Master of Arts in Communication - Critical Cultural Studies

Critical Cultural research emphasizes critical inquiry into the broadly defined ways that cultural discourses, practices, and performances contribute to, resist, and transform relations of power in society, particularly as related to communication-based problems of class, race, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, national identity, (dis)ability, environment, and globalization. We focus on fostering a more equitable and democratic public sphere as a way to promote social justice. Our critical cultural faculty conduct their inquiry into a variety of forms communication, including rhetorical, mediated, and interpersonal. Some of our recent projects include analysis of the political economy of the dark web, Korean war memory, performance of childbearing identities in families, mediated portrayals of African American and Asian Americans, political and cultural underpinnings of obesity, tactics of activism in the U.S. and China, postcolonial memory, and environmental justice.

Statement of your personal and professional goals (approximately 800 words).

2. Academic writing sample no longer than 25 pages (i.e. term paper, thesis chapter, creative writing sample, published newspaper articles). The sample can be composed of multiple pieces, but must still be under the 25 page limit.

3. DEI/IDEA Statement: a single-page statement that briefly explains how your educational, research, teaching, and/or other experiences and interests align with the department's Anti-Racism Code of Conduct and Anti-Racism Strategic Plan. More infromation and guidance can be found here.

4. A curriculum vita or short resume.

5. Unofficial transcripts of all previous college and university coursework.

If accepted to the program, you will need to provide official transcripts to admissions.
6. The names and email addresses of three people who will write recommendations.

They will receive and electronic prompt to go in and upload their letters of recommendation.
TOEFL : 80 or higher
IELTS : 6.5 or higher
DUOLINGO : 105 or higher
ACT English score of 18 or higher
SAT Reading score of 27 or higher