1. Complete and submit your application online

    Apply online here: https://apply.grad.wisc.edu/. Applicants to the Joint Ph.D. in Mass Communications may apply to one or both departments, depending on your areas of research interest. Options are:

    • Mass Communications: Journalism and Mass Comm (code G630L)
    • Mass Communications: Life Sciences Comm (code G630A)

      After submitting your application, you will receive an email with information about your personalized Online Admission Status Information System (OASIS) account. Please save this email, as you should continue to monitor your application status. If you have trouble accessing your application, please contact the Graduate School at webapp@grad.wisc.edu.

  2. Pay the non-refundable application fee

    The departments administering the Mass Communications Ph.D. Program cannot access your application or test scores until you pay the application fee. The UW–Madison Graduate School offers a limited number of fee grants to minority and economically disadvantaged students. Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply. For more information visit: https://apply.grad.wisc.edu/. Select “Instructions” under page header; select “Application Fee Grants” under General Instructions.

  3. Write a Statement of Purpose outlining your goals for graduate education

    Both departments’ graduate committees pay careful attention to an applicant’s ability to outline clear and appropriate goals for graduate study. Provide a brief, focused statement of your educational and career goals and your reasons for selecting this graduate program. Discuss those factors— personal, professional, academic—that have prepared you to pursue a graduate degree. The statement should be about 750 words in length. Your statement should be submitted electronically as part your application.

  4. Include a résumé or curriculum vitae

    Be certain to include information about awards, honors, and publications.

  5. Provide your Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores

    Please see the website for each Mass Comm department to view GRE requirement updates.

    Mass Communications: Journalism and Mass Comm (code G630L) https://journalism.wisc.edu/admissions/graduate-admissions/

    Mass Communications: Life Sciences Comm (code G630A) https://lsc.wisc.edu/academic-programs/ph-d-in-mass-communications/

  6. Provide your transcripts

    Please upload copies of transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended, whether or not you earned a degree. If you are admitted to the program, the Graduate School will request your original transcripts in order to complete your admission. Original transcripts should bear the official university seal and be signed in ink by the registrar.

  7. Writing Samples

    Please see the website for each Mass Comm department to view writing sample requirement updates.

    Mass Communications: Journalism and Mass Comm (code G630L) https://journalism.wisc.edu/admissions/graduate-admissions/

    Mass Communications: Life Sciences Comm (code G630A) https://lsc.wisc.edu/academic-programs/ph-d-in-mass-communications/

  8. Arrange for three letters of recommendation

    Letters of recommendation are completed online. An email with a link to an online evaluation form will be sent to your recommenders when you submit your application. When you list your three recommenders, please be sure the email address is accurate and valid. Letters of recommendation for recent graduates should come primarily from faculty members who can evaluate your previous academic performance and provide an assessment of your likelihood of success in graduate school. One of the letters may come from an employer or internship supervisor. Applicants who have been out of school for a number of years may submit letters from people who know them in a professional capacity, such as a current supervisor or employer. Letters should come from individuals who have worked directly with you and who are in a position to objectively evaluate your abilities and work product. We are interested in an assessment of those attributes that predict success in rigorous graduate education (for example, analytical abilities, ability to synthesize complex bodies of information and ability to formulate original research questions), rather than a general impression of your personality or character.

  9. Provide TOEFL scores (international applicants only)

    The Graduate School at UW-Madison requires applicants whose native language is not English or whose undergraduate instruction was not in English to provide an English proficiency test score. Approved tests include the TOEFL (paper or internet based), IELTS, and MELAB. Scores must be submitted by the testing agency directly to UW-Madison using institution code 1846. Your score will not be accepted if it is more than two years old from the start of your admission term.

    Some students may be exempt from the english proficiency tests, please see the Graduate School website for details: https://grad.wisc.edu/apply/requirements/.