Public Communication and Technology

As both a theoretical and applied program, the M.S. in Public Communication and Technology prepares students for careers in the following:

• Health, Environmental, Science, or Technical Communication: Enhancing public and specialized audience understanding of health problems, environmental issues, or scientific and technical topics;
• Public Relations and Strategic Communication: Public relations, public information, and strategic communication programs for corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations;
• New Communication Technologies: Uses and effects of new communication technologies, computer-mediated communication, and the World Wide Web; computer, print, and multimedia-based documentation, instruction, and training;
• Journalism: Issues related to news media culture and multimedia delivery, and influences on news and documentary content;
• Academia: Preparation for higher-level academic work, such as obtaining a doctorate, and teaching and conducting research at the college level.

Our graduates hold positions as public affairs/public relations specialists for major corporations and government agencies; technical writers and editors for engineering, software, chemical, and pharmaceutical firms; editors of specialized and in-house publications; and public relations/development officers for non-profit organizations. Our graduates have taken jobs with Hewlett Packard, Microsoft, IBM, U.S. Forest Service, Los Alamos National Laboratory, National Ecological Observatory Network, Colorado State University, Bohemian Foundation, Larimer County Humane Society, University of Colorado Health, and many other companies and agencies.

Graduates of our master’s program have also gained admittance to top-ranked Ph.D. programs. These programs include communication-related Ph.D. programs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Temple University, University of California-Berkley, Ohio State University, and the University of Alabama. In addition, several of our students have continued their education in our Ph.D. in Public Communication and Technology program. Graduates have also pursued higher degrees in other fields, including economics and sociology.

The Department of Journalism and Media Communication follows the university requirements for admission to the M.S. in Public Communication and Technology program. Applicants are required to hold at least a 3.0 GPA for their undergraduate work. Applicants who do not meet this requirement should write an explanation where requested on the application.

After submitting your online application and paying your application fee, begin submitting your supporting materials to complete your application.

• Upload supporting documents directly to your application.
• To submit official transcripts, contact your previous institutions to request they submit official transcripts to Colorado State University (use institution code 4075).
• To submit test scores, contact the testing agency to request that scores be sent to Colorado State University (use institution code 4075).
• Statement of purpose: Indicate your career goals and scholarly interests. Be sure to describe how our M.S. program and faculty will allow you to accomplish these goals. Note: Applicants can read more about preparing their Statement of Purpose in Frequently Asked Questions.
• Resume or curriculum vitae (CV): Be sure to show dates and details of professional and academic experience.
• Writing Samples: Three examples of scholarly or professional writing in English. Typical examples of writing samples include class/professional papers or projects that demonstrate the scope of your academic and professional abilities. Do not send originals, as they cannot be returned. Note: Applicants can read more about preparing their writing samples in Frequently Asked Questions.
• Recommendation letters: We require letters from three individuals who can speak to your potential for success in our M.S. program. These letters should be written by a variety of individuals (advisers, professors, employers, supervisors, or individuals in similar positions) who have known you in different capacities. Letters should address your ability to successfully pursue and complete graduate studies, not merely attest to your character. The online application will prompt your reviewers to submit the letters of recommendation, but you should contact your reviewers in advance and provide each individual with a copy of the guidelines for preparing letters of recommendation. You also should later confirm with the individual that the letter of recommendation was submitted.
• Transcripts: Submit official transcripts from all collegiate work completed. This includes institutions where coursework was taken but no formal degree was granted (e.g., community colleges, transfer schools). Note: Submitting transcripts from coursework completed at Colorado State University is not required.International applicants: Submit two transcripts from each university attended along with a certified translation into English, if applicable.
• GRE Scores: U.S. and international applicants are required to submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. Ask ETS to send your GRE scores to Colorado State University. Our institution code is 4075, and our department code is 4503.
• TOEFL or IELTS Scores (international applicants only): Have ETS send your TOEFL or IELTS scores and your TWE, if available. Our institution code is 4075, and our department code is 4503. Note: Students are exempted from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement if the official language of their country is English or if they have recently earned a degree from an American university.

Scholarships

• McPherson Graduate Scholarship
• Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Graduate Scholarships
• Global Education