PhD in Communication

Amelia Burke-Garcia, 2017

Amelia Burke-Garcia

Director, Center for Health Communication Science
NORC at the University of Chicago

For Amelia Burke-Garcia, the path to a PhD was anything but traditional—and that’s exactly what made her experience in The Communication PhD program at George Mason University so impactful.

Entering the program as a seasoned professional, Amelia brought years of real-world experience in health communication to the classroom. Rather than expecting her to set that experience aside, Mason COMM met her where she was. The program combined intellectual rigor with the flexibility she needed as a working professional, creating an environment where practical expertise and academic inquiry could intersect.

What set the experience apart, she notes, was the faculty. Beyond delivering coursework, they invested in her development—challenging her thinking while affirming the value of her professional background. “They helped me see that my years of practical experience were an asset, not a liability,” she reflects. That combination of mentorship and academic depth became a defining feature of her time in the program.

Through the PhD, Amelia gained more than theoretical knowledge—she developed a sharper, more precise approach to her work. The program strengthened her ability to design and evaluate communication strategies, deepened her commitment to evidence-based practice, and enhanced her confidence as a leader in the field. It also provided a level of credibility that expanded her professional opportunities. “The PhD opened doors,” she says, “but more importantly, it deepened the work behind those doors.”

Today, as Director of the Center for Health Communication Science at NORC at the University of Chicago, Amelia applies both her practical experience and academic training to address complex public health challenges.

Her advice to current and prospective students reflects her own journey: commit fully to the work, stay curious, and invest in meaningful mentorship. “Be passionate about your craft and the difference it can make,” she emphasizes. She also encourages students to embrace non-linear paths, noting that diverse professional experiences can be a powerful foundation for advanced study. “The path doesn’t have to be linear to be legitimate—mine certainly wasn’t.”