To be considered for admission, all applicants are evaluated on the following criteria: (1) undergraduate academic work; both total GPA and major GPA are considered (a 3.0 in both categories is the generally accepted minimum); (2) GRE scores; TOEFL scores; applicants must obtain a minimum score of 550 on each section of the GRE; foreign students must have a minimum score of 600 on the TOEFL; (3) three letters of recommendation; and (4) a statement written by the applicant addressing his or her interest in seeking graduate education in communication. These data are carefully considered in relation to the strengths of the department to determine if it can give the applicant the graduate education desired. 

Admission to the MA program in Communication is selective and competitive, based on the number of well-qualified applicants and the limits of available faculty and facilities. Those who meet stated minimum academic requirements are not guaranteed admission, nor are those who fail to meet those requirements necessarily precluded from admission if they offer other appropriate strengths. 

A limited number of teaching assistantships are available and are awarded competitively in the spring of each year. The application deadline is March 1. Teaching assistants are expected to attend a number of training sessions in the month prior to their enrollment. Those who fail to attend these sessions will forfeit their financial aid. 

The program necessitates that full-time students begin the course of study in the fall semester. Thirty credit hours are required to complete the degree. Five courses (15 credits) are required. Three courses (9 credits) are required of all students: COMM 601, Theory and Epistemology of Communication; COMM 603, Research Methods-Procedures; and COMM 604, Research Methods-Analysis. The two remaining required courses (6 credits) are selected from three theoretical courses: COMM 670, Theory of Mass Communication; COMM 630, Theory of Interpersonal Communication; and COMM 610, Theory of Organizational Communication. Finally, the Master of Arts candidate may write a thesis or take a comprehensive examination on all course work. The student who elects to write a thesis must take 6 credits of COMM 869, Master's Thesis. Graduate courses are offered in organizational communication, communication theory, mass communication, public relations, and interpersonal communication. There are also opportunities for independent study and/or internships. There are no language requirements. Six graduate credits may be taken outside the Communication Department in a related area, if approved by the graduate student's committee. 

Upon entering the program, students are given a temporary adviser. By the completion of nine hours of graduate work, they are expected to have chosen their major adviser with whom they can work closely. Students are expected to maintain a 3.0 GPA or better. A thesis or comprehensive exam is required of all M.A. candidates. There is an oral portion of the comprehensive examination as well as an oral examination of the M.A. thesis by the candidate's committee after each member of this committee has had time to review the project thoroughly.