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The master of communication and media (M.C.M.) program integrates theory and practice to advance professional hands-on experience in communication, media, and other information intensive professions. Our faculty emphasize original research, cutting-edge theory, and knowledge and skills necessary to understand and manage the complex communication, information, and media processes inherent to the information age.

The M.C.M. program prepares students for professional careers in public relations, marketing, digital media, corporate communication, and other communication-intensive positions. With an emphasis on critical thinking, problem solving, writing skills, and digital advancements, the M.C.M. program is committed to developing individuals who are fully equipped to assume leadership roles in the vast communication and media industries.

Semester Options

Admission is offered on a rolling basis for fall, spring, and summer semesters. Students can complete an M.C.M. degree in as few as 15 months. Most M.C.M. students complete the program in 18 to 24 months.

Study Options

Courses in the program are offered on campus, online, hybrid, and on weekends. This provides students the flexibility to complete a degree while also working. Over 60 percent of M.C.M. students work full time.

Degree Requirements

The M.C.M. program requires the successful completion of a minimum of 36 credits. This includes completion of a four-course core (12 credits) and eight elective courses (24 credits). For full-time students, the degree typically requires four semesters of study (9 credits per semester); 12 credits per semester is the maximum course load. The program is frequently pursued on a part-time basis. Most part-time students enroll in two to three courses per semester, which can be managed while working full time.

Students may transfer up to 6 credits of graduate coursework toward the degree when: (a) the credits were earned within the past five years; (b) the coursework translates directly to the student's development and preparation in the M.C.M program; and (c) the student achieved a grade of B or above in the coursework. To request transfer of credits, students must (1) submit to the program director a cover letter identifying the credits and explaining why the courses are relevant to the M.C.M. degree and their professional goals; (2) attach to the cover letter a syllabus for each course the student requests to transfer; (3) complete a transfer request form; and (4) submit official transcripts from the transferring institution. Once approved, copies of the transcript and transfer request form will be sent to the Graduate Registrar for inclusion on the student's Rutgers transcript. Requests for transfer credits should be submitted after the completion of 12 credits at Rutgers. Practicums and independent studies cannot be transferred.

Current students wanting to take master's courses outside the program must have the approval of the director of the program. Prior to registering for the outside class, students should provide a copy of the course syllabus, a brief statement on how the class aligns with academic/professional goals, and approval from an academic adviser or concentration coordinator. Students are responsible for reaching out to external program/faculty to obtain permission to take the class. In all cases, every student must earn at least 30 credits within the M.C.M. program, and a total of 36 credits must be applied to earn the degree, including transfer credits.

There are no language or mathematics requirements for this degree.

Specializations

The M.C.M. program offers seven specializations to allow students to focus on a specific area of study:

Communication and media research
Communication and media studies
Digital media
Health communication
Leadership communication
Public relations
Strategic organizational communication

Each specialization has recommended courses; see the program website for details. There are also an array of available electives that students can choose to tailor their M.C.M degree.

International Students

If you are an international student you should visit the Rutgers Global-International Student/Scholar Services website, https://global.rutgers.edu/international-scholars-students, which provides details about rules and processes on obtaining and maintaining visa status; provides required forms; offers information about orientation an international advisers; outlines rules concerning employment and internships for international students; and much more.

All international M.C.M. students ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to attend an orientation session before their first semester of study, or as soon thereafter as possible.

Curriculum

M.C.M. students complete 36 credits to earn the degree. The program can be paced according to the student's schedule, with enrollment in 3-12 credits per semester. Once admitted to the M.C.M. program, students can focus on one of the seven specialization or combine specializations to focus on multiple areas of interest.

All core and elective courses in the seven specializations are taught either online and/or on campus in the evening between 6:20-9:00 p.m. on weeknights, and some are offered on weekends. Some electives are cross-listed with courses in the master of information program or the doctoral program in the school.

The office of the M.C.M. program is located in the School of Communication and Information Building, 4 Huntington Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1071.