Graduate Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
Do you require a major in Communication and Culture for admission? No, we do not require an undergraduate major or degree in CMCL.
Can I apply directly to the Ph.D. program? You must hold an M.A. to apply for doctoral-level work.
How long does it take to complete your Ph.D. program? Most students complete the Ph.D. in four or five years.
What kind of financial aid does your department provide, and how do I apply for it? The Department offers Assistantships, including two years of support for the M.A. and four years for the Ph.D. The graduate application serves as an application for an assistantship.
What is the minimum TOEFL score required for admission? The minimum required internet-based (preferred method) score is 79 or 80; the minimum computer-based score is 213; the minimum paper score, 550.
What is the department's policy on transferring credits into the Ph.D. program from another institution? Thirty credits of can transfer; grades in transfer courses must be A or B.
What is your institution code for submitting GRE scores? Is there a specific department code as well?
- GRE Department Code: 4599
- Institution Code: 1324
- TOEFL Code: 99
What are your expectations for grades and test scores? We expect a score of at least 600 in either the Quantitative or Verbal sections of the GRE and a 5.0 on the Analytical Writing assessment. Furthermore, we expect a minimum total score of 1150 (Quantitative and Verbal scores added together).
When will I be notified of a decision? Most decision letters arrive in late February.
What is the application deadline?
- Domestic application deadline: January 15
- International application deadline: December 1
Will you accept documents that reach you after the deadline? We will only accept late documents if notified by the applicant before the deadline. If you believe some of your credentials will arrive late, please e-mail the department, at cmcl@indiana.edu.
May I apply online?
What type of writing sample should I submit? We want to read your best scholarly paper and encourage senior/masters theses or chapters from a thesis.
How long should the writing sample be? In order to ensure that the admissions committee has sufficient time to read all submitted writing samples, we recommend limiting your selection to 20 pages. Faculty may not read longer submissions.
How should I submit my Letters of Recommendation? Letters of Recommendation (LOR) should be submitted online through the same site you use to submit your application. When you input contact information for your recommenders (email addresses must be different from yours), they are emailed the URL and unique access codes to use to submit their letters. The access codes remain valid for 180 days and are deactivated upon submission of the LOR.
If, for some reason, a recommender is unable to submit an electronic Letter of Recommendation, please provide him/her with this form. Once completed, the form and the LOR should be sealed (a signature across the envelope flap is acceptable) and mailed directly to the below address:
Graduate Secretary
Indiana University
Department of Communication and Culture
800 E. Third Street
Bloomington, IN 47405
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Doctoral Program
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