M.A. in Communication Studies

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees : US$ 70

Academic Requirements:

1. Bachelor's Degree: To be eligible for postgraduate studies at CSUS, international students are typically required to hold a recognized bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution.

2. Minimum GPA: Most postgraduate programs at CSUS require a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. This is equivalent to a "B" average.  

English Language Proficiency: 

1. IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.

2. TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test): A minimum overall score of 80 is required.

3. PTE (Pearson Test of English): A minimum PTE score of 65 is required.

California State University, Sacramento (CSUS), offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities to support international students in achieving their academic goals. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership, and diverse achievements, making education more accessible to deserving students from around the world.

1. International Student Scholarship: CSUS offers merit-based scholarships to outstanding international students. These scholarships are available to both undergraduate and graduate students and provide partial tuition waivers. Eligibility criteria vary, but they typically consider academic achievements and potential contributions to the campus community.

2. American English and Culture Program (AECP) Scholarships: CSUS's AECP offers scholarships to international students who demonstrate exceptional English language proficiency and academic potential. These scholarships can cover a portion of the program's tuition costs.

3. Graduate Equity Fellowship: This fellowship is designed to support underrepresented graduate students, including international students, by providing financial assistance for their education. It aims to enhance diversity and inclusivity on campus.

4. Departmental Scholarships: Various academic departments within CSUS offer scholarships to students based on their field of study. International students may be eligible for department-specific scholarships that recognize achievements and contributions within a particular academic area.

5. Private Scholarships: CSUS encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities from foundations, organizations, and government agencies. These scholarships can be awarded based on factors such as nationality, academic performance, and community involvement.

6. Diversity and Inclusion Scholarships: CSUS values diversity and offers scholarships that celebrate students from different backgrounds, cultures, and identities. International students who contribute to creating a diverse and inclusive campus environment may be eligible for these scholarships.

7. Global Education Scholarships: These scholarships are specifically designed for international students to help cover educational expenses. They recognize students' commitment to their education and their potential to make a positive impact on the global community.

8. Study Abroad Scholarships: CSUS provides opportunities for international students to participate in study abroad programs. Scholarships are available to support students who wish to study in different countries and gain diverse academic experiences.

It's important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may vary from year to year.

Graduates of the M.A. in Communication Studies program at California State University, Sacramento, are equipped for a variety of dynamic and impactful careers.

1. Corporate Communication Specialists: Graduates can work in communication departments, crafting and executing communication strategies for corporations.

2. Public Relations Professionals: Graduates can excel in public relations roles, managing media relations, crisis communication, and brand reputation.

3. Media and Journalism: Graduates can pursue careers in media, journalism, or broadcasting, reporting on current events or creating compelling narratives.

4. Digital Media Managers: Graduates with digital communication skills can manage social media accounts, online campaigns, and digital content.

5. Marketing and Advertising: Graduates can enter marketing and advertising fields, developing communication strategies to promote products and services.

6. Nonprofit Communication: Graduates can work with nonprofit organizations, helping them communicate their missions and connect with stakeholders.

7. Higher Education: Graduates can pursue teaching positions at universities, educating the next generation of communication professionals.

8. Human Resources: Graduates can excel in human resources roles, facilitating effective internal communication within organizations.

9. Political Communication: Graduates can engage in political communication, contributing to campaigns, public affairs, or policy advocacy.

10. Consultants: Graduates can become communication consultants, offering expertise to organizations seeking to enhance their communication effectiveness.