M.A. in Communication

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees: US$75

Academic Requirements:

1. Bachelor's Degree: Student should hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution. This degree should be relevant to the postgraduate program Student intend to pursue.

2. Academic Achievement: Student should have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or the equivalent, which translates to approximately 60% and above.

English Language Proficiency Requirements:

1. IELTS: A minimum overall score of 7.5 with no individual band score less than 7.0 is required.

2. TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language - Internet-Based Test): A minimum overall score of 100 is accepted.

3. DET (Duolingo English Test): A minimum score of 115 or higher is required.

4. PTE (Pearson Test of English): Some programs may accept a minimum score of 73 or higher.

Wichita State University (WSU) offers several scholarships to international students to help them pursue their academic goals. These scholarships recognize academic achievement, leadership potential, and contributions to the WSU community. 

1. International Student Merit Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students based on their academic achievements. The amount of the scholarship varies depending on factors such as GPA and standardized test scores.

2. International Excellence Scholarships: WSU offers competitive scholarships to international undergraduate students who have a strong academic record and demonstrate leadership and community involvement. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs.

3. Graduate Teaching Assistantships: Graduate students may have the opportunity to work as teaching assistants in their respective departments. These positions often come with a stipend and tuition waiver, helping graduate students finance their education.

4. Athletic Scholarships: WSU provides athletic scholarships to international student-athletes who excel in sports such as basketball, track and field, and tennis. These scholarships cover various expenses, including tuition, books, and accommodation.

5. Graduate Research Assistantships: Some graduate programs offer research assistantships that provide financial support to students in exchange for their research contributions. These positions may also include a tuition waiver.

6. Private Scholarships: WSU encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities, including those from governments, organizations, and foundations. The Office of International Education can assist students in finding relevant scholarships.

7. Departmental Scholarships: Some academic departments within WSU offer scholarships to students majoring in specific fields. These scholarships may be based on academic merit, leadership, or other criteria related to the student's chosen field of study.

8. Cultural Diversity Scholarships: These scholarships are designed to promote diversity and inclusion on campus. They are available to students from underrepresented backgrounds who contribute to the cultural diversity of WSU.

9. Conditional Scholarships: Conditional scholarships may be offered to students who meet academic requirements but require additional English language support. These scholarships often include language training as part of the package.

It's essential for international students to check the specific eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and scholarship amounts for each scholarship opportunity.

Wichita State University, located in Wichita, Kansas, offers an esteemed Master of Arts (M.A.) in Communication program that equips students with advanced knowledge and skills in the field of communication. Graduates of this program are well-prepared to pursue a wide range of rewarding career paths in various sectors.  

1. Public Relations Specialist: Graduates can embark on careers as public relations specialists, working for corporations, non-profit organizations, government agencies, or public relations firms. They are responsible for managing the public image of their clients, crafting messages, and handling media relations.

2. Corporate Communication Manager: Many corporations value professionals with expertise in communication. Graduates can assume roles as corporate communication managers, responsible for internal and external communication strategies, employee engagement, and crisis communication.

3. Marketing and Advertising: Graduates can pursue careers in marketing and advertising, contributing to the creation of marketing campaigns, brand management, market research, and digital advertising strategies.

4. Social Media Manager: With the rise of social media, there is a growing demand for social media managers. Graduates can specialize in managing and creating content for social media platforms on behalf of organizations.

5. Media Production: Opportunities exist in media production, including roles as producers, directors, and writers for television, radio, film, and online media. Graduates can work in media organizations or pursue independent production projects.

6. Event Planning: Event planning and management is another career avenue. Graduates can become event planners or coordinators, organizing conferences, conventions, weddings, and other special events.

7. Higher Education: For those interested in academia, graduates can pursue teaching positions at colleges and universities. With their advanced degrees, they are qualified to teach communication courses and conduct research.

8. Non-Profit Sector: Graduates may choose to work in the non-profit sector, serving as communication directors or coordinators for organizations focused on social and humanitarian causes.

9. Government and Public Affairs: Government agencies often require communication professionals to handle public affairs, legislative communication, and public information dissemination.

10. Health Communication: Graduates interested in healthcare can specialize in health communication, working for healthcare institutions, pharmaceutical companies, or public health agencies to communicate vital health information to the public.

11. Crisis Communication: In times of crises, organizations need experts in crisis communication. Graduates can assist organizations in managing and mitigating crises through effective communication strategies.

12. Consulting: Graduates can establish their own communication consulting firms, providing strategic communication guidance to businesses and organizations seeking to enhance their communication efforts.

13. Journalism: For those with an interest in journalism, graduates can pursue careers as reporters, editors, or news anchors in print, broadcast, or digital media outlets.

14. International Communication: In an increasingly globalized world, there is a demand for professionals with expertise in international communication. Graduates can work in international organizations, NGOs, or multinational corporations.

15. Market Research Analyst: Graduates can become market research analysts, conducting research to assess consumer preferences, market trends, and competitive landscapes to inform business decisions.

16. Digital Content Creation: With the growth of digital media, graduates can specialize in content creation for websites, blogs, podcasts, and video platforms, often as freelance writers or content creators.

17. Speechwriting: Speechwriters are essential in crafting compelling speeches for political figures, business leaders, and public speakers. Graduates can excel in this niche profession.