University of North Texas 
Admission Requirements & Procedures
- Graduate Studies Overview
- Graduate Advising
- Degree Program
- Pathway Program
- Admission Requirements
- Graduate Student Handbook
- Teaching Assistant Information
- Graduate Funding
- Graduate Course Inventory
- Graduate Student Forms
Admission Requirements & Procedures
The Department of Communication Studies conducts holistic reviews in making admissions decisions. In examining application materials, we seek a positive indication of potential success in the program.
Application Deadlines
Our application deadlines are rolling and we accept applications throughout each semester; however, we encourage early applications. The department has a limited number of available openings in the program and an even more limited number of assistantships to award each semester. Applications received by the deadlines indicated below receive priority consideration.
Domestic applications
Fall semesters: Application review for Fall admissions begins January 15, and continues until available openings are filled.
Spring semesters: Application review for Spring admissions begins August 1, and continues until available openings are filled.
International applications
Fall semesters: Application review for Fall admissions begins January 15. Applying by April 15 increases chance of timely admission and I-20 processing if admitted.
Spring semesters: Application review for Fall admissions begins August 1. Applying by October 15 increases chance of timely admission and I-20 processing if admitted.
GRE Requirements
We have no mandatory GRE requirements to be considered for admission.
GPA Requirements
Graduate Applicants are evaluated holistically, based on specific departmental and program requirements. Successful candidates usually have 3.00 or higher GPA in the undergraduate degree for admission to the master’s program.
Required Degree
Our graduate program in Communication Studies is a research-based, theoretically grounded graduate program that invites students to develop a mastery of human communication. Our program requires a certain background in communication discipline (undergraduate courses related to the discipline of communication and/or related social scientific fields). Given the interdisciplinary nature the work done in our department, we welcome applications from students who did not major in communication as undergraduates. Applicants with fewer than 24 hours of undergraduate communication coursework may request admission on the basis of communication-related courses or experience.
Prerequisites
In case of deficiency in academic preparation, we sometimes provisionally admit students with preparatory courses (one semester of undergraduate communication courses).
Experience
We do not require any professional work experience in the field of communication for admission.
How to Apply
For step-by-step instructions on the application process, please visit the Graduate Admissions website. This will include details on how to submit materials including transcripts, letters of recommendation and other items.
Additional Information
Application Letter
In addition to indicating the semester and year you would like to enter the program, your letter of application that conveys your purpose in pursuing a graduate degree at UNT in Communication Studies (specifically addressing your research interests), experiences that have served as a foundation for graduate work in Communication Studies, and how pursing a graduate degree in our department will aid in your professional plans and/or career aspirations. If you would like to be considered for a Teaching Assistantship, this letter should also include a paragraph that indicates your relevant work or academic experience and how serving as a TA would fit into your professional goals.
Current résumé or vita
Please focus your résumé or vita on the following areas of experience (as applicable):
- Educational background
- Previous work experience (highlighting skills relevant to pursuing a master's degree and/or serving as a Teaching Assistant)
- Publications, performances, exhibitions, conference presentations, or other scholarly activities
- Previous research experience (large-scale course projects, serving as a Research Assistant, etc.)
- Involvement in community and extracurricular activities
Letters of Recommendation
We ask that you submit 2 signed letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your academic and/or professional abilities. At least one letter must be from a professor. One letter may be submitted by a current or past employer, though academic references are preferred.
Academic Writing Sample
Please submit an essay or writing sample from an upper-level undergraduate course or honor's thesis. The writing sample needs to demonstrate your proficiency at conducting and reporting research, including clear use of cited academic research that follows an appropriate style guide (e.g., APA, MLA, or Chicago).