Admission

Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Master of Arts in Communication (MAIC) program welcomes applicants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds who are ready to deepen their communication expertise. Whether your goal is to advance your career, prepare for doctoral study, or pivot into a new field, our admissions process offers clear pathways to get started.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester: Early – May 1 | Regular – July 15

  • Spring Semester: Early – September 1 | Regular – November 15

  • Summer Semester: Regular – April 15

We encourage early submission for priority consideration. International applicants should apply as soon as possible.

Note: Applications are also accepted on a rolling basis. We encourage you to submit your application as early as possible for priority consideration. If you are an international student, please apply as soon as possible.

How to Apply

  1. Visit the .
  2. Select Our Programs, then choose Master of Arts in Communication for details on:
    • Specific MAIC Program Admission Requirements
    • Retention, Dismissal, and Readmission Policies
    • Graduation Requirements
  3. Apply online through the Graduate School’s application portal.

Routes into the Program

General Admission

To be considered for regular admission, applicants must:

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

  • Demonstrate strong academic performance (recommended GPA 3.0 or higher in the last 60 credit hours).

  • Provide three letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources.

  • Submit a career goal statement (approx. 500 words), academic writing sample and/or links to creative works, official transcripts, and résumé.

  • Applicants from outside traditional communication majors are welcome and may be advised to demonstrate relevant background or coursework.

Direct Admission

Current Valdosta State students or alumni (within five years) with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and an undergraduate degree in Communication or a closely related field may qualify for Direct Admission. Required materials include:

  • Career goal statement outlining your interest and future plans.

  • Academic writing sample (up to 10 pages) or links to up to three creative works.

Direct Admission allows students to bypass some regular application steps and secures a spot in the MAIC program early.

4+1 Admission

Students who are currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Communication at Â鶹ÊÓƵ or the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Mass Media at Â鶹ÊÓƵ can enroll in the 4+1 track. Students who are interested need to meet with their undergraduate advisor and the MAIC graduate program coordinator. 

Conditional (Probationary) Admission

Applicants who do not meet regular admission requirements but show potential may be admitted on a probationary basis. They must successfully complete the first nine graduate credit hours with a 3.0 GPA or higher to continue.

International Applicants

International students must meet all program admission requirements and may also need to provide:

  • Proof of English proficiency:
    • TOEFL: 523 (PBT), 193 (CBT), or 70 (iBT)
    • IELTS: Minimum score of 6.0
    • Completion of Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s English Language Institute Level 6 with a B average or higher, or ELS Level 109
  • Certificate of Finance (for those requiring a student visa)
  • Course-by-course transcript evaluation from a recognized credential service (e.g., Josef Silny, ECE)

Applicants whose first language is not English but who have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a U.S. institution may be exempt from English language testing requirements.

Contact Â鶹ÊÓƵ International Student Services for additional questions.

Non-Degree Graduate Students

Students not pursuing a degree may take selected graduate courses with approval from the MAIC graduate program coordinator. Up to nine credit hours completed as a non-degree student may later be applied toward the MAIC if admitted.

Reapplying or Readmission

Students who have not enrolled in courses for three consecutive semesters must reapply to the Graduate School. Former Â鶹ÊÓƵ graduate students seeking a new degree must submit a new application and may need to provide updated materials.