University of Portland Bulletin 2022-2023

Communication Studies

[This program is not currently accepting new students.]

Jennette P. Lovejoy, Ph.D., director

Faculty: Dare, Fletcher, Kerssen-Griep, Lattin, Nelson-Marsh

The Department of Communication Studies offers graduate programs leading to master of arts and master of science degrees. Both programs prepare students broadly for professional advancement or for doctoral academic work.

Areas of emphasis in the M.A. program include rhetorical studies, journalism, and organizational communication. The M.S. program is a specialized course of study in management communication offered in conjunction with the Dr. Robert B. Pamplin, Jr. School of Business Administration. Combining advanced academic and professional study within communication and business, the M.S. is designed to educate public relations, human resources, and other organizational professionals regarding communication’s important role in developing an organization's personnel and public messaging.

Admission Requirements

  1. Statement of Goals
  2. Current Resume
  3. Three Letters of Recommendation
  4. Official Transcripts (from all previously attended academic institutions)
  5. A bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university recognized by the University of Portland
  6. International Applicants: All foreign degrees will be evaluated by International Student Services prior to an admission decision
  7. Undergraduate G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale)
  8. Official GRE test score: A verbal score in the 60th percentile or higher
  9. International Applicants: an official score from the TOEFL (minimum score of 100), IELTS (minimum score of 7.5), or Duolingo (minimum score of 120) exam is required.
  10. International Applicants: Proof of financial support will be required to attend the University of Portland, but is not required for application review.

At the discretion of the graduate program director, a higher grade point average may compensate for a GRE result less than the stated minimum, and conversely, a superior GRE score may compensate for a G.P.A. lower than the stated criterion.