How to Apply

Applying to Communication Leadership

There are multiple steps to applying to Communication Leadership Master’s Programs . They vary depending on whether you are an international or U.S. student. Read about requirements and next steps before you start your application.

Application and Decision Timeline

Autumn 2026 applications are now open. Once submitted, applications cannot be edited, so we recommend taking the full allowed time to submit your application so that your materials are as current and accurate as possible. Please plan to attend an upcoming Admissions Event for more information about the program before starting an application.

If you have questions about the application process, please contact us.

	APPLICATION DEADLINE	DECISION BY	ELIGIBILITY
Round 1 (priority consideration)	January 30, 11:59 pm	March 31	All applicants
Round 2 (limited spots)	April 1, 11:59 pm	May 5	All applicants
Round 3 (very limited spots)	Rolling, final deadline July 31	Within 2 weeks	Domestic applicants only

Start your application Attend an Info Session

Application Steps

Step 1: Explore Application Requirements

Eligibility

Determine your eligibility for admission on the UW Graduate School Requirements website.

Test and work experience requirements

No GRE or GMAT scores are required.

Previous professional experience is welcome but is not required to apply to any of our three degrees. The program has classes and opportunities for students with and without work experience.

English language requirements for non-Native English speakers

There are multiple ways that non-Native speakers can satisfy the English language proficiency admission requirement, including eligible prior degrees or test scores. These are described in Policy 3.2: Graduate School English Language Proficiency Requirements.

View our For International Students guide to learn about admissions and enrollment resources specific to international students.

Choosing your degree track

Decide which of our three degrees you wish to pursue

Master of Communication in Digital Media

Master of Communication in Communities and Networks

Master of Communication in Communication Leadership

You may only apply to one degree per entry year – do not submit multiple applications.

Step 2: Create your Application Account

Create your applicant profile on the The Graduate School Application website.

To start your application:

Select “Graduate” as the application type
Select “Communication Leadership Program (Master of Communication)” as the program

Fee Waivers

If eligible, you can apply for an application fee waiver on the application fee waivers website. To do this, you need to submit your completed application a minimum of 7 business days before the application deadline.

Online applications only

We do not accept mailed materials. Only materials submitted through the online application will be accepted and reviewed.

Step 3: Application Checklist

When you start your application, you will be required to upload:

Current resume or CV

Unofficial transcripts of previous university education

Academic or professional references. Choose two to three recommenders from your studies or professional life. Designate your recommenders in your application at least two weeks before the application deadline to ensure they arrive in time.

Written personal statement

This statement should help us understand who you are and why this program is the right fit for you. Ground your statement in concrete examples from your background—courses you’ve taken, internships, jobs, volunteer work, or projects—that illustrate what sparked your interest in communication leadership.

We’re not looking for a generic statement, a resume summary, or an AI-generated essay. Instead of abstract claims like “I’m passionate about communication,” show us specific moments or challenges that led you here. Connect your past experiences to your future goals and let us hear your authentic voice.

The prompt: Please describe your path to the Communication Leadership program: What perspectives and experiences have shaped your interest in this field, and how do specific aspects of our program align with your professional goals?

Length: 400-600 words

Video statement

This is your opportunity to speak to us directly and share something unique about yourself. We want to see your storytelling and presentation skills, specifically how well you organize your thoughts and communicate your experience. While you don’t need to explicitly reference the Communication Leadership program, choose a story that helps the admissions committee get to know you as a person.

Practical tips:

Think of this as answering an interview question via Zoom, not producing a polished video. We’re not evaluating production quality. We just need to be able to see and hear you clearly.
We encourage you to speak directly to us, rather than reading, but it’s fine if you reference notes.
Craft your response yourself rather than using AI to generate it.
Use specific details and examples from your lived experience to help tell your story.

Technical note: Please be aware that the system refers to the video file as a “Digital Portfolio,” but we do not require portfolios as part of our application and will not consider portfolios in admission decisions.

In a video of 90 seconds or less, please respond to ONE of the following prompts:

Tell us about a day at work or school that you’ll never forget. Not because it was the best or worst, but because it revealed something important to you.

Describe a small, everyday moment from the past year when you noticed something about how people communicate that surprised you.

Tell us about a time you learned something meaningful and what that experience was like. What did this experience teach you about yourself and your approach to learning?

Short Answer Questions

This section is meant to help us quickly expand our understanding of you as a candidate for this program. It’s not meant to assess your writing or storytelling ability. We just want more information about you, your goals and your qualifications. There are no right answers. Good responses will be specific, honest, and unique to you. You don’t need to answer in complete sentences.

What do you believe are your top strengths and specific skills coming into our program that would contribute to our cohort of new students?
Name the areas you most want to develop yourself through this program. Mention both intangible characteristics and specific skills.
Tell us something about you (that you haven’t already discussed in your application) that you’re particularly proud of, or makes you unique.

Applications must be complete

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications lacking required elements by the deadline will be denied. It is your responsibility to ensure that all required materials are submitted successfully.

All denials from all rounds are final.

If you are placed on an official waitlist you will be notified by email about your status and next steps. You can monitor completion on The Graduate School Application website.

Apply Now

Guidelines for Use of AI in Applications

Your application essay is your opportunity to share your unique story, perspective, and aspirations. We are looking for authenticity, individuality, and insight into who you are beyond your grades and employment history. This is your chance to stand out as a person.

While generative AI tools are widely available, relying on them too heavily can undermine your application for a few reasons:

Generic Content: AI-generated essays often sound formulaic and impersonal, lacking the individuality and authenticity that admissions officers value.
Loss of Voice: Overusing AI can strip your essay of your unique voice and tone, making your application less memorable.
Lack of Personal Insight: AI can’t capture your personal experiences, motivations, or emotional nuances as well as you can.
Awkward Translations: Using AI to translate essays written in another language can result in awkward phrasing and loss of subtlety.

When AI Can Be Helpful

AI used wisely, can help you polish your application. Consider these positive uses:

Editing and Proofreading: Tools like Grammarly or Microsoft Editor can help you check grammar and spelling after you’ve written your essay, ensuring clarity and correctness.
Brainstorming: AI can generate questions or exercises to help you brainstorm topics or ideas, jumpstarting your writing process.
Information Gathering: AI can help you research the application process, keeping you organized and informed.

What We Are Looking For

We want to hear your personal voice. Perfect grammar and structure aren’t as important as being unique, memorable, and authentic. AI-written content, no matter how well prompted, typically feels mechanical and often fails to capture the emotional tone or individuality you bring to your story.

Practical Advice

Draft your essay yourself. Use your own words and experiences.
Use AI for editing, not writing. Let AI check your grammar and spelling, but keep the content and voice your own.
Seek human feedback. Have a teacher, mentor, or friend review your essay for clarity and impact.
Be honest and reflective. Share what drives you, what you’ve learned, and what you hope to achieve.

AI is a tool—not a substitute for your story. The most compelling applications are those that reflect the real you. Use AI to support your writing, not to replace it. We want to meet the person behind the application text—make sure that person is you.

Adapted from Human Centered Design & Engineering (HCDE) at the University of Washington

Taking a Course without Applying

You can take up to 10 credits as a graduate non-matriculated (GNM) student. Under this status, you are still required to meet the Graduate School’s minimum eligibility requirements. GNM applications are due at least one month before the quarter’s start date, and enrollment is based on space available.