Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from prospective graduate applicants.

Q. My bachelor's degree is not in communication; may I still apply?

A. Yes. Many of our students arrive with various backgrounds, including psychology, sociology, education, public heatlh, political science, and information science.

Q. What are the language requirements for international applicants?

A. Please check UB international admissions criteria page for IELTS, PTE or TOEFL score requirements before submitting your application.

Q. How long does it typically take to earn the MA degree?

A. It typically takes 2 years to complete the 36 credits required for the MA degree. 

Q. How much will this cost?

A. Please visit UB Financial Aid Cost and Attendance page for updated breakdowns.

Q.  Can I complete the masters' degree online?

A. No.  Although occasional courses may be offered in an online format, this MA program is an in-person program.

Q.  What can I learn from the MA program?

A. Our MA program is heavily focused on academic research, from theories to methods, including empirical testing and statistics. Our courses cover a wide range of topics such as social media, misinformation and society, morality and extremism, health communication, narrative persuasion, network analysis, political commination, and nonverbal communication. 

Q. What do most students do after graduating with an MA from the program?

A. Many MA students enter doctoral programs in communication after completing the MA degree or work in research-oriented industry jobs. Others leverage the knowledge and skills from the MA program to excel at non-academic jobs.