Catalog Navigator : Dual B.A./M.C.I.S. Progran

Dual B.A./M.C.I.S. Program

Junior and senior communication majors have the opportunity to apply for the master of communication and information studies (M.C.I.S.) program and, if admitted, begin their graduate studies while completing their undergraduate degree. Once admitted, students can take up to four M.C.I.S. courses and count them toward the 300/400-level communication major requirements. Students pay undergraduate tuition rates for the M.C.I.S. courses taken during fall and spring. Once the undergraduate degree requirements are complete, students graduate with the B.A. and become graduate students. With up to 12 credits already completed, students are able to complete the master's within a few semesters of full-time study, or at their own pace for part-time study.

How to Prepare to Enter the Dual-Degree Program

In planning a program of study, students should plan to have completed the six required courses and one upper-level elective for the communication major:

04:189:101 Introduction to Communication and Information Processes
04:189:102 Introduction to Media Systems and Processes or 103 Information Technology and Infomatics
04:192:200 Communication Theory
04:192:201 Communication in Relationships
04:192:300 Communication Research
04:192:354 Mediated Communication or 355 Interpersonal Communication or 357 Organizational Communication or 359 Persuasive Communication
One elective course at the 04:192:300 or 400 level

Applying to the Program

In the junior year or early in the senior year, apply to the M.C.I.S. program through Graduate Admissions at: http://gradstudy.rutgers.edu.
Students will need to submit all the materials listed under "Admissions" on this website: personal statement, three letters of recommendation, Graduate Record Exam scores, Rutgers transcripts. Learn more about the Graduate Record Exam at: http://www.ets.org/gre.
Students may apply at any time during the junior or senior year. Once all application materials are complete, the application will be reviewed for acceptance.
The M.C.I.S. program is selective in accepting students. School of Communication and Information communication majors are encouraged to ask for letters of recommendation from professors in the communication department.

After Admission

Students admitted to the dual degree program may take up to two M.C.I.S. classes each fall and spring if they have completed all of the major requirements above, or one class per semester if they have completed 04:192:300 but not the remainder of the requirements. No M.C.I.S. course can be taken until 04:192:300 has been successfully completed.

M.C.I.S. courses will double-count in satisfying upper-division (300/400 level) communication major elective requirements and M.C.I.S. requirements.

About Graduate Study

Students considering the dual-degree program should understand that master's level work involves more reading than is typical of undergraduate courses and reading that is more theoretical; that they will be in class with working professionals and others who are older and have more experience; that they are required to apply learning and develop a point of view more than is typical of undergraduate coursework; that there are fewer exams and more papers and presentations. Graduate courses usually meet once per week, so it is essential to attend every class meeting.

M.C.I.S. students come from around the region, the country, and outside of the United States. A benefit of the program is exposure to the real-life working examples and experiences of fellow students.

For More Information

For more information about the dual degree B.A./M.C.I.S. program, check the program's website at http://comminfo.rutgers.edu/master-of-communication-and-information-studies/joint-ba-and-mcis-degree-for-communication-majors.html.