Admissions Overview

ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ’s Master of Arts in Communication (MAIC) program welcomes applicants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds who are ready to advance their communication expertise. Whether you are seeking to enhance your career, prepare for doctoral studies, or transition into a new field, our admissions process is designed to guide you every step of the way.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester

  • Early Admission: May 1
  • Regular Admission: July 15

Spring Semester

  • Early Admission: September 1
  • Regular Admission: November 15

Summer Semester

  • Regular Admission: April 15

Note: Applications are also accepted on a rolling basis. We encourage you to submit your application as early as possible for priority consideration. If you are an international student, please apply as soon as possible.

How to Apply

  1. Visit the .
  2. Select Our Programs, then choose Master of Arts in Communication for details on:
    • Specific MAIC Program Admission Requirements
    • Retention, Dismissal, and Readmission Policies
    • Graduation Requirements
  3. Apply online through the Graduate School’s application portal.

Admission Requirements

General Admission

To be considered for admission, applicants must:

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
  • Demonstrate a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the last 60 credit hours (recommended).
  • Provide evidence of background or coursework in communication studies. Applicants from other majors will also be considered.
  • Submit three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references who can speak to your abilities.

Direct Admission Eligibility

Applicants may qualify for direct admission if they meet all of the following:

  • 3.0 GPA or higher
  • Current ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ student or ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ graduate within the past five years
  • Undergraduate degree in Communication, Communication (Public Relations track), Mass Media, or Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Communication or Mass Media

Required Direct Admission Documents:

  • Career Goal Statement (500 words) outlining your interest in the program and career plans
  • Writing Sample (up to 10 pages) or links to up to three creative works

Required Application Materials

Applications will not be processed until all materials are received by the Graduate School:

  1. Online Graduate School application and application fee.
  2. Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
  3. Three letters of recommendation from professors or professional supervisors.
  4. Career Goal Statement (approx. 500 words).
  5. Academic writing sample (max. 10 pages) and/or links to creative works.
  6. Résumé (no more than 2 pages) highlighting academic and professional achievements.

Additional Admission Categories

Probationary Admission

Applicants who do not meet regular admission requirements may be considered for conditional admission if they have a 3.0 GPA on master’s-level coursework. Students must complete their first 9 hours of graduate coursework with at least a 3.0 GPA to continue.

International Applicants

International students must meet all program admission requirements and may also need to provide:

  • Proof of English proficiency:
    • TOEFL: 523 (PBT), 193 (CBT), or 70 (iBT)
    • IELTS: Minimum score of 6.0
    • Completion of ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ’s English Language Institute Level 6 with a B average or higher, or ELS Level 109
  • Certificate of Finance (for those requiring a student visa)
  • Course-by-course transcript evaluation from a recognized credential service (e.g., Josef Silny, ECE)

Applicants whose first language is not English but who have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a U.S. institution may be exempt from English language testing requirements.

Non-Degree Graduate Students

Applicants not seeking a degree may take selected courses with approval from the Graduate Coordinator. A maximum of 9 credit hours taken as a non-degree student may be applied toward the MAIC degree if admitted later.

Reapplying or Readmission

Students who have not enrolled in courses for three consecutive semesters must reapply to the Graduate School. Former ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ graduate students seeking a new degree must submit a new application and may need to provide updated materials.