Frequently Asked Questions
For All Students
1) I don't have an undergraduate degree in Communication or Journalism. On what do Communication courses concentrate?
Courses in Communication focus on the wide variety of ways in which human beings communicate with each other. The broad range of communication settings include interpersonal communication, small group communication (such as classrooms or families), organizational communication, and mass media, as well as rhetorical strategies in communication.
At the graduate level, Communication courses focus on theoretical perspectives and research applications. The vast majority of our graduate classes are theoretically oriented.
2) Does your department offer a master's degree in print or broadcast journalism?
No. The departments of Communication and Journalism recently merged into a single department. However, we do not yet have graduate courses in any area of Journalism. If you want to train to be a broadcast or print journalist, Auburn University does not have a graduate program to meet your needs.
3) If my undergraduate degree is not in Communication or Journalism, will I have to do additional course work?
Yes. You will need to complete 9 additional hours at the graduate level.
4) How long does it take to complete the degree?
In most cases, it takes 4 regular semesters (Fall & Spring), or two years.
5) If I'm considering continuing on for a Ph.D., should I pursue the M.A.-thesis or M.A.- nonthesis?
The course work students take for both degrees will prepare them well for a doctoral program. The M.A.-thesis offers a slight advantage because students write a master's thesis to complete this degree. The master's thesis requires a student to design a research project and carry it out to completion. Once a student finishes writing the thesis, s/he will know whether pursuing a doctoral degree is right for her/him.
6) Does Auburn University offer a doctoral program in Communication and Journalism?
No.
7) Can I be admitted to the graduate program in Communication and Journalism without the GRE?
No.
8) I have already taken the GMAT. May I substitute it for the GRE?
No. You are required to take the GRE.
9) Do I have to pay tuition if I receive a graduate teaching assistantship?
No. As of June 2000, the Board of Trustees approved a tuition waiver for all graduate teaching assistants, regardless of state of residency. However, GTAs are required to pay a per semester enrollment fee.
10) Who should I ask to write letters of recommendation for me?
For admission to the graduate program, you should ask anyone who can comment on your intellectual abilities, maturity, sense of responsibility, likelihood of completing a graduate degree, etc. If you also want to be considered for a teaching assistantship, you should ask someone who can comment on the above qualities plus your potential as a teacher. Most applicants ask professors and/or employers. You should not ask family members to write letters for you.
11) If I'm applying for both admission and a teaching assistantship, do I need two separate sets of recommendation letters?
No. Just make certain that your referees comment on your potential as a teacher.
12) May I begin my program of study in the summer?
No. The Department requires that all graduate students begin their programs in Fall or Spring semesters
13) Does the department offer courses in advertising or marketing?
No.
14) Does the department offer courses in radio, TV, or film production at the graduate level?
No.
15) Does your department offer graduate courses via distance education, distance learning, off-campus venues, computer based courses, or “video” course offerings?
No.
16) When are your classes usually scheduled?
Graduate classes are usually scheduled in the evening during Fall & Spring semesters. However, some graduate classes are scheduled in the afternoon during these semesters. Summer graduate classes (when we offer them) are usually scheduled in the late afternoon or evening.
For International Students
1) As an international student, how do I apply for graduate study in the Department of Communication and Journalism?
Like all students, International Students must start the application process by contacting The Graduate School:
The Graduate School
Hargis Hall
Auburn University, AL 36849
(334) 844-4700
e-mail: The Graduate School
web page: The Graduate School
In addition to official transcripts and GRE scores, international students are also required to submit TOEFL scores. Additionally, all international students are required to submit a Financial Statement to The Graduate School, which guarantees that the international student has sufficient funds to pay for both living and educational expenses while in the United States. The Financial Statement cannot include any sort of funding offered by Auburn University or the Department of Communication and Journalism. For further information about the application process, contact The Graduate School
2) Are international students eligible to apply for a graduate teaching assistantship?
Yes. However, under most circumstances, the Department of Communication and Journalism does not offer teaching assistantships to international students during their first semester of graduate study. Our department is committed to insuring the academic success of all of our graduate students. With international students, we use their first term in the program to evaluate their oral and written communication, and their ability to function in the classroom. International students who write and speak well in English may be offered an assistantship.
International students who want to apply for a teaching assistantship are welcome to do so after they have finished their first semester of course work. International students are also required by Auburn University to take the TSE (Test of Spoken English) and score a minimum of 50 on the exam.
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Last updated November 16, 2006