Every professional path—really, every facet of life—demands clear, effective communication. Businesses and governments need people who can collaborate, manage conflict, exchange information and make persuasive cases for ideas. And in our personal relationships, understanding how we communicate—and how communication breaks down—makes all the difference.
As a Communication (COM) major, you’ll learn the theory and practice of communication, developing skills you can apply immediately and throughout a career in any field you choose.
The communication major admits undergraduates after they’ve completed at least 15 credits at Rutgers.
Rutgers’ reputation and setting offer Communication majors unique advantages. Proximity to major media markets, thriving commercial centers, and diverse communities means unmatched internship, job, service, and research opportunities. You can turn experiences like these into careers in virtually every field:
2024 #BeCOMM Talk Show Celebrates the SC&I Communication Major
Communication majors complete 21 credits of core requirements and 15 credits of upper-level electives—36 credits, total. Combine a foundation in communication theory, media or technology, interpersonal communication, research and public speaking with an optional specialization or research experience.
The COM major offers five specializations to help you stand out in today’s competitive job market.
If you want to gain a wider perspective, you may combine specializations. Not sure what specialization works best? View all specializations at once with our “At-a-Glance Chart.” With careful planning, a specialization shouldn’t take any more credits than the major—contact an advisor in the Office of Student Services for expert advice.
Specialize in health and wellness communication and prepare to work with health departments, hospitals, schools, businesses, nonprofits and government agencies to:
Choose the leadership in organizations and community specialization and learn to lead large-scale projects, direct programs and facilitate teams in any business, nonprofit or government sector. Prepare for roles in:
Specialize in relationship and family communication and help individuals, families and organizations manage conflict, connect with each other and build stronger relationships. Learn to provide training, mediation and counseling in areas like:
Specialize in strategic public communication and public relations for opportunities in corporate communications, advertising and PR agencies, community organizing and more. Grads work in business, entertainment, sports, healthcare and other fields to:
The Department of Communication offers several awards and scholarships for undergraduate students. Once accepted to the Communication major, you can apply for scholarships honoring academic achievement, community service, or financial need.
Apply to the Master of Communication and Media (MCM) program as a junior or senior and take courses that count toward both degrees. Save time and money while launching your career—60 percent of MCM students also work full time.
