New students normally are admitted to the programs only at the beginning of fall semester. However, under special circumstances, a student may be admitted at the beginning of spring semester in a temporary non-degree status. Applications for fall admission must be received by May 1. Applications for financial aid are due by March 1. A baccalaureate degree in communications or a related field is recommended.
Admission is possible with other baccalaureate degrees.
However, all applicants without the appropriate background are required to take up to 18 semester hours of prerequisite and corequisite courses as determined by the department in which the student is enrolled. Students may take a proficiency test on any prerequisite course, subject to review by the Graduate Studies Committee of the College of Communications. Master's students who have had no courses in their major area of concentration may expect to spend four or more full-time semesters in the program, including a media internship. The Master of Science with a major in Communications is intended for students who desire a career in the mass media and communications, with an emphasis on communications management and a deeper understanding of the communication process and social role of media. Both thesis and non-thesis options are available.