If you’re interested in applying for our Ph.D. program at the School of Journalism and Mass Communications, here’s what you’ll need to provide:

• A completed online application.
• Academic record, especially work done at the master’s level.
• Score on the GRE.
• Three letters of recommendation.
• Written statement explaining why you want to pursue this degree, with career hopes and expectations.
• Resume showing professional experience.
• Writing sample(s).
• A completed master’s degree or one close to completion. It doesn’t have to be in journalism or mass communications, although if not, additional coursework might be required.

Students who are admitted usually have:

• At least a 3.0 grade point average for undergraduate and graduate school.
• A combined GRE score of 300 (153 Verbal and 147 Quantitative) and a 4.0 or better analytical writing score, though exceptions have been made for applicants with unusually strong professional backgrounds or outstanding professional and intellectual promise.
• At least one year, and often much more, experience as a journalism/mass communication professional.
• A working knowledge of statistical reasoning. If you haven’t taken a course in descriptive or inferential statistics, you’ll need to do so either before enrolling or during your first or second semester.
• If you're an international student, you will need to take either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of at least 100 or score a 7.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Those with a degree from an English-speaking institution are eligible for an exemption from this requirement.

More details are available in the official program manual (pdf).