Communication

University Admission Requirements

A student applying to this program must:

• Have earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association, or do so by the time of program matriculation.
• Submit unofficial transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned. The unofficial transcript should be easily readable and clearly indicate degree(s) awarded, courses and course grades for each term.
• If admitted, official domestic transcripts can be emailed from the university to GraduateAdmissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, Graduate School, 208 Hovey Hall, Campus Box 4040, Normal, IL 61790-4040.
• If admitted, official international transcripts can be emailed directly from the international institution to InternationalAdmissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, International Admissions, Campus Box 6180, Normal, IL 61790-6180.

International students can learn more about specific application requirements by visiting the Graduate School Admission Requirements.

Additional Program Admission Requirements

To be considered for this program you must meet the following requirements. An application is reviewed only when we have received all required application materials. 

GPA

You must have a minimum 3.00 GPA in the last 60 undergraduate college credit hours.

The Grade Point Average (GPA) of all undergraduate credentials earned in the United States that are used for graduate degree admission evaluation is calculated by the last 60 hours of undergraduate work. International credentials are evaluated by using cumulative GPA (CGPA) in lieu of the GPA from the last 60 hours of undergraduate work.

Letter of Application

Submit a letter that discusses the following:

• Your background
• Academic interests
• Career objectives
• How Illinois State University's School of Communication can help you accomplish your objectives

Letter Requirements: 1-2 pages; double-spaced

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Include an updated resume or curriculum vitae (CV) with your application.

Writing Sample

Submit an academic paper that demonstrates your ability to research, integrate citations, and engage in quality writing. Journalistic reporting or marketing-type writing samples are not the best reflections of scholarly writing.

There is no minimum or maximum page requirement.

Aim to submit a paper you wrote on your own and not with a partner or in a group.

References

In the online application, submit the names and email addresses for three references. 

Check that references submit their letters when they get notification from the online system.

English Proficiency (International Students Only)

International students must obtain a minimum TOEFL score of 100 (internet-based testing), IELTS of 7.0 or Duolingo of 120.

View English Proficiency details about acceptable documentation.

Application Deadlines

• Fall (August) Term — First review of applications begins February 1, 2025 and continues until all spots are filled.
• Spring (January) Term — Currently we do not admit new students for spring admission.

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