Admissions

Deadlines

M.S. in Communication Studies

Fall Semester – We will continue to review applications until our fall 2023 cohort is filled. April 15 is the final deadline. Applicants who apply earliest have the strongest chance of receiving a graduate teaching assistantship for the upcoming year.

M.S. in Strategic Communication

Fall Semester – You may apply any time before July 1 for fall 2023 semester admissions.  That is the date by which all required documentation of the application must be received by the Graduate office.  However, the admission committee meets four times to review applications received by these dates: February 15, March 20, May 1, and July 1. Applicants who apply by February 15 stand the strongest chance of receiving a tuition waiver and/or graduate assistantship for the upcoming year.

General Requirements for Admission

Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s degree from an institution regarded as a standard by the University and a regional accrediting agency. Applicants with less preparation may be admitted conditionally, but must take such additional courses as are prescribed by the Bob Schieffer College of Communication and the Departmental Director of Graduate Studies. For the Department of Strategic Communication, it is recommended that applicants have 15 to 24 months work experience in the desired area of study.

How to Apply

In order to be considered for admission to graduate study, you will need to complete an online application.

The completed application consists of:

  • Completed Online Application
  • One official transcript from each university/college attended. This includes all undergraduate and graduate work from all colleges or universities attended. TCU transcripts are not required;
  • A statement of experience and professional goals, which allows the departmental graduate coordinator to adequately determine the suitability of the applicant with the graduate program;
  • Three letters of recommendation;
  • Official TOEFL scores for non-native English speakers;
  • A $60 application fee
  • GRE general test scores, for those applying to Communication Studies
  • Resume or curriculum vita, for those applying to Strategic Communication

Transcripts

Have ONE (1) complete OFFICIAL transcripts mailed from the Registrar’s Office of each institution attended since high school. This includes all undergraduate and graduate work from all colleges or universities attended. (NOTE: If the school last attended was TCU, we will obtain transcripts that are on file in our Registrar’s Office – you do not need to have them mailed)

Send transcripts and other application materials to:

TCU Registrar’s Office
TCU Box 297005
Fort Worth, Texas 76129

OR email official transcripts to: tcugradstudies@tcu.edu

If you are sending by FedEx, DHL, or UPS send to:

Office of Graduate Studies
Bob Schieffer College of Communication
2805 South University
Fort Worth, TX 76129

Notes

  • Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of $60 is required as part of your online application. The graduate school will not begin processing your application without this fee.
  • Official Transcripts: One (1) copies of official university/college transcripts that bear the official seal of the institution. Please ask your registrar to provide you with copies of your transcript in a sealed envelope, with a signature across the seal. If Texas Christian University was the last school attended, we will obtain transcripts that are on file in our registrar office. Students who file applications prior to the completion of a degree program should submit current transcripts with their application, but will need to submit final transcripts that show all coursework and the degree award as soon as they finish their program. All admission offers are conditional on the Bob Schieffer College of Communication receiving complete transcripts.
  • Official GRE Test Scores: For those applying to Communication Studies, applications will not be considered without scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test. The GRE will not be used as the sole determining factor in admission or the awarding of funding. Typically, successful applicants have a Verbal GRE score of at least 155, a Quantitative GRE score of 145, and an Analytical Writing score of 4. Students who receive funding usually exceed these equivalents. Applicants can register for the GRE at ets.org/gre. Texas Christian University’s school code is 6820.
  • Academic/Professional Objectives Statement: Describe in no more than 250 words your academic and professional objectives and how our graduate program can help you advance those objectives.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Please submit three (3) letters of recommendation through the online application or through regular postal mail. Individuals should speak about either your academic, professional, and/or leadership skills and your potential as a graduate student. Letters being mailed should be returned to you in sealed envelopes with a signature across the seal.
  • Official TOEFL Scores: International students must submit official TOEFL scores. (No IELTS scores are accepted). The only exception is if you have an undergraduate degree from an American university. Typically, successful applicants have a TOEFL score of 100 or higher (Internet-based).
  • TCU is committed to providing a positive learning, living and working environment free from discrimination and harassment. As a result, TCU prohibits a range of behaviors, including unlawful discrimination, harassment, and related sexual and other misconduct based on age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ethnic origin, disability, predisposing genetic information, covered veteran status, and any other basis protected by law, except as permitted by law. See TCU’s Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and Retaliation. If you feel you have been unlawfully discriminated against during the admissions process, you may report your concerns to TCU’s Office of Institutional Equity. See TCU’s Policy on Responding to Reports of Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and Retaliation.