How to Apply

Our department offers BA, MA, and PhD degrees in communication. Learn about our admissions criteria for these degree programs. 

  • Undergraduate Program
    10/31/23
    Specialties covered include interpersonal communication, organizational communication, mass media, digital media, and international and intercultural communication.
  • MA Admissions
    10/30/23
    Join a program that emphasizes quantitative research skills and social scientific approaches to communication through individualized study.
  • PhD Admissions
    10/30/23
    Join a program that emphasizes quantitative research skills and social scientific approaches to communication through individualized study.

Graduate Application Tips

  • Email our Director of Graduate Studies Dr. Hua “Helen” Wang (hwang23@buffalo.edu) if you have questions about admission requirements, application materials, and our MA and PhD programs.
  • Email the CAS Admissions Administrator Ms. Mary O’Brien (meobrien@buffalo.edu) if you have questions regarding the UB Slate Admissions System before, during, and after submitting your application.
  • Personal Statement for MA applicants:  This personal statement should be 2-3 pages and double spaced. It should describe (1) your motivations for pursuing a master’s degree in communication, (2) your preparation in terms of academic training and related work/life experiences, (3) specific interest areas you would like to pursue if admitted, and (4) your post-graduation career objectives. Please also include any other information that may be helpful to the admissions committee.
  • Personal Statement for PhD applicants: This personal statement should be 2-4 pages and double spaced. It should describe (1) your motivations for pursuing a doctoral degree in communication, (2) your preparation in terms of academic training and work/life experiences; (3) reasons why you are interested in the PhD program at the University at Buffalo, (4) specific research area(s) of focus that you would like to develop, and (5) where you see yourself five years from now. Please also include any other information that may be helpful to the admissions committee (e.g., how you might contribute to a diverse, inclusive, and productive community).
  • CV/Resume: Please highlight your educational backgrounds, additional trainings, and lived experiences most relevant to the degree program for your application (e.g., completed degrees, academic mentors, related courses, analytical skills, research projects).
  • Writing Sample: Please choose one article that you are either the sole author or the first/lead author on a subject related to the field of communication. We recommend that the PhD applicants submit a writing sample at the quality of a professional conference paper if not a scholarly journal publication. MA applicants may use a high-quality term paper if conference submissions are not available.