The MHCI degree program requires the successful completion of a minimum of 36 credits. This includes completion of:
- Five core courses (15 credits)
- Two research courses (6 credits)
- Five elective courses (15 credits)
The MHCI degree typically requires four semesters of full-time study: 9 credits per semester is the maximum course load. Study is frequently pursued on a part-time basis. The degree can be accelerated by taking Winter or Summer Session courses.
Curriculum Overview
MHCI Program Core Courses
These five courses fulfill the MHCI Program Core requirements. All MHCI students are required to take these courses (15 credits):
- Health Communication
- Mediated Health Communication
- Health Communication Campaigns
- Health Sciences Information
- Interpersonal Facets of Health Communication
These two courses fulfill the MHCI Program research requirement (6 credits)
These are a sampling of MHCI electives of which five must be taken (15 credits):
- Patient Provider Communication
- Persuasion and Advocacy
- Organizational Communication
- Information and Communication Project Management
- Information and Community Engagement
- Communicating Emotion
- Communication and Society
- Family Communication
- Non-Profit Leadership & Communication
- Communication Ethics
- Conflict Management
- Negotiation and Communication
- Cross Cultural Communication
- Health Literacy: Patients, Organizations and Societies
- Science and Health Journalism
- Social Responsibility and Community Wellness
- Internship Experiences
Course Sequencing
- Enroll in the Research classes in the second semester and in the second MHCI year.
- Enroll in 17:194:519 Capstone Seminar in your last MHCI semester
Experiential Learning Option
MHCI students have the option to take up to six credits of supervised experiential learning. Grades are assigned based on student self-evaluation and supervisor evaluation done by the practitioner or faculty member. You may complete this requirement in your local area or through online opportunities. Options include:
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Internship in businesses, nonprofits, government agencies and/or Rutgers units/departments. You cannot intern at your place of employment.
(150 hours for 3 credits)
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Practicum: Work with faculty in executing cutting-edge research projects.
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Fellowship: You can apply and may be selected as Fellows in the Johnson & Johnson Fellowship program. Six of the credits earned in this program may be applied to degree requirements. Fellows have tuition paid and receive a stipend.
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Projects: Unique projects related to your profession or for a selected organization.
Master of Health Communication and Information 
