Program Overview

International & Intercultural Communication - MA

The Master of Arts in International and Intercultural Communication is a graduate program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to communicate effectively across international and intercultural differences.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Terms and Deadlines:
  • Fall 2026 quarter (beginning in September):
    • Priority deadline: January 30, 2026
    • Final submission deadline: July 15, 2026
    • International submission deadline: May 5, 2026
  • Winter 2027 quarter (beginning in January):
    • Final submission deadline: November 16, 2026
    • International submission deadline: September 8, 2026
  • Spring 2027 quarter (beginning in March):
    • Final submission deadline: February 24, 2027
    • International submission deadline: December 7, 2026
• Degree and GPA Requirements:
  • Bachelors degree: All graduate applicants must hold an earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited college or university or the recognized equivalent from an international institution.
  • University GPA requirement: The minimum grade point average for admission consideration for graduate study at the University of Denver must meet one of the following criteria:
    • A cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the baccalaureate degree.
    • A cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits (approximately two years of work) for the baccalaureate degree.
    • An earned master's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution or the recognized equivalent from an international institution supersedes the minimum GPA requirement for the baccalaureate.
    • A cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all graduate coursework completed for applicants who have not earned a master's degree or higher.
• Additional Standards for Non-Native English Speakers:
  • Official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), C1 Advanced or Duolingo English Test are required of all graduate applicants, regardless of citizenship status, whose native language is not English or who have been educated in countries where English is not the native language.
  • The minimum TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced/Duolingo English Test score requirements for this degree program are:
    • Minimum TOEFL Score (Internet-based test): 80 for exams taken prior to January 21, 2026; 4.0 for exams taken on or after January 21, 2026
    • Minimum IELTS Score: 6.5
    • Minimum C1 Advanced Score: 176
    • Minimum Duolingo English Test Score: 115
• Additional Standards for International Applicants:
  • Per Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) regulation, international applicants must meet all standards for admission before an I-20 or DS-2019 is issued.

Application Materials

The following materials are required for a complete application:

• Transcripts:
  • We require a scanned copy of your transcripts from every college or university you have attended.
  • Scanned copies must be clearly legible and sized to print on standard 8½-by-11-inch paper.
  • Transcripts that do not show degrees awarded must also be accompanied by a scanned copy of the diploma or degree certificate.
  • If your academic transcripts were issued in a language other than English, both the original documents and certified English translations are required.
• Standardized Test Scores:
  • GRE scores are optional for admission to this program.
  • Applications submitted without scores will receive full consideration.
  • If you choose to submit test scores, you may upload your Test Taker Score Report PDF, which is considered unofficial.
  • Official scores must be received directly from the appropriate testing agency upon admission to the University of Denver.
• Letters of Recommendation:
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation are required.
  • Applicants should request letters from individuals who can comment on their academic and professional abilities.
  • Letters by family members and/or friends are not appropriate.
  • Letters should be submitted by recommenders through the online application.
• Required Essays and Statements:
  • Answer the two questions below in approximately 500 words each, making sure to label your answers clearly.
  • 1. Discuss how being able to communicate across international and intercultural differences can be important and useful in contemporary life, using specific global issues and/or personal experiences as appropriate.
  • 2. What are your current professional goals and how can the MA in International and Intercultural Communication help you achieve them? Please reference specific classes, professors or other aspects of the program that interest you.

Financial Aid Information

Applicants should complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 15. Visit the Office of Financial Aid for additional information.