Apply to the Manship School | LSU Manship School of Mass Communication

Apply to the Manship School

 

Contact

For more information, contact:

Courtni Guidry

Courtni Guidry

Senior Assistant Dean for Student Services

Email

 

 

Admission into the Manship School is selective, which means smaller class sizes and more one-on-one interaction between faculty and students. Complete the online application or learn more about admissions.  

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Manship School is highly selective and includes an application process. Students are encouraged to apply in the semester in which they will complete the following criteria. The application deadline is midnight on December 6, 2024.

LSU Students

  • Completed 30 hours of college-level coursework
  • Completed MC 2010: Media Writing (or MC 2011) with a "B-" or better
  • 250-word essay on development and career goals
  • Resume
  • *Priority is given to students with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher

Transfer Students

  • Complete a minimum of 12 hours of courses on the LSU A&M campus
  • Complete 30 hours of college-level course work (including hours earned at LSU as well as college-level hours earned elsewhere and transferred to LSU)
  • Completed MC 2010: Media Writing (or MC 2011) or its equivalent with a "B-" or better
  • 250-word essay on development and career goals
  • Resume
  • *Priority is given to students with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher

*Students who fall just below the 3.0 level are encouraged to apply and may gain admission based on the pool of applicants and the quality of their essay and resume. The committee may give consideration for students with demonstrated professional potential based on work with college media or real-world experience; students with life experiences that suggest a strong likelihood of success as a communication professional; and/or students who reflect the mission and goals of the Manship School, as outlined in the school’s mission statement.

How to Apply | Application

  • Apply to the Manship School by completing the online application form.
  • The School’s Application Review Committee will notify applicants of admission decisions prior to the first day of class each semester.
  • Students who are denied admission may reapply in subsequent semesters. There is no limit on the number of times you may apply.
  • Requirements for Minors in Mass Communication. Students may be admitted as a minor in mass communication after completing 30 semester hours of coursework with a 3.00 GPA and at least a “B” in MC 2010 (Media Writing). The Manship School’s minor is a general minor in mass communication that includes six courses.

Application Instructions

The Manship School of Mass Communication prepares future professional communicators. Communicating is our business, and we set a high standard for communicating clearly and smartly – starting with applications for admittance. Think of your application as if you’re seeking a job as a professional communicator.

We review all applications closely for:

  • Factual accuracy, including statements about grade point averages.
  • Correct spelling of all proper names, including high schools, clubs, employers, sports teams, etc.
  • Mastery of the grammar and AP style points addressed in MC2010/2011.
  • Absence of spelling, punctuation, capitalization and other precision errors.
  • Consistent formatting.
  • Correct use of the school’s formal name: Manship School of Mass Communication in first references. Manship School is OK in later references. Note: it’s “Communication,” not “Communications.”

For Your Resume:

We ask for resumes in part to jumpstart students’ work in applying soon for internships. Your resume does not have to be fancy or highly visual, but it should be:

For Your Essay:

We ask for an essay to see how you think and, candidly, to gauge how well you write for public consumption. For a strong essay:

  • Write a first draft a week or more before the deadline. Then review and revise.
  • Write at least 250 words and no more than 300.
  • Include a header with your name.
  • Tell a story to make the text engaging and to make your interest in mass communication relatable.
  • Show how you’d be an asset to the Manship School of Mass Communication.
  • Show mastery of the writing principles addressed in MC2010/2011, including the use of shorter sentences and paragraphs.
  • Avoid cliches.
  • Write your essay yourself using original content. Applicants who submit AI-generated essays will not be admitted to the Manship School.

For Your Document Files:

Submit your resume and essay in separate files. It’s good practice when applying for jobs to include your name in the file names of all application documents, so we expect the same. Name your two files like this:

  • LastName_Manship Essay (Mike Tiger would use Tiger_Manship Essay).
  • LastName_Manship Resume (Tiger_Manship Resume).

Student Responsibility

Once in the School, Manship majors must earn at least a “C” in all mass communication courses (other than MC 2010), and students will not be allowed to enroll in a mass communication course unless they have earned at least a “C” in all prerequisite mass communication courses (other than MC 2010, which requires at least a “B”.) Students are responsible for meeting with Manship School counselors to be sure they are on track for graduation. We recommend meetings each semester.

 

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