PhD Admissions

In selecting a University for graduate study, it is important to consider not only such hard facts as the number of required credits, but also the spirit and academic philosophy of the Department. Our program emphasizes quantitative research skills and social scientific approaches to communication and encourages students to develop an individualized program. Our dedicated, engaged, and highly published faculty will work with you to achieve your academic goals.

Use the link to access our online application system. You should begin by creating an account. Once created, you will be promoted to choose an application, select your term year and program. Please read the directions on your College of Arts and Sciences application carefully. Returning users can use this link to log in to their existing application(s).

In addition to the online admissions form, applicants must submit the following materials. All documents must be attached to your online application, with the exception of your official GRE score sheet, which you must request from ETS:

• Three letters of recommendation
• Unofficial transcript(s) from every institution you have previously attended (official transcripts will be required after acceptance)
• A personal statement that explains your background, educational and career aims, and reasons for applying to this department
  
• One writing sample (term paper, published article, or convention paper)
  
• CV/resume
• Official GRE score report (less than 5 years old) -  optional, no longer required
  

GRE score reporting codes

• Institution code: 2925
• Department code: 4599

Additionally, international applicants must upload:

• A copy of your passport's picture page (page that shows the holder's full name, date of birth,nationality, etc.).
  
• An online International Student Graduate Financial Form from the International Admissions office website, as well as certified bank statements proving the information submitted on the financial form. 
• Official TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic scores (less than two years old) - Please contact ETS and request your official TOEFL score be sent to us using the following information:
  

TOEFL score reporting codes

• Institution code: 2925
  
• Department code: 83
  

The application fee is $75, submitted electronically.

A solid liberal arts education is the ideal preparation for admission into the program. The program is especially interested in applicants who have strong quantitative skills and/or computer-programming skills, and who are interested in learning advanced social scientific approaches to real-world communication science issues.

Each year the entering class of graduate students is selected from among applicants who have sufficient breadth of undergraduate training within and outside the field of communication and an overall undergraduate average of 3.0 or more (on a 4.0 scale).

Students with majors other than communication are encouraged to apply, but may be asked to take specific undergraduate or graduate courses to provide needed background.

Applicants for the PhD degree must hold a Master of Arts or Master of Science degree from an accredited institution.

Prospective students are encouraged to study fully this website as well as the Graduate Handbook (PDF format) in order to determine whether this may be a department that will serve their aims:

A limited number of scholarships, fellowships, and Teaching Assistantships are available for PhD students.

Admissions to our PhD program are for fall semester only. The deadline for all PhD applicants is December 1.