Olivet School of Media and Communication

Graduate Admissions

Application Deadlines

Application Requirements

  • Application Form – Prospective students interested in applying to Olivet University must submit the application form from https://apply.olivetuniversity.edu/. Olivet University does not accept the Common Application.
  • Admission Essay – Applicants must submit a written essay approximately 700-1000 words in length describing their personal faith in Jesus Christ. Applicants must also submit their admission essay no less than 1000 words, describing their reason for applying to the University and their study plan. All applicants to Olivet University should evince a strong Christian character, the potential for effectiveness in Christian ministry, and the scholastic ability and emotional maturity to handle a higher education experience.

  • A bachelor’s degree from a CHEA or USDE-accredited U.S. institution. Note: Applicants with a baccalaureate degree from a state-approved non-accredited institution are encouraged to apply and ask for a transcript evaluation to determine whether conditional admission is possible. Applicants are responsible for making sure this information is emailed directly from the issuing educational institution to the email address of the Admissions Office at admissions@olivetuniversity.edu or mailed directly from the issuing educational institution to Olivet University.

  • A minimum 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale, or the equivalent according to the institution’s grading norms, for all coursework during the last two years of undergraduate study. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of less than 3.0 may be admitted on probation under the following provisions: The applicant must complete sixteen hours of graduate courses with a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. Successful completion of these requirements will lift the student’s probationary status and allow him or her to continue in the degree program. An undergraduate background supported by undergraduate achievement, which would indicate the ability to engage successfully in graduate level studies. 

  • Test Scores – Applicants must submit GRE/GMAT test scores, with exceptions.* If an applicant submits multiple score reports, the highest score earned in every single subscore of the examination is used. 

    *NOTE: GRE/GMAT test scores are not required to establish the admission eligibility of applicants with a bachelor’s degree program grade point averages of 3.00 or above on a 4.0 scale. While applicants are not required to submit test scores to Olivet if they earn at least a 3.00 average, it is recommended that they do so. Standardized admission tests can be helpful for advising and placement in appropriate courses.

  • English Language Proficiency – Language Proficiency is basic to the work of journalists and media professionals. In addition to satisfying the general undergraduate admissions criteria of Olivet University, non-native English speakers applying to the Olivet School of Media and Communication should demonstrate English language proficiency by earning the required scores:
    • Score 7 or higher on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)* examination:
      • Internet-based test (iBT): Minimum score of 97 or higher
      • Paper-based Test (PBT): Minimum score of 593 or higher
    • Duolingo English Test (DET): Minimum score of 125 

  • Journalistic Work Sample – The M.A. program is tailored for individuals with a minimum of 2 years of experience in journalism or a related field. Your entire application should demonstrate your genuine passion, capability, and potential to excel in a journalism career. As a part of the application process, we request two to three samples of journalistic work, whether published or unpublished. These samples can encompass written news stories, features, audio pieces, photo essays, or multimedia projects. All samples must be in English, with English-language captions or accompanied by an English-language transcript.

  • Recommendations – Applicants must submit at least three recommendation letters. One letter must be a reference from an Olivet Assembly (OA) church pastor who is familiar with the applicant’s current church involvement. The other two recommendations should come from the committed members of the applicant’s church who can comment on his/her faith in Jesus Christ. Recommendations may not come from the applicant’s immediate family members or spouse. Additional recommendation – If applicants serve in a ministry outside of their church, they should also submit a reference from one of its leadership team members.
  • Statement of Faith – Applicants must sign Olivet University’s Statement of Faith.
  • Application Fee – Applicants must submit a $75.00 non-refundable application fee.
  • Interview with OSMC faculty