Canisius College

For admission to the Communication and Leadership program, applicants may be accepted as matriculants (master's degree candidates) or as non-matriculants (graduate course credit students).  In either instance, the same admission standards will apply.  Prospective students must possess a baccalaureate degree from an accepted college or university, regardless of major field of study, and must present evidence of their qualifications to participate fully in a graduate level endeavor.  The Admissions Committee evaluates applicants on the basis of academic records with a minimum undergraduate GPA 3.0, scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), work experience, professional accomplishments and subjective appraisal of motivation and the likelihood of successful program completion. 

Information regarding the GRE's may be obtained at  www.gre.org

To qualify for admission, the student should have one of the following:

1. A minimum of at least 950 points based on the formula:  200 times the undergraduate QPA (4.0 system) + the converted GRE score.
   
   OR
   
   
2. At least 1000 points based on the formula: 200 times the junior and senior year QPA (4.0 system) + the converted GRE score.
   
   The converted GRE score is calculated as follows
           [(3.0 x verbal) + (2.0 x quantitative) + (100 x analytic)] / 6
   
   OR
   
   
3. A minimum total of 600 points on the TOEFL examination for international students (as well as appropriate undergraduate credentials).

The Admissions Committee recognizes that an applicant's background and experience may enhance one's ability to succeed in this program.  Those individuals who wish to have these experiences considered in the admission decision may submit letters of reference and/or information pertaining to such experience with the application form.  The Admissions Committee recognizes that some applicants wish to begin the program prior to taking the GRE.  A candidate whose QPA is 3.00 or higher may be admitted to the program as a non-matriculating student for one academic semester.  A student may take no more than twelve semester hours of course work on a non-matriculating basis.

In order to apply, applicants must:

• Complete an application form
• Have their GRE or TOEFL scores forwarded from the testing service
• Provide two official transcripts of all college work
• Write a brief essay describing their interest in the Communication and Leadership program
• Submit such other information as requested by the Admissions Committee 

Eligible students may enter in the fall, spring or summer semester.  Preferred consideration will be given to those who complete the application process by June 15 for the fall, November 15 for the spring and April 15 for the summer.

International Students

• Certified English translations must accompany official undergraduate transcripts 
• Official TOEFL score report showing a score of at least 500 for the paper test, or at least 200 for the computer test 
• Completed Certification of Finance Form, along with any necessary bank statements or sponsor affidavits, to secure a student visa

To receive the MS degree, students must complete the 36-credit program with at least a 3.0 Q.P.A.

Applications may be obtained in the Communications Studies department office, LY 314, (716) 888-2115 or by clicking on the following link:

Application to MS in Communication and Leadership Program

For more information about the MS in Communication and Leadership program, contact Rosanne L. Hartman, Ph.D., Program Director at (716) 888-2589 or hartmanr@canisius.edu.