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
    • One-page resume
    • Three letters of recommendation
    • Official transcripts from your undergraduate institution
    • A scholarly writing sample
    • GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. 
  • International students must also apply through the International Student Services program. Standardized test scores and results from language proficiency exams are not required, but the submission of such may enhance your ability to secure a Graduate Teaching Assistantship.

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.
  • Graduate Teaching Assistants receive a nine-month stipend ($19,689 in 2023), an out-of-state tuition waiver, 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 NOVEMBER 1st and MARCH 1st. The earlier you apply, the better your chances. That said, graduate applications are accepted on a rolling deadline and students may enter the program at any time during the academic year. 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?