Apr 27, 2024  
2023-2024 Academic Catalog 
  
2023-2024 Academic Catalog

Admissions Graduate Communication



Graduate Programs in Communication

As a student in Asbury University’s graduate communication program, you will learn from our highly experienced, award-winning faculty, including experts in screenwriting, cinematography, producing, directing, production design, instructional design, public relations, international communication, and social media. You will learn how to use the latest technology, but more importantly, you will master the principles of storytelling, all within a context that emphasizes spiritual vitality. 

The School of Communication Arts offers five graduate programs:

Master of Arts in Communication

Created for professionals and recent graduates setting their course for careers in public relations, advertising, and corporate or nonprofit communications, the Asbury M.A.C. focuses on the study of communication at an advanced level of theory and practice, emphasizing strategy, planning, and evaluation, as well as organizational rhetoric and global awareness. 

Master of Arts: Digital Storytelling

This M.A. program enables students to create engaging stories that leverage the ever-growing resources of digital technology. Effective digital storytelling requires a mastery of social media, writing, and video production, and other aspects of convergent media. The digital storytelling program teaches students how to effectively use these technologies, and how to create and package stories that will captivate your audiences and impact culture. For complete program details, see M.A. Digital Storytelling. [Note: An agreement exists between Asbury University and Lumina College Ltd. for delivery of this master of arts degree.]

Master of Arts: Instructional Design, Innovation, & Leadership

This M.A. program teaches students how to use cutting-edge technology to grow the skills they need in order to impact and lead others in the much needed and fast growing industry of Instructional Design. Many of the skills students will learn can be adapted to teaching, training, web design, consulting and, of course, educational settings as well as corporate or nonprofit training. For more information, see M.A. Instructional Design, Innovation, & Leadership.

Master of Fine Arts: Screenwriting

Students enrolled in the M.F.A. in Screenwriting program will learn how to become versatile and marketable writers by studying a variety of genres including feature films, television programming and webisodes. They will refine their skills and develop a valuable professional network by studying under leading faculty and expert writers working in the industry. For complete information, see M.F.A Screenwriting.

Master of Fine Arts: Film & Television Production

The M.F.A. in Film & Television Production at Asbury University equips students with the expertise needed to be a successful professional working in the media industry. M.F.A. students in Film & Television Production will learn the fundamental principles of storytelling and discover how to expertly translate them in practice. Students work closely with top faculty and successful industry professionals to hone their craft. For additional information, see M.F.A. Film/TV Production.

Application Process for All Degree Programs

  1. Complete online application at apply.asbury.edu.
  2. Submit transcripts:

a. Final official transcripts showing conferred Bachelor’s degree(s). Note: Graduate admissions may request additional transcript(s) as necessary to fulfill admissions or state certification requirements.

b. All Master’s coursework or beyond, including any Master’s conferral (independent of intent to transfer)

c. All transcripts must be delivered directly from each college/university at which undergraduate and/or graduate work was completed (please see instructions below).

Mail: Asbury University Graduate Admission
One Macklem Drive
Wilmore, KY 40390

Official Electronic Transcripts: GradAdmissions@asbury.edu

d. Official International Transcripts: International candidates whose transcripts are from non-US institutions must be submitted through World Education Services (WES), and request the WES ICAP package with verified transcript and course-by-course description.

  1. Submit a current resume via the application portal (include awards, leadership positions, and industry experience).
  2. TOEFL for all applicants whose native language is not English: 577 minimum on the paper based test (PBT) or 90 minimum on the Internet based test (iBT).
  3. Two references: (1) current or recent employer, and (2) a personal character reference (not a family member). References are submitted during the online application process.
  4. Additional materials specific to your program as outlined below.

Students may be provisionally accepted to a program after all documents are submitted, pending further review and full acceptance into a degree program. Provisionally accepted students may register for certain recommended classes while they await full admission.

M.A. & M.A.C. Program Admission Requirements

  1. Bachelor’s degree or an advanced degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, or a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (based on last 60 hours of undergraduate degree). Candidates not meeting the grade point average criteria may apply for admission on a conditional status.
  2. During the application process, you will complete a Personal Vision Essay (maximum 350 words) in which you convey your personal vision (goals and life purpose) for implementing Digital Storytelling, Instructional Design, or Communication (as applicable to the program applying to) in your career. Clearly state in your essay the contributions you expect to make to the field and how this program will help you achieve those goals.
     

Transfer of Credits: With approval of the Dean of the School of Communication Arts and the Registrar, a student may transfer up to nine semester hours of prior graduate credits toward a Master of Arts or Master of Arts in Communication degree. These credits must have been completed at a regionally-accredited graduate school. Only courses with a grade of B or better which are equivalent to Asbury University courses may be transferred. Any graduate level course older than ten years at the time of program admission is ineligible for transfer and use towards any master’s degree.

Credit for Prior Learning: Students entering the M.A. or M.A.C. programs can satisfy a maximum of three credits for extensive professional media experience through a Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) process. There will be a cost to apply for CPL credit.  See Transfer Graduate Courses and Other Credit in Academic Information for Graduate Students .

 

M.F.A. Program Admission Requirements

  1. Bachelor’s degree or an advanced degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (based on last 60 hours of undergraduate degree). If GPA is lower than 3.0 (based on last 60 hours of undergraduate degree), a GRE will be required with a minimum score of 940. Candidates not meeting the minimum GRE criteria may apply for admission on a conditional status.
     
  2. The M.F.A. in Screenwriting requires the following:
    1. Writing Sample of 15-25 Pages of material that aligns with the type of writing that you are pursuing (example: drama, comedy, etc.).
    2. Essay (500-750 words), submitted during the application process, in which you present yourself as a unique individual with characteristics, values, and experiences that influence who you are as a screenwriter. Please clearly state in your essay your personal vision (goals and life purpose) for pursuing the M.F.A. in Screenwriting. What kinds of scripts do you hope to write? What contributions do you expect to make to the field? How will the M.F.A. program help you achieve these goals? Please write in a manner that is clear, creative, and professional.
       
  3. The M.F.A. in Film & Television Production requires the following:
    1. 6-30 minute film/video production or demo reel with supporting documentation (must be submitted via online application portal). Applicant must have played a significant role in the production submitted or the reel must only include your work.
    2. Essay (500-750 words) in which you present yourself as a unique individual with characteristics, values, and experiences that influence who you are as a visual storyteller. Please clearly state in your essay your personal vision (goals and life purpose) for pursuing the M.F.A. in Film and Television Production. What kinds of stories do you hope to tell? What contributions do you expect to make to the field? How will the M.F.A. program help you achieve these goals? Please write in a manner that is clear, creative, and professional.
       

Transfer of Credits: With approval of the Dean of the School of Communication Arts and the Registrar, a student may transfer up to twelve semester hours of prior graduate credits toward the Master of Fine Arts degree. These credits must have been completed at a regionally-accredited graduate school. Only courses with a grade of B or better which are equivalent to Asbury University courses may be transferred. Any graduate level course older than ten years at the time of program admission is ineligible for transfer and use towards any master’s degree.

*Students who have completed the M.A. in Digital Storytelling at Asbury and wish to pursue an M.F.A. degree may utilize up to fifteen credit hours from their completed M.A. degree at Asbury toward the M.F.A. degree.

Credit for Prior Learning: Students entering the M.F.A. program can satisfy a maximum of three credits for extensive professional media experience through a Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) process. There will be a cost to apply for CPL credit. See Transfer Graduate Courses and Other Credit in Academic Information for Graduate Students .

 

Graduation Degree Requirements (M.A., M.A.C., or M.F.A.)

See Degree Requirements - Graduate Programs