Students majoring in communication are required to earn 33 credits at the School of Communication and Information, including the prerequisite survey requirement of 04:189:101 Introduction to Communication and Information Processes (3 credits) required before admission to the major. Requirements for the remaining credits include:
Interdisciplinary Requirement (3 credits):
Either
04:189:102 Introduction to Media Systems and Processes (3) or
04:189:103 Information Technology and Informatics (3)
Core Requirements (12 credits):
04:192:200 Communication Theory (3)
04:192:201 Communication in Relationships (3)
04:192:300 Communication Research (3)
At least one of
04:192:354 Mediated Communication (3) or
04:192:355 Interpersonal Communication (3) or
04:192:356 Group Communication (3) or
04:192:357 Organizational Communication (3)
Upper-Level Courses (15 credits):
Student elective upper-level courses may include all 300- and 400-level courses, and must include at least two 400-level courses. Courses 04:192:491,492 Independent Study in Communication and 04:192:495 Applied Study in Communication may not be used to fulfill this or the total credit requirement in the major. Students should check the communication website or undergraduate handbook to determine prerequisites for 300- and 400-level courses.
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all communication courses in order for those courses to count toward the major.
Advising and Plan of Study
The Department of Communication offers a variety of advising options for its students. An undergraduate handbook is updated each semester and is available online and in the school's office. Students are urged to consult the handbook for information regarding admission procedures, program requirements, and course offerings and prerequisites. Faculty and staff advisers are available by appointment, through walk-in in the advising office, and via email. To address more complex questions, students are encouraged to schedule appointments with an undergraduate counselor.
Students are encouraged strongly to formulate a plan of study in consultation with an undergraduate counselor. This study plan guides each student in choosing electives and aims to develop a coherent area of concentration within the major. Established areas of concentration include social interaction (and interpersonal communication), organizational communication (and public relations), and mediated communication. Students may tailor their plan of study to focus on specific contexts or issues, such as conflict resolution, everyday conversation, family, gender, health, leadership, impact of technology, and learning and facilitation. Students should seek advising through their four-year school regarding appropriate minors, double majors, and school requirements in concert with the communication major.
Internship
The department encourages students to pursue internship experiences that complement their studies and potential career choices. Students must be accepted into the communication major in order to enroll in the internship. Students may apply up to 3 internship course credits toward their upper-division course electives in the major. Additional internship credits may be earned but do not apply to the communication major. Note that each four-year school in the university sets its own limits regarding the number of experiential credits a student may apply toward graduation. Further information about the internship is available at the communication program website.
Leadership Certificate Program
The Department of Communication offers a Certificate in Leadership. Undergraduates have the opportunity to study leadership while engaging in practical experiences in and out of the classroom. As part of their field experience, leadership certificate students represent Rutgers in nonprofit settings. Successful completion of the leadership certificate program will be noted on students' transcripts and on a departmental certificate. Students can apply to the leadership certificate program at any time. Applications to and more information about the leadership certificate program are available on the communication program website.
