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Edward R. Murrow College of Communication

Apply to the Program

Visit the WSU Graduate School website to apply to the Murrow College of Communication residential PhD program.

Apply at the WSU Graduate School

PH.D. PROGRAM: Application Process

The application for admission is completed through the Washington State University Graduate School. All required test scores, forms, and transcripts must be submitted directly to the Graduate School. Supplemental materials indicated below should be sent to the Murrow College of Communication (address below).

Students are admitted to the Ph.D. program for the Fall semester only. The program does not admit for Spring semester. The priority deadline for applications to the Murrow College of Communication Graduate Program is November 1 for admission the following fall. The final deadline for applications is January 10.

Degree

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Communication or related field. If your degree(s) is not in a related field, additional undergraduate coursework may be required. One set of official transcripts for each college or university you have attended. These must be sent directly from those institutions to the Graduate School. If you are currently attending Washington State University you do not need to have your transcripts sent.

(Note: Prospective international students must have the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from an approved institution.)

GRE

Official GRE scores including Verbal, Quantitative and Analytical Writing obtained within the last three years of the date of application. As a point of reference, the average GRE scores of successful PhD program applications in the past year were: verbal 156, quantitative 151, and analytical writing 3.7. WSU GRE code is 4705.

TOEFL

For international students, a minimum *TOEFL score of:

  • Paper-based minimum score: 600
  • Computer-based minimum score: 250
  • Internet-based minimum score: 93

* waived if applicant has received a U.S. degree within the last two years

Resume

A resume or curriculum vitae

Recommendations

Submission of three letters of recommendation. The letters may be submitted by anyone, but we are primarily interested in references that can comment on your academic ability. Please have these individuals send both a letter and the WSU reference form accessed through the WSU Application web page.

Personal Statement

A 1,000-word statement of purpose explaining your academic area of interest and why you feel The Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University is a good fit for you. In that letter please discuss the personal, professional and academic factors that have prepared you to pursue a doctoral degree.

Supplemental

Submit any additional material you feel might enhance your application. Writing samples are particularly encouraged. Send supplemental materials directly to the Murrow College of Communication.

Graduate School
Washington State University
French Administration Building
PO Box 641030
Pullman, WA 99164-1030
The Edward R. Murrow College of Communication
Washington State University
226 Murrow Hall East
PO Box 642520
Pullman, WA 99164-2520

Deadlines

Students are admitted to the Ph.D. program for the Fall semester only. The program does not admit for Spring semester. The priority deadline for applications to the Murrow College of Communication Graduate Program is November 1 for admission the following fall. The final deadline for applications is January 10.

Questions?

General questions about applications should be directed to comm.murrowcollege@wsu.edu. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, click here.

OUR PROGRAMS

MA Communication:

  • Media, Society & Politics
  • Media & Health Promotion
  • Science Communication

PhD Communication:

  • Media, Society & Politics
  • Media & Health Promotion
  • Science Communication

Online MA & Graduate Certificates: