Anyone who meets the admissions standards and is interested in the description is welcome to apply. Persons from the following career fields and academic backgrounds are likeliest to apply: Corporate Communication, Public Relations, Sales, Advertising, Personnel/Human Resources, Management, Training and Development, Undergraduate Teaching, Marketing, Media management, Media creation and utilization, Politics/ government, Non-profit organizations, and Education. Just as opportunities abound for our current alumni (from our undergraduate programs) in the fields mentioned above, students who earn Master's degrees in Communication can expect to attain higher level positions, earnings, and wider options as a result of the graduate degree, not to mention broader knowledge and expanded skill sets.

What makes NKU?'s Graduate Program in Communication special or distinct?

NKU's location in a major metropolitan region within a major media market (33^rd largest nationally) and a host of major corporations make s this program highly desirable to seasoned professionals wishing to attend part-time or even full-time in the evenings, weekends, online or to full-time graduate students. Unlike many graduate programs, ours will allow its students to select most courses from various electives instead of prescribing a set, required course list without options. This flexibility and variety allows our graduate students to tailor each program suited to the individual's academic interests and career goals. Like our undergraduate programs, graduate students in Communication will enjoy an up-close and personal educational experience and positive working relationship with our excellent faculty members.

Other strengths of the M.A. in Communication include:

professor-student class ratios of 16 to 1 and smaller
high-tech, smart classroom settings
media production courses taught with cutting edge equipment and techniques
opportunities to conduct significant research, service and public engagement projects with faculty members
well-educated (terminally educated or in possession of a Ph.D) faculty members
collegial faculty members prepared to teach and mentor graduate students (Yes, we genuinely LIKE working with students!)
faculty members with current, professional consulting experience and/or applied expertise
courses scheduled year-round and at times aimed to meet the needs of working professionals
campus that is designed for commuters and convenience (near highway; convenient parking)
affordable tuition (in comparison with other universities)
a well-prepared and enthusiastic Graduate Program Director committed to working individually and extensively with each graduate student in the program or application process.

How do I apply to the program?

There are several steps involved in applying:

Take the GRE and have your scores officially submitted to the NKU Graduate School.
Complete and submit an online application (including the application fee). There are also hard copies of the form available if you do not wish to apply online; however, applying online is less expensive
Write and submit a 500-word statement of interest explaining why you seek to earn a Master's in Communication at Northern Kentucky University. Submit that essay to the attention of Dr. Cady Short-Thompson, Communication Graduate Program Director, NKU Graduate Office, AC 302, NKU, Highland Heights, KY 41099.
Ask three persons to write a letter of recommendation (specifically explaining your academic preparation and potential for success in graduate study) and submit signed reference waiver forms. The letters and forms should be addressed to Dr. Cady Short-Thompson and should be sent by the person recommending you directly to the Graduate Office, AC 302, NKU, Highland Heights, KY 41099. The graduate office will begin a file on you whenever it receives a letter, GRE score, application or statement of interest.
Once all parts are submitted to the Graduate Office, your file will be forwarded to GPD Cady Short-Thompson and reviewed.

What happens if a letter or essay is sent to the program director instead of graduate admission?

The program director will make sure that the applicant's materials are placed in the applicant's file and recorded in the graduate office.

I have 10 years of work experience. Do I still have to take the GRE?

Yes. Everyone who applies must complete the GRE and submit scores to NKU. While there is not a cut-off score, the scores are used to assess a full picture of each student's preparation and potential.

Can the GMAT be substituted for the GRE?

No. The GRE is required for admission.

I have a GPA lower than the required 3.0 GPA. Can I be admitted to the program?

It depends. The 3.0 GPA requirement is in place because GPA is the single best predictor of academic success in graduate school. However, if the candidate's other application materials (GRE scores, letters and statement of interest) are extraordinarily high, it is possible to be admitted. However, if the other applicants' materials are outstanding, know that the chances of admission to our program are very low. We have a highly competitive and selective program, thanks in part to high demand of students and the positive reputation we enjoy.

I've been working for several years and haven't contacted my undergraduate professors since. Who should I ask to write my letters of recommendation?

Ideally, applicants should have recommendations written about their academic preparation and experience as an undergraduate student. However, in some cases, recommendations from employers or other supervisors are more appropriate. Some applicants will have recommendations from academic and non-academic persons. Letters should not be written by relatives or close friends.

What is the deadline for applications each year?

The priority deadline for applications is February 1; however, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis once they are submitted, while spaces are available. Applicants need to understand that 35 well-qualified students will be admitted each year and once the class enrollments are met, new and qualified applicants' admission will be postponed to a later semester or year.

How soon will I hear if I've been accepted?

Once your file is complete (it's your responsibility to check with the Graduate Office Admissions to check its status - you are especially advised to double-check on the timely submission of your letters of recommendation), we typically respond (accept/reject/ postponed acceptance) within 4-6 weeks; however, some borderline applicants may get placed on our waiting list. You will receive a letter that notifies you of our admission decision.

Which faculty members will teach in the new graduate courses?

Most Department of Communication faculty members teach graduate courses (and are excited to do so). Many faculty members will teach a graduate course once a year. Professors from Journalism, Electronic Media & Broadcasting, Media Informatics, Public Relations and Speech Communication are all involved in our graduate curriculum.

I graduated from NKU's Communication Department a few years ago. Are there any new faculty members in the department or program?

Yes. The Department has hired numerous new professors since 2002. In 2006 and 2007, we have hired seven brand new faculty members for our growing department. All of our new professors are of the same high caliber as the highly regarded and award-winning, experienced professors you'd expect from NKU. We are extremely proud of the quality of our faculty. See the faculty bios on the Communication Department web site for more information and updates on your favorite professors!

What constitutes full-time and part-time graduate student status?

Part-time graduate students enroll in up to 8 hours per term; full-time graduate students enroll in nine to twelve hours per term.

Are MA in Communication classes available all year long?

Yes. Graduate courses in Communication will be taught in fall, spring and summer terms each year. The core courses (Theories and Research Methods) will both be taught in the fall and spring terms, not in the summer. Electives will be offered all year and unique, special topics courses and experimental courses are likely to be found in the summer terms.

I work all day. When will classes be taught?

Classes will typically be offered Monday-Thursday nights with an occasional Saturday course (faculty coverage pending). A couple of elective courses will be offered wholly online or in web-enhanced courses.

I want to go full-time and want to apply for an assistantship. Are any available?

Each year, one full-time student of especially high quality will be selected to serve as the Department's Graduate Assistant. Students interested in being considered for an assistantship must apply online at through Human Resources (under the student section). That student will be involved in the promotional and administrative duties with the Graduate Program Director. The Graduate Assistant will receive tuition remission (free tuition) and a stipend for 20 hours of work each week. The Graduate Program Director is exploring additional opportunities for increasing the number of available assistantships and tuition scholarships via corporate sponsors. More information about such arrangements will be available at a later date. It is important to communicate your need for and interest in assistantships to the Graduate Program Director as she can potentially help you land funding.

How long will it take me to complete the M.A. in Communication at NKU?

Full-time students:

The typical course load for full-time students is 9 hours but students are allowed to take 12 hours. With a minimum of 30 hours for the graduate program, a student could complete our program as quickly as three semesters (ie: 12+12+6=30), though four semesters or more is likelier and less difficult to complete.

Part-time students:

If taking 3 hours per term, it will take you 10 terms. Obviously, the more courses you take, the fewer semesters you'll have. It's simple math really; however, it is important for graduate students to arrange a course load that is reasonable to balance with your other adult responsibilities.

Are you on semesters or quarters?

We have two 16-week semesters each year (fall and spring) and summer terms varying in length from 3-8 weeks. Summer term length options will vary based on the faculty's preferences.

I work full-time. Which capstone experience do you recommend?

Generally speaking, we anticipate that most of our graduate students will select the comprehensive examinations (on selected courses from the graduate program). Most of our working professionals will see this MA as their terminal degree (last degree sought - not likely to pursue a Ph.D.) and therefore are less likely to pursue the far more labor-intensive thesis or non-thesis option. Students can discuss the various capstone options along the way with their professors and the GPD to make the best possible choice.

Where is NKU?

NKU is conveniently located off of I-275 at I-471, overlooking downtown Cincinnati. Directions are available on this web site and Campus Maps as well.

Contact Jimmie Manning for more info. Phone: 859-572-1329 • E-Mail

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