Guidelines for Applying to JTC Master's Program
for US Citizens

Application Requirements

The Department of Journalism and Technical Communication follows the University Requirements for admission to its master's program in Public Communication and Technology; see the Graduate and Professional Bulletin and the requirements specified below.

You can also download a quick-reference guide in PDF format.

We will consider your potential for completing the degree based on the following: a degree from an accepted four-year college; undergraduate grade point average; GRE scores; professional experience, if any; three letters of recommendation; statement of career plans; three samples of writing and communication production skills and any other evidence.  Exceptions to specified requirements may be made if warranted.

For instructions for international students, please see the "Instructions for International Applicants".

Application Guidelines

Review the Graduate School’s application packet and the Graduate and Professional Bulletin online and the following departmental guidelines. When preparing your application packet, follow these steps:

STEP 1: Prepare and Submit the Application Packet

1. Submit to the CSU Graduate School (online):
   1. Complete the Graduate School’s online application and submit the $50 fee
   2. Append the following supplemental materials the online application (Part 2 – Graduate Supplemental Application) by logging back in and selecting the application in progress:
      1. Résumé or curriculum vitae showing dates and details of professional and academic experience.
      2. A statement of purpose indicating your reasons for pursuing an M.S.
2. Submit to the JTC Department:
   1. Cover letter indicating semester of interest and stating whether you plan to pursue the degree full-time or part-time. Indicate what documents will follow, if any.
   2. Two official transcripts of all collegiate work completed. (Colorado State University transcripts are not required.) These may be sent directly from the universities involved or may be submitted by the applicant with the other materials if the transcripts are official and in sealed envelopes. Most transcripts are sent directly from the universities involved.
   3. Three writing samples
   4. Submit your application packet to the department in a 9x12 or larger envelope so the application materials remain flat.Mail your application packet to:

      Coordinator, Graduate Program
      Department of Journalism and Technical Communication
      Campus Delivery 1785
      Colorado State University
      Fort Collins, CO 80523-1785

   STEP 2: Obtain Letters of Recommendation
   
   Please have three individuals - advisors, professors, employers, supervisors or individuals in similar positions - who have known you in different capacities send us letters of recommendation on your behalf.
   
   When asking for letters of recommendation:
   1. Provide each individual with a copy of the Guidelines for preparing letters of recommendation.
   2. Have the individuals send their letters directly to:

      Coordinator, Graduate Program
      Department of Journalism and Technical Communication
      Campus Delivery 1785
      Colorado State University
      Fort Collins, CO 80523-1785

   STEP 3: Complete the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) and Submit Your Scores
   1. Have ETS send your GRE scores to Colorado State University.Our institution code is 4075, and our department code is 4503. Scores will be forwarded to our department.
   2. If you have not completed the general section (verbal, quantitative, analytical segments) of the Graduate Record Examinations, do so as soon as possible. To obtain a GRE application and examination dates, contact:

      GRE-ETS
      P.O. Box 6000
      Princeton, NJ 08541-6000
      
      Telephone Inquiries
      1-609-771-7670
      Princeton, NJ
      Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 7:45 p.m. EST (except for U. S. Holidays)
      
      Or visit the Graduate Record Examinations web site.

   Deadlines

   The department only admits graduate students in the fall semester. Admissions are competitive as the program limits the size of the entering class to 12-15 individuals. All materials, including transcripts, letters and GRE scores must be submitted under these deadlines:

   December 15. Applications completed by this date can be considered for a select number of university-wide fellowships that range up to $15,000 per academic year. Truly outstanding applicants may receive departmental review and consideration of support prior to the February 15 deadline.

   February 15. Applications completed by this date will be included in the department’s first round of reviews and will be eligible for departmental support through Graduate Teaching Assistantships and a select number of fellowships ranging from $500 to $7,500 for the first academic year only. Applicants in the first review will be notified of admission status and any support offered by April 1.

   April 15. Students offered admission with financial support must indicate whether they accept or decline.

   April 15. Applications completed by this date will be included in the department’s second round of reviews and while still eligible for departmental support if such remains, are unlikely to receive any. Applicants in the second review will be notified of admission status and any support offered by May 1.

   May 15. All students offered admission must indicate whether they accept or decline.