Students applying for admission to the Ph.D. program typically have completed a master's degree in information studies, communication, library science, media studies, or another related academic or professional field. Highly qualified students from strong programs or research backgrounds without a master's degree may also apply in special circumstances, but should contact the program director before doing so.

We consider students holistically when making admissions decisions and consider the whole package of materials to determine a candidate's fit in the program and likelihood of success. An application for the Ph.D. Program will be evaluated on the basis of:

1. A personal statement from the student relating experience and research interests to the Ph.D. Program.

2. A writing sample. Examples of acceptable writing samples include a chapter or portion of your masters thesis, a term paper from a previous class, an academic conference paper or journal publication, a professional work product, etc.

3. A curriculum vita (CV) listing academic degrees, positions, and accomplishments, or a professional resume.

4. Undergraduate and graduate academic transcripts (records equivalent to at least the 3.0 or B level).

5. Three letters of recommendation from persons with a relationship to the student in academic (or professional) contexts.

6. Score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for non-native English-speaking applicants (scores should ideally be above 600 paper-based or 80 Internet-based).

Graduate Records Exam (GRE) scores are OPTIONAL for applicants. All applications will be reviewed equally with or without GRE scores. Not submitting GRE scores will not hurt an applicant's chances of admission, nor will submitting GRE scores give applicants an advantage in admissions.

The application should be completed online at http://gradstudy.rutgers.edu, or forms are available upon request from the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 18 Bishop Place, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8530.

The application deadline for the fall semester is January 5 of each year (with late applications considered at a May 1 deadline). Students requesting financial aid must apply by deadlines specified on the website. We only admit students for a fall semester start; no one begins the program in the spring.

Applicants should read and be familiar with the program requirements before submitting an application.

There is no language or residency requirement, and students may pursue the Ph.D. degree on either a full- or part-time basis. However, students are expected to enroll in at least two courses each semester, even when enrolled part time.