The Master of Health Communication and Information (MHCI) program focuses on the communication, information, and media aspects of health-related policies and practices. Classes will explore the critical systems and interactions that support wellness in interpersonal, community, organizational, and public settings. Our program is designed to enable you to navigate and leverage the intersections of communication, information, and media in an environment of information overload. Our MHCI degree focuses on the various communication modalities as well as the strategic and managerial aspects of information systems in healthcare.

Work with expert faculty who integrate theory and practice to keep you abreast of current healthcare practices and trends. Gain a multidisciplinary perspective on how communication and information can affect outcomes for illness and disease. Acquire the skills needed to contribute to the evolution and development of healthcare campaigns and interventions.

The program includes instruction in the development and use of health-related and care-related messages and media, communication, information, and interaction in provider-patient contexts.

Semester Options

Admission is offered on a rolling basis for Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. Students can complete the MHCI degree in as few as 15 months. Most MHCI students will complete the program in 18 to 24 months.

Study Options

Courses in the program are offered on campus, online, or hybrid course options. This provides students the flexibility to complete a degree while also working. This degree is ideal for those working in the health profession or aspire to.

Degree Requirements

The MHCI 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) and five elective courses (15 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 MHCI 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 MHCI degree and their professional goals; (2) attach to the cover letter a syllabus for each course the student requests to transfer and (3) 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 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 and a brief statement on how the class aligns with academic/professional goals 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 MHCI program, and a total of 36 credits must be applied to earn the degree, including transfer credits (limited to 6 credits).

There are no language or mathematics requirements for this 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 MHCI students ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to attend an orientation session before their first semester of study, or as soon thereafter as possible.