- Department of Communication
- Graduate Programs
- Applying to Our Program
Applying to the Program
Apply online at the NIU Graduate School Admissions website.
Applications for fall admission to the M.A. program are submitted early in the prior spring semester. To apply for admission to NIU's M.A. program in communication, you must complete the online Application for Admission to the Graduate School, selecting the M.A. program in communication as the program in which you wish to enroll. Application materials include the following:
- At least two letters of recommendation (letters from professors are preferred).
- Transcripts.
- Statement of Purpose (Your statement should be less than TWO pages).
- Consider addressing the following questions in your statement:
- Study Focus: What specific areas do you wish to explore in our program?
- Career Goals: How do you plan to utilize your degree after graduation?
- Unique Contributions: What unique experiences or perspectives do you bring to the program?
- Program Fit: Why have you chosen NIU and our program for your studies?
- [Box] GRE scores are no longer required.
- TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for some international students. Please consult the Graduate School website regarding information for international applicants.
Application Deadlines
| Deadline | Fall Admission | Spring Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Priority Deadline: To be eligible for priority consideration for graduate assistantship funding. Late applicants may be considered, funding permitting. | Jan 15 | -- |
| U.S. students (Application will be reviewed; assistantship cannot be guaranteed.) | July 15 | Dec 10 |
| International students (Application will be reviewed; assistantship cannot be guaranteed.) | May 1 | Oct 15 |
** Please be aware that applications submitted after Jan. 15 may not be eligible for full consideration for funding.
Upon admission to the department, a temporary advisor is assigned. The Graduate Director, Shupei Yuan, Ph.D. (syuan@niu.edu) is available for questions.
Your temporary advisor does not necessarily become your permanent advisor. You decide during your course of study who you would like to ask to become your committee chair, and you will discuss your plan of study together.
Assistantships
Assistantships are available for students beginning in the Fall semester. Students will be invited to apply for the assistantship AFTER they receive admission decisions from the department. Currently, all assistantships begin in the fall semester.
Students will be invited to submit an assistantship application after receiving their admission decision. Committee members may request an online interview with candidates to determine the assistantship offer. The department typically has at least 15 assistantships available to students. Currently, assistantships are only offered for students starting in the fall semester.
To ensure full consideration for a graduate assistantship, complete your application to the M.A. program by January 15. You do not need to submit the assistantship application at the same time. You will receive an invitation to apply for the assistantship once you receive the admission decision.
To be considered for a graduate assistantship, you must complete and submit an Application for a Graduate Assistantship.
Do not include your social security number on the form. Once completed and signed, you can email the form to Graduate Director Shupei Yuan at syuan@niu.edu or send it by post to:
Department of Communication
211 Watson Hall
Graduate Office Support Specialist
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL 60115
For more details on costs and funding opportunities, visit The Graduate School's website.
If you have any inquiries or need assistance, please contact us at communication@niu.edu.
Graduate Advising
Shupei Yuan, Ph.D.
Graduate Director
syuan@niu.edu
815-753-7106
Reavis Hall 117
