Communication Major

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.

Ready to Get Started?

The communication major admits undergraduates after they’ve completed at least 15 credits at Rutgers.

Learn About Admissions

Take Advantage of Rutgers’ Setting

Rutgers’ reputation and setting offer COM 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:

  • Corporate communication
  • Education
  • Government and politics
  • Healthcare
  • Market research
  • Non-profit and advocacy organizations
  • Public relations

"One of the classes that really pushed me was Media, Marketing and Communication. It was totally different, very hands-on. We built our own marketing plans. We had real-life clients. It set me up for what the real world is like."

Mariah Novo, 2017 COM graduate

Tailor Your Program to Your Interests

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.

Stand Out with a Specialization

The COM major offers four specializations to help you stand out in today’s competitive job market.

If you’re looking to gain a wider perspective, you may elect to 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 that the major—contact an advisor in the Office of Student Services for expert advice.

Advocate

Health & Wellness Communication

Specialize in health and wellness communication and prepare to work with health departments, hospitals, schools, businesses, nonprofits and government agencies to:

  • Conduct research on health interventions
  • Create public health strategy
  • Develop health policy
  • Help healthcare providers communicate with patients and families
  • Manage healthy living campaigns for communities

 

Lead

Leadership in Organizations & Community

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:

  • Civic engagement and community leadership
  • Executive-level management
  • Lobbying and policymaking
  • Organizational development and consulting
  • Program and project management

 

Counsel

Relationship & Family Communication

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:

  • Human resources
  • International relief and support services
  • Occupational and physical therapy
  • Parenting education
  • Youth and family advocacy

 

Promote

Strategic Public Communication & Public Relations

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:

  • Conduct media research and analysis
  • Define and promote brands
  • Develop communication strategy
  • Interface with news media
  • Manage social media accounts

 

Scholarship Support

The Rutgers SC&I Department of Communication offers a number of awards and scholarships for undergraduate students. Once you’re accepted to the COM major, you’re eligible to apply for scholarships honoring academic achievement, community service or financial need.

Combine Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees

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.

Take the First Step

Start by applying to the Rutgers School of Communication and Information.