Ready to take your communication skills to the next level? We can’t wait to meet you. Before you apply, take some time to explore what they’re all about. This will help you craft a more competitive application. Visit the Strategic Communication Master's program page to learn more.

Application Deadlines

Applications for the 2025 cohort are open now!

Scholarship applicants should consider applying by the Round 2 deadline to ensure an admission decision by the February 15 UO scholarship deadline. For more information about scholarships, please visit the SOJC Graduate Funding Opportunities page.

*Applications submitted after final deadlines are considered on a case-by-case basis as space is available.

How to Apply

To apply for any of the SOJC’s graduate programs, you’ll need to submit an online application through the UO Division of Graduate Studies portal. Here’s an overview of the process:

Step 1: Gather your info.

All application materials become the property of the University of Oregon and will not be returned. You’ll need:

General Info: Just the basics—name and contact info, residency status, and education level.

Transcripts: As part of your application, you’ll need to upload PDFs of your unofficial transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended, including the University of Oregon. If you are admitted to the UO and choose to enroll, you will then need to ask the educational institution where you received a bachelor’s degree (or higher) to send official transcripts to the UO Office of the Registrar. For complete guidelines, refer to the Division of Graduate Studies’ instructions to submit official transcripts.

Personal Statement: Write 750–1,000 words about your past academic and professional experience, your academic and career goals for the future, and how our graduate program will get you there.

Resumé or CV: We want to see what you’ve been up to in your academic career and your professional life.

Portfolio: We also want to see what you’re capable of. Submit work samples that demonstrate your professional and/or research chops. For the Strategic Communications Master’s program, show us professional work such as writing samples from your current job that focus on persuasive communication. These could include advertisements, news releases, brochures, sales letters, presentations, and strategic recommendations.

Letters of Recommendation: Submit contact information for three to four people familiar with your intellectual and creative ability, academic record, and/or professional experience. They’ll get an automated email linking to a recommendation form.

Test Scores: The GRE is not required for this program. We require Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores for non-native speakers (see below). TOEFL and IELTS scores must be less than 2 years old at the time of application. In addition to self-reporting your test scores in the online application, you must also send the official report of your test scores directly to the UO code 4846.

English Language Proficiency: If English is not your native/primary language, you will need to prove proficiency through one of these three methods:

• TOEFL Score: The SOJC requires a minimum score of 600 (paper test) or 100 (online test).
• IELTS Score: The UO requires a minimum Academic score of at least 7.0 overall band.
• Degree from English-Speaking Country: Submit degree transcripts proving you have received a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or from an institution in Australia, Canada (excluding Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom.

Proof of Financial Support (for international students): According to U.S. federal regulations, nonimmigrant international students must provide supporting financial documents, bank statements, and/or proof of support from a sponsoring agency. Learn more about requirements for international students.

Step 2: Fill out the online graduate application on the Division of Graduate Studies website.

This form has two parts: the UO Division of Graduate Studies application and the SOJC’s graduate application. There is a nonrefundable $70 application fee ($90 for international students).

Step 3: Check the status of your application.

After applying, you can review the status of your application anytime through our online application system. Admissions decisions are typically made within 4–6 weeks of the application deadline.

Laptop Policy

Your laptop is your lifeline. It keeps you connected wherever you are, on campus or off. We expect all students to have reliable access to one, and some instructors even require it for class.

Need a computer?

• Get a recommendation from our tech folks
• Choose a vendor like the UO Duck Store that offers educational discounts
• Explore other options for affordable technology like Free Geek, a nonprofit based in Portland