Apply to the Communication and Media Studies PhD Program

Ready to take your communication skills to the next level? We can’t wait to meet you. Before you apply, take some time to explore what we’re all about. This will help you craft a more competitive application. Visit the Communication and Media Studies PhD program page to learn more.

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Application Deadline

Applications for the 2025 cohort are closed. Applications for the 2026 cohort will open in Fall 2025.

How to Apply

To apply for any of the SOJC’s graduate programs, you’ll need to submit an online application through the UO Division of Graduate Studies portal. Here’s an overview of the process:

Step 1: Gather your info.

All application materials become the property of the University of Oregon and will not be returned. You’ll need:

General Info: Just the basics—name and contact info, residency status, and education level.

Transcripts: Please note that applicants to the doctoral program must have a master’s degree by the time the program begins in September. As part of your application, you’ll need to upload PDFs of your unofficial transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended, including the University of Oregon. If you are admitted to the UO and choose to enroll, you will then need to ask the educational institutions where you received your bachelor’s degree(s) and master’s degree(s) to send official transcripts to the UO Office of the Registrar. For complete guidelines, refer to the Division of Graduate Studies’ instructions to submit official transcripts.

Personal Statement: Write 750–1,000 words about your past academic and professional experience, your academic and career goals for the future, and how our graduate program will get you there.

Resumé or CV: We want to see what you’ve been up to in your academic career and your professional life.

Writing Sample: For the Communication and Media Studies PhD program, include an abstract and one or more chapters of your master’s thesis. If you didn’t write a thesis, submit a recent research paper.

Letters of Recommendation: Submit contact information for three to four people familiar with your intellectual and creative ability, academic record, and/or professional experience. They’ll get an automated email linking to a recommendation form.

Test Scores: The GRE is not required for this program. We require Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores for non-native speakers (see below). TOEFL and IELTS scores must be less than 2 years old at the time of submitting the application. In addition to self-reporting your test scores in the online application, you must also send the official report of your test scores directly to the UO code 4846.

English Language Proficiency: If English is not your native/primary language, you will need to prove proficiency through one of these three methods:

  • TOEFL Score: The SOJC requires a minimum score of 600 (paper test) or 100 (online test).
  • IELTS Score: The UO requires a minimum Academic score of at least 7.0 overall band.
  • Degree from English-Speaking Country: Submit degree transcripts proving you have received a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or from an institution in Australia, Canada (excluding Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom.

Step 2: Fill out the online graduate application on the Division of Graduate Studies website.

This form has two parts: the UO Division of Graduate Studies application and the SOJC’s graduate application. There is a nonrefundable $70 application fee ($90 for international students).

Step 3: Check the status of your application.

After applying, you can review the status of your application anytime through our online application system. Admissions decisions will be made by the end of April.

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