How to Apply

The Department of Communication Studies offers both in-person and online degree options, see below for detailed instructions.

 

Main Campus: In-Person

For the in-person, Graduate Program candidates should submit the following through the NMSU Graduate School Portal. 

 

Admission Requirements for In-Person Graduate Program
  • The department requires the following information:
    • A statement of purpose discussing why and what you want to study in the program
    • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
    • Three letters of recommendation, submitted separately. Candidates need only to supply contact information for referees.
    • Official transcripts from your undergraduate institution
    • A scholarly writing sample
    • GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. GPAs not based on a traditional 4.0 scale will be mathematically adjusted to a 4.0 scale. If the candidate does not meet the minimum standard, they will not be admitted but can contact the Department Head regarding provisional admission.   
  • International students must also apply through the International Student Services program. GPA requirements of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale are not negotiable for international students. Standardized test scores and results from language proficiency exams are not required, but submitting such scores may enhance your ability to secure a Graduate Teaching Assistantship. International students must meet Graduate School application deadlines as set by the International Students Services program. These deadlines are typically 
  • If you are interested in a Graduate Teaching Assistantship, you will need to respond to the application prompt and upload a document detailing why you want to be a Graduate Teaching Assistant. All Graduate Teaching Assistants are responsible for teaching the undergraduate course COMM 1115G: Introduction to  Communication. 
  • The Main Campus graduate program and NMSU Global online graduate programs have rolling deadlines, meaning we don’t have a deadline for applications except for those students who wish to be considered for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship, see below. 

Graduate Teaching Assistantships
  • We do support a limited number of assistantships each year through our in-person M.A. program. If you are interested in an assistantship, you should address this in your statement of purpose, affirmatively answer the question on your application, and upload a document detailing why you want to be a Graduate Teaching Assistant and why you are interested in teaching an undergraduate course in Human Communication. 
  • Graduate Teaching Assistants receive a nine-month stipend ($20,871 in 2024), an out-of-state tuition waiver, small scholarship, office space, and teach three lab sections for the department’s basic course COMM 1115G: Introduction to Communication.
  • Graduate Teaching Assistantships are assigned based on a number of criteria including undergraduate coursework, GPA, statement of intent or purpose, and letters of recommendation.
    • The deadline to be considered for teaching assistantships is typically October 1st and MARCH 1st. The earlier you apply, the better your chances. More information on assistantships is available here.
 
Financial Aid
  • For primary consideration for financial aid, you should be first admitted to NMSU.
  • For general information about undergraduate scholarships, loans, grants, and work-study, go online or write to:
NMSU Office of Financial Aid, Box 5100
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM 88003-0003

If you are already an NMSU graduate student, you can visit with the Department Head of Communication Studies about declaring Communication Studies as your new major. 

Online

The Communication Studies Department currently offers two online MAs through NMSU Global that are specialized in Leadership and Analysis & Decision-Making.

These programs offer the convenience of asynchronous classes in primarily 8-week sessions. To apply to either online program candidates need to submit a statement of purpose, resume, and official transcripts through the NMSU Global Portal.   

Questions?