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How do I know if the program is right for me?
Do your homework. Talk to some of our current students-they list their emails on the website or you can call the department office and get their telephone numbers. You are also invited to attend a class or seminar on your next visit to Portland State University-faculty welcome a visit to their classes and will spend time talking with you about the graduate program. Thoroughly read the University bulletin, application packet and website to become familiar with the courses, degree options and areas of concentration. Read the faculty profiles to assess whether your interests match faculty's interests.
What's required for the Master's degree?
In addition to university requirements, as listed in the current PSU Bulletin, the Master of Arts and Master of Science degrees in Communication require core coursework, specialized coursework suited to the students' needs, and a final thesis.
What's the program really like?
Our program is fairly informal and students are independent. The environment is friendly and collegial, and close-knit. Only a few students live on campus, and most commute, so extra effort is needed to stay connected. Still, most students develop close relationships despite the University's tradition as an urban, commuter institution.
Students find the program rigorous. Faculty are known to be demanding which results in student satisfaction-and sometimes-frustration.
What type of jobs do graduates obtain?
Our program is broad and interdisciplinary, meaning, students find a variety of jobs after graduating. Alumni work in media management, public relations, teaching, writing, advertising, etc. Some students enroll in doctoral programs.
How should I prepare for the program?
Many students in the program have a background in communication-either in their undergraduate education or in their work experience. If you have not taken courses in communication, you may find it helpful to enroll in basic undergraduate communication classes-theory, methods or a specialized area of interest.
Other disciplines-anthropology, linguistics, sociology and psychology-complement communication studies. If you have taken courses in political science, media studies, marketing, public relations or urban studies you will be on the right track. Good writing and computer skills are also critical to a student's success.
Other helpful coursework includes social science research methods and statistics. Although students will take research and methods courses once enrolled, having some knowledge of statistics and methodology will be helpful.
What are the markers of successful students?
The following 3 factors are the best predictors of student success:
- 1. Ability to write English clearly and willingness to frequently rewrite papers and manuscripts
- 2. Knowledge of research resources, including Library abstracts, journals, indexes and data systems, particularly in the social sciences and humanities
- 3. Ability to critically read, analyze, think about and apply scholarly and scientific literature in communication and related disciplines
But what sort of student succeeds?
Students who are outgoing, collegial and hard working do best. You really need a commitment to intellectual scholarship and new ideas. And you must be willing to participate in spirited dialog with fellow students and faculty. Successful students take advantage of the opportunities for intellectual growth. Another aspect of success is a genuine interest in the communication literature. If you find it stimulating and challenging, you will be a good match for the program.
What will you look for in my application?
A faculty committee reviews applications-deadline to have applications into the department is March 1. We receive more applications than available spaces, but we do seriously consider every applicant.
Applications are judged on four main areas: suitable fit, writing skills, academic potential, and recommendations. We also look at your undergraduate records including courses taken and grade point average; any score results such as GRE (currently not an admission requirement, but recommended) and TOEFL; and work and teaching experience.
- Suitable fit. We look at how your interests match our department mission, course offerings and faculty expertise. Your statement of purpose informs us about your expectations about graduate school and your career.
- Writing skills & academic potential. In addition to your statement of purpose we require a writing sample that clearly reflects your ability to craft English prose. Your writing should demonstrate your ability to analyze and synthesize ideas and concepts. Your writing sample should be from an academic assignment, or you may include a piece of professional or business prose if it reflects your language facility and demonstrates the ability to organize evidence in a coherent argument.
- Recommendations. Your letters of recommendation are important guides in letting us know your readiness for graduate school and your potential for success. Letters from faculty who teach graduate courses are most helpful because they know what we're looking for. Bear in mind that letters from teaching and research faculty should be your first choice. In addition to faculty letters, recommendations from supervisors who are most familiar with your work can be useful. Intimacy is key: someone who has worked with you closely is best able to address your abilities and potential.
What if my application is turned down?
If you are not admitted the first time you apply, you may wish to be considered in the next round of applications. Because admission is competitive, we may turn away good students because there are so few spaces available. If you are still interested in the graduate program contact the office coordinator to learn how you might improve your chances next time.
I am from a foreign country and English is my second language. What advice can you give me?
Following is advice from international students in the program:
- Take undergraduate courses in communication (SP courses 100 through 400). Even though you already hold a bachelor's degree, taking undergraduate courses here is the best way to learn how to study in the US and to adjust to the new cultural environment. Many students take undergraduate courses before taking graduate courses. This helps prepare your writing, reading and discussion.
- We recommend the following undergraduate courses: SP100 Speech Communication, SP200 Public Speaking, SP 215 Intercultural Communication, SP 313 Small Group Communication, WR 121 or WR 323 English Composition and LIB 181 Use of the Library.
- Take classes at Portland State during the summer prior to enrolling. This is a good chance for you to take some undergraduate courses before the fall term.
- Although the program is 2 years, sometimes international students need extra time to finish. Be mindful of this and try to be flexible with your plans in the event it takes you longer than 2 years to complete the program.
- All graduate courses require competency of English: written and oral. Get as much help as you can with your skills by taking classes and visiting the Writing Center in Cramer Hall at Portland State University.
- Contact us. Several international students will speak with you-just email or call us. The Department of Communication will give you contact names and numbers. Call us. Really.
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