Office of Admissions

Communication, MA

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.

Step 1:
Submit to the University:

California State University application electronically at CSUMentor along with the $55 application fee.

Step 2:
Submit to SDSU Graduate Admissions:

1. Official transcripts (in sealed envelopes) from all postsecondary institutions attended
   Note:
   • Please do not send transcripts before submitting the CSUMentor application as this may result in processing delays.
   • Students who attended SDSU need only submit transcripts for work completed since last attendance
   • Students with international coursework must submit both the official transcript and proof of degree. If documents are in a language other than English, they must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
2. GRE scores (www.ets.org, SDSU Institution Code 4682)
3. TOEFL score, if medium of instruction was in a language other than English (www.ets.org, SDSU Institution Code 4682) and a Certificate in Advanced English (CAE), indicating successful passage of the reading, writing, listening, and English usage test offered by the Cambridge English For Life (EFL) testing program

Step 3:
Submit the following to:
Dr. Patricia Geist-Martin
Director of Graduate Studies
School of Communication
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-4560

1. Cover Letter
   
   • Indicates you applied online, paid your fees, and submitted official transcripts
   • Indicates you are applying for a Graduate Teaching Associate position and describes the details of any teaching experience. If you did not receive an undergraduate degree in communication, list any communication or communications-related coursework that might prepare you for teaching.
2. Application Support Materials
   
   • Three letters of recommendation
   • Personal statement
   • Photocopy of transcripts
   • Photocopy of scores (GRE and if applicable TOEFL)
   • Resume or vita
   • OPTIONAL: Writing sample that you believe represents well your writing capabilities (e.g., a paper written for an undergraduate course)
(a.) 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.

(b.) Personal statement of purpose that (1) describes your interest in communication, (2) describes your undergraduate and/or professional preparation for graduate studies in the communication program, (3) articulates your personal and/or career objectives that graduate studies in communication will help you pursue, and (4) (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 you 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.

Fall Deadline
Domestic Applicants: July 15
International Applicants: July 15

Spring Deadline
Domestic Applicants: closed
International Applicants: closed