Application Requirements and Checklist

Master’s Application Packet Materials

1. Completed Online Application

The UF application is conveniently located online for you to complete at your own pace. There is a $30 non-refundable fee for submitting an application. Please note that a small fee may be charged for credit card payments. Applicants should check for recommendation completion and reminders using the UF online application portal.

If you are submitting an application for the summer semester, you must select Summer C as your term.

START YOUR APPLICATION

2. Resume

Submit a resume showcasing your accomplishments, work and education history, skills, etc.

3. Statement of Purpose

The Statement of Purpose is an opportunity for the applicant to express his or her goals and reason behind pursuing graduate education. The Statement of Purpose is a personal reflection that provides the admissions committee with a more robust understanding of the applicant. The Statement of Purpose should be at least 300 words.

The following questions can provide talking points for your Statement of Purpose:

• What interests you about the field of study for which you are applying and how did you learn about it?
• What are your relevant work experiences (if any)? Previous work experience is not required.
• What are your career goals? How will this program help you achieve your career goals?

4. Three Letters of Recommendation

The online application will ask you to provide contact information for three recommenders. Contact your recommenders before saving your application so they are aware to check their inbox for an electronic request with instructions for submitting a recommendation. Alternatively, recommenders can email the Enrollment and Admissions Coordinator directly at onlineadmissions@jou.ufl.edu with the subject line of “Letter of Recommendation for Applicant Name.”

Recommendations should be completed by individuals who can attest to your professional abilities and skills. Recommenders can be former professors, colleagues, supervisors, etc. Family members cannot submit a letter of recommendation for an applicant.

5. Official Transcripts From All Post-Secondary Institutions Applicant Graduated From

UF CJC Online requires official transcripts only from the institution that has conferred your undergraduate or, in applicable situations, your master’s degree.  

The most efficient way to submit copies of your official transcripts from your school’s option is via electronic transmission and by selecting the University of Florida. If your institution does not include the University of Florida as an option and instead requires an email address, please have them sent to te@admissions.ufl.edu. Please remember that transcripts must come directly from the institution to be deemed official.

International applicants are required to submit an official copy of each transcript, mark sheet and diploma/degree certificate from each university or college attended. All documents must be in their native language. If their native language is not English, a certified English translation is required.

We request that applicants send all documents directly to our offices using a trackable shipping method including a self-addressed paid envelope that we will use to return documents to applicants after they have been evaluated by our international admissions team.

The appropriate shipping address is included below:

University of Florida

College of Journalism and Communications

Attn: Distance Education

1060 Weimer Hall

PO Box 118400

Gainesville, FL 32611-4000

6. GRE Scores

WAIVED GRE REQUIREMENT UPDATE

The University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications is waiving the Graduate Records Examination (GRE) requirement for all master’s programs. This change affects all applicants moving forward.

The removal of the GRE requirement serves to better accommodate applicants. Applicants do not need to submit a GRE waiver when submitting their application materials.

If you have already taken the GRE, you may still submit your GRE scores for consideration during our holistic application review process.

GRE Resources

• Preparing for the GRE
• Registering for the GRE
• GRE scores must be sent to the University of Florida (school code 5812 and department/major code 4508).
• Retaking the GRE

7. English Proficiency – International Applicants

UF requires proficiency in spoken and written English and accepts the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The university’s TOEFL code is 5812 and the department code is 83. TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two years.

International applicants are exempt from the English proficiency requirement if enrolled for one academic year in a degree-seeking program at a recognized/regionally accredited university or college in a country where English is the official language prior to your anticipated term of enrollment at UF, or if you are from one of the following countries.

TOEFL Requirements
90 Internet-based
26 Speaking
27 Writing

IELTS Requirements: 6 (6.5)
7.5 Speaking
6.5 Writing

Certificate Application Packet Materials

1. Completed Online Application

The UF application is conveniently located online for you to complete at your own pace. There is a $30 non-refundable fee for submitting an application. Please note that a small fee may be charged for credit card payments. Applicants should check for recommendation completion and reminders using the UF online application portal.

If you are submitting an application for the summer semester, you must select Summer C as your term.

START YOUR APPLICATION

2. Resume

Submit a resume showcasing your accomplishments, work and education history, skills, etc.

3. Statement of Purpose

The Statement of Purpose is an opportunity for the applicant to express his or her goals and reason behind pursuing graduate education. The Statement of Purpose is a personal reflection that provides the admissions committee with a more robust understanding of the applicant. The Statement of Purpose should be at least 300 words.

The following questions can provide talking points for your Statement of Purpose:

• • • What interests you about the field of study for which you are applying and how did you learn about it?
    • What are your relevant work experiences (if any)? Previous work experience is not required.
    • What are your career goals? How will this program help you achieve your career goals?

4. Official Transcripts From All Post-Secondary Institutions Applicant Graduated From

UF CJC Online requires official transcripts only from the institution that has conferred your undergraduate or, in applicable situations, your master’s degree.  

The most efficient way to submit copies of your official transcripts from your school’s option is via electronic transmission and by selecting the University of Florida. If your institution does not include the University of Florida as an option and instead requires an email address, please have them sent to te@admissions.ufl.edu. Please remember that transcripts must come directly from the institution to be deemed official.

International applicants are required to submit an official copy of each transcript, mark sheet and diploma/degree certificate from each university or college attended. All documents must be in their native language. If their native language is not English, a certified English translation is required.

We request that applicants send all documents directly to our offices using a trackable shipping method including a self-addressed paid envelope that we will use to return documents to applicants after they have been evaluated by our international admissions team.

The appropriate shipping address is included below:

University of Florida

College of Journalism and Communications

Attn: Distance Education

1060 Weimer Hall

PO Box 118400

Gainesville, FL 32611-4000

5. English Proficiency – International Applicants

UF requires proficiency in spoken and written English and accepts the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The university’s TOEFL code is 5812 and the department code is 83. TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two years.

International applicants are exempt from the English proficiency requirement if enrolled for one academic year in a degree-seeking program at a recognized/regionally accredited university or college in a country where English is the official language prior to your anticipated term of enrollment at UF, or if you are from one of the following countries.

TOEFL Requirements
90 Internet-based
26 Speaking
27 Writing

IELTS Requirements: 6 (6.5)
7.5 Speaking
6.5 Writing