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Graduate Program Admission and Procedures
The Graduate School, upon the recommendation of the Graduate Studies Committee of the School of Communication, admits students to graduate study in Communication. Recommendations for admission are based on seven factors: (1) the applicant's statement of interest and intent with regard to a graduate program in the School of Communication; (2) a detailed resume (3) at least three letters of recommendation; (4) cumulative undergraduate grade point average; (5) undergraduate and graduate transcripts; (6) scores on the general aptitude sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE); and (7) other evidence of potential for success in graduate study. In the case of international students whose first language is not English, there are additional requirements. All of the requirements are specified below:
1) The statement of interest - Applicants are required to submit a statement of interest along with their credentials and materials. This statement should detail what you expect to accomplish by pursuing graduate work in Communication. The statement of interest is reviewed by the Graduate Studies Committee and assessed for fit with the mission and priorities of the School of Communication. In reviewing the statements, the Graduate Studies Committee looks for evidence that the applicant has (a) a clear understanding of the foci of the School and what the School offers graduate students; (b) an indication of how the applicants needs are met by the Schools programs. In addition, the committee considers any evidence within the statement that the applicant is aware of the research and teaching interests of the faculty and has an idea of the faculty members who may be most appropriate for class work or advising. Applicants should review the materials on the school website to get a better idea of the research interests and publications of the graduate faculty.
This statement should specify your educational and career goals. We are particularly interested in your responses to the following questions:
- What topics, problems, or areas of communication do you wish to investigate in your graduate program?
- Why did you select the School of Communication at The Ohio State University as the program appropriate to your goals?
- What in your educational background has prepared you to enter the School of Communication at The Ohio State University?
- What are your near and ultimate career goals?
- Which faculty members do you believe offer the closest match to your interests and educational needs?
2) The resume should include formal education, teaching, communication or journalism-related work experience, or any research experience the applicant may have had.
3) Three letters of recommendation are required from each applicant. The graduate committee reviews the letters for statements related to initiative, intelligence, strong work habits and other indicators of potential success in graduate school. Three letters of reference from persons acquainted with your academic program, scholastic ability, or professional performance are required. Graduate admissions will provide the necessary cover forms in the initial application packet. All letters of recommendation must include the completed Reference Form as well as a separate letter on clearly identified, official academic or business letterhead. Every reference writer must supply as many of the following as are available: telephone number, FAX number, and e-mail address.
At least of one of these means of direct contact must be supplied for a reference letter to be counted as an official letter of reference. Applications cannot be reviewed until at least three letters have been received. Since some people are very slow to write recommendation letters, you may want to ask more than three people to write letters. It may be appropriate to check with the people you have asked to be sure the letters have been sent. If you prefer, you may check with us to see which letters have been received.
4) Cumulative undergraduate grade point average must be 3.0 or better for applicants to the masters program. Applicants to the Ph.D. program must have a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 and a minimum MA GPA of a 3.5.
5) Official undergraduate and (where appropriate) graduate transcripts. These must be official transcripts sent by the appropriate office of the registrar of the college or university attended.
6) Scores on the Graduate Record Examination. The masters program requires a combined Verbal and Quantitative score of 1000. The Ph.D. program requires a combined Verbal and Quantitative score of 1200. In both cases, the analytical score is used for supplemental purposes. The analytical score can not be substituted for the Verbal or Quantitative score.
7) Other evidence of potential success in graduate school can include such materials as research papers, articles written for newspapers or magazines, academic achievement awards, industry experience, or any other material which the applicant feels is appropriate and indicative of their potential for success in graduate school. Ph.D. applicants must submit a sample of research they have completed in their M.A. program. Ph.D. applicants may include a research proposal, portions of their thesis, journal articles, or any report of research they have conducted.
For applicants whose native language is not English, there are the following additional requirements:
8) The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the Michigan Test of English Language Proficiency (MELAB) are required. A minimum score of 640 on the TOEFL (equal to 273 on the CBT and 111 on iBT). To be eligible for funding a 60 on the Test of Spoken English (TSE) is required. *The TSE is requested but if it is no longer being offered in your country we will use the spoken English component of the iBT (minimum score of 29 preferred) A recent (within one year) TOEFL or MELAB exam is required even if you have a previous degree from a US University.
9) International students seeking financial assistance must also take a local spoken English test after arrival. Students who are judged to have insufficient language skills to perform teaching assistant duties must be certified for classroom teaching by the end of their second quarter to be eligible for funding.
10) International students who are being seriously considered for admission will receive a telephone call from a member of the Graduate Studies Committee. During the call, the Committee member will ask the applicant about his/her interest in the program and attempt to answer any questions the applicant may have, and may ask questions which the committee has about the applicants intent and purpose in pursuing a graduate degree.
Application for Admission
Application Process
Applying for graduate study in the School of Communication at The Ohio State University is a three-step process. The University Admissions Office is responsible for collecting applications, establishing files, and forwarding copies of application materials to the Graduate Studies Committee in the School of Communication. The School's Graduate Studies Committee evaluates applications and makes recommendations to the graduate school. Concurrence of the graduate school is necessary to complete the admission process.
Materials to be sent to the University Admissions Office
For Domestic Applicants:
Graduate Admission Office
The Ohio State University
P.O. Box 182004
Columbus, OH 43218-2004
For International Applicants:
International Graduate Admissions Office
The Ohio State University
P.O. Box 182083
Columbus, OH 43218-2083
- Admission Application
- One copy of official transcripts of all previous college and/or university work
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test scores
- TOEFL scores (for international students whose first language is not English).
Materials to be sent to the Communication Graduate Studies Committee
Graduate Studies Committee
School of Communication
The Ohio State University
3016 Derby Hall, 154 North Oval Mall
Columbus, OH 43210-1339:
- Statement of Academic Intent
- Resume
- Letters of Reference (Three) (If you choose not to use the on-line submission option)
- One copy of official transcripts of all previous college and/or university work
- Any other materials you wish to include (see above), PhD applicants must submit a sample of research they have completed in their M.A. program
Other Admission Information
The GRE is required for all applicants. If you have not taken the GRE, you should contact a college or university in your area for information about the exam. You also may write directly to the Educational Testing Service in Princeton, New Jersey 08540 or consult the ETS web site at www.ets.org. The test is also available at a walk-in center in most larger cities.
The School of Communication accepts applications from those who have degrees in disciplines other than Communication. The school especially encourages applications by minority students.
Application forms for admission can be obtained from the School of Communication and the Office of Graduate Admissions, The Ohio State University Office of Admissions. Downloadable forms are available on the university web site, www.osu.edu, and one can apply for admission on-line by following the links from the main web page.
Additional Requirements for International Applicants
If you are an international applicant, contact the University Admissions Office for more information. You will be required to provide University Admissions with a certified statement showing adequate financial resources. If your native language is not English, scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Admission as a Graduate Non-degree Student
Individuals who do not intend to pursue a graduate degree, but wish to enroll in graduate classes may apply for graduate non-degree classification. Details are available from the Graduate School, 247 University Hall, 230 N. Oval Mall.
Time Frames for Application
Applications are considered for Autumn Quarter admission only. You may apply directly on-line from the Admissions Office website at http://gradapply.osu.edu/
The deadline to complete applications for Autumn Quarter is:
- Applications will be accepted through January 15
Applications received after this date can still be reviewed but may not receive full consideration.
Admission decisions are usually issued by late March.
The deadline listed above is the date by which all documents must be received by the appropriate University office. Please note that the GRE General Test is required of all applicants. Students in the U.S. or abroad may register for the computer-based GRE by calling 1-800-473-2255. Students outside the U.S. may register for the paper-based test by calling 609/771-7670 or registering on-line at http://www.gre.org. To access further information on the GRE, visit the above GRE website.
Questions? Contact the Graduate Program Coordinator:
Aaron Smith
comm@osu.edu
614/292-6503
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