Freeing the Power of the Individual

Admission Requirements

Master's Degree Entrance Requirements

The department admits to the graduate program only students whose records demonstrate the ability to succeed in advanced study.  Members of all underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Procedure.  A detailed description and explanation of general rules and procedures may be found in the 2007-2008 Graduate Bulletin.  In short, students should submit an application for admission, GRE scores, and transcripts to the Graduate Studies Office; and send letters of recommendation as described below to the department chair.

Admission procedures and application can be completed online or downloaded from the university's web site: https://www.usm.edu/gradapp/.  Scores from the Graduate Record Exam must be submitted.  Applicants whose native language is not English must submit results of the TOEFL.  Additionally, applicants must send three current letters of recommendation that refer to the student’s academic ability and preparation to pursue graduate study.  These should be written by faculty members who have taught and/or supervised the student. The letters should be sent to the Chair, Department of Speech Communication, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406-5131.

Deadlines.  Admission deadlines for master’s students are April 15, July 15, and December 1.  Students seeking assistantships for the fall semester are strongly encouraged to apply prior to  March 1 for assistantships.  See additional information about assistantships below.

Regular Admission.  For Regular Admission, students must have an overall 3.0 GPA and 3.0 GPA in their major. Meeting this minimal requirement, however, does not guarantee acceptance.  The admissions process takes into account the GPA, the GRE, and the letters of recommendation. Students whose record suggests a strong likelihood of success in advanced study will be admitted.

Conditional Admission.  Students who do not meet the requirements for Regular Admission may be considered for Conditional Admission, provided that the applicant has a 2.75 GPA on the last 60 hours of course work.  Students whose records suggest a reasonable expectation of success in advanced study may be admitted conditionally. Students with Conditional Admission status must take their first nine (9) hours of graduate coursework within the department and earn a 3.00 GPA.

International students must score at least 550 on the TOEFL examination for Regular or Conditional Admission.

 

Doctoral Degree Entrance Requirements

The department admits to the doctoral program only students whose records demonstrate the ability to succeed at this advanced level of study.  Members of all underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Procedure.  A detailed description and explanation of general rules and procedures may be found in the 2007-2008 Graduate Bulletin.  In short, students submit an application for admission, G. R. E. scores, and transcripts to the Graduate Studies Office; a “goals statement” and 3 letters of recommendation, as detailed below, should be sent to the department chair.

Admission procedures and application can be completed online or downloaded from the university's web site: https://www.usm.edu/gradapp/.

Scores from the Graduate Record Exam must be submitted.  Applicants whose native language is not English must submit results of the TOEFL.  Applicants must send three current letters of recommendation that refer to the student’s academic ability and preparation to pursue graduate study.  These should be requested from faculty members who have taught and/or supervised the student. The letters should be sent to the Chair, Department of Speech Communication.  Additionally, the applicant must submit a 500-700 word goals statement. This statement allows the applicant to discuss career plans, and to supply additional information that will assist the department in selecting those individuals who can most benefit from and contribute to the doctoral program. 

Deadlines.   All admission materials for doctoral students seeking to enroll in spring, summer, and fall terms must be received by December 1, April 15, and July 15, respectively.  Students seeking assistantships for the fall semester are strongly encouraged to apply prior to the March 1 deadline for assistantships.  See additional information about assistantships below.

Regular Admission.  For regular admission, students must have completed a masters degree in a relevant field and achieved a 3.5 cumulative GPA in masters coursework.  Meeting this minimal requirement, however, does not guarantee acceptance.  The admission process takes into account the GPA, the GRE, the letters of recommendation, and the goals statement.  Students whose record suggests a strong likelihood of success in the doctoral program will be admitted.

Conditional Admission.  Students who do not meet the requirements for regular admission may be considered for conditional admission, provided that the applicant has a 3.25 on masters coursework.  Students whose records suggest a reasonable expectation of success in the doctoral program may be admitted conditionally.  Students with Conditional Admission status must take their first nine (9) hours of graduate coursework within the department and earn a 3.50.

International students must score at least 550 on the TOEFL examination for Regular or Conditional Admission.

 

Department of Speech Communication
http://www.usm.edu/speech
601.266.4271 • speech@usm.edu