Application Deadlines

Applications for Fall 2025 are now OPEN!

Starting Semester Term	Applications Open	Applications Close
Spring 2025	August 1,2024	September 30,2024
Fall 2025	October 1, 2024	January 15,2025 (Priority Application Deadline) Applications may be accepted until March 1, 2025.

STEP 1: Apply online at Cal State Apply by the program deadline

• Start your online application via Cal State Apply.
• NOTE: There is a $70 application fee
• There are currently no application fee waivers for graduate programs at CSUS.
• Send the Office of Graduate Studies your official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended.Official electronic transcripts must be sent directly to The Office of Graduate Studies via an official University e-transcript service.
• Please do not have the university send transcripts through their e-transcript service before you apply. If your application is not yet in our system, your transcripts may not be matched to your application resulting in delays.

• For electronic transcripts submission systems that allow you to enter an e-mail address, please use the following e-mail address: gradtranscripts@csus.edu

  Physical transcripts for those institutions that do not send official transcripts electronically can be addressed to:

  Office of Graduate Studies
  California State University, Sacramento
  Riverfront Center, Room 215, MS 6112
  6000 J St.
  Sacramento, CA 95819

  (You MUST have your online application and transcripts submitted on time or your application will be considered incomplete.) If you are a Sac State student, your transcripts are already on file.

STEP 2: Prepare Supplemental Materials

Submit these via Cal State Apply in Quadrant IV. Include:

Supplemental Materials	Details
Academic Writing Sample	At least one substantive, polished academic writing sample that shows your skills at using research sources, and critiquing research and/or analyzing texts, preferably from a communication studies perspective. Please do not include professional writing samples, e.g., journalism, news writing, or news releases.
Statement of Purpose	A statement of purpose explaining why you want to study communication at the graduate level in our program, who you want to work with among the faculty, and how graduate study connects to your professional goals. If relevant, offer context on weak parts of your application. In approximately two pages (single or double-spaced), discuss: Why you want to study communication at the graduate level What topics in communication you are interested in researching Why you wish to study in this department and why you would fit in our program Which faculty you want to work with, potentially What type of faculty support you are looking for Your professional goals
Personal Statement	A personal statement, reflecting on your decisions about graduate school. In approximately one page (single or double-spaced), please craft a statement that addresses the following questions: Why do you want to go to graduate school? How have you prepared for graduate study in communication (e.g., relevant coursework, research projects, conference participation, independent study projects, post-baccalaureate courses)? Are there personal contextual factors that the graduate committee should know when reviewing your application?
Analatical Writing Essay and intake Form	An analytical writing essay and intake form. (Please download and save this form before editing.). We would like to understand how you analyze communication problems and craft arguments. To demonstrate these abilities, please craft a short Analytic Essay (no more than two pages, single or double spaced) in response to one of the prompts. There is no one right answer. We want to see you develop an argument, make a case for your position, discuss possible counter-arguments, and demonstrate your writing and analytic abilities. Please use scholarly sources to support your claims.
3 Letters of Recommendation	Request letters of recommendation from three professors or instructors who can speak to your potential as a graduate student, including but not limited to: writing strength, understanding of communication theory, presentations made, conference participation (papers submitted or presented), poster session participation, global experience, internships, participation in educational achievement programs (e.g., McNair Scholars). You invite professors to submit letters directly via Cal State Apply, so start the application early. Please also have your professors send letters directly to alexisngarcia@csus.edu
*Optional*	Resume (optional)Teaching Associate or Graduate Assistant program application (optional)Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores (optional)

STEP 3: Ask Questions & Submit Application

• Ask lots of questions. We are here to help you if have any questions regarding the program and or application process. Contact the Graduate Program Coordinator, Dr. Shawna Malvini Redden at malviniredden@csus.edu and the Interim Graduate Program Administrative Support Coordinator Alexis Garcia at alexisngarcia@csus.edu
• Submit your materials via Cal State Apply. For the Fall 2024 cohort, the priority deadline is January 15, 2024, with applications accepted as space allows until March 1, 2024. The application deadline for the Spring 2025 cohort is September 15, 2024.