Applications

When can I apply?

Applications for coterminal study must be submitted at least four quarters in advance of the expected master’s degree conferral date. Applicants must have earned a minimum of 120 units toward graduation (UTG) as shown on the undergraduate unofficial transcript. This includes allowable Advanced Placement (AP) and transfer credit. Applications may be submitted no later than 16 November 2011 for admission beginning in either Winter or Spring 2011-12 or Fall 2012-13. Journalism track students may begin the program only in Spring Quarter of their senior year. There is no rolling admission in the Communication Department. Coterminal applications are submitted directly to the department. Review procedures and the Graduate Admissions Committee determine criteria. Coterminal applications should be submitted to the Student Services Administrator, Bldg 120 (McClatchy Hall), Room 110A, Department of Communication.

Applications may be downloaded from the Registrar’s Office web site. Read this information thoroughly before submitting an application. The department Student Services Administrator can answer questions about the application.

How to apply

The application procedures for a coterminal master’s program include review of a student’s qualifications and the proposed program of course work to meet the requirements for both degrees.  The application process is competitive. GRE scores are not required. Please note that emailed application materials will not be accepted unless the applicant is participating in Stanford In Washington or is at one of Stanford's overseas campuses during the application quarter.

The application materials to be submitted are:

1. Application for Admission to Coterminal Master’s Program
2. Preliminary Program Proposal
3. Statement of Purpose
4. Master’s Project Advising Confirmation form (Social Sciences only)
5. Three samples of writing (Journalism only)
6. Three letters of recommendation from Stanford professors
7. Current unofficial Stanford transcript

The Statement of Purpose

The statement of purpose can conceivably be broken down into two areas:

1. What qualifies you as someone we should consider accepting into the program?
2. Consider the research topic you have chosen for your thesis
   a. How have the skills and knowledge you have developed from previous coursework, research, and other activities given you a unique perspective on this topic?
   b. How does your proposed set of courses help to augment your ability to produce your thesis?
   c. Provide some specific information about your thesis, including methodology, previous work in the area by other researchers, and a timetable for completion.

The statement should be between 2 and 3 pages, double spaced.

A conversation with one or more Communication faculty member(s) in advance of completing the statement of purpose may help to clarify your statement. It’s also a good time to discuss your background and interests in the coterm program before submitting a formal application, and to make sure that your interests and goals are parallel with that of the program.

Preliminary Project Proposal

In completing the Preliminary Program Proposal, applicants must specify all courses to be taken in future quarters including the project. Where it is not possible to assign a course to a particular quarter, the applicant should make an educated guess. Those accepted into the program will complete a second, more accurate form by the end of their first graduate quarter. The proposal is reviewed to determine whether the applicant’s intended program will meet the overall requirements of the coterminal program.  Total units to be taken each quarter must be listed.

Please request an appointment with the Student Services Administrator if you would like help completing the proposal.