College of Communication and Information

Application Requirements

  • Unofficial transcripts with an undergraduate GPA of 2.70 or above. Official transcripts must be submitted upon admission to the program.
  • A written statement of 400-700 words of your career objective (see guidelines below).
  • Letters of recommendation from three persons qualified to judge academic and/or professional qualities.
  • $60 application fee. Application fee is not due at the start of application but must be paid before final submission.
  • All undergraduate degrees are welcome.
  • The GRE is not required.

Start or Continue Your Application

When Are Applications Reviewed?

The College of Communication and Information (CCI) accepts applications continuously. The admissions committee reviews complete applications and enrolls students during the fall, spring and summer semesters. Admissions decisions conclude 3 weeks prior to the start of each semester.

How to Submit Your Application Online

The Strategic and Digital Communication program application process has two primary phases: first, the applicant’s completed materials are reviewed by the UTK Graduate Admissions office to determine that the applicant meets the UTK Graduate School’s requirements for enrollment. If this is the case, the application is passed on the CCI admissions committee for review (phase two).

In addition to typical informational material and informal transcripts for all previous post-secondary academic work, the Strategic and Digital Communication program application requires a statement of purpose, three recommendations, and a current resume or curriculum vitae. Note that at any point in the application process you can save your progress, log out, and resume working at a later time. The application fee is not due until final submission.

  1. Visit the Graduate School application website.
  2. Create your account.
  3. Input your information.
  4. On the “Program Selection” page in the ‘Program Choice’ section select ‘Communication and Information’ then chose the option ‘Distance Learning’

Guidelines for Written Statement

Applicants should submit a 400-700 word written statement addressing their career objectives and interest in the Strategic and Digital Communication program. You may address each of the following questions individually, or collectively in an essay.

  1. When and how did you decide to pursue a graduate degree in Communication and Information?
  2. Why are you interested in a career as a communication professional? What kind of professional role(s) and/or setting(s) are you considering pursuing after graduation?
  3. What professional goals will this program help you attain?
  4. Why do you believe you will be successful in a distance education program?

The written statement is an incredibly important component of the application. Take your time writing, revising, and editing to make sure your submission is the best possible representation of your work.

Letters of Recommendation

The online application system will prompt you to provide contact information for three individuals qualified to address your academic and/or professional promise. Although recommendations from former instructors is helpful, the admissions committee understands that many applicants are no longer in contact with instructors from undergraduate or previous graduate work. Individuals who have supervised or collaborated with you in a professional or volunteer setting are appropriate alternative recommenders.

Recommendation writers will be contacted through the application system and submit their recommendations directly to the admissions office, but make sure they are watching for an email prompt to complete your recommendation.

Transcript Information

Transcripts should be sent directly to the Graduate Admissions Office through the online application system. Unofficial transcripts can be submitted for admissions review, but enrolled students must submit official transcripts directly from previous colleges/universities prior to beginning coursework. It is critical that you submit all required transcripts to the online application even if you didn’t receive a degree. Do not send or email transcripts to SIS or UTK employees directly unless instructed to do so.

Take a moment to review more information on submitting transcripts, including what formats to be included.

Admission of International Students

International students wishing to complete our online program from outside the United States are encouraged to apply. Applicants with non-U.S. degrees must have earned a minimum of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or other equivalent to a ‘B’ average. Please see requirements listed at Graduate Admissions.