Can you recommend any graduate programs?

[Propel]

Hi everyone,

I am hoping for some recommendations of graduate communication programs, both MS and PhD. I would love to research (and hone my interests in the effect of technology on communication), but I realize that given my background it may be more realistic to aim for an MS professional program with less rigorous standards. I want to work for 1-3 years before applying, but I'd like to start visiting universities and meeting professors soon.

My undergraduate institution is not a prestigious school (just an average state school) and I'm hoping to have some reach, medium, and safety options. I'm graduating with dual degrees in May:

State University

- B.S. Communication

- B.A. English

- University Honors Program (mostly general honors courses in Physics, Statistics, Leadership, Economics, Writing and Independent Study)

- 3.93 GPA

GRE: 1310

- Quantitative: 640 (57%)

- Verbal: 670 (95%)

Work experience

- Consistent employment throughout college

- 3 communication internships

- Currently working part-time at a F500 company that I really like

I think that I should be able to get my quantitative score up to 700 or so with some review. The verbal section was pretty difficult so I don't know if I could raise it by more than 10 or 20 points.

I'm working on an article with a professor now, which I will submit to journals for review. I also spent a year abroad at University College London (UCL), which has a pretty good reputation, but I'm not sure if that matters because it was only for English literature.

Any guidance or advice you can provide will be greatly appreciated!

[Gunner24]

Can you be more specific about your research interests? There are many top-tier schools, but whether you'd want it to be a top choice for you may depend on your sub-field or other interests.

Also, are you looking at Communication Sciences? I don't know anything about that field, but if you're referring to Comm Studies, I have no idea where you can get an MS....all of the programs I've looked into are an MA/PhD. Maybe someone else knows what you're talking about.

If you're talking about Comm Studies, you don't need to worry about getting your quantitative up. Your verbal is very solid too....if you're wanting to get into an Ivy or a top-top-top notch program, you may need a higher score. I got into an excellent MA program with a 1280 combined.

Stats-wise, you're done very well and I think you have an excellent chance to be considered at some top programs. You need to research professors, see what they're working on and decide if it fits with your interests. FIT is huge. Also make sure you have good rapport with a few professors who will vouch for you in LORs, and get your statement of purpose taken care of.

Once you provide a little more info of what you'd like to do, I'm sure people can provide some specific recommendations for schools/programs.

[Propel]

Can you be more specific about your research interests? There are many top-tier schools, but whether you'd want it to be a top choice for you may depend on your sub-field or other interests.

Also, are you looking at Communication Sciences? I don't know anything about that field, but if you're referring to Comm Studies, I have no idea where you can get an MS....all of the programs I've looked into are an MA/PhD. Maybe someone else knows what you're talking about.

If you're talking about Comm Studies, you don't need to worry about getting your quantitative up. Your verbal is very solid too....if you're wanting to get into an Ivy or a top-top-top notch program, you may need a higher score. I got into an excellent MA program with a 1280 combined.

Stats-wise, you're done very well and I think you have an excellent chance to be considered at some top programs. You need to research professors, see what they're working on and decide if it fits with your interests. FIT is huge. Also make sure you have good rapport with a few professors who will vouch for you in LORs, and get your statement of purpose taken care of.

Once you provide a little more info of what you'd like to do, I'm sure people can provide some specific recommendations for schools/programs.

Hi Gunner24,

I am interested in researching the role of language in the social construct of identity, particularly the growing role of social media identity in shaping self-identity. I'm also interested in studying the decline of nonverbal communication as electronic communication continues to grow.

Thank you for your response!

[Gunner24]

Again, I don't know of any programs that offer an MS. I'll bump this up. I can give several recommendations for MA programs, but I don't want to waste your time.

[HP33]

Again, I don't know of any programs that offer an MS. I'll bump this up. I can give several recommendations for MA programs, but I don't want to waste your time.

I'll gladly take recommendations for MA programs! Thank you!

Edited March 14, 2011 by HP33

[Propel]

Again, I don't know of any programs that offer an MS. I'll bump this up. I can give several recommendations for MA programs, but I don't want to waste your time.

I realize now that there are few MS Communication programs — the ones I saw are professional programs geared toward communication management.

Which MA programs can you recommend? Thanks again for your help.

[hejduk]

I have some PDFs with NCA rankings, as well as some other documents/websites that rank COMM programs. I can't post documents here, but if you PM with your email, I'll gladly send them to you.

If you PM me, specify what type of program (Mass Comm, Health Comm, etc).

[Propel]

I have some PDFs with NCA rankings, as well as some other documents/websites that rank COMM programs. I can't post documents here, but if you PM with your email, I'll gladly send them to you.

If you PM me, specify what type of program (Mass Comm, Health Comm, etc).

Thanks, hedjuk. I've messaged you my e-mail, and my interests, which are Critical-Cultural Communication and Communication & Technology.