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

Applications for Autumn 2025 are currently closed for Round 2 processing. Round 3 applications will open on May 15. 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 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 15, 11:59 pm	March 21	All applicants
Round 2 (limited spots)	April 1, 11:59 pm	May 5	All applicants
Round 3 (very limited spots)	Rolling, final deadline August 1	Within 2 weeks	Domestic applicants only

Start your application

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 for the MCDM and MCCL degrees. The program has classes and opportunities for students in these degrees with and without work experience.

Please note that our Communities and Networks degree (MCCN) is designed for mid-career applicants. At least two years of full-time work experience in any field, post-bachelor’s degree, is required to apply for the MCCN.

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

Answer both questions on one page, single-spaced, within 600 words.

Tell us why you chose to apply to the Communication Leadership program. How will this program in particular contribute to your professional growth and goals? Be as specific as possible, and feel free to mention classes, instructors, opportunities, etc.
Which of your previous experiences have prepared you for success in the Communication Leadership master’s program, and how? You can talk about your education, activities, work, life experiences, passions, and/or your engagement with different communities. Our goal is to admit a well-rounded cohort that supports each other’s education, so your unique experiences and interests are as valuable to us as your academic and professional achievements.

Discuss your education, work, life experiences, passions, and community engagement. Your unique experiences are as valuable to us as your academic and professional achievements.

5. Video statement

Respond to the prompt in 90 seconds or less.
Think of this as answering an interview question on Zoom. We are not evaluating production quality. We just need to see and hear you clearly.
Prompt: Share a story from your life about one of Communication Leadership’s core values that particularly resonates with you. Explain how that relates to your desire to join this program.

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

Taking a Course without Applying

You can take up to 10 credits as a non-matriculated graduate student. Under this status, you are still required to meet the Graduate School’s minimum eligibility requirements.