Skip to main content

Admission

Admission into the COMD doctoral program is determined on an individual basis and is based on several factors. Students must meet or exceed the minimum acceptance requirements of the University of Houston Graduate School and submit all application materials by the application deadline (Dec. 15 of the year prior to which you are applying). The documentation required to be considered for admission is detailed below.

How to Apply

Prospective students must submit their application through CollegeNet. Please visit How to Apply to Graduate School for a step-by-step guide to the application process.

Requirements

Application requirements include:

  • Applicant interview  Applicants must complete a virtual or in-person interview with a COMD faculty member and obtain a tentative agreement by the faculty member to mentor the student.
  • Official transcripts  Prospective students must submit official transcripts from each college or university previously attended, including the degree(s) earned and date(s) awarded. If you attended a university outside the United States, please see the graduate school’s country-specific transcript requirements.
  • Three letters of recommendation  CollegeNet will prompt you to provide the names and email addresses of your recommenders. Once submitted, the system will send an automated email to your recommenders with instructions on how to submit letters.
  • Curriculum vitae or résumé  An academic curriculum vitae or a résumé illustrating the applicant’s relevant background and experience
  • Statement of interest — A personal statement of interest that explains why you are applying to the program and does not exceed 2 pages (double-spaced)
  • Application fee A nonrefundable application fee is charged to all applicants:
    • Domestic students $50
    • International students $80

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are neither required nor taken into consideration during our admissions process.

International Applicants

In addition to the requirements above, the international admissions office also requires international applicants to submit the following:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or English The minimum TOEFL score required is 79 for the internet-based test. The minimum TOEFL score for the new revised paper-based exam is: Reading 20, Listening 20 and Writing 20. TOEFL scores must be received directly from the testing service. Use school code 6870. See the graduate school’s English Language Proficiency Requirement page for other ways to demonstrate English proficiency.
  • Letter of financial backing

For additional information, please visit the International Students page of the UH Graduate School.

Full-time vs. Part-time Enrollment

Students have the option to enroll full time or part time to complete their doctoral studies. Full-time enrollment consists of nine credit hours per semester while part-time enrollment consists of up to six credit hours per semester. Some types of funding may not be available to part-time students. See the COMD Ph.D. Curriculum page for more information.

Funding

Students may be accepted into the Ph.D. program with or without funding. Funded students may receive a stipend (usually in the form of a graduate assistantship) and/or a Graduate Tuition Fellowship (GTF). Visit the COMD Ph.D. Financial Assistance page for more information.