Steps for Admission

Preference for admission will be given to students with fewer than 75 credits. Students with more than 75 credits will have one point deducted for each credit above that number. Transfer students applying to the Communications Program with more than 75 credits will be evaluated on their residence credits as well as their overall credits. Transfer student with more than 75 credits will have one point subtracted from their admission scores for each credit beyond 75 or beyond 36 residential credits, whichever is smaller.

Step 1-Declare yourself a Pre-Communications Student

Contact the CFAC Advisement Center in D-444 HFAC (801-422-3777) and declare your status as a Pre-Communications student. Students must be declared Pre-Communications to take Comms 211, a prerequisite course to applying.

Step 2 - Take the Prerequisite Courses

Students must take the following courses and receive a B or higher in each (a B- will not meet this standard). Students may repeat each course only one time to earn a higher grade. Meeting the minimum standard requirements does not guarantee admission to any department emphasis.

First Year Writing (Engl 150, Honors 150, Phil 150) Or Advanced Writing Requirement

Comms 101-Introduction to Mass Communications
Comms 211-News Writing
Advertising applicants must also complete Comms 230-Introduction to Advertising
Broadcast Journalism applicants must also complete Comms 275-Introduction to Broadcast
Communications Studies applicants must also complete Comms 238-Introduction to Communications Studies
Public Relations applicants must also complete Comms 235-Introduction to Public Relations
Print Journalism applicants must also complete Comms 239-Principles of Journalism

These courses are typically offered each semester and term. Comms 101, 230, and 235 are also offered through BYU Independent Study. Prerequisite courses from other universities or colleges may be transferable. Contact Lacey Ross (422-3777, D-444 HFAC) for more information on transferring prerequisite courses.

Step 3-Pass the Benchmark Writing Evaluation

In the Comms 211 course, students will complete a benchmark writing evaluation. Students in other introductory classes may also be required to complete a benchmark exercise.

Please Note: Students who have taken Comms 211 through Independent Study, or who transfer it from another institution must take a separate "Benchmark Writing Evaluation" before applying. Contact the Communications Department at 422-2997 for more information.

Step 4-Write a Letter of Intent

The letter of intent is a freeform letter that is your chance to tell the admissions committee why you should be considered for admission. Many students use this as an opportunity to highlight related work experience, accomplishments, future plans, and why they chose communications. The letter is given serious consideration by each member of the admission committee. (Those applying to Advertising or Broadcast are not required to write a letter of intent).

Step 5-Check Additional Application Requirements

In addition to the above requirements, certain emphases have additional application requirements.

Advertising has additional requirements, including a test, supplemental questions, and a 60-second video. Click here for details.
Broadcast Journalism requires an interview (which will be scheduled after applications are submitted) and examples of previous broadcast work. Broadcast applicants must also briefly answer some short essay questions. Click here for details.
Communications Studies requires an interview (which will be scheduled after applications are submitted).
Print Journalism requires an essay that answers three questions. For a list of those questions, click here.
Public Relations requires an interview (which will be scheduled after applications are submitted) and a case study analysis which will also be scheduled after applications are submitted. Click here for details.

Step 6-Complete the Application Form

To download the application packet, click here. The first three pages of the application contain important information about admissions criteria and graduation requirements. Please read them carefully. The final page (page 4) is the Application form you will submit. On this form, fill in your personal information at the top. Each emphasis has its own space for prerequisite grade information. In the appropriate space, enter the grades you received in the prerequisite courses.

Additionally, you will print out and attach a full copy of your Progress Report (ABC Report) found by going to AIM - Advisement - Progress Report (ABC Report) and selecting the Full Progress Report to print.

FAILURE TO PROVIDE A FULL COPY OF YOUR ABC REPORT WILL MAKE YOUR APPLICATION VOID.

Please also include a legal-sized envelope (4-1/8x9-1/2) with your name, BYU ID number, and the emphasis you are applying for on the front (this will be used to notify you of admissions decisions). It will not be mailed to you so you do not need to put your address or a stamp on it.

Students may apply to more than one emphasis at the same time; however a separate application form, letter of intent, and Progress Report (ABC report) must be submitted with each application. Students must rank the applications to indicate their first, second, or third choice.

Step 7-Turn in Application Materials to the Department Office

Sign the application form and staple to it the letter of intent, a full copy of your Progress Report (ABC Report) printout from AIM, and a legal-sized envelope (4-1/8x9-1/2) with your name, BYU ID number, and emphasis (in that order). (Please do not submit the first three pages of the application--the information pages. Also, unless you are submitting an Advertising or Broadcast application, please do not place the application in a folder or report cover. Do not use plastic sheet protectors either because they will just be thrown away.) Turn in the stapled application to the Department of Communications Office (360 BRMB).

The deadline for turning in applications is 4 p.m. MST on the listed deadline date. The next application deadline is January 15, 2010. There are two application reviews each year.

Step 8- Attend Orientation

If you are admitted to one of the emphases, you are required to attend the orientation meeting. You will be informed about the dates and times of these meetings. If you do not attend the meeting, you will lose your place in the program.