San Jose State University : Communication Studies

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The Department of Communication Studies accepts applications for fall semester only. Our deadline for Fall 2012 is February 24.

To apply to the Master in Arts program, please complete the following steps:

Step 1: Apply to SJSU's Graduate Admissions

All applicants to the M.A. in Communication Studies program must meet the requirements for admission to the University as set forth in the University's General Catalogue. You can learn about these requirements and the University’s application deadlines by visiting the SJSU  Graduate Admissions and Program Evaluations (GAPE) website. From that site, you can also fill out the online application through CSU Mentor.

To complete the CSU Mentor application  you will need to send your transcripts, your application fee, and other requested materials to the office of GAPE. Send those materials as instructed by the MySJSU to-do list. Please note that you must send sealed, official transcripts to GAPE. (GAPE’s extended zip code is 95192-0017.)

Step 2: Take the GRE

Our department requires applicants to supply Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores. The GRE is a general test designed to measure verbal, quantitative, and writing and argumentation skills. The GRE does not test specific knowledge in any subject. 

You can register to take the exam at the GRE website. Be sure to take the exam well in advance of our application deadline so that your scores arrive in time (it takes approximately four to six weeks for scores to arrive).  

To prepare for the exam, we recommend that you purchase a GRE practice book that features practice exams. Taking practice exams will give you a feel for the unique structure of the GRE and prepare you to think under the time constraints imposed by the exam. For more GRE study tips and information on how we use your scores in evaluating your application, go to our FAQS page.

Step 3: Send the following application materials directly to the Communication Studies Department:

1) Two letters of recommendation

Your letters of recommendation can come from professors and/or anyone who has directly supervised your work in a professional capacity. If you ask someone other than a professor to write you a letter, please ask the person to evaluate skills that relate to academic work, such as your oral and written communication skills. All letters should be on professional letterhead and in a sealed envelope (or sent via email by your letter writer).

2) A personal statement

Please prepare a personal statement of approximately 1000 words that provides:

  1. your reasons for pursuing the M.A. in Communication Studies,
  2. your goals and expectations for graduate study, and
  3. your relevant professional and academic experience.

Be sure to talk about your particular interests and aspirations that draw you to graduate study in the field. You may cite sources in either APA or MLA style where appropriate. Please be sure to place your name at the top of your statement.

3) Official transcripts

Please send a sealed copy of your official transcripts to our department.  This copy is in addition to the copy you send to the University. Having your transcripts on hand helps us to evaluate your application in a timely manner. If you are a graduate of SJSU, you will need to request that your transcripts are sent to our department.

Send your transcripts, personal statement, and letters of recommendation to our Graduate Coordinator:

Dr. Kathleen McConnell
Department of Communication Studies
San José State University
San José, CA 95192-0112

Letters of recommendation can also be sent by your letter writer to: kathleen.mcconnell@sjsu.edu. Please ask your letter writer to include your name in the subject line of the email.

If you have questions about our application process, please contact Dr. Kathleen McConnell at: comm.ma.info@gmail.com