The Department of Communication offers graduate work leading to the degrees of Master of Arts and Master of Science in Communication. Our faculty concentrate on research in the areas of health communication, mass media, political communication, language and social interaction.
Admission requirements
Application reviews begin February 1 and end on March 1 each year. Early applications are strongly encouraged to secure placement and assistantships.
Applicants must also apply separately to Portland State University (see PSU Graduate Studies website for information and deadlines).
For admission to graduate study, the student’s background and preparation should reflect an ability to pursue graduate work in communication. It is not required that the applicant have an undergraduate degree in communication; students with undergraduate backgrounds in a related discipline are encouraged to apply. Should the student’s preparation be deemed inadequate in certain areas, the student will be required to overcome those deficiencies through formal coursework and/or directed readings. All such work is separate from work toward the master’s degree.
Application process
Prospective students should check the Department Web site for specific application details, and applications should be received by February 1.
Applicants submit a letter of introduction, a statement of purpose as to why they want to pursue an advanced degree in communication, official transcripts, TOEFL (for international students), GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, writing samples, and application forms. Whenever possible the three letters of recommendation should come from individuals closely acquainted with the applicant’s academic career. For a list of requirements visit the Communication Department Web site, http://www.pdx.edu/communication/.
All students are admitted to the program on a conditional status. The conditional status will be removed when the graduate faculty determine that the student has made satisfactory progress in her or his academic program. Satisfactory progress is determined after students have completed at least 12 credits. Students will be required to earn a minimum grade point average of 3.0, and students who earn less than a B-minus in any class will have their progress reviewed by the graduate faculty. If the faculty agree that the student has made satisfactory progress the conditional status will be removed.