Communication Studies Department information
Admission Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the following requirements to be considered for admission:
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- A minimum overall undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale.
Application Process
Applications to the program are accepted during winter and spring for admission to the following fall cohort. (Application deadlines are posted on the Office of Graduate Programs website.) The following supporting documents are required:
- A statement of purpose describing the applicant’s reasons for pursuing the degree, including how the applicant’s education and/or professional experience have prepared the applicant for the program, and the applicant’s experience with and attitudes towards online learning
- Official transcripts from each college and university attended
- Three letters of recommendation
Admission decisions are made by the program director in consultation with the program faculty.
Advising
The program director serves as primary advisor for all students. In the fall of the student’s first year, the program director will also assign a secondary advisor from the graduate faculty who most closely aligns with the student’s needs and content area interests.
Use of Technology
This program requires extensive use of technology. Students need to have access to up-to-date computer equipment and software, including audio and video (e.g., webcam) capabilities, compatible with the most current versions of Blackboard and Adobe Connect. It is the student’s responsibility to maintain access to computer technology that will enable full participation in the online program.
Degree Requirements and Time Limit
Because students take the program in cohorts, they are expected to complete their program with their cohort peers, in six academic terms after admission. When extenuating circumstances arise that prevent a student from completing the program along with their cohort, the student may apply for an exemption from the cohort requirement. A student who requests and is granted such an exemption will work with the program director to develop an appropriate plan for the timely completion of the degree program. To the extent possible, the program director will seek to integrate the student into a new cohort.
Transfer Policy
Because of the cohort-nature of this program, transfer credits will be granted only under exceptionally rare circumstances. Up to six (6) semester credit hours of graduate credit completed at an accredited institution may be accepted for transfer. Transfer of credit is subject to the approval of the program director. Requests for transferring additional coursework may be made by submitting a petition to the program director. Petitions will be reviewed by the program director
Academic Rules and Regulations
See College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and Graduate Study for rules and regulations pertaining to all College of Arts and Sciences graduate programs.
