M.A. Student in Theory and Research Application Process

The deadline to apply for admission for the 2024-2025 academic year is March 15, 2024. Once the Department has reviewed all completed applications, decisions for acceptance will be made. Upon acceptance in to the program, applicants will receive written notification from both the Department and the University.

Applications received by the deadline will receive full consideration. Certain application requirements may be waived based on a preliminary review of an application by the program.

The application for admission to graduate school at West Virginia University can be accessed online. A nonrefundable fee of $60.00 must be received by Admissions and Records before the application will be processed. On Line 16 of the application, 1474 should be identified as the Major Code and Communication Studies should be identified as the Intended Major.

WVU Graduate School Application

Consideration for Admission

To be considered for admission, applicants to the M.A. degree program in Communication Studies with an emphasis in Theory and Research must upload the following documentation within the graduate application:

• A curriculum vitae that includes all formal education, any professional internship or work experiences, undergraduate activities, and any research projects completed to date.
• A personal statement, which is a 2-3 page document in which applicants identify (1) their reasons for pursuing a M.A. in Communication Studies, (2) their reasons for wanting to attain their M.A. degree in Communication Studies at West Virginia University, and (3) why attaining the M.A. degree in Communication Studies at West Virginia University is vital to the accomplishment of their career goals.
• The names and e-mail addresses of two recommenders. The recommenders should be individuals who can comment directly about your undergraduate academic record and your potential for pursuing a M.A. degree in Communication Studies (e.g., undergraduate professors, undergraduate academic advisor). 

You will not be able to submit your application until the above documents are uploaded and your recommenders' names and e-mail addresses are provided.

In addition to the above documentation, applicants must submit unofficial/official undergraduate transcripts. Unofficial transcripts from all previously attended undergraduate institutions must be submitted. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 is preferred.

The preferred method to submit all official transcripts is through a secure, online service such as eScript, The National Clearing House, or Parchment to graduateadmissions@mail.wvu.edu. Alternatively, if you are unable to submit an electronic version of your official transcript, the physical, sealed, untampered transcript can be mailed to WVU Graduate Admissions, P. O. Box 6510, Morgantown, WV 26506-6510.