The Department of Communication offers graduate work leading to the Master of Science in Communication. We offer two tracks for master’s students. The Research Track is designed for students who want to focus on communication research in their careers and for those interested in doctoral studies. The Professional Track is designed for students who prefer to focus on applying their studies to their careers in communication. We especially encourage mid-career professionals to apply for this track. Students decide at the time they apply which track is most suitable for them. Our faculty concentrate on research in the areas of media, politics, health, conversation, persuasion, propaganda, and 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 The Graduate School's 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. Students with undergraduate backgrounds in communication or 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 interested in graduate work should first check the Department website for current application and program information. Applicants should submit: Letter of application and statement of purpose (these may be combined into one document); Writing sample; Three letters of recommendation; Official transcripts; Official GRE scores (GREs are required for Research Track students and students who receive assistantships. Other students are encouraged—but not required--to provide GRE scores); Official TOEFL/IELTS scores (for international and English second-language students); and the PSU application and fee (send separately). Decisions about admission, fellowships and assistantships will be made on a first-come, first-serve basis. All applicants are notified in late April.
All students are admitted to the program conditionally. Faculty evaluate your progress after one-third of the coursework is completed. Students in good standing will have their conditional status removed.
Good standing is defined in graduate studies as a B (and higher) Grade Point Average (GPA). Students who stop taking courses need the approval of the Department Chair or Director of Graduate Studies to take a leave of absence, even for one quarter (except Summer). Students are required to be enrolled for at least 1 credit each term until they have completed all work, including thesis, project or exams.
Students who receive an incomplete grade in a course must finish outstanding coursework and earn a grade by the end of the following term/quarter. Students who have 2 outstanding incomplete grades are required to complete their coursework in good standing and earn grades before enrolling in additional courses. Note that students who receive a stipend, fellowship or assistantship must resolve incomplete grades immediately.