Admissions
For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.
Admission Requirements
Applications to the Ph.D. degree in Communication and Information will not be accepted starting with the fall 2026 admission term.
- Master's degree in one of the disciplines represented in the College of Communication and Information or a discipline closely related to the applicant's proposed course of study1
- Minimum 3.300 graduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale (3.500 GPA or higher is recommended)
- Official transcript(s)
- Résumé or curriculum vitae
- Goal statement2
- Letters of recommendation from those in a position to evaluate graduate academic performance and potential
- Sample of superior scholarly writing (published paper, major term paper, thesis chapter, etc.).
- English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:3
- Minimum 94 TOEFL iBT score
- Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
- Minimum 65 PTE score
- Minimum 120 DET score
The Ph.D. degree is strongly research oriented. Applicants are expected to demonstrate previous research experience such as thesis or conference paper. Admission will be restricted to the most promising applicants. Applications are viewed holistically to evaluate the student's likelihood of success in the program. Applicants normally are accepted for admission only for the fall semester and for full-time enrollment. Applicants who do not meet all of the requirements listed above but who have otherwise exceptional credentials may apply and may be admitted conditionally.
Application Deadlines
- Fall Semester
- Priority deadline: January 1
All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission. - Application deadline: March 1
All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted after this deadline will be considered on a space-available basis. - Final deadline: April 15
Applications will not be accepted after this deadline.