Admission Criteria

Admission to Graduate Studies at MTSU is a two step process. You are admitted first at the University level into the College of Graduate Studies. Students wishing to pursue a degree in the College of Mass Communication must also seek admission into the Master of Science degree program in Mass Communication. Our program currently allows students the ability to take one entry-level course during one semester in the program before seeking formal admission.

All applicants to the master's in mass communication degree program must formally apply to the College of Graduate Studies (call 615/898-2840) as degree-seeking students. Relevant forms and materials may be found on the College of Graduate Studies Web site or in the printed catalog. All of the following materials must be submitted to the program by JUNE 1st for FALL admission and by OCTOBER 1st for SPRING admission.

Please plan your mailing of application materials and GRE tests accordingly.

• application for admission
• application fee
• official transcripts from undergraduate / graduate institutions certifying coursework from each college or university attended
• a 500-word Statement of Purpose outlining academic interests and professional goals
• three letters of reference

The GRE Converter for new GRE scores is available at this link: http://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/scores

If you have any questions about admissions criteria, call the Graduate Studies in Mass Communication office at 615/898-5874. We'll help you determine whether your academic and professional experiences have prepared you for our master's program. While exceptions are made ("Conditional Admission"), we seek students with the following:

• Graduate applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.75
• a combined score at or above 900 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) demonstrating competence in both verbal and quantitative capabilities
• one year of professional work experience or significant internship experience in a media field is recommended but not required

Students may enroll in one course before being formally admitted into our program. However, only certain classes are permitted for students not formally admitted and requirewritten permission of the department to enroll. Graduate applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. International students are also required to submit a TOEFL score of 173 (computer-based) or 525 (paper-based). International students on F or J visas must also provide verification of financial support prior to admission, as required by the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service.