CSU Oval

How to Apply

How to Apply

How to Apply to Graduate Programs

To apply to a graduate program in Communication Studies at Colorado State University, prospective students must submit an online application, required supplemental materials, and an application fee to CSU’s Graduate School. Final approval for admittance comes from the Graduate School, but the recommendation to admit is made by our department.

Please note:

  • Deadline for applying to the Department of Communication Studies is December 15.
  • Applications are accepted for Fall admission only.
General Graduate School Application Process
Apply Now

Application Requirements

Required application materials for the MA/Ph.D. Program in Communication Studies

  1. Transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
  2. Statement of purpose
  3. Writing sample
  4. Resume/CV
  5. Two letters of reference

Application Process

1. Create an account to start a new application.
2. Follow the instructions to start and complete your application once successfully logged in.
3. If you have any questions as you work through the application, contact our graduate support coordinator at cla-commstudies_grad@mail.colostate.edu.

FAQ

  1. How much is the application fee?

The application fee is $70 for international students and $60 for U.S. citizens/permanent residents. The application fee is non-refundable.

  1. Is there a fee waiver available based on financial hardship?

The department is not able to offer fee waivers.

The Graduate School at Colorado State University supports fee waivers for applicants who can demonstrate participation in or affiliation with specific programs and/or partnerships. For more information, please visit: https://gradadmissions.colostate.edu/register/fee_waiver_request.

  1. Are unofficial transcripts acceptable during the application process?

Yes, we accept unofficial transcripts as part of the application. However, if you receive a recommendation for admission, official transcripts will be required before final acceptance by the graduate school.

  1. If I wish to submit official transcripts, how can I do that?

To submit official transcripts, contact your previous institutions to request that they send official transcripts to Colorado State University (use institution code 4075). Your institution can also send official transcripts directly to gradadmissions@colostate.edu.

For any documents that cannot be uploaded, submit paper copies directly to the Office of Admissions at:

Graduate Admissions

Colorado State University

1062 Campus Delivery

Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062

  1. Do prospective candidates need to secure a faculty supervisor before submitting their applications?

No, prospective candidates should not seek out a faculty advisor before submitting their applications. We encourage students to become acquainted with us and make advising decisions after they arrive and have the opportunity to get to know our faculty.

  1. What is the minimum GPA required to attend graduate programs?

A four-year bachelor's degree is the minimum qualification for admission to a graduate program, and our graduate school requires a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0.

  1. Are there English proficiency requirements for international students?

Students from countries where English is the official language or those who have earned a recent degree from an American University are exempted from this requirement. Please see https://graduateschool.colostate.edu/admissions-resources/english-proficiency/ for information about exemptions to submitting TOFEL or IELTS scores.

For other applicants, proof of proficiency is needed. The minimum acceptable English test scores are as follows:

TOEFL: 102 (Reading: 20, Listening: 22, Speaking: 25, Writing: 20)

IELTS: 7.5 (Reading: 6.5, Listening: 6.5, Speaking: 7.5, Writing: 6.0)

  1. How do I submit English proficiency test scores?

International students can request test centers to send score reports Colorado State University, using our institution code 4075. Photocopies will not be accepted.

  1. Is the GRE required for admission?

No, we do not require the GRE for admission.

  1. Can I apply directly to the PhD program without having earned an MA degree?

If you have not yet received your MA degree, we recommend applying for our MA program first. An MA degree is required for admission to our PhD program.

  1. Are there funding options for MA students?

We offer teaching assistantships to all students who are admitted into our program. This assistantship covers tuition and provides a monthly stipend. Information about funding opportunities for MA students can be found at the bottom of this page: M.A. in Communication Studies - Communication Studies | Colorado State University (colostate.edu).

  1. Are there funding options for PhD students?

We offer teaching assistantships to all students who are admitted into our program. This assistantship covers tuition and provides a monthly stipend. Information about funding opportunities for PhD students can be found at the bottom of this page: Ph.D. in Communication - Communication Studies | Colorado State University (colostate.edu).