FAQs

Program Information

How many credit hours does it take to complete the program?

The MS program is composed of 33 credit hours plus a comprehensive exam.

The MA program is composed of 33 credit hours plus a comprehensive exam, 6 semester hours of graduate credit in humanities courses. Students must also demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language by certification by the appropriate language department, or completion of twelve semester hours in a foreign language with an average grade of at least 3.0 (“B”), or four years of a single language in high school. 

How long will it take me to finish the program?

It is possible to complete the program in two years if coursework is completed during summer terms.

Is the program available on campus (in-person) or online (distance learning)?

The program is currently available on campus at Florida State University Panama City in Panama City, Florida..

What is the minimum letter grade I must receive in all graduate coursework?

All courses must be passed with a “B-” grade or better and students are expected to maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout enrollment in the program.

Does the program offer any graduate assistantships, fellowships, or scholarships?

Currently, the program does not offer any graduate assistantships or fellowships. However, we encourage students to apply for foundation and campus-based scholarships by visiting our Financial Aid & Benefits page.

What is the cost of tuition?

Information on current tuition costs can be found on the Student Business Services website.

What is the comprehensive exam?

The comprehensive exam is given to graduate students toward the end of their coursework. The comprehensive exam consists of both written and oral portions. The exam aims to assess the knowledge of CPC students on the program’s core courses. Students who take the comprehensive exam must have successfully completed all core coursework. At the completion of both exam portions, the student must pass without conditions, or pass with further conditions that must be completed by the end of the semester comprehensive exams are taken to pass the comprehensive exam course (COM 8966).

What employment opportunities are available upon completion of this master’s degree?

This terminal master’s degree is designed for those currently employed in or seeking professional positions emphasizing public affairs, public information and public issues management in business, government, not-for-profit organizations or educational institutions. Curriculum focuses on combining theory, research and application to prepare students for advancement within their professions. Upon graduation, students will have experience planning and implementing marketing communication campaigns, resolving conflicts within organizational environments, audit organizational communication practices, managing individuals/groups in crises, using appropriate tools of persuasion and analyzing research data..

What is NoleNetwork?

All FSU students have access to the FSU Career Center’s online jobs database NoleNetwork as a resource for linking students and alumni directly with hiring employers and Career Center programs. FSU students have indicated that the FSU Career Center has been the #1 resource they have used to find employment for 8 years in a row.

Application Information

What are the graduate application deadlines?

Spring – November 1
Summer – March 1
Fall – July 1

How do I apply?

Visit the Graduate Admissions webpage to complete and submit the University Admissions Office's Online Application Form.

What is the difference between a Master of Science and Master of Arts degree for this program?

The MS in Corporate and Public Communication is composed of 33 credit hours plus a comprehensive exam.

The Master of Arts in Corporate and Public Communication is composed of 33 credit hours plus a comprehensive exam, 6 semester hours of graduate credit in humanities courses. Students must also demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language by certification by the appropriate language department, or completion of twelve semester hours in a foreign language with an average grade of at least 3.0 (“B”), or four years of a single language in high school.

Can my application fee be waived?

Unfortunately, the Office of Admissions is unable to waive the application fee payment for graduate applicants. However, if you are an active-duty military member, please notify your Graduate Representative of your active-duty status to be assisted with your application fee.

What forms of payment can I use to pay my application fee?

The application payment system only accepts payments from 16-digit credit cards or e-check.  Please note that paying with an e-check can take 8-10 business days to be received and processed. If you need additional assistance with payments, you may contact Student Business Services at (850) 644-9452.

Am I required to take the GRE?

Given COVID-19 (for summer 2022, fall 2022 and spring 2023) GRE scores will not be required but are preferred. If students choose during this time to not include GRE scores, it is important to have strong GPAs to be considered for admission.

What upper-division undergraduate GPA do I need to be considered for admission into the program? 

A minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade point average (GPA) in all coursework attempted while registered as an upper-division undergraduate student working towards a bachelor’s degree.

How can I calculate my upper-division undergraduate GPA?

The Upper-division undergraduate GPA includes the entire term in which you attempted your 60th credit hour and continues until completion of the baccalaureate degree. The Self-Reported Undergraduate GPA Computation Worksheet is a worksheet with more information about what the upper division GPA is and how to calculate it. If you are experiencing difficulties reporting your upper-division undergraduate GPA, you may input your cumulative undergraduate GPA in that space in the meantime. Additionally, your graduate representative will calculate the Upper-Division GPA upon review of your application.

Do I need to submit a transcript for a school from which I did not receive a degree or have not yet graduated?

Yes, you must request a transcript from every post-secondary institution attended.

I uploaded my transcript to my application, why has it not been marked as received?

Applicants must submit an official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college and/or university attended to the Office of Graduate Admissions. Transfer credit posted on the records of other institutions is not accepted in lieu of transcripts from the original institutions. Official transcripts for these credits must also be submitted. Transcripts are considered official when they bear an official seal and signature and are sent from the issuing college or university directly to Florida State. FSU transcripts or official transcripts already on file will be obtained by the Office of Admissions.

The Graduate Admissions Office recommends that you have official transcripts sent to FSU electronically to graduateadmissions@fsu.edu. If this is not an option, you may submit an official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college and/or university attended directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions. Please note that there may be a delay in processing transcripts that are sent via mail.

Office of Graduate Admissions address for submitting Official Transcripts: 

  • Florida State University 
  • Office of Graduate Admissions 
  • 314 Westcott Bldg. 
  • Tallahassee, FL. 32306-1410 
  • USA

Should I put a photo on my resume/curriculum vitae?

A photo is not required on a resume/curriculum vitae. If a student chooses to include a photo, please consider the following dos and don’ts:

  • Do: Choose a professional-looking photo. A front-facing headshot on a solid, light background.
  • Don’t: Use a selfie or a posed, party or group photo taken down at the pub, club, or beach.
  • Do: Ensure that the photo is well shot with a high resolution and isn’t blurry or out of focus.
  • Don’t: Use an avatar, cartoon, or funny photo. It’s better to go without.
  • Do: Make sure the photo fits in with, and complements, the overall impression of your career experience.
  • Don’t: Use a dated or altered photo. Choose a current one that’s true to who you are today.

Who should I ask to write my letters of recommendation? 

At least one (1) letter must be from an academic source, one (1) should be from a professional or organizational experience and the final letter can be academic or professional/organizational in nature. Personal recommendations from relatives or friends will not be accepted. 

  • Examples of academic sources: 
  • Professors, teacher assistants, mentors, tutors, academic advisor, administrator at an internship
  •  
  • Examples of professional or organizational experience 
  • Managers, supervisors, volunteer leaders, colleagues/peers  

International Applicants

What is the F-1 Visa/I-20 process?

Students can learn about obtaining an F1 Visa or an I-20 from the Center for Global Engagement (CGE).

Who can help me with my visa or I-20 questions?

The Center for Global Engagement (CGE) advisors are available to provide all immigration services for international students' questions regarding visas.  You can contact an advisor via email or schedule a phone or Zoom appointment.  Advisors cannot answer questions regarding the length of time it will take to receive a visa.

What is the estimated cost of attendance for international students?

For more information on estimated costs of living and the I-20 process, please visit the Center for Global Engagement (CGE).

Do you have funding available for international students? 

The Graduate School offers fellowship and grant opportunities for graduate students. For current FSU students, the Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards assists in identifying and applying for external funding opportunities. In addition, the Center for Global Engagement has more information about additional funding opportunities for international students.

What are the transcript requirements for international students? 

All transcripts/academic records that are not in English must be accompanied by certified English translations.

To be considered "certified," documents should be true copies that are signed and dated by an educational official familiar with academic records. Any translated record should be literal and not an interpretive translation. Documents signed by a notary or other public official with no educational affiliation will not be accepted.

If the transcript/academic record does not indicate the degree earned and date the degree was awarded, separate proof of degree is required.

Please read more about our general transcript requirements on our Graduate Admissions page. 

As an international student, where should I go to ask questions or learn more?

International students should contact the Center for Global Engagement to discuss regulations related to visas and online/remote learning. This Center will also provide you with ongoing support and a range of cultural activities for all FSU students.