Department of Communication

Undergraduate • Graduate • Faculty • Research • Staff • Alumni • Forms • Contact

Information for Applicants

Careers of our Graduates

Frequently Asked Questions

MA Handbook

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

MA Program

PhD Program

MA Program FAQ

1. May I take graduate courses in the Department of Communication without having been accepted in the MA program?

You may take courses if you are accepted as a nondegree student. An application for Nondegree Graduate Study can be found on the web at www.albany.edu/admiss/grad/forms.html. (This link will open in a new window. Close window to return here.) To be accepted as a nondegree student, you will need an official transcript and a GPA of at least 2.5.

2. How many credits earned as a nonmatriculated student can be counted in the program?

A non-degree student can earn a maximum of 12 graduate credits. If a non-degree student then applies for and is admitted into a degree program, non-degree graduate credits will be applied to the fulfillment of degree requirements. It should be emphasized that it does not guarantee admission to the degree program to first take graduate courses on a non-degree basis.

3. How many credits can be transferred from another program?

A maximum of 6 credits can be transferred in from another program.

4. What are the main reasons that applicants are rejected?

The main reason for rejection is either a weak undergraduate record or a low TOEFL score for international students.

5. What is the minimum TOEFL or IELTS score required in the MA program?

We will accept either TOEFL or IELTS scores. The minimum TOEFL score required for admission to our graduate program is 580 (paper-based total),237 (computer-based total) or 93 (internet-based total). For students applying for a graduate assistantship, the minimum score is 600 (paper-based total), 250 (computer-based total), or 100 (internet-based total). The minimum IELTS score for admission is 6.6. The minimum IELTS score for a graduate assistantship is 7.0.

6. Are TOEFL scores required for all international students?

All international applicants must submit either TOEFL or IELTS scores, except for those who have earned B.A. or MA degrees in English speaking countries.

7. Is the coursework in the MA program sequenced?

The program core courses and the substantive core courses are designed to be taken early in the program. The two program core courses are Communication Theory and Practice (COM 502) and Communication Research Methods (COM 525). In political communication, a substantive core course is Theories and Research in Political Communication (COM 520); in organizational communication, a substantive core course is Theories and Research in Public Organizational Communication (COM 551); in interpersonal interaction/cultural practices, the substantive core courses are Interpersonal Interaction (COM 575) and Culture and Communication (COM 577).

8. For students applying to the MA program, when is the application deadline?

For fall admission, the deadline for U.S. citizens is July 15th. International students must submit a completed application no later than June 15th in order to allow time for processing the additional forms. The deadline for students applying for the spring semester is November 1st.

9. Are GRE scores required for admission to the MA program?

The Department requires GRE scores only for applicants to the MA program who also are applying for funding (Graduate Assistantships). Applicants to the program who are not applying for funding are not required to submit GRE scores.

10. What do I need to include when I apply to the graduate program?

The graduate application file consists of the application form including a personal statement, recommendation letters written by academic referees, transcripts, a writing sample (generally a paper written for a course in college), an application fee, and international students must fill out a financial affidavit as part of their application packet.

11.What is the minimum GPA requirement for acceptance into the MA program?

The minimum GPA requirement is 3.0.

PhD Program FAQ

1. How do I get an application for a graduate fellowship or assistantship?

A graduate fellowship/assistantship application is included with the Graduate Application materials.

2. How many credits can will I be granted for my MA from another university?

The number of credits will be determined by the start of the third semester in consultation with your academic advisor.

3. Are TOEFL or IELTS scores required for all international students?

All international applicants must submit either TOEFL or IELTS scores, except for those who have earned B.A. or MA degrees in English speaking countries.

4. Are GRE scores required for admission to the program?

Yes. GRE scores are required for all applicants to the PhD program.

5. Do you have GRE cutoffs?

The department does not have a set cut of for the GRE scores. However, 1100 for combined verbal and quantitative provides a working target.

6. What do I need to include when I apply to the PhD program?

The graduate application file consists of the application form including a personal statement, recommendation letters written by academic referees, transcripts, a writing sample (generally a paper written for a course in college), an application fee, and international students must fill out a financial affidavit as part of their application packet.

7. When is the application deadline?

All applications must be received by February 20th for consideration for fall admission. The program may only be started in the fall semester.