Online Master’s in Communications Programs with No GRE Requirement in 2023

Now that you have decided to pursue a master's degree, you may be wondering if you need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or other applicable graduate school entrance exams before beginning school. While some programs do require the GRE or other entrance exams such as the GMAT, many programs do not require applicants to take these exams at all. In addition to schools that do not require the GRE from any applicants, some institutions only require it conditionally for certain applicants based on their educational background or professional working experience. In these cases, if you have completed your undergraduate degree with a certain GPA or higher, or if you have several years of relevant work experience, you may be exempted from the graduate school test requirement.

For many aspiring communication experts who are eager to begin their studies, selecting a program that does not require the GRE exam may be the fastest way to make your dreams of a master's degree a reality.

Choosing a No GRE Online Master's in Communication Program

Online master's in communication programs, also referred to as "distance learning" programs, allow students to complete coursework online from home. Oftentimes, online programs allow students to complete assignments and attend lectures on their own schedules, making online programs particularly convenient for students who want to complete their degree while simultaneously developing professional work experience or attending to obligations at home.

Once you've decided to pursue an online master's in communication, the next step is researching and selecting the right program. But how to know which school is right for you? Keep these key factors in mind to simplify your decision-making process.

Admissions Requirements

While many programs do not require GRE or other graduate school exam scores as part of their admissions requirements, these programs will place a priority on other admissions criteria, such as the following:

• Completion of a bachelor's degree, ideally in communication or a related field
• GPA of 3.0 or above in their undergraduate coursework
• Transcripts from all undergraduate colleges attended
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement or essay

In some cases, schools may also require applicants to participate in an entrance interview with admissions counselors or program faculty. These interviews may be conducted in person, or remotely by phone or Skype. For other programs, applicants may be required to have completed two to three years of relevant work experience in communication, public relations, or journalism prior to applying. In addition to the requirements listed above, these students also need to submit a resume detailing their relevant work experience and/or professional writing samples.

Conditional GRE Requirement

For some schools that require their master's in communication applicants to submit GRE scores, the GRE requirement may be waived if the applicant meets specific criteria. These criteria include a student's professional work experience, education level, and/or undergraduate GPA. For instance, the University of Florida's Master of Arts in Mass Communication online degree requires GRE scores unless the applicant already holds a graduate or professional degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university.

Prospective master's in communication students should be sure to carefully review their preferred program's admissions policies regarding GRE scores prior to submitting their application. For most programs that do require the GRE, students need to have taken the exam within five years prior to applying.

Accreditation

A master's degree is a significant investment in your career, so make sure the program you select will provide you with a high-quality education. One way to ensure a program's quality is by checking its program accreditation. Accreditation means the program has been evaluated by a third-party accrediting organization according to rigorous academic standards and it has met or exceeded these standards. Examples of accrediting organizations for master's in communication programs include the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, Public Relations Student Society of America, Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, as well as regional accrediting bodies such as the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the Higher Learning Commission.

Program Length & Cost

Most master's in communication programs are designed to be completed in one to two years of full-time study. The length of the program may vary depending on whether a student enrolls on a part-time or full-time basis, or if any on-campus classroom time is required and when. The cost of a master's communication program can also vary based on a number of factors, including the size and type of school, geographic location, a student's residency status, and the program length. When considering the total cost of a program, it's important to include mandatory school fees, books, and other program materials in addition to the tuition price.

Advantages of No GRE Online Master’s in Communication Programs

For busy professionals or those with family commitments, an online master's in communication program that does not require them to first take the GRE is a convenient and cost-effective way to earn an advanced degree. Online coursework allows students to complete assignments and attend lectures from home and on their own schedules, which is particularly important for students gaining professional experience simultaneously. Often with a lower tuition cost than traditional on-campus programs, online programs also allow students in rural areas to choose from a larger number of schools without a lengthy commute. These factors and more make it easier than ever to pursue a master's degree in communication.

Colleges That Offer Accredited No GRE Online Master’s in Communication Programs in 2023

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