Let us Know You Intend to Apply
Please, take a moment to complete the Notice if Intent to Apply to JMS Graduate Program form.
Plan to take the GRE General Test
The GRE or Graduate Record Examinations measure verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills that have been acquired over a long period of time and that are not related to any specific field of study. The examination is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
Prospective graduate applicants take the General Test. GRE test scores are used by admissions or fellowship panels to supplement undergraduate records and other qualifications for graduate study. The scores provide common measures for comparing the qualifications of applicants and aid in evaluating grades and recommendations.
The General Test is offered year-round at computer-based test centers in the U.S., Canada, and many other countries. It is offered at paper-based test centers in areas of the world where computer-based testing is not available.
Score reports are mailed to you and up to four institutions approximately 10 to 15 days after you take the test. These institutions must be designated on test day. Please allow sufficient time for your scores to be mailed before the application deadline.
Request Letters of Recommendation
Applicants should arrange to have three letters of recommendation sent to the School of Journalism & Media Studies on their behalf. Recommenders should be individuals the applicant has known in a professional or academic capacity who are able to speak to the student’s ability to succeed in graduate studies. Letters of recommendation should be mailed directly to:
Dr. Joel Davis, Graduate Advisor
School of Journalism & Media Studies
College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Dr.
San Diego, CA 92182-4561
Order Official Transcrpits
Apllicants should plan to order official transcripts from each post-secondary institution they have attended. Official transcripts should be sent directly from the institution to SDSU Graduate Admission or should be from the applicant in sealed envelopes. Students who attended SDSU need only submit transcripts for work completed since their last attendance. Students with international coursework must submit both the official transcript and proof of degree. If documents are in a language other than English, they must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
Official Transcripts should be mailed to:
Graduate Admissions
Enrollment Services
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-7416
Please allow sufficient time for your official transcripts to be mailed before the application deadline.
Compose a Statement of Purpose
Each applicant is required to include an orginal statement of purpose that: 1) identifies the degree specialization that provides the best fit with the applicant’s objectives, 2) describes the applicant’s undergraduate and/or professional preparation for graduate studies in the program and specialization, and 3) articulates the personal and/or career objectives that graduate studies in communication will help the applicant pursue.
Complete the CSU Application for Admission
SDSU uses the California State University common admission application. The preferred method of application is through CSUMentor (http://www.csumentor.edu), the online apllication process for the California State University sytem. If you cannot apply online, you should contact the Graduate Admissions Office to make special arrangements to apply electronically with campus assistance. International students should apply through CSUMentor.
Pay the Application Fee
A $55.00 application filing fee must accompany your application.
Assemble Supplemental Materials
Apply for Teaching Assistantship
The School of Journalism & Media Studies offers selected graduate students the opportunity to be a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) in one of the School’s undergraduate courses. GTA positions are the primary form of student financial support offered by the School. If you are interested in a GTA position, please include a paragraph at the end of your statement of purpose that indicates your interest in a GTA position and that notes any professional and/or academic experiences or preparation that might be relevant to evaluating your qualifications for a this position.
Resume or Curriculum Vita
►Teaching Assistantships
Learn more about teaching opportunities for graduate students.