Apply Online Now!
Thank you for your interest. AU's SOC offers Bachelor's* and Master's degrees in Journalism, Strategic Communication, Film and Media Arts and International Media (graduate only). Find information on degree programs, including course requirements.
Graduate Admissions:
Graduate applicants may apply directly to SOC by mail or electronically.
- Apply Online
- Download Application and Instructions and Recommendation Form
- Request Application Information
- E-mail Graduate Admissions
- Information for International Students
The online programs of American University are currently authorized to operate in these states.
Graduate Application Instructions
The School of Communication's application is "self-managed." This means that you must assemble all the components and submit them to the School of Communication Graduate Admissions office. If you are applying online, you may submit your application, personal statement, resume, and pay your application fee electronically. Your official transcript(s) and all letters of recommendation must be submitted through the mail. Letters of recommendation should be submitted in a sealed and signed envelope on official letterhead. If you are applying using a paper copy of the application, you should send all components in one envelope. All mail should be sent to:
Graduate Admissions
School of Communication
American University
4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016-8017
A complete application consists of the following:
Completed Application Form
The application form is available online or in paper form.
Grade Point Average
Separate grade point averages for the following work must be calculated:
- The final cumulative credit hours of the baccalaureate degree.
- All credits taken at the graduate level (if applicable).
Grades must be converted to a four-point grading system as explained below. Pass/fail, satisfactory, completed credit, HP, and similar grades are not to be included in the calculations. Multiply quarter hours by 0.66 to get the equivalent semester hours.
Undergraduate Credit:
Refer to the table below in order to find the grade point value of a grade; then, multiply that figure by the number of credits for the course to calculate the quality points (e.g., for a 3-credit B+: 3.3 grade points x 3 credits = 9.9 quality points). Do not average the separate semester (quarter) GPAs because that will not give an accurate GPA. If you repeat a course, count both grades and count the hours twice.
| Grade | Value |
| A+ | 4.0 |
| A | 4.0 |
| A- | 3.7 |
| B+ | 3.3 |
| B | 3.0 |
| B- | 2.7 |
| C+ | 2.3 |
| C | 2.0 |
| C- | 1.7 |
| D+ | 1.3 |
| D | 1.0 |
| D- | 0.5 |
| F | 0.0 |
Total the number of quality points and total the number of hours. Divide the number of quality points by the number of hours to obtain your GPA. Please record your undergraduate GPA on your application.
Graduate Credit:
Please compute the GPA for all graduate courses taken using the method noted above. Record your graduate GPA and the number of credits on your application.
International Students:
If you attended a non-U.S. institution, you must submit a course by course evaluation of transcripts by World Education Services or Educational Credential Evaluators. You do not need to compute your GPA on your application. Please check the section titled GRE or Other Standardized Test Scores below for additional requirements.
As a prerequisite for graduate study, international students may be required to participate in the Graduate International Gateway Program (IGP). IGP is a semester-long, academic bridge program designed specifically for first-year graduate students who have strong academic achievements, but who could benefit from more support in academic research, writing, reading, and oral communication skills in order to be successful in their graduate degree program at AU. If selected for IGP, successful completion of the three required perquisite courses must be demonstrated by a grade of "B" or better in each course. For more information on IGP please visit http://www.american.edu/spexs/igp/IGP-Graduate.cfm.
Application Fee
The cost to apply is US$50 for the online application submitted electronically, or the paper-based application submitted by mail, including those that are downloaded. All applicants (except currently enrolled degree candidates, alumni, and McNair Scholars) must pay the application fee. Your application will not be reviewed if the required fee is not paid. You may pay by check or credit card. Please do not send cash.
College Transcripts
Please submit one official* transcript from each college, university, professional school, or other postsecondary institution you have attended including any study abroad programs. All institutions must be reported. Transcripts must be in sealed envelopes from the school/college you attended. Students who have completed a master's degree must also submit official transcripts of their graduate degree coursework.
Some institutions will not release official transcripts to students. In that case, the transcripts should be sent directly from the issuing institution to:
Graduate Admissions
School of Communication
American University
Mary Graydon 328
4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016-8017.
* The term "official" means a copy of your original document certified by an officer of your school or by a notary public. Faxed copies and photocopies that are not certified will not be accepted. The university requires transcripts be written in the native language of the school. If this language is not English, the documents must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
GRE or Other Standardized Test Scores
Please check the Requirements Chart to determine if your program requires Graduate Record Examination or other standardized test scores. Have the testing service send your scores to American University as well as to you. Our CEEB code number is 007995. Please include a photocopy of your test scores, if available, when mailing your other materials. Test scores may not be more than 5 years old.
For further information on the GRE or to request a registration form, please contact the Educational Testing Service at www.ets.org
Applicants whose first language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The School of Communication requires a minimum score of 600 on the written test, 250 on the computer-based test, or 100 on the internet-based test. Test results must be sent to us using code 007995. More information about the TOEFL can be obtained at www.toefl.org. A score of at least 7.0 on the IELTS test is also acceptable. This requirement is waived for applicants who have completed a degree at an accredited U.S. institution. In addition to meeting the TOEFL/ IELTS requirement, applicants must take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and must have the writing and speaking skills to immediately integrate into the media environment in Washington. The Graduate Admissions Office reserves the right to request the TOEFL or IELTS test from other international applicants if we deem necessary for admission to the program.
Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation are required for all programs. They can be either academic or professional references. If you need more information regarding the content of the letters of recommendation, feel free to contact program division directors. Two recommendation forms are included in the paper application. The forms are also available online. Please be sure to complete the top part of the forms and have the recommender write and attach a letter to the forms. The recommendation form and letter must be in a signed and sealed envelope sent via the student or directly to SOC Graduate Admissions. Please note that letters of recommendation should be written on professional letterhead.
Admissions Essay
Your essay is a critical part of your application. It should be well written and carefully crafted, between 750 and 1,250 words. Describe your motivation for seeking graduate study at American University's School of Communication, focusing on the program to which you are seeking admission. Please be specific. Which of your experiences will contribute to your success? What do you hope to gain and what do you hope to bring to the program? How do you envision using your degree?
Resume
Please include a current resume. A professional resume format is recommended.
PhD Program Applicants
Please visit this page for additional application requirements.
Application Review Process
Once your application has been received and processed, you will receive an e-mail confirmation of receipt and a notice of any missing documents. After receiving all application materials, the faculty in your intended program will review the application and recommend to the Associate Dean that you be admitted or denied admission. Decisions are based on the quality of your academic record, as presented in the application and supporting documents, as well as preparation in the proposed field of study, work experience (if relevant), and the match between your goals and interests with those of the program.
As a prerequisite for graduate study, international students may be required to participate in the Graduate International Gateway Program (IGP). IGP is a semester-long, academic bridge program designed specifically for first-year graduate students who have strong academic achievements, but who could benefit from more support in academic research, writing, reading, and oral communication skills in order to be successful in their graduate degree program at AU. If selected for IGP, successful completion of the three required perquisite courses must be demonstrated by a grade of "B" or better in each course. For more information on IGP please visit http://www.american.edu/spexs/igp/IGP-Graduate.cfm.
Application Timeline for Fall Admission
Rolling Admissions for all weekend programs until start of fall semester
--only the top 20 candidates will be invited to join each weekend program.
February 1st : Merit award priority deadline (masters program applicants). Merit aid still available for qualified applicants on a rolling basis.
December 15th: Priority admission deadline for PhD in Communication
February 15th: FAFSA priority application deadline
Late February/Early March: Admission and merit award notification begins
March/April: Admitted Students Day
April 15th: Final notifications of merit awards
June 1: Priority deadline for weekday programs. Merit aid still available to qualified applicants on a rolling basis until June 1.
August 1: Priority deadline for weekend programs. Applications will continue to be reviewed until start of fall semester -- only the 20 top candidates will be invited to join each weekend program
July/August: Registration information sent to new students
Additional Information:
Please contact the School of Communication Graduate Admissions Office at gradcomm@american.edu or by calling (202)-885-2040 Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
*Undergraduate Admissions:
Undergraduates interested in majoring in Communication at American University must meet all requirements for admission to the University and apply through the University Office of Admissions -- (202)-885-6000.