Graduate Admissions

Both graduate programs begin in the fall semester only. Schieffer College does not offer spring semester entry. The Online Application opens Oct. 1.

M.S. in Communication Studies

Priority admission: Feb. 15

• This is the first date applications are reviewed for the upcoming year.
• Those who apply by this date have the strongest chance of receiving a graduate teaching assistantship for the upcoming year.

Final deadline: April 1

M.S. in Strategic Communication

Priority admission: Feb. 15 

• The first date applications are reviewed for 2025.
• Those who apply by this date have the strongest chance of receiving a graduate teaching assistantship for the upcoming year.
• Applications are also reviewed March 20, May 1 and July 1.

Final deadline: July 1

All required documentation of the application must be received by the graduate office by July 1.

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 Schieffer College and the departmental Director of Graduate Studies.

For Strategic Communication, it is recommended that applicants have 15 to 24 months of work experience in the desired area of study.

To be considered for admission to graduate study, please complete the following items:

• The 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.
• Three letters of recommendation
• A $60 application fee
• GRE general test scores are welcome but not required.

Communication Studies applicants must also provide:

• 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.

Strategic Communication applicants must also provide:

• Resume or curriculum vita
• A video statement of the applicant’s experience and professional goals. This allows the admissions committee to adequately determine the applicant’s suitability for the program.
• A written essay responding to a prompt or question.

In addition, international applicants must also submit:

•  International Supplement – This form is needed to prepare your I-20 or IAP66. Information left blank may result in a delay or even postponement of your application.
• Financial Statement for International Students – This form covers the student’s statement of financial responsibilities, the sponsor’s statement of financial commitment and financial verification from bank or other financial institution.
• Official TOEFL scores for non-native English speakers – 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).

Please see the TCU International Student Roadmap for additional information.

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

All applicants must submit ONE complete, official transcript mailed by the Registrar’s Office from every institution attended since high school.

• This includes all undergraduate and graduate work from all colleges or universities attended.
• Please ask the registrar to provide copies of your transcript in a sealed envelope, with a signature across the seal.
• If you attended TCU, we will obtain transcripts that are on file in our Registrar’s Office. You do not need to have them mailed.
• If you are applying before completing a degree program;
  • Submit current transcripts with your application
  • Once completing the program, submit final transcripts that show all coursework and the degree award
  • All admission offers are conditional on Schieffer College receiving your complete transcripts

Send transcripts and other application materials to:

Official GRE Test Scores

Texas Christian University’s school code is 6820. You can register for the GRE at ets.org/gre.

If you elect to submit a GRE, 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.

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.

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.

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.

• TCU’s Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct and Retaliation.
• TCU’s Policy on Responding to Reports of Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct and Retaliation