Admissions FAQ for Communication (PhD)
General information for doctoral applicants
Review the application requirements which will post on July 1, 2026 to confirm the test requirement for fall 2027 admission.
English language scores must be submitted to USC Graduate Admission from the testing agency by the December 1, 2026 PhD application deadline.
No, you don’t need agreement from a faculty member to serve as your advisor before applying. If your application is successful you will be assigned a first-year mentor. During your second year, you will have the opportunity to either continue working with your first-year mentor or request a change to another faculty advisor.
A Master’s degree (or equivalent) is not required to apply. However, applicants with a Bachelor’s degree only must demonstrate preparation to undertake graduate level courses and equivalent research skills.
Yes, you are welcome to submit one (but no more than one) professional reference instead of an academic reference letter.
Reference letters should be submitted by the December 1, 2026 PhD application deadline.
Yes, you may submit a non-academic writing sample. However, bear in mind that the program is academically oriented and therefore applicants are expected to demonstrate strong academic skills in their application.
Yes, you may submit multimedia work as part of your application. However, bear in mind that the program is academically oriented and therefore applicants are expected to demonstrate strong academic skills in their application.
No, interviews are not part of the admissions process for the PhD program.
No, the PhD program is offered fully in person at the USC University Park campus in Los Angeles. Admitted students must enroll full time, and are expected to be in person for coursework and teaching or research assistant duties.
No, the University does not allow PhD students to work outside the program during the academic year.