Program Description

Application Requirements

Program-Specific Instructions

Additional Information

The writing sample must consist of a research paper, conference paper, or published article and be uploaded online.

The goals statement should include the following information: 

(1) Your professional background and research interests as they relate to the communication field 

(2) Why you think the Ph.D. program in Communication at Mason can help you explore them. Also note, in particular, faculty with whom you wish to work. 

(3) Your future career goals and how a Ph.D. in Communication from Mason can help you achieve these goals. 

The GRE Exam is optional. Applicants who have taken the exam and feel that their scores help strengthen their application are welcome to submit the scores. However, all applicants will receive equal consideration regardless of GRE status based on other elements of the application, including personal statement, recommendation letters, academic transcripts, resume, and writing sample.

English Proficiency Requirements

All Mason students must have a full command of academic English to be successful in their studies. For this reason, Mason requires applicants to demonstrate English proficiency for admission consideration, regardless of citizenship. Click here to view the requirements.

International Transcript Requirements

All transcripts from colleges or universities outside the United States must be translated into English, if applicable, and submitted for evaluation to the Mason Office of Admissions. Mason will provide evaluation service free of charge for all international transcripts, however, some programs may request an outside evaluation be completed. Because of volume, more time may be needed to process applications requiring a Mason evaluation. You should submit your application 6 weeks prior to the deadline if you plan to utilize Mason’s free evaluation service. For expedited service, students may submit their documents to any NACES member organization at their own expense. If you decide to use an external evaluation service or if your program requires an outside evaluation, GPA and Degree equivalences must be included with your course-by-course evaluation. Mason evaluations are used for internal purposes and are not released to applicants. For information on international transcript requirements, go here.