Master of Arts Frequently Asked Questions
Master of Arts Frequently Asked Questions
What is it like to pursue an MA in Communication Studies at CSULB?
Click here to see course syllabi, student testimonials, and a projected course schedule
When should I apply? What if I miss the deadline?
Our deadline for Fall 2020 admission is February 15, 2020. You must have a complete application submitted to the Communication Studies department and the University by mid-September (University deadline has not yet been set). We will not consider late or incomplete submissions.
Do you offer spring admission? No.
What if I do not meet your minimum requirements (GPA or GRE)?
We will still consider your file if you do not meet the minimum requirements. However, you should address this issue in your personal statement and explain why you are prepared to succeed in our program despite not meeting the minimum requirements.
Can I apply if I have an undergraduate degree in a different discipline?
You are invited to apply even if you have a degree outside communication studies. To be sure that our program is a good match for you, please look carefully at our list of graduate course offerings and visit the website for the National Communication Association to learn more about our discipline: www.natcom.org. If the graduate committee reviews your file and believes you are a strong candidate who needs more background in a particular area, you may be required to take one or more prerequisite courses. In this case, you would enroll in the prerequisites during the summer before starting the graduate program, or during your first semester of coursework.
Where should I send letters of recommendation?
Letters should be sent directly to the department by your letter writers or you can collect them in SEALED and SIGNED envelopes and include them with your application materials sent to: Graduate Advisor, Department of Communication Studies, AS 309, 1250 Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90840.
What if I cannot send official GRE scores by the deadline?
The committee will consider unofficial scores or copies; however, admission is conditional until we receive official scores.
What should I do to prepare for the GRE?
Bookstores and Amazon carry a number of GRE prep books. Organizations such as Kaplan offer courses, as does the College of Continuing and Professional Education: http://www.ccpe.csulb.edu/ContinuingEd/default.aspx
What is the institution and department code for the GRE?
Official GRE scores must be sent to the University, so please use the institution code for California State University Long Beach (4389). We do not have a department code.
How much does your program cost?
The program is 30 units. Most students finish in 2 years by taking 2 or 3 courses per semester. If you complete the program in 2 years, the TOTAL tuition and fees for in-state students is $12,604 and for non-residents is $23,764. Tuition and fees are subject to change without notice, but typically go up no more than 10% at a time. To understand how this breaks down into a cost per semester, please see the tuition schedule for the University here: http://www.csulb.edu/depts/enrollment/registration/fees_basics.html.
Is funding available for graduate students?
We offer teaching assistantships (TA) that pay a stipend of up to $1200 per month. TAs perform a combination of duties, including assisting professors with large lecture courses, leading workshop sections, assisting with department programs such as the Hauth Center, interACT, or Speech and Debate, and, if qualified, teaching sections of introductory courses. A TA position provides a monthly stipend, but not a waiver for tuition or fees.
The department does not offer any other funding for graduate students.
Can I work full-time and enroll in your program?
Being a graduate student and a teaching assistant is a full-time job. Faculty will expect you to devote considerable time to coursework and teaching. Therefore, if you need to maintain your non-University employment, we suggest you do not accept a Teaching Assistant position. Graduate courses are offered in the evenings, so students can take classes while working off campus.
Can I enroll in Open University to improve my GPA or take prerequisites?
You may elect to take courses through Open University; however this does not guarantee admission to the graduate program. Graduate seminars taken through Open University will not count toward an MA in communication studies. Please see the Open University website for more information: http://www.ccpe.csulb.edu/OpenUniversity/
Do you offer courses in public relations, advertising, and/or mass media production?
Our graduate program does not cover those areas.
I am interested in communication disorders and/or linguistics.
These programs are housed in different departments at CSULB. Please contact them directly.