Master of Arts in Communication Studies

Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. (See the section on Graduate Regulations for a complete statement of the procedures for admission.) The graduate director is available to answer questions on the admission process. All applicants will be notified in writing of admission decisions. The Graduate Program Committee considers the below factors in evaluating applications: Coursework and background completed in communication studies or an allied field. Students with majors outside the communication discipline will be considered, but may be required to take up to nine units of background studies in communication to prepare for the program. GPA of 3.0 or better in the last 60 units attempted is expected. Three Recommendation Forms from people (e.g., professors or professionals) familiar with the applicant’s academic abilities. If the applicant is applying for a Graduate Student Assistantship, these letters should also indicate support for a Teaching Associate or Forensics Assistant position. Download the Recommendation Form from the department website. A cover letter from the applicant stating their professional interests, goals, and objectives in obtaining a Communication Studies MA. Send the letter directly to the graduate director. A writing sample, preferably academic writing from an upper-division course. The sample should be substantial enough to demonstrate the applicant’s writing, reasoning and research ability. If the applicant does not have a 10- to 20-page sample, multiple shorter samples should be provided. Graduate Standing – Classified: A student who meets the requirements for conditionally classified graduate standing, as well as the following requirements, may be granted classified graduate standing. Enrolling in HCOM 500 and HCOM 536 within the first 12 units of work. Submitting a study plan approved by their Master’s Committee Chair, the department Graduate Program Director, and the Associate Vice President, Academic Programs (or designee). A study plan must be approved before the completion of 13 units of study plan coursework.