Graduate
Program
Application
2 gradcomm@american.edu
ADMISSIONS TIMELINE
November–August Applications accepted
February 1 Deadline for merit award and fellowship consideration February–March Admission, merit award, and fellowship notification begins February 15 FAFSA application deadline for priority consideration
April 15 Response to award offers due
June 1 Priority application deadline for weekday programs June–July Registration information sent to students
August 1 Priority application deadline for weekend programs
November 15 Deadline to submit applications for spring admission (MA in film and video, MFA in film and electronic media, and MA in international media programs only)
December 15 Priority deadline to submit applications for PhD in Communications Consult chart below for individual program deadlines.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please contact the School of Communication’s Graduate Office at gradcomm@american.edu or by calling 202-885-2040, Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. eastern standard time.
Deadlines and Test Requirements*
Area of Study Degree Admission GRE Deadline
Period Required
Film and video MA Fall/spring Yes NOVEMBER 15 for spring admission
FEBRUARY 1 for merit award consideration JUNE 1 priority deadline for fall admission
Film and MFA Fall/spring Yes NOVEMBER 15 for spring admission
electronic media FEBRUARY 1 for merit award consideration
JUNE 1 priority deadline for fall admission Producing for film and MA Fall only No AUGUST 1 priority deadline for fall admission video
Print journalism MA Fall only Yes FEBRUARY 1 for merit award consideration
JUNE 1 priority deadline for fall admission
Broadcast journalism MA Fall only Yes FEBRUARY 1 for merit award consideration
JUNE 1 priority deadline for fall admission Interactive journalism MA Fall only No AUGUST 1 priority deadline for fall admission Strategic communication MA Fall only Yes FEBRUARY 1 for merit award consideration
JUNE 1 priority deadline for fall admission Strategic communication Professional Fall only No AUGUST 1 priority deadline for fall admission
MA
International media MA Fall/spring Yes NOVEMBER 15 for spring admission
FEBRUARY 1 for merit award consideration JUNE 1 priority deadline for fall admission
Communications PhD Fall only Yes DECEMBER 15 priority deadline for fall admission
Digital Media Skills Cert Fall/spring Yes AUGUST 1 for October cohort
JANUARY 1 for March cohort
* The TOEFL exam is required for most applicants whose first language is not English. Please refer to the Graduate Admissions Requirements section for minimum acceptable scores.
GRADUATE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
To be considered for a master’s degree program, you must:
• hold a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• have earned a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA), based on a 4.0 scale during the last two years of undergraduate study
• present satisfactory official scores on the Graduate Record Examination General Test (GRE) (verbal, quantitative, analytical) taken within the last five years (for weekday programs only)
• demonstrate proficiency in English (both speaking and writing)
• meet any special individual program requirements
• submit a School of Communication Application for Graduate Admission and all supporting documents to the address on this page
Other important information on requirements to be considered for a master’s degree program:
• Applicants to the international media program must show a minimum GPA of 3.3 in the last two years of undergraduate study.
• GRE scores should be sent directly to American University by the Educational Testing Service (AU’s CEEB code is 007995).
• Weekend Program applicants are exempt from the GRE test requirement.
• International students must have a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 600 on the paper-based version, a 250 on the computer-based version, or a 100 on the IBT version. This requirement is waived for international applicants who have completed an undergraduate or graduate degree at an accredited U.S. institution.
GRADUATE APPLICATION PROCESS
The School of Communication’s (SOC) application is “self- managed.” This means that applicants must assemble all the components of the application and submit them to the SOC Graduate Admissions Office. If applying online, submit the application, résumé, statement of purpose, and supplemental forms. The application fee may also be paid electronically. Please note that letters of recommendation and transcript(s) must be submitted through the U.S. Postal Service. If applying using a paper copy of the application, please send all components of the completed application in one envelope to the following address:
American University Graduate School of Communication 4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Mary Graydon Center 328 Washington, DC 20016-8017
COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS
Please submit one official* transcript from each college, university, professional school, or other post-secondary institution attended.
All institutions must be reported. Transcripts must be in sealed envelopes from the school or college attended. Applicants holding a master’s degree must still submit official transcripts of their undergraduate work.
Some institutions will not release official* transcripts to students.
In that case, transcripts should be sent directly from the issuing institution to the School of Communication Graduate Office.
UNDERGRADUATE CREDIT
SOC considers the final 60 credit hours of coursework for the baccalaureate degree from U.S. institutions. The Graduate Admissions Office will calculate this GPA.
All credits taken at the graduate level must be reported.
Grades will be converted to a four-point grading system.
Pass/fail, satisfactory, completed credit, HP, and similar grades are not included in calculations. Quarter hours are multiplied by 0.66 to get the equivalent semester hours.
Please record the cumulative undergraduate GPA on your application.
* The term official means a copy of your original document certified by an officer of your school or by a notary public. Faxed copies and photocopies that are uncertified will not be accepted. The university requires transcripts to be written in the native language of the school. If this language is not English, the documents must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
GRADUATE CREDIT
Please record your cumulative graduate GPA on your application.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
If you attended a non-U.S. institution, an SOC graduate transcript evaluator will assess your undergraduate work.
Please do not compute a GPA.
MERIT-BASED ASSISTANCE
Full-time applicants meeting the February 1 deadline will be considered for merit-based financial awards from the university.
No separate application is required. Awards are competitive and are based on academic and work achievement, specifically GRE scores and undergraduate grade point average (last 60 credits), not financial need. Additional educational experience is also taken into consideration. Most merit awards are offered on an annual cycle for fall semester applicants only and are valid for one year. The award is divided evenly between the fall and spring semesters and each award varies in amount. Please note that only MFA students may qualify for a second year of funding at a reduced level based on satisfactory academic progress.
Assistantships
Assistantships may provide a monetary stipend, tuition remission for a designated number of credit hours of degree-related courses, or both. Awardees are usually given the opportunity to work part time assisting faculty as a teaching or research assistant.
Graduate Study Grants
Graduate study grants provide tuition remission for up to 9 credit hours of degree-related courses. A part-time assistantship is usually offered.
Graduate Fellowships
SOC offers fellowships to full-time graduate students in partnership with the organizations listed below. MA candidates receive a scholarship for a designated number of academic credits plus a stipend and an opportunity to pursue professional projects with some of the country’s finest news organizations. For details and a supplemental application form, please visit www.american.edu/soc.
Center for Public Integrity Fellowship BNA Fellowship
The Washington Post
Investigative Reporting Workshop National Park Service
Outreach Strategies C. Fox Communications PunditWire
DESIGNATED AWARDS (UNIVERSITY
ADMINISTERED)
Designated awards are privately funded merit awards granted to students who meet specific criteria. For consideration, supplemental application forms, and details please visit www.american.edu/soc.
United Methodist Graduate Scholarships
Center for Teaching, Research, and Learning (CTRL) Massey Foundation Awards
OTHER FUNDING
Applicants are advised to explore employment opportunities on the university’s HR Web site and by contacting non-academic units directly because many hire graduate students on a part- time basis.
SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION
NAMED SCHOLARSHIPS
The following scholarships may be offered to graduate students in the full-time journalism program. No separate application is necessary; however, a complete application to the journalism graduate program must be received by February 1.
Ed Bliss Scholarship
Robert Allen Bunnell Scholarship Pauline Frederick Robbins Scholarship Van Swearingen Scholarship
NEED-BASED ASSISTANCE
Full-time, part-time, and weekend students may apply for need- based aid. Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for federal need-based aid. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed and submitted to the processing center by February 15 (priority) or as early as possible.
GRE AND OTHER STANDARDIZED
TEST SCORES
Please check the deadlines chart to determine whether your intended program requires the Graduate Record Examination or other standardized test scores. If so, scores must be sent to American University as well as to you. The School’s CEEB code number is 007995. If available, a photocopy of test scores may be included in the graduate application packet. Test scores may not be more than five years old.
For more information on the GRE or to request a registration form, please contact the Educational Testing Service at www.ets.org.
Applicants whose first language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The School of Communication requires a score of 600 on the written test, 250 on the computer-based test, and 100 on the IBT version. This requirement is waived for international applicants who have completed an undergraduate or graduate degree at an accredited U.S. institution. More information about the TOEFL can be obtained at www.toefl.org. In addition to meeting the TOEFL requirement, you must take the GRE, if required.
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
Two letters of recommendation are required for all programs and may be either academic or professional references.
For more information regarding the content of the letters of recommendation, please contact the Graduate Office or program division directors. All letters of recommendation must be accompanied by a recommendation form available on www.american.edu/soc. Please ensure that the top part of each form is completed with your name and other information. Each recommendation form and letter must be in a signed and sealed envelope that you send directly to SOC Graduate Admissions.
ADMISSIONS ESSAY
Your essay is a critical part of your application. It should be well-written and carefully crafted, between 750 to 1250 words.
Describe your motivation for seeking graduate stufy at American University’s School of Communication, focusing on the program to which you are seeking admission. Please be specific as to which of your experiences will contribute to your success. What do you hope to gain, and what do you bring to the program? How do you envision using your degree?
RÉSUMÉ
You must submit a current copy of your résumé; professional format is recommended.
APPLICATION FEE
The cost to apply is US$50. All applicants, except currently enrolled degree candidates, alumni, McNair Scholars, and Peace Corps and AmeriCorps alums, must pay the application fee.
Applications will not be reviewed unless the required fee is paid.
Payment may be made by check or credit card. Please do not send cash.
APPLICATION REVIEW PROCESS
Once SOC receives and processes your application, you will receive an e-mail confirming receipt and a notice of any missing documents. After receiving all application materials, the admission committee reviews the application and makes recommendations to the associate dean. Admission decisions are based on the quality of your academic record as presented in the application and supporting documents, preparation in the proposed field of study, work experience (if relevant), and the match between your goals and interests with those of the program.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please contact the School of Communication Graduate Office at gradcomm@american.edu or call 202-885-2040. Office hours are Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. eastern time.
You may send questions by Instant Message (IM) to Graduate Admissions, SOCgradAdmission, during the same hours.
American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university and employer. Consistent with these principles and in compliance with the Student Right-to-Know Act, American University will publish annual reports that disclose information about the athletic program and campus security. The campus security report includes campus crime statistics and is published annually by September 1. A copy may be obtained by calling 202-885-2525. The athletic reports include athletic participation and graduation rates and are published annually by October 15. A copy of the athletic reports may be obtained by calling Athletic Communication at 202-885-3006. In compliance with Section 207 of the Higher Education Act, American University is providing information regarding state assessments, other requirements, standards for teacher certification and licensure, and performance of teacher preparation programs. A copy may be obtained by calling 202-885-3720.
For information regarding the accreditation and state licensing of American University, please visit american.edu/academics.
UP13-337
S C H O O L O F
C O M M U N I C A T I O N
S C H O O L O F
C O M M U N I C A T I O N
A MERICAN U NIVERSITY
A MERICAN U NIVERSITY
WASHINGTON, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Please type or print legibly to minimize delays in processing your application and include the US$50 NONREFUNDABLE APPLICATION FEE. Questions 10 and 11 are optional; please be sure to answer all other questions fully.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
1. Name _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(first) (middle initial) (last or family name)
2. Sex Male Female
3. Former last names, if any (e.g., maiden) ___________________________________________________________________________________
4. American University student number (if available) ____________________________________
(used as your applicant ID)
5. Permanent address ___________________________________________________________________________________________________
(street) (apartment number)
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(city) (state) (zip) (country)
6. Mailing address (valid until _________ ) _____________________________________________________________________________________
(street) (apartment number)
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(city) (state) (zip) (country)
7. Telephone _________________________________ _________________________________ _______________________________________
(permanent) (current) (local work)
8. E-mail address _______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Note: E-mail address will be used to notify you of your application status.
9. Date of birth _________/_________/_________
(month (day) (year)
As an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution, American University must ask all U.S. citizens to identify their race or ethnic group. Your response is optional and will not affect admission to the university. American University uses race/ethnicity data to 1) remain in compliance with accreditation and federal financial aid requirements, 2) provide a mechanism to assess academic and professional services to the student, faculty, and staff populations on campus. International applicants, please do not complete the following question.
10. Are you Hispanic/Latino? Yes No
11. Please check one or more of the following U.S. races to which you identify:
American Indian Black or African American Pacific Islander (non-Native Hawaiian)
Alaska Native Native Hawaiian White
Asian
12. Is English your first language? Yes No
13. City and country of birth ______________________________________________________________________________________________
14. Country of citizenship ________________________________________________________________________________________________
15. Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces? Yes No
QUESTIONS 16 THROUGH 18 ARE TO BE ANSWERED BY NON-U.S. CITIZENS ONLY.
16. Do you hold a U.S. permanent resident/immigrant visa (“green card”)? Yes No
17. Do you hold a visa to the U.S.? Yes No If yes, current visa type______________________________________________
Application for
Graduate Admission
✂
ENROLLMENT INFORMATION
19. Intended academic program __________________________________________ 20. Degree you plan to pursue MA MFA 21. Term and year you are applying for Fall (year) _____ Spring (year) _____
NOTE: Spring admission for film and international media programs only.
22. Status you are applying for Full time (9 or more credits per semester) Part time (8 or fewer credits per semester) Weekend (6 credits) NOTE: The university cannot sponsor F-1 or J-1 study visas to individuals in SOC’s weekend or part-time programs. Graduate programs in print and broadcast journalism may be completed on a full-time basis only.
23. Have you applied for admission to American University before? Yes No If yes, indicate semester _________________________ year __________________
24. Have you ever enrolled at American University? Yes No
If yes, please check the appropriate box(es) Undergraduate Graduate Nondegree Certificate program semester _________________________ year __________________
25. If you wish to be considered for a departmental merit award please check this box.
For departmental merit awards, no separate application is necessary. For information on additional competitive fellowships and merit awards please visit our Web site as they may require supplemental application forms.
PREVIOUS UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE STUDY
Please list chronologically every college, university, professional school, or other postsecondary institution at which you have studied.
Attach additional sheets, if necessary. All institutions must be reported.
Undergraduate: Name of College and Location Date Begun Date Ended Degree Awarded/ Major/Date Awarded
26. Undergraduate GPA _______________________________________ Number of credit hours ____________________________________
Graduate: Name of College and Location Date Begun Date Ended Degree Awarded/ Major/Date Awarded
27. Graduate GPA _________________________________________ Number of credit hours _______________________________________
TEST REQUIREMENTS (Please list the date you took or plan to take the tests required for your degree program. Refer to the chart on page 2 to determine which tests you are required to take. SOC’s ETS institution code is 007995.)
Graduate Record Examination: Aptitude Test of English as a Foreign Language
a
APPLICATION FEE
Name ________________________________________________________________ AU student number (if available) ____________________
(first) (middle initial) (last or family name)
I am enclosing a check for US$50.
I authorize American University to charge an application fee of US$50 to the credit card checked below.
Visa MasterCard American Express Discover
Name on credit card_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Account number __________________________________________________________________________ Expiration date ________________
Signature ________________________________________________________________________________ Date _________________________
SIGNATURE
I hereby apply for admission to American University. If admitted, I agree to abide by its regulations. I certify that the foregoing information is true and complete to the best of my knowledge and fully realize that omission or falsification of information will be considered sufficient reason for rejection of this application or for dismissal.
_________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________
(signature of applicant) (date)
(Date) (Date)
V Q AW
Score Score
Academic performance
Motivation for proposed program of study
Intellectual capacity
( including reasoning and analytical ability, imagination, learning potential)
Research and writing ability
Outstanding Excellent Good Fair Poor Unable to
judge TO THE APPLICANT:
Please complete the section below and ask your recommender to return this form and the letter of recommendation to you.
Name __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(first) (middle initial) (last or family name)
Degree and academic program for which you are applying (if available) ________________________________________________________
American University student number (if available) _______________________________________________________________
Under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, you have the right to review your official university student records. You may waive that right, specifically for this recommendation, by signing here. Your waiver will in no way affect your admission to the university.
_______________________________________________________ _____________________________________
(signature of applicant) (date)
TO THE RECOMMENDER:
Please write a letter of recommendation on a separate sheet and attach it to this form. Please include the student’s name and AU student number (if available) on the letter. In your letter of reference, please assess the applicant’s potential as a graduate student. You should consider previous accomplishments, intellectual independence, capacity for analytical thinking, ability to work with others, ability to organize and express ideas clearly, and drive and motivation. Please explain in what capacity you have known the applicant and for what time period. This form should be returned to the applicant with your letter of reference on official letterhead in a signed and sealed envelope. The applicant will return the signed and sealed envelope with his or her completed application to Graduate Admissions.
Please rate the applicant in the following areas:
ecommendation for graduate study
,
_______________________________________________________ _____________________________________
Recommendation for
Graduate Study
✂
S C H O O L O F
C O M M U N I C A T I O N
S C H O O L O F
C O M M U N I C A T I O N
A MERICAN U NIVERSITY
A MERICAN U NIVERSITY
WASHINGTON, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Academic performance
Motivation for proposed program of study
Intellectual capacity
( including reasoning and analytical ability, imagination, learning potential)
Research and writing ability
Outstanding Excellent Good Fair Poor Unable to
judge TO THE APPLICANT:
Please complete the section below and ask your recommender to return this form and the letter of recommendation to you.
Name __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Degree and academic program for which you are applying (if available) ________________________________________________________
American University student number (if available) _______________________________________________________________
Under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, you have the right to review your official university student records. You may waive that right, specifically for this recommendation, by signing here. Your waiver will in no way affect your admission to the university.
_______________________________________________________ _____________________________________
TO THE RECOMMENDER:
Please write a letter of recommendation on a separate sheet and attach it to this form. Please include the student’s name and AU student number (if available) on the letter. In your letter of reference, please assess the applicant’s potential as a graduate student. You should consider previous accomplishments, intellectual independence, capacity for analytical thinking, ability to work with others, ability to organize and express ideas clearly, and drive and motivation. Please explain in what capacity you have known the applicant and for what time period. This form should be returned to the applicant with your letter of reference on official letterhead in a signed and sealed envelope. The applicant will return the signed and sealed envelope with his or her completed application to Graduate Admissions.
Please rate the applicant in the following areas:
ecommendation for graduate study
,
_______________________________________________________ _____________________________________
