The Department of Journalism and Media Studies seeks a highly motivated and diverse student body. Admission to the journalism and media studies major is competitive; meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. General writing ability and communication skills, as evidenced in both the personal essay of the application and success in relevant courses are required. Minimum requirements for admission include completion of at least 15 credits at Rutgers, or 15 transfer credits, with a grade-point average of 2.0 or better; a grade of C or better in the required prerequisite course 04:189:102 Introduction to Media Systems and Processes (or an equivalent transfer course); a grade of C or better in Expository Writing or an equivalent course or placement; and completion of the application including a personal statement. Grades in other journalism and media studies courses will get particular attention, but applicants are not required to have taken such courses before applying. The review committee may seek evidence of interest in journalism and media studies including extracurricular involvement. The admissions committee considers the following criteria when reviewing student essays: (a) evidence of your interest in the major, (b) your future plans and their relationship to the major, (c) your strength as a writer, and (d) any other qualities that make you a strong candidate for admission to the journalism and media studies major. Students may be admitted for the fall, spring, and summer semesters; check the website for application deadlines each semester. Students are strongly encouraged to consult the school's website for up-to-date information regarding admissions procedures, program requirements, course offerings, and special programs.
Graduates of the program are expected to be able to:
- articulate the current and historical roles and responsibilities of the news media in a democracy;
- gather, evaluate, and disseminate verbal and visual information in print, broadcast, online and other formats;
- express ethical and legal practices in journalism and emulate those practices;
- understand how the mass media transmit ideas, especially about gender, race, religion, ethnicity, and culture, in the U.S. and global settings; and
- critically evaluate media performance and become educated media consumers.
