Academic statement of purpose
The academic statement of purpose is your chance to articulate research you'd like to do and to explain how you see our program helping you achieve your intellectual goals. This statement should describe the substantive questions you are interested in. It should also indicate your intellectual interests and any training you have received that you believe has prepared you for our program. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the research interests of our faculty. Mentioning specific faculty members that match your research interests will strengthen your statement. If any of your research interests relate to important social issues including (but not limited to) diversity, inclusion, access, and equity, you should mention them in this statement. Academic statements of purpose should be no more than 1000 words.
Personal statement
The personal statement should explain your reasons for seeking a PhD in communication. What motivates you? What are your long-term goals? What important experiences have shaped your perspective to this point? As relevant, your essay should include information on your ability to be both persistent and resilient, especially when navigating challenging circumstances. Additionally, provide insight on your potential to contribute to a community of inclusion, belonging, and respect where scholars representing diverse backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn and innovate productively and positively together. This is not an academic statement of purpose, but a discussion of the personal journey that has led to your decision to seek a graduate degree. Personal statements should be no more than 1000 words.
We also request the following additional information only from those applicants wishing to be considered for Graduate School diversity fellowships:

For consideration for nomination for a Graduate School Diversity Fellowship, your personal statement should also indicate how one or more of the following identities and/or experiences apply to you:

First-generation college student (neither parent/guardian having completed a baccalaureate degree)
Member of an ethnic or racial group historically underrepresented in graduate education (Black/African American, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian or other Native Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latinx)
McNair or Mellon Mays Undergraduate Scholar (the Graduate School will verify an applicant's status as a McNair Scholar or Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow while pursuing a baccalaureate degree at a U.S. institution)
Other identities and/or experiences historically underrepresented and/or marginalized within graduate education including by not limited to the following:
Those who manage a disability
Being of a gender and/or sexual orientation identity historically underrepresented in your field of study
Those who identify as a military veteran
Holding DACA status
Those who identify as refugees
Those who have experienced housing and/or food insecurity
Single parents
Letters of recommendation
Three strong letters of recommendation incorporating details of the applicant's educational and research background are preferred over generalizations about the applicant. Letters should be from people who are likely to comment on your academic aptitude and research abilities.
International students are required to take the TOEFL exam, and must score a minimum of 100 (Internet-based), or 250 (computer-based). The test date must be within two years of the application submission date for consideration. The Graduate School requires an overall band score of a 7.0 or higher on the IELTS.
Applicants are required to upload unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. If transcripts are in a foreign language, please submit only English translated version.