1. Complete and submit your application online
Apply online here: https://www.gradsch.wisc.edu/eapp/eapp.pl. After submitting your application, you will receive an email with information about your personalized Online Admission Status Information System (OASIS) account. Please save this email, as you should continue to monitor your application status. Be sure you are applying for the correct program (item #18 on application):
M.A. applicants should use major code 590: Journalism and Mass Communication; Ph.D. applicants should use major code 630L: Mass Communication
2. Pay the $56.00 non-refundable application fee
The School of Journalism and Mass Communication cannot access your application or test scores until you pay the $56 fee. The UW–Madison Graduate School offers a limited number of fee grants to minority and economically disadvantaged students. Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply. For more information visit: http://www.gradsch.wisc.edu/eapp/. Select “Instructions” under page header; select “Application Fee Grants” under General Instructions.
3. Write a Statement of Purpose outlining your goals for graduate education
The graduate committee pays careful attention to an applicant’s ability to outline clear and appropriate goals for graduate study. Provide a brief, focused statement of your educational and career goals and your reasons for selecting this graduate program. Discuss those factors—personal, professional, academic—that have prepared you to pursue a graduate degree. All Professional M.A. applicants should indicate in some detail what kind of specialty they will seek and why. The statement should be about 750 words in length. Your statement may be submitted electronically as part your application or mailed separately to the School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
4. Include a résumé or curriculum vitae
Be certain to include information about awards, honors, and publications. You will not find a place to upload or attach your résumé in the online application. Résumés must be sent by postal mail to: School of Journalism and Mass Communication, 5115 Vilas Hall, 821 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706.
5. Provide your Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores
Applicants should take the General GRE exam, which tests verbal, quantitative and analytical writing skills. No subject exam is required. GMAT, LSAT, and MAT scores may not be substituted for the GRE. Your GRE scores are reported electronically by the Educational Testing Service. To have your scores reported to UW–Madison, use institution code 1846. Since GRE scores are downloaded directly into The Graduate School’s central database, you do not need to list a department code. For information on the GRE, visit http://www.gre.org.
6. Provide your official transcripts
One copy of official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended, whether or not you earned a degree. Transcripts should bear the official university seal and be signed in ink by the registrar. Transcripts must be sent to the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, 5115 Vilas Hall, 821 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706.
7. Arrange for three letters of recommendation
Letters of recommendation are completed online. An email with a link to an online evaluation form will be sent to your recommenders when you submit your application. When you list your three recommenders, please be sure the email address is accurate and valid.
Letters of recommendation for recent graduates should come primarily from faculty members who can evaluate your previous academic performance and provide an assessment of your likelihood of success in graduate school. One of the letters may come from an employer or internship supervisor.
Applicants who have been out of school for a number of years may submit letters from people who know them in a professional capacity, such as a current supervisor or employer. Letters should come from individuals who have worked directly with you and who are in a position to objectively evaluate your abilities and work product.
We are interested in an assessment of those attributes that predict success in rigorous graduate education (for example, analytical abilities, ability to synthesize complex bodies of information and ability to formulate original research questions), rather than a general impression of your personality or character.
The School of Journalism and Mass Communication does not require students to submit a “Nonconfidential Recommendation Form” with letters of recommendation. However, if references ask you to provide a written statement waiving your right of access to letters, you may download this form.
8. Provide TOEFL scores (international applicants only)
The School of Journalism and Mass Communication will accept the following English proficiency tests:
- TOEFL (paper-based test)
- TOEFL (internet-based test)
- IELTS
- MELAB
All scores must be from tests taken after September 1, 2009. We no longer accept computer-based TOEFL scores.
TOEFL scores are reported electronically by the Educational Testing Service. To have your scores reported to UW–Madison, use institution code 1846. Since the scores are downloaded directly into The Graduate School’s central database, you do not need to list a department code.
IELTS and MELAB scores are reported by mail. Please arrange to have a score report sent to the following address:
Graduate Program
School of Journalism & Mass Communication
University of Wisconsin–Madison
5115 Vilas Hall
821 University Ave.
Madison, WI 53706
International students should also see the Graduate School’s admissions requirements page.