Graduate Admissions Standards & Procedures

Deadlines

PhD Applications

January 15 - Priority deadline for consideration for a graduate assistantship.
May 15 - Final PhD application deadline.

MA Applications

August 1 - Final MA application deadline for Fall admissions (CMST and FVP)
November 1 - Final MA application deadline for Spring admissions (CMST only)

MA Admissions

The following is required to be considered for admission to the MA program:

• An undergraduate degree in Communication or a related field from an accredited institution with a minimum 2.75/4.0 GPA.

The following documents are required to be uploaded through UofM’s graduate admissions application:

1. Official or unofficial transcripts of prior undergraduate or graduate coursework. Official transcripts must be submitted to be admitted by the University.
2. A curriculum vita or resume including relevant teaching, research, and work experience.
3. A sample of academic writing, such as a final course paper.
4. A statement/letter of purpose (maximum 1200 words), explaining your purpose in pursuing a master's degree, specific communication areas that you would like to explore, and why you would like to study in our department.
5. A least two (2) letters of recommendation from faculty or other individuals who are familiar with the applicant’s academic background and aptitude for graduate work in Communication.

The following documents are optional to be uploaded through UofM’s graduate admissions application for applicants to the Film and Video Production concentration only:

• A sample video and/or screenplay.

Applications are accepted for Fall admissions only. Priority deadline for consideration for an assistantship is January 15. The final deadline for MA applicants is June 1.

Meeting the minimum department standards does not entitle an applicant to admission. Meeting such standards only insures consideration of the application.

PhD Admissions

The following is required to be considered for admission to the PhD program:

• A master’s degree in Communication or a related field from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA.

The following documents are required to be uploaded through UofM’s graduate admissions application:

1. Official or unofficial transcripts of prior undergraduate and graduate coursework. Official transcripts must be submitted to be admitted to the University.
2. A curriculum vita or resume including relevant teaching, research, and work experience.
3. Two (2) samples of academic writing, such as a research paper from your MA program, professional research or position papers, or chapters from your MA thesis.
4. A statement/letter of purpose (maximum 1500 words), explaining your purpose in pursuing a PhD, specific communication areas that you would like to explore, and why you would like to study in our department. If your master’s degree is not in Communication, please explain how your master’s prepared you for doctoral studies in Communication.
5. A least three (3) letters of recommendation from faculty or other individuals who are familiar with the applicant’s academic background and aptitude for doctoral work in Communication.

Applications are accepted for Fall admissions only. Priority deadline for consideration for an assistantship is January 15. The final deadline for PhD applicants is May 15.

Meeting the minimum department standards does not entitle an applicant to admission. Meeting such standards only insures consideration of the application.

Additional Information for International Applicants

For additional Univerisity-wide admission requirements for international students, see https://www.memphis.edu/graduateadmissions/international/add_requirements.php

Applicants whose highest degree is from a foreign university must have their credentials evaluated. The committee will accept evaluations done by any credentialing agency listed on the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services website (http://www.naces.org). A course-by course report is required.