Applications for admission will be reviewed beginning on Feb. 15.
To ensure consideration for a Graduate Assistantship or the Anne S. Gabbard-Alley Scholarship, all application materials and the assistantship/scholarship application must be submitted by Feb. 15. For information and to download the assistantship application, go to the Financial Aid and Scholarships link on the website.
Application Deadline
The application will open November 1. Applications for admission will be reviewed beginning on February 15. We will continue to consider applications for fall admission on a rolling basis until May 15 or until all available seats in the program are filled. To be considered for a Graduate Assistantship or the Gabbard-Alley Scholarship in Health Communication all application materials and the Assistantship/Gabbard-Alley Scholarship application(s) must be submitted by February 15.
Program Begins
Fall
International Applicants
International Graduate Information
International applicants will upload a credential evaluation of their non-U.S. college or university transcripts from one of the services listed at this link: Credential_Evaluation
Test Requirements
GRE test not required.
Required Electronically
- Application
- Application fee
Transcripts of all previous academic work at the undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) level.
Applicants must upload unofficial copies of their transcripts and if admitted, all transcripts will be verified by the Graduate School. Applicants who previously attended James Madison University still need to upload an unofficial transcript, but do not need to provide official transcripts for verification.
Required by Program
- A written statement of educational and professional goals (500 words)
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Writing essay - 500-750 words
- Two letters of recommendation from professors, employers, and other professionals qualified to judge the applicant's ability to successfully complete a graduate program. Letters of recommendation for those applying for Graduate Teaching Assistantships should address applicant's potential for teaching.
Additional Materials (Optional)
Students who have not taken undergraduate coursework in research methods in communication or a related field are encouraged to submit a writing sample that demonstrates their writing, research, and analytical proficiencies. Students who have questions about their research methods preparation are encouraged to contact the Program Director.
The Offer of Admission
The Graduate School will send a written offer of admission if you are accepted. This letter specifies the effective date of admission, the category of admission being offered, and the name of the faculty adviser assigned to you. The offer of admission is good for one year. Written acceptance or rejection of the offer should be submitted as soon as your decision on graduate study has been made.
Categories of Admission – You may be admitted under one of three classifications:
- Unconditional – Admission without reservation. Indicates that you have a sound academic background in preparation for your program of study.
- Conditional – Conditional admission indicates that the graduate program has identified specific conditions that must be met. It is your responsibility to notify your adviser when the conditions of acceptance have been met. The adviser or graduate program director then contacts The Graduate School indicating the change from conditional to unconditional status.
- Provisional – Admission under probationary status. You have not fully met the requirements for admission into your program. Your first priority must be to satisfy the conditions outlined in your acceptance letter. It is your responsibility to notify your adviser when the conditions of acceptance have been met. The adviser or graduate program director then contacts The Graduate School indicating the change of status.
