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Graduate Admissions

General Information

The Graduate School Admissions Office has a standardized application form; the completed form should be mailed to:

Graduate Admissions Office
Graduate School
530 Goodell Building
University of Massachusetts
140 Hicks Way
Amherst, MA 01003-9333

Application information and forms, including an online application, can be obtained at the Graduate School website. The application deadline for applying to the programs for fall admission is January 15. Spring admissions are rarely considered.

Although the Graduate School retains each applicant's official records, decisions to accept an applicant to the Communication program and to recommend admittance to the University are made by the department's Graduate Admissions Committee. The Graduate Admissions Committee is highly selective in admitting new students to the program. Decisions are based on all available information about applicants rather than on any single criterion. Graduate Record Exam scores, grade point averages, letters of recommendation and a statement of interest in the areas in which the department has expertise are primary data for the Committee's admissions decisions.

Many students in the program receive financial assistance (a stipend plus tuition waiver) in return for services in teaching undergraduate classes or other departmental duties. Decisions about financial assistance are made subsequent to and independent of decisions about acceptance into the program. However, the applicant's academic performance is the primary consideration in both decisions.

M.A. Admission

Candidates for the Master of Arts degree must have a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from an accredited college or university. The Department of Communication does not require applicants to have an undergraduate major in communication. Acceptance into the program is based primarily on the applicant's general academic ability and interest in the areas of study within the department. Students with no background in the discipline are usually required to complete supplemental courses in addition to the minimum requirements for the degree.

Ph.D. Admission

Candidates for the Ph.D. degree must have a Master's degree (or equivalent) from an accredited college or university. The Department of Communication does not admit a student with a B.A. directly into the Ph.D. program. The Committee admits persons with a B.A. into the M.A. program first. Application to the Ph.D. program may be made before the M.A. is completed, but admission to the Ph.D. program is made conditional to completing the M.A. Completion of the M.A. degree, however, does not guarantee Ph.D. admission, which is determined by the Admissions Committee.