摘要：Along with the trend to an internationalization of academics the ways to the doctorate are under close scrutiny. In order to investigate the structural adjustments in doctoral practice to these changes, this article examines the regulatory frameworks for doctorates in communication studies at universities in Germany, Austria and Switzerland by a content analysis of the orders of 65 doctoral procedures. A content analysis was conducted, focusing on the aims and requirements for doctorates as well as on the criteria for advising and evaluating the doctoral qualification. Basically, comparable requirements can be identified. However, regulations and procedures are explicated in varying ways hampering the transparency and comparability of ways to academic qualification. The results demand for a discussion among the scientific community about the purpose and character of doctorates in the field of German-speaking communication studies reflecting advantages and disadvantages of different approaches to academic qualification.
