Apply to the MA Program

To apply to the MA in Communication program, you must go through the Baylor Graduate School’s online application portal. If you were not previously a Baylor student with a Baylor ID, you will be prompted to create a GoGrad account to complete the online application.

Through the online portal, you will complete a standard application form and submit the following:

• A personal statement of your academic interests and professional goals (approximately 750 words)
• A writing sample reflective of your scholarly writing abilities (e.g., synthesis of research; ability to analyze and evaluate concepts; argumentation)
• Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores (OPTIONAL)
• Three letters of recommendation speaking to your abilities to thrive in graduate studies (at least two from faculty)
• Official transcripts of all college/university work

There is also a $50 application fee (applications cannot be reviewed until the fee is paid). International students are also required to submit either TOEFL or IELTS scores unless they have received a degree from a U.S. accredited institution of higher education.

Deadlines

Fall Enrollment (funding priority)

To be considered for funding and fall enrollment, applications should be received on or before February 1. The majority of students begin the program in the fall when teaching assistantships and scholarships are competitively awarded. The final application deadline for fall enrollment is May 1.

Spring Enrollment

Occasionally, students begin the program in the spring. The application deadline for spring enrollment is October 1. If you are interested in applying for spring enrollment, please contact Graduate Program Director Dr. Ashley Barrett to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of spring entry.

International Student Applicants

Is the GRE required for international applications? No, the GRE is not currently required for admission into our graduate program, but it is encouraged. 

Do I need to pass an English proficiency exam? Most likely. Please review the Baylor Graduate School’s website for general questions related to international student applications, including English proficiency exam requirements and required documents.

International applicants are only exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement under the following circumstances:

• You have a conferred bachelor's (or higher) degree from an accredited institution in the United States.
• You have a conferred bachelor's (or higher) degree from an institution where English is the only language of instruction.
• You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (this includes Puerto Rico).

If you meet one of the following requirements and have already uploaded your transcript(s) to your application file, you may request an exemption by emailing GraduateAdmissions@baylor.edu

Can I be considered for a scholarship? Yes! To be considered for a graduate assistantship and/or a tuition scholarship, you must apply for Fall entry (February 1 application deadline). Assistantships are awarded based on merit and are decided at the admissions meeting held by faculty. There is not a separate application process that you need to pursue to be considered for funding.

Can I apply if my undergraduate degree is in a non-traditional communication background? Yes. That said, you need to clearly demonstrate your knowledge of the type of program you are applying to and why/how your previous degree has led to your interest in communication. 

Can I get an application fee waiver? Application fee waivers are available. Please email the Baylor Graduate School for more information: GraduateAdmissions@baylor.edu 

Do I have to submit formal transcripts to apply? Informal transcripts are accepted for the application process, but formal transcripts must be submitted prior to admission.

What is the required GPA to apply? Students can apply with any GPA, but preference will be given to applicants who have a 3.2 or higher out of a 4.0 scale.

Do I need to secure an academic advisor prior to applying? No. However, please refer to which faculty members you would like to work underneath and why in your personal statement.