Graduate College

Communication (M.A. & Accelerated M.A.)

Communication (M.A. & Accelerated M.A.)

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Application deadlines

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Students may be admitted for the fall and spring semesters.

Fall semester: August 15
Spring semester: January 1

If you missed the deadline, contact the academic department to discuss your options. Please note: there is a separate deadline for international applicants to allow time to process travel documents (learn more at wmich.edu/international/apply). 

February 1 is the graduate assistantship (GA) deadline (please note that graduate assistantships are only awarded in the fall semester). 

The Accelerated option is only available to current WMU undergraduate students.

 

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Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A current resume or curriculum vitae (CV) is required. Please upload this document within the online application system. If you experience any difficulties uploading the resume or curriculum vitae (CV), please contact the Graduate College at (269) 387-8212 or @email for further assistance.

 

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Graduate test

This program does not require the General GRE.

Note: International applicants may have to provide evidence of English language proficiency. More information can be found within the online application. You may also view the International Student and Scholar Services website at wmich.edu/international/apply/english-proficiency for more details.

 

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Recommendations

This program does not require recommendations. 

 

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Written statement

Please prepare a typed statement which covers the following information, and upload it within the online application system: 

Summarize your experiences in academic, professional, research, creative, or scholarly activities, and indicate how these experiences make you an ideal candidate for graduate study in your selected program. Also address how these activities align with the strengths of your chosen program and faculty, and with your professional goals, including future job positions. This statement (double-spaced and between 500 – 1500 words) should demonstrate your communication skills and writing competence.

Please contact the academic department if you have additional questions. 

 

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Previous written work

This program does not require previous written work.

 

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Other program materials

This program does not require any other program materials to be submitted.

 

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Transcript requirement

An official transcript from the institution from which you received your bachelor degree is required, as well as a transcript from the institution(s) where any additional graduate level courses or degrees have been taken/completed. Applicants are not required to submit an official transcript of courses taken/completed at WMU.

All applicants, including WMU students, are highly encouraged to submit copies of unofficial transcripts/credit evaluations into the application system as well. Western Michigan University requires official transcripts sent directly from the issuing institution, through a third-party service, or credit evaluation company (learn more at wmich.edu/grad/apply/faq). 

 

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Additional information

This program offers graduate assistantships, typically teaching assistantships, which provide an annual stipend plus tuition remission. A separate application form, accessible on the program website under "Funding" must be completed and submitted by Feb. 1 previous to the academic year for which you are applying.

GPA requirement for Communication Master's is a minimum 3.0 in last two years of Bachelor's degree work. GPA for Communication Accelerated (available to current WMU undergraduate students only) is a minimum of 3.5 and must have at least 18 credit hours in their major at WMU or another institution.

To monitor the status of your application, including transcripts, you will need to log into your Graduate Application Portal, select your current application(s), and review your application checklist. If you are unable to locate the application checklist, please contact the Graduate College at (269) 387-8212 or @email for assistance.

You can also view the application FAQs website for additional tips at wmich.edu/grad/apply/faq. Questions regarding application processing timelines, admission decisions, academic program details including transfer credits, and the status of your graduate application should be directed to your department’s graduate advisor or graduate director.

If you have any questions, please review the website below for program and contact information at the School of Communication — College of Arts and Sciences. If you need assistance identifying the appropriate contact, please reach out to the Graduate College at @email. 

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