Standard 2-Year Graduate Program Information

Our Standard Graduate Program is a 2-year plan of study to earn a Master's in Communication and Media. This program is well-suited for students in their senior year, currently employed professionals, and eligible individuals who wish to reskill/upskill for today's job market.

To apply for graduate study, all prospective students must submit their materials through the UNI Application System. Please go to https://admissions.uni.edu/apply to begin your application.

For more information about UNI Graduate School, please visit https://www.grad.uni.edu

Steps for Application

Please indicate that you are applying for degree status and what semester/year you plan to begin attendance. Applications must be on file by April 1st for full consideration for Fall admission, and by November 1st for Spring admission.

The TOEFL Score requirements for our Communication Studies Graduate Program international admission are: 600-604 (paper-based total), 250 (computer-based total), or 100 (internet-based total).

Official Transcript

An official transcript of undergraduate work and any previous graduate work. An unofficial transcript is acceptable for initial application, but an official transcript MUST be received before the first day of class.

Applicants must have 3.0 GPA or above cumulative GPA or a 3.5 major GPA to be considered for full enrollment.

Professional or Academic Writing Sample

A writing sample is typically 10-30 pages, and should demonstrate the highest attention to detail and rigor. Writing samples can include an undergraduate research report, honors thesis, argumentative/analytic essay, journalistic/newspaper articles, or organizational report. Multiple documents can be uploaded to reach the 10-page minimum after consultation with the graduate program director.

Statement of Purpose for Graduate Studies

The statement should be 2-4 pages, typed, double-spaced, and follow the highest attention to detail and rigor. The following points should be addressed in the essay:
- Explain your reasons for pursuing a graduate degree from the UNI Department of Communication and Media.
- Describe the areas of our department that interest you, and which faculty would be best suited to your concentration.
- Describe your professional goals, and how a degree from the our program will help you actualize these ambitions.

Letters of Recommendation

Three recommendation letters. Preferably these should be from previous instructors, academic advisors, or others who can attest to your ability to complete a high-level academic program. The forms are found in the application portal.

Additional Information

Once admitted, arrange for a meeting with the Graduate Program Coordinator, C. Kyle Rudick, to register for courses. The coordinator will assist in planning your graduate program. This meeting must occur prior to initial registration. Only course work approved by the Graduate Program Coordinator will be counted toward degree credit.
Application to graduate school is a large investment in your professional and personal growth. In recognizing this, we invite potential applicants to request a campus visit to meet current graduate students and faculty. The responsibility of ensuring that applications are complete rests with the applicant. Please contact the Graduate Program Director, C. Kyle Rudick, if you have any questions or would like to set up a campus visit.

Financial Award Information

What are the types of financial awards offered?

Graduate assistantships are paid opportunities to work on campus up to 20 hours of week. These jobs are aligned with students' abilities and post-graduation goals.
Tuition scholarships are merit-based awards that waive up to the the full cost of tuition (fees still apply).

What are the options in assistantship assignments?

Teach the undergraduate liberal arts course: Oral Communication COMM 1000 (48C:001) under the supervision of the course director. Assignment includes an orientation session.
Assistant coach in a large and active forensics program, either in debate or individual speech events. Assignment includes orientation and travel.
Assist faculty teaching large enrollment courses in the department according to your expertise and departmental needs. Areas may include Digital Media, Public Relations, and Communication Studies.
Be a research assistant for department faculty.
Opportunities also exist in various offices across the University.
Information specific to each position can be found at https://tinyurl.com/2ssss4sv

Terms of Employment?

Dates are tentative, and subject to change.

For the Fall semester 20 or 10 hours per week, beginning August 22, 2022 and ending December 16, 2022. These dates might vary upon approval of the academic calendar.
For the spring semester 20 or 10 hours per week, beginning January 17, 2023 and ending May 12, 2023. These dates might vary upon approval of the academic calendar.

What is the monetary award?

The 2021-22 GA salary rates have been set.

Full (per semester) $ 5,476

Half (per semester) $ 2,738

How do I apply?

Applicants must be fully admitted to the Graduate Program, which means you must have a minimum of 3.0 grade point average and previous course work related to communication (see full admission status requirements). Full admission status also means application to the Graduate Program should be made well before the assistantship deadline which is February 15th of each year. However, applications will continue to be received until all assistantships are filled. All fully admitted students are considered for assistantships.

Awardees are notified by the University's Graduate College in April. Assistantships begin in the fall semester.

What are the requirements?

Maintain a UNI cumulative graduate GPA of at least 3.0. A newly admitted graduate student must have at least a 3.0 GPA for undergraduate or previous graduate work of at least 8 graded credit hours. Other questions? Contact the Graduate Program Coordinator, C. Kyle Rudick at kyle.rudick@uni.edu.

The department encourages applications from persons of minority status, women, persons with disabilities, and military veterans.

Learn more about the Standard 2-Year Graduate Program

Fill out your information here to receive communication about this program.

Department of Communication and Media
326 Lang Hall, Cedar Falls
Iowa 50614-0139

phone: (319) 273-2217
fax: (319) 273-7356
email: cm-office@uni.edu

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Contact Information

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Do you have questions?

Ask our Graduate Program Coordinator, Kyle Rudick!

kyle.rudick@uni.edu
(319) 273-2525
358 Lang Hall