Admissions decisions are based on several criteria. One of the most important parts of the application is the statement of purpose. We encourage you to be as specific as possible in outlining your scholarly interests or career goals and how our program can help. Students interested in the Theory and Research program of study should indicate their areas of research interest. We also consider standard criteria like grade-point averages and letters of recommendation. GRE scores are not required.

Minimum criteria for admission include:

• A recognized undergraduate degree
• An undergraduate grade-point average of “B” or better (3.0 GPA on 4.0 scale)
• For international applicants, a minimum score of 105 on the internet-based TOEFL exam or 7.5 on the IELTS exam (exceptions apply)

The following materials are required with your online application (due at the application deadline unless otherwise noted):

• Unofficial undergraduate transcripts
• Statement of purpose
• Letters of recommendation, submitted by recommenders
• Resume/CV
• Writing sample(s)
• Work portfolio (Journalism applicants only)
• Application fee

Throughout the entire admissions process, we balance the need to admit promising individuals who are clear about their research interests, career goals and learning objectives with the goal of enrolling a multidisciplinary group of students. To this end the GPA minimum is treated solely as a guide, and meeting it is not a guarantee of admission.

After Admission

Incoming graduate students attend orientation the week before classes begin. We’ll provide information about orientation and other onboarding the summer before the program begins. Students are assigned a temporary faculty adviser, who helps with course selection and registration, among other tasks.

The Application Process

The school admits students once annually, to begin the program in the fall semester. Visit the UNC Graduate School website to apply online, selecting "Graduate" as your application type and "Media and Communication" as your major. Then choose among our programs of study and select the appropriate term of entry (summer II for any specialization in Journalism, fall for other programs of study).

Timeline is approximate and subject to change.

Apply now

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  Application opens

  🕐  Early September
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  Online info sessions
  

  🕐  TBA
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  Application deadline: all areas of study
  

  🕐  Jan. 9, 2024
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  Faculty review of applications
  

  🕐  January-February
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  Admission decisions made
  

  🕐  February

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  Virtual programming for admitted applicants
  

  🕐  February-March

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  Deadline to accept offer of admission and submit $250 enrollment deposit
  

  🕐  Mid-April (or at least three weeks after the offer of admission)

  Failure to respond within stated timeframe may result in the withdrawal of the offer of admission. The non-refundable $250 enrollment deposit will be credited toward your first-semester tuition and fees.