Graduate Admission
Graduate study in communication
A graduate degree in communication opens doors in leadership, research and strategic communication roles across industries. Whether you want to sharpen your skills while you keep working or pursue original research full time, the Hugh Downs School offers a path built around your goals.
Our faculty study health communication, intercultural communication, interpersonal communication, organizational communication, performance studies and rhetoric, giving you access to specialists across the discipline. Choose the flexible online master's degree to advance your career on your schedule, or the residential PhD to prepare for a research career.
Choose your program
Online master of arts in communication
Build the communication skills to lead teams, manage change and navigate modern workplace challenges, entirely online.
- Format: 100% online
- Best for: working professionals and career changers
Application deadlines
Fall 2026
Session A: July 23, 2026 · Session B: September 16, 2026
Spring 2027
Session A: December 15, 2026 · Session B: February 16, 2027
Summer 2027
Session A: April 20, 2027 · Session B: June 3, 2027
Online master of arts in communication (health communication)
A new online concentration launching fall 2026, built for professionals who want to translate complex health information into clear, evidence-based messages that improve outcomes in health care, public health and community settings.
- Format: 100% online
- Best for: health care, public health and nonprofit professionals
Application deadlines
Fall 2026
Session A: July 23, 2026 · Session B: September 16, 2026
Spring 2027
Session A: December 15, 2026 · Session B: February 16, 2027
Summer 2027
Session A: April 20, 2027 · Session B: June 3, 2027
Doctor of philosophy in communication
Prepare for a research career with interdisciplinary training in communication theory and methods, with a specialization in one of six focus areas: health communication, interpersonal communication, performance studies, rhetoric, intercultural communication or organizational communication.
- Format: Tempe campus only
- Best for: aspiring scholars and researchers
Application deadline
The application window for fall admission and TA funding runs September 1 through January 5 each year. We admit for fall start only, and applicants are typically notified by the end of February.
Required materials
- ASU graduate admission application.
- Transcripts (unofficial accepted for application, official required if admitted).
- $75 application fee ($120 for international applicants).
- English language proficiency requirements (for international applicants).
- Curriculum vitae.
- Personal statement of career goals and program fit.
- Writing sample, preferably scholarly.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Indicate interest in a graduate teaching assistantship on the supplemental application, if desired.
- Test scores, such as the GRE, if desired (optional).
For university-level information and application help, see ASU Admission Services.
Graduate assistantships
If a student receiving regular admission wishes to be considered for a teaching assistant appointment, indicate interest on the online application. TA roles provide professional development and support the university's teaching and research missions. All teaching assistants must follow policies in the Graduate College TA/RA handbook.
