Professional Communication Admission Requirements

​​Jump to:

• Application Materials
• Requirements for International Students
• Submitting Materials
• Application Deadlines
• Information Sessions
• Apply

Application Materials

The College of Communication looks at each application as a unique presentation of a candidate’s profile and will consider a variety of information sources. To be eligible for the professional communication program, students must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university and have a previous GPA of 3.0 (preferred) on a 4.0 scale. In addition, they must demonstrate, through past academic or professional work, a capacity for achievement.

• Online application and $40 domestic application fee, $75 international application fee.
• Official transcripts from all colleges and/or universities attended (minimum grade point average preferred is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale).
• Four essay questions (should be saved as .doc or .pdf and uploaded into online application or e-mailed to gradcom@depaul.edu):
• What factors contribute to your decision to enter graduate school now?
• How does studying professional communication relate to your personal and professional goals? (In your response, identify how this program suits your specific needs, goals, interests, etc.)
• What demonstrates your suitability for graduate study in this program? Build an argument for your admission.
• What understandings should admission reviewers bring to a reading of your application? (What additional information or explanations seem important?)
• Writing sample that demonstrates an applicant's ability to communicate clearly and concisely with a variety of audiences (for example: professional communication writing for internal or external stakeholders or academic papers and scholarly articles).
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Résumé or curriculum vitae.

International Students

An English language examination is required for applicants who have completed their undergraduate education outside the USA. The College of Communication requires the following English language proficiency scores for consideration of admission to any of its graduate programs:

Students who accept conditional admission into the MA Professional Communication program are required to take coursework in DePaul's English Language Academy until their English language proficiency exceed all of the minimum levels required for consideration of full admission. Only upon successful completion of the English Language Academy are conditionally admitted students permitted to then enroll in the MA Professional Communication graduate courses.

International students (those who were educated outside of the U.S. and/or require an F1 visa) must take additional steps to be considered for admission. Please review International Student Admission for exact information.

Tuition Award Available for the Academic Year

DePaul is offering a tuition award to new students starting a College of Communication graduate program in Autumn, Winter or Spring quarters. The tuition award is for $525 toward each four-credit hour course – up to two courses per term. The award amounts to a total of $6,300 towards a twelve-course graduate program and $6,825 towards a thirteen-course graduate program.

For details including eligibility requirements, please contact the Office of Graduate Admission at (773) 325-4405 or gradcom@depaul.edu.

Submitting Materials

Application materials including the essay questions, writing samples and resume can be uploaded directly into the online application. Applicants also have the option of submitting the application without these items and emailing them separately to gradcom@depaul.edu. Students may request recommendations through the online application and track whether they have been submitted.

Transcripts (and letters of recommendation not submitted through the online application) should be mailed to:

Office of Graduate Admission
College of Communication
DePaul University
1 E. Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60604-2287

Application credentials (including official electronic transcripts) also can be emailed to the Office of Graduate Admission at gradcom@depaul.edu. Please make sure your name is on all documents.

Application Deadline

Fall Quarter
We review applications for Fall quarter on a continuous basis. To be considered for fall admission, applicants should submit an application by August 15.

Information Sessions

Learn more about the Professional Communication graduate program and meet with program faculty at an upcoming information session.

Learn more about Graduate Admission.

Ready to apply?

If you have questions, please contact the Office of Graduate Admission at (773) 325-4405 or gradcom@depaul.edu.