In selecting a University for graduate study, it is important to consider not only such hard facts as the number of required credits, but also the spirit and academic philosophy of the Department. Our program emphasizes quantitative research skills and social scientific approaches to communication and encourages students to develop an individualized program. Our dedicated, engaged, and highly published faculty will work with you to achieve your academic goals.

Apply to the PhD program online. Your application will be forwarded to the department when you have completed the online application.

In addition to the online admissions form, applicants must submit the following materials. All documents must be attached to your online application, with the exception of your official GRE score sheet, which you must request from ETS:

• Three letters of recommendation
• Unofficial transcript(s) from every institution you have previously attended (official transcripts will be required after acceptance)
• A personal statement that explains your background, educational and career aims, and reasons for applying to this department
  
• Two writing samples (term papers, published articles, or convention papers)
  
• CV/resume
• Official GRE score report (less than 5 years old)
  

GRE score reporting codes

• Institution code: 2925
• Department code: 4599
  

Additionally, international applicants must submit

• A copy of your passport's picture page (page that shows the holder's full name, date of birth,nationality, etc.), via email to: rfg@buffalo.edu
  
• An online International Student Graduate Financial Form from the International Admissions office website, as well as certified bank statements proving the information submitted on the financial form. 
• Official TOEFL or PTE Academic scores (less than two years old) - Please contact ETS and request your official TOEFL score be sent to us using the following information:
  

TOEFL score reporting codes

• Institution code: 2925
  
• Department code: 83
  

The application fee is $75.

You may pay the fee online or send it separately by check to the department, made payable to “University at Buffalo, SUNY.”

A solid liberal arts education is the ideal preparation for admission into the program. The program is especially interested in applicants who have strong quantitative skills and/or computer-programming skills, and who are interested in learning advanced social scientific approaches to real-world communication science issues.

Each year the entering class of graduate students is selected from among applicants who have sufficient breadth of undergraduate training within and outside the field of communication and an overall undergraduate average of 3.0 or more (on a 4.0 scale).

Students with majors other than communication are encouraged to apply, but may be asked to take specific undergraduate or graduate courses to provide needed background.

Applicants for the PhD degree must hold a Master of Arts or Master of Science degree from an accredited institution.

Prospective students are encouraged to study fully this website as well as the Graduate Handbook (PDF format) in order to determine whether this may be a department that will serve their aims:

A limited number of scholarships, fellowships, and Teaching Assistantships are available for PhD students.

The application deadline for all students requesting financial assistance is January 15. For international students not seeking financial assistance, the application deadline is April 1. Domestic student applications are processed until classes begin in the fall. Admissions are for fall semester only. There are no spring or summer admissions for matriculated students.