; and Barker, Larry L.
(1988)
"A Rating of Doctoral Programs in Selected Areas of Speech Communication: 1987–1988,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 66, Article 7.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol66/iss1/7
