American University (AU) has a strong international focus that offers students many opportunities for excelling both inside and outside the classroom. Each year, the School of Communication (SOC) welcomes international students from around the world.
For comprehensive information on the application and enrollment process please visit the Web site of AU’s International Student and Scholar Services Office (ISSS).
International applicants must submit all standard application materials outlined on the Apply Now page. SOC requires original official documents in the original language, and a notarized/certified translation of all materials that are not in English. All other materials must be submitted in English.
International students are considered for all University based merit awards (with the exception of partner based graduate fellowships). Please visit our Financing Your Education page for detailed information. The priority merit application deadline for master's program is February 1 and final application deadline for graduate study is April 15 for fall enrollment.
International applicants that have not completed their undergraduate degree in the U.S. will be required to submit proof of English language proficiency. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for all applicants whose native language is not English who have not completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the U.S. In lieu of a 99 or greater on the TOEFL, applicants may submit a score of 7.0 or better on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or a 100 or better on the Pearson’s Test of English (PTE). Local applicants may also submit passing scores on the Kansas Test administrated by AU ISSS. Please contact ISSS directly for more information.
The ETS school code for AUSOC is 7995. Please note that a major or concentration in English is not sufficient to waive the TOEFL requirement.
At the discretion of the admission committee, international students may be required to participate in the graduate International Gateway Program (IGP) as a prerequisite for graduate study. IGP is a semester-long, academic bridge program designed specifically for 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 the IGP page.
At the point of admission international applicants seeking student visas (F-1 or J-1) are required to submit financial certification that demonstrates adequate funding for one year of study. Detailed instructions regarding this process are available on the ISSS Web site. Please note that admitted international students requesting J-1 or F-1 visas are required to enroll full-time.
Each year, ISSS hosts an international student orientation prior to the start of the semester. More information
