Diversity and International Students

The Department of Communication Arts is committed to maintaining and increasing the social diversity of its graduate students and faculty. Women currently make up more than half of each entering class, our graduate student population is racially and ethnically diverse, LGBTQ students are widely represented, and we work with students with disabilities to ensure full access to learning and professional development in our graduate program. We strongly encourage students with diverse experiences and backgrounds to apply to the program, including first generation college students and members of historically disadvantaged and underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. Fellowships are available to assist minority applicants, as well as those from any background that might have made educational achievement more difficult. The Graduate School offers admissions fee grants for applicants from minority and targeted demographic groups. For admitted students, the department offers Advanced Opportunity Fellowships (AOF) and other sources supporting ethnic and racial diversity. UW also offers many resources for minority students through the Office of Equity and Diversity.

We also encourage international students to apply to the program, as we believe international diversity enhances the global relevance and dynamism of our graduate program. We currently have graduate students from around the world including Australia, Belgium, China, India, Iran, Korea, and Taiwan in our program. However, international students must realize that the demanding workload in the doctoral program means that it is imperative to be fluent in English before arriving. While expenses at UW-Madison will vary among students, the International Student Services office provides a budget that will help you plan.

The department provides excellent mentoring to all of its graduate students. Every student is provided with funding, guaranteed a faculty advisor, given regular feedback on their progress, included in departmental colloquium meetings, and given opportunities to participate in departmental workshops and research groups. We believe that high standards and careful mentoring contribute to graduate student success.