Department of Communication
 
Admissions
   

Graduate Admissions

Undergraduate Admissions

Accepting a few,

Graduating many...

Graduate Admissions

The Master's degree programs of the Department of Communication include both professional and research tracks. The doctoral programs prepare graduates for careers in teaching and research in academic, private sector, and public affairs settings. All programs prepare students for leadership roles. The Department of Communication recruits students to ensure incoming classes of highly qualified individuals representing diverse backgrounds.

This web page thoroughly explains the application process. A print version of the Application Booklet may be requested by contacting the department. For tuition information please visit: http://www.sfs.fsu.edu/tuition.html. For financial assistance please visit the departmental financial aid website or the FSU Office of Financial Aid.

Department Standards for the Doctoral and Master's Programs


The members of the Graduate Admissions Committee carefully evaluate each applicant's file. Admission is competitive; meeting the following requirements does not guarantee admission.

  • An excellent undergraduate academic record, from accredited universities, to include a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale). In addition, doctoral applicants should have a minimum of a 3.3 in their master's degree work.
  • A minimum of a 1000 combined score on the verbal and quantitative portions of the GRE. GMAT scores are not accepted.
  • Three letters of recommendation. See below for further details.
  • A personal statement to be evaluated for its clarity of expression, creativity, and persuasiveness in arguing that:
    • The applicant has the necessary record of preparation and performance to succeed in the program.
    • The applicant's goals can be served by the program's courses and experiences.
    • The program itself can benefit significantly from the applicant's talent and experiences.
    • The applicant will enrich the diversity of students in his or her program.
  • A resume or writing sample (optional for master's students).


Application Overview


To file a complete application, you must send separate forms and information to Florida State University and to the Department of Communication.

Step 1: Apply to Florida State University

Deadlines:

Fall - July 1
Spring - November 1
Summer - March 1

Application deadlines are subject to change. Please confirm deadlines at fsu.edu.

Initiate your application with Florida State University as early as possible for the best possible funding options.

Checklist:

Step 2: Apply to Department of Communication

Deadlines:

Fall - February 1 to July 1
Spring - November 1
Summer - March 1

Fall Applications: The review of fall applications begins February 1. Complete your application by February 1 for early acceptance and consideration for department funding.

Spring Applications: To be admitted Spring semester you must have applied to the university online no later than November 1. However, the department will continue to accept departmental applications until December 15th.

Checklist:

  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Applicant statement
  • Undergraduate GPA Worksheet
  • Certification of Financial Responsibility (International Students Only)
  • Sample of written work

Please note that the Department Graduate Admissions Committee reviews only completed files. Reviews are conducted at regular intervals to ensure students' prompt notification of acceptance.

International students - important: To ensure completion of your immigration papers and review of your application, you must submit your application for fall admission by May 1 or for spring admission by November 1.

 

University Application Requirements

For Florida State University admissions, all applicants send the items listed below to:

Office of Admissions
Florida State University
P.O. Box 3062400
Tallahassee, FL USA 32306-2400

Web: admissions.fsu.edu
Email: U.S. Graduate - gradadms@admin.fsu.edu
Email: International - intladms@admin.fsu.edu
Phone: 850-644-6200

U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens

U.S. domestic applicants are strongly encouraged to use the online application at admissions.fsu.edu. However, a paper form in PDF format is downloadable at the Web site.

Required Submissions:
  1. Non refundable application fee of $30: The application fee can either be paid online or mailed to the Office of Admissions. The application will not be processed or sent for review until this fee is received.
  2. Florida Resident Affidavit: All applicants must submit this form with an original signature.
  3. Two official transcripts from all schools: You must submit two copies of official transcripts from each college or university you have attended. Master's applicants submit undergraduate transcripts; doctoral applicants submit both undergraduate and graduate records.
  4. Graduate Record Examination scores (GRE) for the verbal and quantitative portions of the test.

International Applicants

International applicants must submit a paper application. The form is downloadable at admissions.fsu.edu.

Required Submissions:

  1. Non refundable application fee of $30: The check or money order is made payable to Florida State University. This fee must be paid in U.S. currency. The application will not be processed or sent for review until this fee is received.
  2. Two official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended: You must submit two copies of official transcripts from each college or university you have attended. Master's applicants submit undergraduate transcripts; doctoral applicants submit both undergraduate and graduate records. Documents not in English must include certified English translations.
  3. Graduate Record Examination scores (GRE) for the verbal and quantitative portions of the test.
  4. Official TOEFL Score: An international applicant whose native language is not English, or who has not completed a degree at an English-language university, must have taken the TOEFL exam within the last five years. Paper-based scores must be 600 or higher, computer- based test scores must be 250 or higher or Internet-based test scores (ibTOEFL) must be 100 or higher. The Educational Testing Service also administers this test. For more information: ets.org/toefl
  5. Certification of Financial Responsibility (CFR): This required form may be downloaded at http://admissions.fsu.edu/intl/apply.htm or requested from the university. Note that the completed CFR is submitted to the Department of Communication.

Department of Communication Application Requirements

For departmental admission, all applicants send the items listed below to:

Graduate Admissions
Department of Communication
Florida State University
University Center C
296 Champions Way
P.O. Box 3062664
Tallahassee, FL 32306-2664

Doctoral Degree Programs

Required Submissions:
  1. Three letters of recommendation: Letters should provide an accurate assessment of the applicant's accomplishments and ability to succeed in graduate school and in the work place. Recommendations from former professors and employers are preferred. There is not a specific recommendation form. Letters should be written on the organizational letterhead of the recommendation writer.
  2. An applicant statement, addressing the following questions:
    • What are your career goals; that is, what do you plan to be doing in five years and in ten years?
    • Why have you chosen to apply to our doctoral program?
    • What experiences and competencies make you a strong candidate for our program (research skills, computer literacy, teaching experience, awards, etc.)?
  3. Evidence of the successful completion of a master's thesis or major research project.
  4. A sample of written work: Examples are an entire thesis, a thesis chapter, or a research paper.
  5. A Self-reported Undergraduate GPA Computation and Worksheet for Graduate Applications. Please download this form at admissions.fsu.edu.


Master's Degree Programs

Required Submissions:
  1. Three letters of recommendation: Letters should provide an accurate assessment of the applicant's accomplishments and ability to succeed in graduate school and in the work place. Recommendations from former professors and employers are preferred. There is not a specific recommendation form. Letters should be written on the organizational letterhead of the recommendation writer.
  2. An applicant statement, addressing the following questions:
    • In which master's degree program are you most interested?
    • What are your short and long-term career goals? What do you plan to be doing in five years and in ten years?
    • Why have you chosen to apply to our master's program?
    • What experiences and competencies make you a strong candidate for our program (internships, work experience, computer literacy, awards, etc.)?
  3. A sample of written work (optional): An example is a research or professional article.
  4. A Self-reported Undergraduate GPA Computation and Worksheet for Graduate Applications. Please download this form at admissions.fsu.edu.


 

Accepting a few,

Graduating many...

Undergraduate Admissions for Spring 2008

If you are interested in being accepted into the Department of Communications's limited access majors, apply in January. We accept applications for undergraduates by the first business day in February each year.  Your application for Summer/Fall 2008 is due on Friday, February 1, 2008 at 5:00pm ET (-05:00 GMT) .

Information sessions for undergraduate applicants will be held:

Monday, January 14, 2008 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Andy Miller Hall, University Center Building “C”

This is a limited access major. Acceptance into the major is competitive. Please see application forms list below:

Application and Information Forms

  • Undergraduate Admission Registration Form:
 

Must be filled and submitted online. After you hit submit button, the system will allow you to print this form. These Registration Forms will be accepted so long as they are received within the admissions time frame. The application deadline for 2008 has passed.

  • Undergraduate Admission Information and Procedures - including Student Checklist:
 

If you are applying to Advertising, Public Relations, or Media Production, information about the  undergraduate application is here.

If you are applying to Media/ Communication Studies, information about the  undergraduate application is here.

  • FSU's Online Applications and Information for freshmen and Undergraduate Transfer Students:
 

If you are not currently enrolled at FSU, you must apply to the University through the Online Applications and Information for freshmen and Undergraduate Transfer Students. To apply, please click here.

  • Minor in Communication:
 

You will find the necessary application information for a Communication Minor here

 

For more information for prospective undergraduate students, please see your academic advisor.

Florida State University

Department of Communication
3100 University Center C
Tallahassee, FL 32306-2664
850.644.5034 (voice)
850.644.8642 (fax)

Spring 2008

2008 Undergraduate admissions information has been posted on the following page:

http://comm.fsu.edu/CommDept/2008UndergradAdmissions.php

 

FSU College of Communication