Admission

 

A complete application includes the following materials required by the graduate school:

  • Graduate application
  • Statement of purpose (specifically why you want to pursue a Ph.D. and how our program can help you accomplish your goals)
  • Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate degree(s) earned
  • Three letters of recommendation

In addition, the Department of Communication requires:

  • A CV or resume which clearly identifies your current position, including your responsibilities; your professional publications and papers; your service and professional activity; and your teaching and training experiences
  • A scholarly writing sample where the candidate is first author (single authorship preferred), such as a master's thesis, proposal, or chapter; conference paper; final course paper
  • Evidence of effective teaching potential (please include one or more of the following): teaching evaluations, teaching philosophy statement, recommendation letter(s) may speak to experience or potential of applicant, peer evaluations/observations, sample syllabi, sample lesson plan/assignment, etc.
  • Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores
    We make an alternative to the GRE available as an option for applicants for whom taking the GRE would create an economic or logistical barrier to application. If you cannot take the GRE, please upload an additional academic writing sample with your online application, and email Dr. Justin Walden with the subject line "GRE alternative" to inform us that you are using this alternative option for your application. The writing sample should allow us to assess your ability to write, and your ability to make a cogent argument in an academic context/about an academic topic based on some form of underlying evidence (data you've collected for a project, a meta-analysis, existing theories in the field of communication, etc.).
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for international applicants who do not meet the Graduate School's conditions for a waiver described here. TOEFL/IELTS scores cannot be waived for applicants who do not meet these Graduate School requirements.
    • The department's TOEFL score minimum must total at least 600 paper-based, 250 computer-based, or 100 internet-based.

 

Completed applications must be received by March 1 for full consideration. Applications received after March 1 may be considered if space and funding are available at the time the application is received. Accepted students must start their doctoral studies in the Fall semester. 

Applications are processed through the NDSU Graduate School, and inquiries about document submission, application fees, and transcripts should be directed to the NDSU Graduate School.

Applications must be submitted directly through the NDSU Graduate School application portal.

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