How to Apply

Applying to Communication Leadership

There are multiple steps to applying to Communication Leadership Master’s Programs. Read about requirements and next steps before you start your application.

Application and Decision Timeline

Autumn 2027 applications will open on November 1. 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 or watch the recording of 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)	February 1, 11:59 pm	March 31	All applicants
Round 2 (limited spots)	April 1, 11:59 pm	May 10	All applicants
Round 3 (very limited spots)	Rolling, final deadline July 30	Within 3 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. If using test scores to meet the requirement, only applicants meeting the “ELP Satisfied” level will be considered in our priority admissions round. Applicants who meet the minimum but not ELP Satisfied score will be considered in Rounds 2 and 3.

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 the degree you are applying to:
- Communication – Communication Leadership (M of Communication)
- Communication – Communities and Networks (M of Communication)
- Communication – Digital Media (M of Communications)

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. Transcripts must include all classes taken and grades received, as well as any degrees granted. A third party evaluation (such as WES) is not sufficient.

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 this degree 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

Interview Video Response

This is your opportunity to speak to us directly, and share something about yourself. We want to get a sense of your distinct voice and how 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.
Content should be different than your personal statement.
Use specific details and examples from your lived experience to help tell your story.

Technical note: Please be aware that this 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. Any extra files uploaded aside from the required Interview Video Response will be deleted.

Use the “Digital Portfolio” link on the left hand side bar to upload your video response.

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

Tell us about your vision for the next chapter of your career and how it aligns with your professional purpose.
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 challenge you overcame in your career or education, emphasizing the lessons learned.

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. Lists are great – you don’t need to answer in complete sentences. All applicants will be asked the first four questions, plus one degree-specific question.

List your top strengths and specific skills coming into our program that would contribute to our cohort of new students. (should be a list, not a narrative answer)
List the areas you most want to develop in yourself through this program. Mention both intangible characteristics and specific skills. (should be a list, not a narrative answer)
Tell us something about you (that you haven’t already discussed in your application) that you’re particularly proud of, or makes you unique.
How do you currently encounter AI in your work or daily life, and what questions or concerns does it raise for you? What’s one way you see AI reshaping your field, and what do you hope to learn about leading intentionally in this moment? We’re not looking for technical expertise—rather, we want to understand your opinion on AI’s impact on communication, storytelling, creativity, and society.
For MCCL applicants only: If you had to decide right now (knowing you may likely change your mind), what would you propose to do for your capstone project?
For MCCN applicants only: We believe leadership and strategic communication is the key to improving organizations — and the world. As you hone these abilities through this master’s program, who do you want to serve and why?
For MCDM applicants only: We believe storytelling, design, and strategy are tools for solving real problems—in communities, businesses, and society. What is a problem you care deeply about that storytelling, design and/or strategy can help solve? Why do you feel compelled to solve this problem?

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.

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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.