Students applying for admission to the Ph.D. program are expected to have completed a master's degree in information studies, communication, library science, media studies, or another related academic or professional field.

Admission to the program is based on previous academic record, experience, letters of recommendation, and GRE scores. Combined verbal and quantitative GRE scores of at least 1100 normally are required. Candidates whose native language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). TOEFL scores at or above 600 normally are required for successful admission into the program.

Application 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 deadline for fall term admission is May 1. The deadline for most forms of financial aid is February 1.

Program requirements include:

1. A minimum of 36 credits of doctoral-level course work at Rutgers, as specified in an individualized plan of study developed by the student and the adviser;

2. Participation in the Ph.D. colloquium during each term of course work;

3. Acceptance of a maximum of 24 transfer credits of previous relevant graduate course work;

4. Satisfactory completion of the qualifying exam as stipulated by the area of concentration;

5. Completion of a minimum of 24 research credits for work on a dissertation.

There is no language or residency requirement, and students may pursue the Ph.D. degree on either a full- or part-time basis.