Application Guidelines

Note: Please visit the Ohio University Graduate College for full and detailed information about applying to the Ohio University.

Online Applications: We no longer accept paper applications. All applications must be submitted online. 

Application Deadline for Comm Dev Program: Because of the number of core courses offered during the first (fall) semester, and our commitment to building a learning community in which students work together both inside and outside class, we only accept applications for entry during the Fall semester, which typically begins the last week of August. To be fully considered for financial aid and admission, the deadline for applications is January 15.  An applicant’s files will typically not be reviewed until all supporting documents, such as official transcripts and TOEFL scores, have been received.

Detailed information about requirements of those applying to all graduate programs at Ohio University can be found at the Graduate College website.

Some general guidelines for what is required of those applying to the Comm Dev program are as follows. In many instances, these guidelines are based upon Ohio University requirements. Please note that some requirements can vary depending upon issues such as an applicant’s country of residence:

• Bachelor’s Degree Requirement: Admission to the program requires a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or foreign institution with a degree that is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree. To be fully eligible and a competitive applicant for financial aid, applicants should have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Official transcripts: Applicants are required to submit one (1) official transcript from each post-secondary institution attended, regardless of whether or not a degree was earned or the credits are reflected on a separate transcript as transfer credit. If original documents are not in English, applicants must also provide an official, certified copy of all documents translated into English. Failure to provide all documents will result in delays in processing your application materials.
• Diploma and/or Degree Certificate: If the submitted transcript does not specifically name the degree earned, and the date it was earned, applicants must submit a registrar’s office (or equivalent office) certified or attested copy of the degree diploma and/or degree certificate.
• Application Fee: The non-refundable application fee is approximately $50 for U.S. applicants and $55 for International applicants. Applications cannot be processed and reviewed until the application fee is paid.
• Letters of Recommendation: Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation. At least two should be from people who can judge your academic abilities.
• Statement: Applicants must submit a two-page statement of purpose. This should be treated as one of the most important items in your application package. In the statement, you should discuss your educational and professional goals, and how the Communication and Development Studies program will help you meet those goals. Applicants should be specific in discussing aspects of their background that have led them to the program, and how the program can support their future professional and/or academic goals (in recent years, as much as 30-40 percent of any given graduating class has gone on to enroll in a PhD program).
• Resume or Curriculum vita: This should also be treated as one of the most important items in your application package. It should list information about your academic background, professional and/or internship experience, academic and/or professional accomplishments (such as conference presentations, publications, internships, volunteer work, prizes, honors, awards, etc.).
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE): The GRE is not required for admission. However, applicants are welcome to submit scores if they have taken the exam.
• International Applicants: The Communication and Development Studies program has historically attracted and has valued immensely from having students from literally all over the world. While any given incoming cohort typically includes at least a few U.S. citizens, most of the Comm Dev students are international students, with the current first and second year cohorts including students representing more than 20 countries. For international applicants, some general requirements to note are as follows, though please note that requirements can vary depending upon a variety of issues, including an applicant’s country of residence. Again, detailed information about requirements of those applying to all graduate programs at Ohio University can be found at the Graduate College Website. Some specific information about English proficiency requirements is included directly below.
• English Proficiency Requirements and TOEFL/IELTS: All non-native English speakers must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting official test scores for either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS academic). To be considered official, test scores must be reported directly from the testing agency to Ohio University. Though there are some exceptions, based upon university guidelines almost all of our applicants will find that they will be required to take either the TOEFL or IELTS exams. Furthermore, being eligible for financial aid is often dependent upon not only having taken one of these exams, but having met minimum score requirements. Please review the English proficiency requirements as outlined on the Ohio University Graduate College website. If your level of proficiency is not at the minimum level, you will be required to enroll in the Ohio Program of Intensive English. Financial aid cannot be used to pay for English language courses; you will have to cover the cost yourself.

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