Speech Communication - Graduate

Admission Requirements and Application Procedure

In addition to graduate school admission requirements, the following apply:

1. Applicants must have an undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.75.
2. Applicants must submit a typed statement (of at least 500 words) about the academic and professional goals they plan to attain through their work in the graduate program.
3. Applicants must have two letters of recommendation submitted on their behalf.
4. Applicants who do not have an undergraduate major in speech communication will be required, if admitted to the program, to demonstrate a knowledge of basic communication theory and research methods before enrolling in any 500-level classes.*

*This demonstration of proficiency may be accomplished by completing, with a grade of "B" or better, either SPC 329 (Communication Research) and SPC 330 (Theories of Communication) or proficiency examinations based upon the content of those two undergraduate courses. The option to take the proficiency test is at the discretion of the Graduate Program Director and is based on the applicant’s prior coursework and GPA. Please contact the Department of Speech Communication for information about the proficiency examination availability and procedures.

Application Process

All application materials should be sent to the Graduate School (Campus Box 1047; SIUE; Edwardsville, IL  62026, U.S.A): 

1.       Complete online forms for the graduate school http://www.siue.edu/graduatestudents/apply/index.shtml  

2.       Obtain two letters of recommendation that discuss the applicant’s potential for graduate-level academic work, leadership and interpersonal skills. [If the student is a current student in or recent graduate of SIUE’s Department of Speech Communication, two Reference Form For Use By Current SIUE Students may be submitted in lieu of the letters of recommendation]. Please do not submit more than the required amount. 

3.       Develop a letter of intent: a typed statement (of at least 500 words) regarding the academic and professional goals to be attained through work in the SPC graduate program.  

Deadlines

All Graduate School forms and submission materials are due at least one month prior to the start of the semester in order for the applicant to be considered for admission. This exact deadline varies from semester to semester, so be sure to reference the current graduate catalog for this information. All SPC submission materials have the same deadline. All materials must be received by this deadline in order for the applicant to be considered for admission. Getting materials in later than this will delay admission to the program.