Overview
Admission to the Graduate Program in Communication is highly competitive, as the number of applicants is far greater than the number of available spaces. New graduate students are admitted for fall enrollment only.
Each year, our graduate admissions committee is tasked with the challenge of selecting the best from a pool of highly qualified applicants. We consider all elements of the application. However, per a UK Graduate School rule, students must have a 3.0 GPA or higher from their undergraduate and graduate institution to be considered for admission.
How to Apply
All applications for graduate programs at UK, including those here at CI, must be submitted online to the UK Graduate School.
Find specifics on the application process here.
There is a $65 Domestics Application Fee and a $75 International Application Fee. You may apply for as many programs as you wish, but each application requires completion of a separate application form and fee. The application cannot be submitted without payment of the fee, and the application fee is non-refundable. We are not able to provide application fee waivers. Please note that you must pay the application fee and have a complete application before the graduate admissions committee will review your application.
Application Materials
All applicants will provide general information including demographics, educational background and other information (noted in the application system).
Unofficial transcripts are accepted for the application. If accepted, you will be required to provide official transcripts to the UK Graduate School to complete the admissions process.
For your personal statement, please answer the following questions in as much detail as possible:
- What topics, problems or areas of communication do you plan to investigate in your graduate program?
- In your educational or professional background, what has prepared you to enter the Graduate Program in Communication at the University of Kentucky?
- Why did you select the Graduate Program in Communication at the University of Kentucky as the program appropriate to your immediate and ultimate career goals?
- Which faculty do you believe offer the closet match to your interests and educational needs?
- What demonstrates your suitability for graduate study in our program? Build an argument for your admission?
There is no correct/incorrect format for the answers to these questions.
Applicants should submit a writing sample that best exemplifies their academic writing capabilities. This can be a course paper, research project or professional work that best represents writing ability.
Applicants are responsible for obtaining three letters of recommendation. It is the responsibility of the applicant to follow up with letter writers to ensure that letters are received by the application deadline.
All applicants whose native language is not English must submit language test scores. For more information, click here.
Deadline
The deadline to apply for admission and consideration of funding is January 10 for fall admission. Master's and University Scholars applicants who may be self-funding can apply for spring or summer admission under certain circumstances.
Due to the competitive nature of our program, we strongly advise that you complete your application materials well before the deadline. Please note we only review applications that are completed by the deadline.