KLN Media and Communication PhD Admissions Child Page

How to Apply

Apply using our graduate application portal.

Fee: $60 (Fee waivers are available for those who qualify.)

All graduate programs require a completed application form, a statement of goals and one certified copy of official transcripts from every college and university attended, including Temple University. A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is ordinarily required for admissions consideration. However, requirements for some programs may vary.

Program Requirements

The Media and Communication PhD program admits a small number of students (approximately 10) each fall. A master’s degree in communication, media studies, or the humanities or social sciences is required. Admission is based on several criteria, including

a match between the applicant’s abilities and faculty’s expectations,
a match between the applicant’s goals and the training and other attributes offered by the program,
the applicant’s academic and personal references, and
the applicant’s demonstrated academic ability and research potential.

Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation should be obtained from evaluators, particularly college/university faculty, who can provide insight into your abilities and talents, as well as comment on your aptitude for graduate study.

Resume

Current resume or curriculum vitae is required.

Standardized Test Scores

The GRE is optional for fall 2024. Typically, only applicants who have a minimum total GRE score of 300 (verbal and quantitative), with a minimum verbal score of 150, are considered for admission. They are also expected to have attained a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or a minimum graduate GPA of 3.25. Candidates with scores near these minimums typically have their references scrutinized rigorously.

Applicants who earned their baccalaureate degree from an institution where the language of instruction was other than English, with the exception of those who subsequently earned a master’s degree at a U.S. institution, must report scores for a standardized test of English that meet the following minimums.

TOEFL iBT: 96
IELTS Academic: 7.0
Duolingo: 110

Statement of Goals

In approximately 1,000 to 1,500 words, describe your specific interest in this program, research goals, future career goals, and academic and research achievements. Your statement should name faculty with whom you are interested in working.

Writing Sample

Applicants should submit a formal academic paper that represents their best academic writing.

Interview

In some cases, faculty may request an interview as part of evaluating an applicant’s fit with the program and potential funding merit.

Mailing Address and Contact Info

Your statement, resume and writing sample can be uploaded through your application account portal. Recommendation letters may be requested through your application account or emailed directly from the recommender, provided they are signed and on letterhead. Standardized test scores should be sent electronically to Temple University (institution code 2906). Official transcripts or other documents may be mailed to the following address.

Office of Research and Graduate Studies
Annenberg Hall, Room 344
2020 N. 13th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19122

Requirements for International Students

Learn more about what you need to submit to complete your application for admission as an international applicant.

Application Deadline

Fall: Dec. 1

Admission is open for the fall term only. All applications are evaluated together after the deadline date. Admitted students may defer entrance to the program for one year, but students may not begin the program in the spring term.

Application Status

Track your application status on your account to determine its progress and whether or not supporting materials are still needed. You will be notified via email once your application is complete. Our Admissions Office will also be in touch throughout the process with updates regarding your application status. Please be sure to check your email for messages from [click-for-email].

Questions

Geoffrey Baym is a professor in the Department of Media Studies and Production and can answer questions about the Media and Communication PhD.
Phone: 215-204-4607
Email: [click-for-email]

Kaitlin Pierce is the director of graduate admissions and can answer questions about the application process.
Phone: 215-204-8560
Email: [click-for-email]