MS-MA Corporate and Public Communication Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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.

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

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

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.

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 Scholarship page.

Information on current tuition costs can be found on the Office of Student Finance website.

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).

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.

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.

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

Visit the Graduate Admissions webpage to complete and submit your graduate admissions application online through the Graduate Application Portal.

• For those applying to the on-campus format, select Panama City, FL as the campus/location.
• For those applying to the online format, select online/distance learning (PC) as the campus/location.

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.

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. 

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 Office of Student Finance at (850) 644-9452. 

The GRE requirement has been waived for all master’s applicants applying through fall 2026. If applicants choose during this time to not include GRE scores, it is important to have strong GPAs to be considered for admission. 

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.

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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. 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. 

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

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
222 South Copeland St
Westcott Building Room 314
Tallahassee FL 32306-1410
USA

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.

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

Students can learn about obtaining their F-1 visa at Obtain your F-1 Visa. Learn more about obtaining an I-20 at Obtain your Form I-20.

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. 

For more information on estimated costs of living and the I-20 process, please visit the CGE Obtain your Form I-20.  

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 CGE has more information about additional Funding opportunities 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.

International students should contact the CGE 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.