Graduate

The Department of Communication at the University of Arkansas offers graduate students the opportunity to study in an intellectually engaging, challenging, and inclusive environment. Close relationships are formed between faculty and graduate students. Consistently ranked as one of the top places to live in the country and located at the foothills of the beautiful Ozark Mountains, Fayetteville attracts patrons of both the arts and sciences to the region, making it an excellent location for those seeking intellectual and cultural stimulation.

For those hoping to join the graduate program in the fall semester, applications are accepted through July. However, you should apply no later than March 1st if you are seeking an assistantship. Additionally, if you are applying to the graduate program for Fall, you may be eligible for one of two awards. Current graduate students in the department may also qualify for funding to present their work at either a conference or professional meeting. If you are seeking to be admitted in the spring semester, the priority deadline is October 1st.

 

outstanding degree program award

 

Top 8 Reasons to Choose Our Program for Your Graduate Education

The University of Arkansas is a doctoral-granting, research university with very high levels of research activity (RU/VH). Only 108 schools in the U.S. share that top level Carnegie Foundation classification.
Your faculty are top scholars in their respective areas. Their research appears in top journals and highly acclaimed books. Graduate students routinely collaborate with faculty on research projects which can become conference papers or scholarly articles. When you graduate you will be well prepared to enter a Ph.D. program or the workplace.
This is important in our field because we study the incredible complexity of human communication. Whether you go on for a Ph.D. or enter the workplace you learn how to answer complex questions using research skills.
Our graduate students go on to work for organizations ranging from Fortune 100 companies to non-profit organizations. The corporate headquarters of organizations including Walmart and Tyson Foods are located in surrounding communities. Many go on to study at some of the best Ph.D. programs in Communication in the U.S.

Through communication, people identify and address matters of public concern, create more democratic organizations, participate in the political process, facilitate community involvement, and work together for the common good.

This is the vision in our learning community.

Our award winning and productive faculty investigate film, media, rhetoric, organizational, environmental, health, interpersonal, intercultural and political issues – all through the lens of civic engagement. Graduate students conduct research using interpretive, quantitative, rhetorical, and critical approaches. They facilitate civic engagement in the places they work and live.

Come join our learning community and use theory and research to promote civic engagement as, together, we address the challenges of the 21st century.

Our departmental graduate student community is diverse, intellectually curious, and collegial. We have had many International Fulbright Scholars studying with us. Students enjoy an environment of lively exchange in which learning occurs both in and out of the classroom.
Over 4000 graduate students study at the University in 75 M.A. programs and 53 Ph.D. programs. They are drawn here because of our excellent faculty, library and research resources. You can form relationships with diverse graduate students from across campus.
Fayetteville is an affordable but vibrant college community located close to major lakes and the forested foothills of the scenic Ozark Mountains. Opportunities for the arts and world class shopping also exist in Northwest Arkansas. Livability.com rated it among the top 10 college towns in the U.S.
Rebecca Leach

Graduate Director

Dr. Rebecca Leach
rl030@uark.edu 
Graduate Director
Department of Communication

 

Degree Requirements

Course Descriptions

  Graduate Handbook

Teaching Assistantships

Scholarships and Awards

Research Resources

Career Paths

Interested in Applying?

Priority Deadline for Fall Admission: March 1st

Priority Deadline for Spring Admission: October 1st

 

The Graduate School’s application portal is set up for you to send all materials related to your application. All application materials must be submitted before a decision can be made. Those materials include:

  • A copy of your GRE scores (Optional)
  • Official transcripts for all university-level coursework
  • A purpose statement explaining your academic goals and how our program fits those goals
  • A sample of your academic writing
  • A copy of your resume or academic CV
  • Three letters of recommendation from professors or others that attest to your abilities to handle graduate school
  • A completed application for a teaching assistantship (if applicable)