How to Apply
Spring 2027 Application Now Open
The Spring 2027 application is now open. Apply by the priority deadline of November 1 to be considered for all scholarships.
Application Instructions
The application process is entirely online. Please complete and/or upload all of the items listed below to your application account.
At USF College of Arts and Science, your graduate application is reviewed by faculty and staff from the program to which you are applying. We review applications holistically, and the best way for us to understand your background and your academic and professional goals is for your supporting documents to reflect your own writing, not AI-generated content. Please refrain from using AI-generated content in your application materials.
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A bachelor's degree in any field is required. A GPA of 3.0 or higher is recommended.
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The GRE is not required.
For international applicants, an English Language exam score (TOEFL, IELTS or PTE) is required.
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Upload a copy of your transcript from each university and college attended. Transcripts from any transfer schools and study abroad programs must be submitted since Bachelor's Degree institutions typically do not list transfer and study abroad courses with grades. If still enrolled in your Bachelor's program, submit a copy of your transcript showing in-progress courses. If admitted, an official transcript with proof of graduation is required. USF undergraduates upload their unofficial transcripts for admission review and do not need to send an official USF transcript.
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A three-to-five page, double-spaced document that describes your personal, academic and professional background, as well as reasons for pursuing a Master’s in Professional Communication and for choosing USF’s program in particular. The statement should relate your workplace experiences and backgrounds to your goals in the communication field.
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Your current resume or CV lists and describes your educational history, work or job history, coursework related to communications, and any other experiences relevant to your pursuit of graduate studies – including internships, published articles or other published materials.
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One letter of recommendation is required to complete your application. Additional letters are accepted, but they are not required. Recommenders may be academic (e.g., professors, research advisors) or professional (e.g., supervisors, managers). Academic letters should address your academic ability and readiness for graduate study; professional letters should highlight your relevant experience and potential for growth.
To request a letter, enter your recommender's contact information in the online application. This will trigger an email with upload instructions sent directly to them. You do not need to wait for your recommender to submit their letter before submitting your application.
International Applicants
There are additional items and instructions for international applicants.
Notification of Admission Decision
Admission decision notification begins four to six weeks after the two application dates of February 1 and April 1. Applications are accepted after April 1.