M.A. Online: Admissions

We admit a cohort of up to 20 communications professionals once a year, to begin study in the fall semester. Admission is based on an analysis of each applicant’s academic record, relevant professional experience, reasons for pursuing the degree and references. GRE scores are not required.

 

Criteria for admission include:

  • Minimum three years of professional communications experience
  • A recognized undergraduate degree
  • An undergraduate grade-point average of “B” or better (3.0 GPA on 4.0 scale)
  • For international applicants, a minimum score of 105 on the internet-based TOEFL exam or 7.5 on the IELTS exam (exceptions apply)
 

The following materials are required with your online application (due at the application deadline unless otherwise noted):

We balance the need to admit promising individuals who are clear about their career goals and learning objectives with the goal of enrolling a multidisciplinary group of students. To this end, GPA and test-score minimums are treated solely as guides, and meeting these criteria is not a guarantee of admission. The professional experience requirement of three years cannot be mitigated by any other factors and stands as a non-negotiable requirement.

The Application Process

Visit the UNC Graduate School website to apply online, selecting "Graduate" as your application type and "Digital Communication" as your major.

Apply now

  • Application opens

    🕐  Early September

  • Priority application deadline

    🕐  March 12, 2024

  • Interviews with finalists

    🕐  Late March/early April

  • Priority admission decisions made

    🕐  Early April

  • Deadline to accept offer of admission and submit $250 enrollment deposit*

    🕐  Early May

  • Final application deadline

    🕐  May 14, 2024

  • Interviews with finalists

    🕐  Mid-May

  • Final admission decisions made

    🕐  Mid-to-late May

  • Deadline to accept offer of admission and submit $250 enrollment deposit*

    🕐  Mid-June

*Failure to respond within stated timeframe may result in the withdrawal of the offer of admission. The non-refundable $250 enrollment deposit will be credited toward your first-semester tuition and fees.