FAQ

• What is Communication Studies, anyway?

  • Communication Studies explores how we communicate in a range of contexts, including work, personal relationships, cultural and social communities, and the world at large.

• Is this a good degree for people interested in becoming speech therapists or journalists?

  • SJSU does offer graduate degrees in these areas, but those are different programs. If you are interested in Speech Pathology, check out the Communicative Disorders and Science program. If you are interested in journalism, check out the Master's in Mass Communication.

• Who handles the admission? How do I find out if I'm admitted to the program?

  • Your application is handled at two levels. All students will fill out an application through Cal State Apply and submit transcripts to SJSU's GAPE office (Graduate Admissions and Program Evaluations). Once GAPE has received all your materials and determined that you meet university-level requirements, your application will be reviewed by our Graduate Program Director and Graduate Committee. Decisions are typically made in early/mid April.

• What if my undergraduate degree is not in communication? Do I need to take additional undergraduate courses?

  • The Graduate Program Director decides if you need to take additional courses, based on your undergraduate degree and previous coursework. In general, if your degree was in the social sciences, or the arts or humanities, you will not be asked to take additional coursework. Ultimately, though, this determination is made on a case by case basis.

• Do you require the GRE?

  • No.

• Do you offer any teaching assistantships? How can I apply?
  • Yes. The COMM Department has a Teaching Associate (TA) program, for which new TAs are competitively selected each academic year. TAs receive a monetary stipend as well as a tuition/fee waiver for up to 6.0 units for teaching one course. To learn more, including qualifications and how to apply, read over the TA program website. If you have any questions, contact the TA Program Director, Dr. Tabitha Hart, tabitha.hart@sjsu.edu. 
• Do you require TOEFL scores?
  • SJSU requires an English-language proficiency exam of all applicants who graduated from a higher education institution in a country in which the primary language is not English. For more information about that requirement, visit GAPE's Test Requirements page.
• Does the program have a social media presence?
  • Yes, follow us! The Communication Studies graduate program's Instagram account is @comm_ma_sjsu

More questions? We're here to help! Please contact the Graduate Program Director, Dr. Deanna Fassett, deanna.fassett@sjsu.edu