Admissions

Communication, MA

Are you looking for Mass Communication and Media Studies?

The MA in Communication is concerned with human communication. Students analyze the patterns, dimensions, and strategies of communicating that (a) enhance relationships and well-being; (b) provide understanding of social problems; (c) promote organizational and civic responsibility; and (d) develop participation in a global community. This program does not have a focus on journalism, radio/TV, media studies, or mass communication.

How to Apply

First, follow the graduate steps to apply.

Then, follow the departmental instructions below (find detailed instructions concerning application procedures on the School of Communication Web site).

Submit a Cover Letter and Application Support Materials to:
The School of Communication
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-4560

  1. Cover Letter
    • Indicates you applied online, paid the fee, and submitted official transcripts and test scores to Graduate Admissions.
    • Indicates your California resident status.
    • Indicates if you are applying for a Graduate Teaching Associate (GTA) position and describes the details of any teaching experience. If you did not receive an undergraduate degree in communication, list any communication or communication-related coursework that might prepare you for teaching.
  2. Application Support Materials
    • Three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references that speak to your ability to succeed in graduate studies. We prefer that at least two of the letters be written by professors who can speak to your academic background and capabilities.
    • Personal statement: A personal statement of purpose that: (a) describes your interest in communication, (b) describes your undergraduate and/or professional preparation for graduate studies in the communication program, (c) articulates your personal and/or career objectives that graduate studies in communication will help you pursue, and (d) (optional) describes your interest in a Graduate Teaching Associate position, addressing how this desire relates to your interest in communication, your past academic and professional experience, and your career objectives. Take time and care with your personal statement. It is very important. It is the first thing we read and the first indication we have of who you are and why you should be selected over other very well qualified candidates.
    • Photocopies of transcripts and test scores (GRE and if applicable TOEFL): It is essential to send photocopies of your transcripts and GRE scores (& TOEFL scores, if applicable) to the School of Communication. Eventually, we will receive the official transcripts and scores from Graduate Admissions. However, we may be in a position to review your material and make admission and GTA decisions before the materials arrive from the Graduate Admissions office.
    • Resume or vita
    • Nonresident Tuition Waiver (NRTW) application (if a not a California resident). This is a Word document and requires having either Microsoft Office Word or Word Viewer to open, view or print the document. Download Word Viewer free from the Microsoft Download Center website. Please type, print, and mail application with other materials.
    • OPTIONAL: Writing sample that you believe best represents your writing capabilities (e.g., a paper written for an undergraduate course)

Fall 2013 Deadline 

Step 1: CSUMentor Application—March 1
Step 2 and 3: File Completion—April 1

All application materials including departmental requirements must be submitted by the file completion date.

Spring Deadline

Domestic Applicants: Closed
International Applicants: Closed