Round 1 Priority International Admission | Feb 01 Deadline
START YOUR GLOBAL CAREER IN SEATTLE
Earn a STEM Master’s — work on real client projects and graduate with a portfolio.
With AI, the global job market is heading in a new direction. Employers around the world want professionals who can pair AI fluency with communication skills and sound decision-making.
That is what you will build at the University of Washington’s Communication Leadership Master’s Program.
Our AI-ready curriculum, designed by industry leaders, helps prepare graduates to succeed with skills in content strategy, UX, marketing, and storytelling.
With an applied learning focus and an internship built into the curriculum, you’ll graduate with work you can show in Seattle, one of the world’s leading tech hubs.
Apply by Feb 01 to be automatically considered for a $5,000 scholarship.
Up to 10 merit scholarships are available, with no extra application required.
What You’ll Graduate With
With 8 specialized tracks and 3 unique degrees to choose from, you’ll build strategic expertise in the areas that matter most to you.
Eligible graduates may get up to 3 years of OPT work authorization, including the STEM extension
Applied learning curriculum with built-in professional work
Be ready for the U.S. market in as little as 12 months full-time
Work on real client projects in class or paid work in our student consultancy
Peers from 21+ countries, industry mentors, and 1,400+ alumni
Our Edge
Top-value tuition of $887 per credit — same rate for international and domestic students
STEM-designated degrees with an AI-ready curriculum
Earn your degree from globally top-ranked University of Washington
Testimonials
Our students are as diverse as the job opportunities they unlock — whether you just launched your career or are about to graduate, we can help kick-start your professional journey.
Thomas Zou
Product Marketing Manager
Microsoft
“Comm Lead helped me to jump-start my career in the US. The benefit wasn’t just knowledge gained from courses and growth of my portfolio. It was the confidence and camaraderie developed throughout the 18 months.”
Ekta Dokania
Marketing Manager
T-Mobile
“I joined this program to update my skills and knowledge of the evolution of the comms industry since my last stint at full time work almost 6 years ago. I built a network of industry professionals, gained practical work experience, and landed my first job in corporate America. The MCCL degree really helped me to restart my career in communications and also to pivot to integrated marketing in a new country.”
Join A Professional Community
Our graduates work at the world’s top companies — an alumni network of 1,400+ professionals.
Common Questions Before Applying
No. Work experience isn’t required for any of the three degrees, though it’s welcome. The GRE and GMAT aren’t required either.
But as an international student, other requirements will apply — please review the list here.
Most international students choose between Digital Media (MCDM) and Communication Leadership (MCCL). MCDM centers on content creation, brand marketing, and storytelling. MCCL is a broader 60-credit degree for people entering the communication field, with a capstone project built in. All degrees include a curriculum with built-in internships.
You can switch degrees once after starting, so your first choice doesn’t lock you in.
Compare degrees.
Yes. All three degrees include an internship as a core requirement, so you graduate with documented professional experience. International students typically complete it through Curricular Practical Training (CPT), usually after one academic year. UW International Student Services determines eligibility and handles authorization.
Round 1 closes February 1, 11:59 pm PT. It’s when most international students apply, because it leaves the most time for visa processing and travel planning. All admitted Round 1 applicants are also considered for up to 10 merit scholarships of about $5,000 each.
Round 2 closes April 1. Round 3 is for domestic applicants only.
Please note that if you’re using test scores for English proficiency, only applicants at the “ELP Satisfied” level are considered in Round 1 for priority admissions.
If you still don’t find what you are looking for on our website, email commlead@uw.edu.
You can also Book A Meeting with one of our student advisors to hear about what it is like to be in the program, or attend one of our Admissions Events to speak with our Student Ambassadors and staff.
Visit the International Students page for more information.
University of Washington
Department of Communication