M.A. and M.S. Application Process

Step-by-step instructions for submitting an application to a M.A. or M.S. program at the School of Communication.

Step 1 – Create your Graduate School Application

Please sign up for an online account and complete the application by clicking here.

Please note: Your application is not complete and we cannot begin your application review until we receive all required forms. Your $85 non-refundable application fee can be paid when you submit the application.

After you submit your application, you will be directed to your Status Portal. In the Status Portal you can monitor the status of your application and view any outstanding requirements. When your admission decision is released, your decision letter will be posted in your Status Portal.

Step 2 – Upload/Send Official Transcripts

Request one official transcript from each post-secondary institution (college or university) that you have attended. A baccalaureate degree is required from an accredited institution.

If you have attended a college or university outside of the United States, your transcripts and diplomas (if available) will need to be verified. Please click here for further instructions.

All other students are encouraged to send their electronic transcript to socgrad@miami.edu or via mail to:

Graduate Studies Office, University of Miami, School of Communication
5100 Brunson Drive, Suite 4002
Coral Gables, FL 33146

Step 3 – Upload Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation should be submitted online to your Graduate School Application.

Step 4 – Complete the Essay

Students must submit a 500-word typed statement of academic and professional goals to their Graduate School Application. Additional requirements, such as a portfolio, are required for the following programs:

Resume (2 pages): The resume should highlight past journalistic experience and employment.

Personal Essay (500-700 words): The essay should address personal objectives for graduate study, subject matters of interest for future projects, and career goals. May be the same as the “statement of purpose” required in the Graduate School Application.

Portfolio: This could include news media, published works, academic papers, articles, writing samples, etc. The submission must be the applicant’s sole-authored writing.

As an applicant to the University of Miami M.S. in Experience and Information Design, you are encouraged to submit a digital portfolio. We look for individuals who are highly motivated and who demonstrate the ability to succeed in a highly competitive program. Students may choose to submit their GRE score if they don’t have a digital portfolio. Submitting a GRE instead of a digital portfolio will not affect their chances of acceptance. Students may also submit both their GRE and digital portfolio. Our institution code for the GRE is #5815, and the department code is #4599.

The digital portfolio you present will vary based on your own experiences, interests, education, and training. You may submit a broad-based portfolio containing examples of work from various media or a more focused portfolio. Applicants should submit 5-15 examples of your work. For work that you developed as a team, please indicate the role you played in the project. The portfolio should include work samples that showcase your creativity, as well as the skills and media you have learned. It should also highlight your ability to communicate ideas.

Step 5 – International Students Only

International students are required to submit the following items:

  • Official/original transcripts with a professional certified English translation
  • A copy of your diploma with English translation for degrees earned outside of the United States
  • A copy of passport

*For the purpose of initial application review process, the Office of Graduate Studies accepts unofficial transcripts; however, official transcripts must be submitted upon admission. Other visa requirements will be due if accepted into the program. Please see all requirements for International Students here.

Please click here to learn more about the International Applicant Process.

M.A. Programs at the School of Communication

36 credits (non-thesis)
2 years

36 credits
18 months

36 credits (non-thesis)
2 years

M.S. Programs at the School of Communication

32 credits
1-2 years

We’re here to help

Graduate Studies Office

Email: socgrad@miami.edu
Phone: (
305) 284-5236
Fax: (305) 284 – 8701