School of Communication

Advanced Search People Search

FAQ

Applying to the Graduate Program

Do I need to complete the GRE?: No.
What is the Institutional code for GRE and TOEFL?: 1902
Can I start my program in any semester of the academic year?: No. You must start your program either in the Fall or Spring semesters.
If I do not have an undergraduate degree in communication, am I eligible to apply to the graduate program in Communication?: Yes. However, you may be required to take additional courses to prepare yourself for the graduate program.
Do I have to be a full-time student?: No.
How many credit hours do I need to complete the graduate program in communication?: 30 credit hours including capstone experience.
Will course credits from another program of study or from another university count towards a degree from the department?: Yes. Some of them do. Check with the graduate director.
Do I need to write a thesis?: Thesis is one of the capstone options. You may choose not to write a thesis and opt for another capstone experience.
What kind of financial support is available for graduate students?: There are a limited number of teaching assistantships and research assistantships available each year.
Where should I apply for admission?: There are two parts to the application process. First, you should complete the application steps mandated by the WMU Office of Admissions as described here. Second, you should complete the application steps mandated by the School of Communication as described here.
What is the deadline for applying to the graduate program?: The deadline for completing all the requirements for admission are the following: Fall semester - February 1. Spring Semester - Oct 15.

Graduate Advising

Who should I meet with when I start my graduate program?: You should meet with the Graduate Director (office: 318 Sprau. Phone: 269 387 3592) who will help you with your first steps as a graduate student.
Do I have to meet with the Graduate Director whenever I need guidance?: In your first semester, Graduate Director will assign you a temporary faculty advisor. You should arrange to meet with this professor and discuss your academic goals and program objectives with him/her. This faculty member will be available to guide you until you select your permanent advisor.
When should I select my permanent advisor?: You should plan on selecting your permanent advisor before you complete 12 credit hours in your program. If you are a full time student, this means that you should select your permanent advisor in the second semester of your study.
Can I select my temporary advisor as my permanent advisor?: Yes.
What are the guidelines for selecting a permanent advisor?: Your permanent advisor should be someone who has the expertise in the area you are planning to specialize. You should also have the confidence that you can work well with this person and be comfortable with a mentoring relationship with him/her. Permanent advisor plays a very important role in shaping your graduate program as well as your capstone experience. So choose wisely.

Permanent Program and Course Enrollment

What exactly is the permanent program?: When you enrolled in our graduate program, you considered what you wanted to accomplish from this program and thought through your professional and personal goals. You reflected on your strengths and things you are passionate about. As you begin your graduate studies, you will discuss these plans and goals with your faculty advisor who will help you build a program of study that will help you reach your goals. The customized program of study that you develop with guidance from your permanent advisor is your permanent program.
Can I choose any graduate course offered by the School of Communication?: Technically yes. However, there are several factors that might limit your options: 1. Not all the courses are offered in every semester 2. You may not be able to enroll because the class is already full. So you may have to make adjustments to the permanent program if you want to finish the program on schedule.
Does this mean that the permanent program can be changed.: Yes; however, there is a form (FORM 4) that needs to be filled out and submitted.
When do I enroll in courses for the next semester?: The date when registration for the next semester opens can be found on Registrar's calendar. Registration dates for Academic year 2009-10 are below:

Semester	Registration Opens on:
Fall 2009	March 16, 2009
Spring 2010	October 19, 2009
Summer I & II 2010	February 15, 2010

Time to Degree

TOP