Master of Arts in Communication Arts: Mass Media or Speech

Program Coordinator

Admission Deadlines

Additional Links
Dr. Willaim Faux Fall Semester: July 15 Retention/Dismissal/Readmission Policy
Email: 
wvfaux@valdosta.edu		 Spring Semester: November 15 Graduation Requirements
Phone: 229-333-5820

Summer Semester: April 15

 Department of Communication Arts

Admission Requirements

Required Documents

Admission Requirements

Online Graduate Application
  • Application Fee $35 (credit or debit card and e-checks accepted)
  • Apply Online

One Official Transcript from each institution where you have previously enrolled (undergraduate and graduate).

(Transcripts of coursework completed in-residence at VSU will be obtained by the Graduate School
  • Must hold a BA or BFA in Speech Communication, Communication Studies, or Mass Media. Prospective students without the degree/major listed above see prerequisite information in Important Program Information section on page two.
  • Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 Scale in the last 60 hours of undergraduate studies. GPA calculation will include all attempted courses completed in last 60 hours.

Graduate Record Exam
Minimum GRE Requirements:
  • Combined Verbal and Quantitative score of 1000 or higher
Career Goal Statement
  • A written statement (250-500 words) describing your interest in the program and post-degree plans. The written statement must demonstrate articulation, writing skill, and goals consistent with the outcomes of the degree program.

Three Recommendations

(General Recommendation Form Required)
  • Recommendations should be completed by professionals acquainted with your academic and/or vocational background or interests. These must reflect your ability interest, and motivation to be successful in the program of study and career field.
  • Letters must be accompanied by the required form.

VSU Medical Form

Page 1 of Medical Form

Page 2 of Medical Form
  • The form must be completed and signed by the student/applicant.
  • This form must be received prior to enrollment, NOT prior to admission.
  • Applicants who are currently enrolled, and those who attended VSU in the past, are not required to resubmit the Medical Form

Verification of Lawful Presence

(Effective Fall 2011 for applicants who believe they qualify for in-state tuition or a residency waiver.)
  • This is not required for individuals who do not qualify for in-state tuition or a residency waiver.
  • This must be received prior to enrollment (if applicable), NOT prior to admission.
  • Citizenship documentation is needed for any applicant who wishes to be considered for in-state tuition.
  • Complete list of accepted documents and information on residency.

Unless otherwise indicated above, all required documents must be received on or before the admission deadline for your file to be reviewed. It is the applicant's responsibility to allow adequate time for document delivery and to en-sure receipt of documents. Please allow at least 7-10 days for delivery by mail.

Important Program Information

Prospective students who do not hold a BA or BFA in Speech Communication, Communication Studies, Mass Media or other appropriate field must successfully complete (grade of “C” or better) the relevant courses for their desired track, prior to being considered for admission to the graduate program.

Speech Communication Track

  • COMM 3000 – Contemporary Communication Theory
  • COMM 3800 – Communication Research Methods

Mass Media Track

  • MDIA 4350 – Broadcasting and Culture
  • MDIA 4400 – Media Criticism

International Applicants 

International applicants must meet all admission criteria and documentation requirements as defined by the program, however, additional documentation may be required.  Please review the information below for specific information and guidelines.

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Exam or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – Applicants whose first language is not English (based on country of citizenship) must submit official scores on the TOEFL exam or IELTS exam. International applicants whose first language is not English but who have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a U.S. institution may be exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement.
  • Certificate of Finances- The Certificate of Finance is required of any applicant requiring a student visa to enter the United States to complete his or her studies. This document is considered a part of the application for admission and applications will not be reviewed without this document.  Applicants who do not require an I-20 student visa to complete their studies are exempt from this requirement.
  • Evaluation of International Transcripts - Applicants who have completed coursework at an institution outside of the United States must submit a course-by-course evaluation of the coursework.  This transcript evaluation must be completed by an international education credentials evaluation service such as Josef Silny, ECE, etc.  The transcript evaluation does not replace the transcript requirement. Official transcripts are still required.

Admission Classifications

  • Regular Status
  • Probationary Status

Probationary Admission

  • Applicants who do not have a combined GRE score of 1000 or a grade-point average of 3.0 of higher in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework may be considered for admission as a probationary student if they have at least a 3.0 on the analytical section of the GRE and meet one of the following requirements:
    • Completed the GRE 5 years or more prior to applying to the M.A. program.
    • Have significant work experience in-field.
  • If admitted under probationary status a student must complete the following requirements to be eligible to be changed for regular status:
    • Complete the four graduate communication core courses (COMM 7100; COMM 7200; COMM 5300; MDIA 6100) with a grade-point average of 3.50.

Admission Questions 

For admission questions about this program, please contact the Graduate School by phone, email, or stop by our office.
  • Call Us: 229-333-5694 or toll free 800-618-1878, Option #5

 

 

 

 

 

 
  • Visit Us: Psychology Building (Main Campus), Third Floor, Suite 3100

 

 

 

Applicant Resources