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MASTER OF ARTS IN COMMUNICATION - ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Application Deadlines

  • Spring Deadline: November 15, 2009
  • Fall Deadline: April 30, 2010

Required Documents

Admission Requirements
  • One Official Transcript from each institution where you have previously enrolled. Transcripts of coursework completed at VSU will be obtained by the Graduate school.
  • Must hold a BA or BFA in Speech Communication, Communication Studies, or Mass Media. Prospective students without the degree/major listed above see Prerequisite Information section on page two.
  • Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 Scale in the last 60 hours of undergraduate studies. GPA calculation will include all attempted courses completed in last 60 hours.
  • Minimum GRE Requirements:
    • Combined Verbal and Quantitative score of 1000 or higher
  • Frequently Asked Questions about Test Scores
  • Career Goal Statement
  • A written statement (250-500 words) describing your interest in the program and post-degree plans. The written statement must demonstrate articulation, writing skill, and goals consistent with the outcomes of the degree program.
  • Frequently Asked Questions about the Career Goal Statement.
  • Access the required recommendation form online General Recommendation Form.
  • Recommendations should be completed by professionals acquainted with your academic and/or vocational background or interests. These must reflect your ability interest, and motivation to be successful in the program of study and career field.
  • Letters must be accompanied by the required form.
  • Frequently Asked Questions about the Recommendation Forms.

VSU Medical Form:
  • The form must be completed and signed by the student/applicant.
  • This form must be received prior to enrollment, NOT prior to admission.
  • Former/current VSU students have already met this requirement and are exempt from re-submission.

Prerequisite Information -Prospective students who do not hold a BA or BFA in Speech Communication, Communication Studies, Mass Media or other appropriate field must successfully complete (grade of “C” or better) the relevant courses for their desired track, prior to being considered for admission to the graduate program.

Speech Communication Track

  • COMM 3000 – Contemporary Communication Theory
  • COMM 3800 – Communication Research Methods

Mass Media Track

  • MDIA 4350 – Broadcasting and Culture
  • MDIA 4400 – Media Criticism

Probationary Admission

  • Applicants who do not have a combined GRE score of 1000 or a grade-point average of 3.0 of higher in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework may be considered for admission as a probationary student if they have at least a 3.0 on the analytical section of the GRE and meet one of the following requirements:
    • Completed the GRE 5 years or more prior to applying to the M.A. program.
    • Have significant work experience in-field.
  • If admitted under probationary status a student must complete the following requirements to be eligible to be changed for regular status:
    • Complete the four graduate communication core courses (COMM 7100; COMM 7200; COMM 5300; MDIA 6100) with a grade-point average of 3.50.

International Applicants: