Although the SOJC Graduate Programs no longer provides printed materials, general information and answers to commonly asked questions about us are located within this website and/or other University of Oregon units such as:
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If you have additional questions after reviewing the links above and information below, please email phagen@uoregon.edu
How many applications do you typically receive each year?
We receive on average between 200-300 applications each year for all of our graduate programs.
How many students are in the SOJC graduate programs?
The total number of students averages 110-120 each year for all of our graduate programs. Admission is offered yearly to approximately 40-45 students each year for all of our programs.
What type of financial support or fellowships do you offer?
Our doctoral students are funded for a full four years with Graduate Teaching Fellowships (GTFs) and scholarships. A GTF appointment (.40 FTE) includes a monthly salary (about $1100) , a waiver of graduate tuition, comprehensive health insurance, and some fees. For specific information, see Graduate School: Salary and Benefits.
A limited number of GTFs are awarded to students in our Communication and Society master’s program.
What other sorts of financial aid are available?
A limited number of fellowships, scholarships, and awards are available through the Graduate School. Other forms of financial aid are available through the Office of Financial Aid.
On what do you base acceptance?
Faculty members evaluate completed applications only. All components of each application are considered.
What can I do to increase my chances of being accepted?
Carefully craft and have reviewed your letter of intent – it should address the factors asked for in the admissions application. Be familiar with the program you are applying for. Get letters of recommendation from people familiar with your academic (and/or professional) ability. Make sure your application and all supporting materials are postmarked by the application deadline.
Will I improve my chances for acceptance if I visit your campus?
No. But you are welcome to visit. We encourage visits by doctoral candidates.
Is there any advantage to sending in an application long before the deadline?
No. Faculty members do not begin reading applications until January.
January 1 for doctoral applicants, February 1 for Eugene-based master's in Communication and Society and Journalism, and Portland-based Strategic Communication. March 1 for Multimedia Journalism.
For Strategic Communication and Multimedia Journalism we will begin reviewing completed applications after the stated deadline and continue to accept applications until all spots in the program are filled
What if I miss the deadline?
For Eugene-based programs – if after the deadline, we still have spots available, we will review late applications.
Due to my financial circumstances, may I request a waiver of the application fee?
The Graduate School sets and collects the required application fees. No application fee waiver is currently available.
Can I apply to more than one SOJC graduate program?
No. If you are unsure which program is a good fit, you should carefully review the information online. If you are still unsure which is the right fit, contact the SOJC.
May I send more than the required number of pages for my writing sample?
No. Please limit your submission to ten pages. Additional pages will not be read by the admissions committee.
May I send materials not required by the SOJC?
No. Do not send extraneous application materials such as video cassettes, tapes, cds or dvds. Also, do not send specialized file covers, bindings, or folders. The strength of your application lies within the required information; each will be reviewed and considered for admission on the basis of the required materials alone.
May I identify more than 3 recommenders?
Three recommendations are required as part of your application. Identifying a fourth recommender is not required, nor will it increase your chances of admission.
Do my letters of recommendation have to be from college professors?
The most useful letters of recommendation come from those who are familiar with your ability to be successful in a graduate program. Letters from college professors, who may be familiar with your habits as a student and with your academic writing and research skills are most helpful. If you have been away from academia for a long period of time and it is not possible to supply academic recommendations, as is often the case for working professionals applying to our Portland-based programs, professional sources are fine.
Can recommenders submit their letters before I've completed the on line application?
Yes. You may provide your recommenders with the ability to respond prior to finishing your application by completing the recommender's page. Fill in the recommenders' information and press, SUBMIT. An automated email will be sent to each recommender with instructions on how to respond. Once you've entered this information and emails have been sent to your recommenders, you will not be able to modify any recommender information.
How will my recommenders know to submit their letters? Where do they upload them?
Recommenders will be contacted via email once you have completed required fields and pressed "next" at the bottom of the page. We encourage you to identify your recommenders as soon as possible to give them ample time to respond.
Can my recommendations come from a dossier service (i.e., Interfolio) or career service center?
Recommendations from a dossier or career service center are acceptable; however, the on line system currently requires three references before you may proceed through the application. With the exception of first name, last name, and email, you'll need to use placeholders (i.e., N/A) in each of the remaining fields.
How important is the GRE score?
This test helps us form a better picture of how academically prepared you are for graduate study. However, if the rest of your application is particularly strong, a less than average GRE score will not keep a talented student out of our program. All applicants must present scores less than five (5) years old, regardless of educational background.
Converting Documents to PDF
How do I create a PDF from my word processing document?
Open your word processing document, press "Save As..." and change the "Save as type:" to PDF (.pdf) OR
Open your word processing document, access the print dialog (Ctrl-P or Apple-P), change target to "Adobe PDF" (you will be forced to save the document) OR
Print your word processing document and scan it to a PDF. If you need assistance in doing this, consider contacting a local copy service center such as Kinkos/FedEx OR
I don't have a PDF copy of my transcripts. How do I get one?
You may already have access to an electronic copy of your unofficial transcript(s) through an online student account. If not, contact your institution(s) Registrar's Office to obtain a paper copy and then convert it into a PDF to upload. If you need assistance with the conversion, consider contacting a local copy service center such as Kinkos/FedEx.
Is there a minimum GPA requirement?
We require at least a 3.25 overall GPA. However, if the rest of your application is strong, we may consider conditional admission. Do not let a less than 3.25 GPA keep you from applying to our program particularly if your academic work was more than ten years ago and you have solid professional/research experience in media.
If I am accepted, may I defer my entrance into the program?
Acceptance is for Fall term only (Summer for the Eugene-based Journalism program) and cannot be deferred until Winter or Spring term, or for the following year.
May I transfer credits from another graduate school?
The UO Graduate School allows up to 15 quarter (10 semester) credits to be applied as transfer credits to a graduate degree at the UO. This would also include any UO credits taken BEFORE enrolling in a graduate program at the UO. While the UO Graduate School will accept approved transfer credit, the courses taken may not fulfill specific SOJC graduate program requirements.
When will letters of acceptance be sent?
Admission decisions will be made by mid-March or sooner. Applicants accepted into each program will initially be notified by phone and/or email. All other applicants will be notified via email.
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