Pennsylvania State University, College of Communications
overview of program
Graduate study in the College of Communications at The Pennsylvania State University is based in the research and teaching expertise of the College’s distinguished graduate faculty. They believe that graduate communications scholarship is most effective and rewarding when graduate students are given the opportunity to work with a cadre of prominent scholars whom students have identified as having the particular expertise that best suits their scholarly objectives.
Association of American Universities Member
Carnegie “Doctoral University: Very High Research Activity”
Communication doctorates conferred between 2010-19: 145
Contact information
Dr. Matthew McAllister
201 Carnegie Building
University Park, PA 16802
Email: commgpo@psu.edu; mattmc@psu.edu
- Critical & Cultural Studies
- International Communications
- Law, Government, & Politics
- Media Effects
- Strategic Communications
- Telecommunications, Technology & Information Policy
QS World University Rankings—Communication & Media Studies
- #32 of 200 World Universities (tied for #32)
URAP University Rankings—Language, Communication & Culture
- #4 of 300 World Universities
- Statement of purpose (two to three pages explaining your academic interest and background in communications and how graduate study at Penn State fits into your career plans).
- Writing sample (any academic or professional work that demonstrates your analytical and writing abilities).
- Three (3) letters of recommendation (preferably from those who can assess your past academic performance and potential for graduate studies).
- Two (2) official copies of transcripts from each university attended (international transcripts must be accompanied by a certified English copy).
- Official GRE Scores (analytical writing, verbal general and quantitative general). Official TOEFL Scores (for international students only).