Fall 2026 Admissions Requirements 

All applicants to the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication's academic graduate program must upload all materials to the Graduate School Online Application. To get started, visit the graduate admission site.

Applications to the HSJMC are accepted for fall semester admission only.

We will not be requiring or accepting GRE scores. Please do not include them in your admissions materials. 

Your application and all supporting materials must be uploaded to the application website by 11:59 p.m. on the application deadline date. Applications submitted after the deadline date will not be reviewed and the application fee will not be refunded. Please read and follow the application instructions carefully. Applications will be processed only when they are complete. All materials are uploaded online. Do not send application materials to the HSJMC; doing so may result in late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

The following materials are required before the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication will evaluate your application for admission:

How to Apply

1. Graduate school online application and fee

Submit the graduate school online application and fee. Select "Mass Communication MA" or "Mass Communication PhD" from the drop down menu. Do not choose "Communication Studies."

View Application

2. Transcripts

Unofficial transcripts or academic records from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended should be uploaded directly to the online application (in the "Academic History" section). International students should also upload an English translation if the transcript is not in English. Please do not mail paper copies of your transcripts; there is no need for official transcripts or academic records for initial review.

3. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores

The TOEFL score is required for international applicants whose native language is not English and who have not completed 24 quarter or 16 semester credits in residence as a full-time student at a recognized institution of higher learning in the United States. The minimum TOEFL score for admission to the HSJMC is 79. Our institution code is 6874. You must also self-report your TOEFL (or IELTS) scores. Enter in the "Test Scores" section in the Graduate School Online Application.

The Graduate School's guide on accepted scores and/or education requirements can be found here: https://grad.umn.edu/admissions/application-instructions/international-student-resources/english-language-proficiency

4. Statement of Purpose

Upload your statement of purpose to the “Statement of Purpose” section in the Graduate School Online Application. Before submitting your Statement of Purpose, please review our Best Practices for Writing a Statement of Purpose. Instructions: This should be a 2-3 page statement and should explicitly address the following two questions: (1) What are your specific academic and research interests and career goals, and how have your lived experiences shaped these interests and aims? 2) How do you see our program helping you achieve these goals, and which current graduate faculty members are a good fit for your intended program of study? 

5. Diversity Statement

This statement is optional. If you choose to submit a diversity statement, this document should be 1-2 pages double spaced. Please respond to the following prompt in your statement. Diversity Statement Prompt: Supporting the development of a diverse student body is central to the University of Minnesota's mission. This mission is enacted by the inclusion of academically excellent students with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and/or a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Please write a statement that identifies the distinctive characteristics and/or life experiences, such as successfully overcoming obstacles or hardships, that you would bring to your graduate program and how that could contribute to the education and enhanced perspective of fellow students at the University of Minnesota.

6. Resume or Curriculum Vitae

Upload your resume/CV to the “Resume/CV” section in the Graduate School Online Application.

7. Samples of Work

MA applicants should submit one or two papers written for courses, or their master's thesis, if available. PhD applicants must submit a copy of their master's thesis or equivalent research papers at the graduate level. All submitted academic work must be written in English. Creative work or professional clips should not be sent as a part of your writing sample. Your sample of work should demonstrate your ability to do independent research. Single, rather than co-authored papers, are preferred. Upload samples of work to the “Writing Samples” section in the Graduate School Online Application.

8. Recommendation Letters

Three letters of recommendation from persons well-acquainted with your academic work are required. At least one of these letters should be from an undergraduate advisor, major professor, or department chair who appraises the applicant's capabilities for graduate work. For PhD applicants, one of the three letters should be from the major advisor at the graduate level. For instructions on uploading these letters, click on the “Recommendations” link in the Graduate School Online Application. Your recommenders will upload the letters themselves.