JMS Dual-Degree BA/MCM Program

Rutgers Journalism and Media Studies majors can apply for the Master’s in Communication and Media program in their junior or senior year as part of the dual-degree BA/MCM program option.

• Complete your MCM degree with 12 months of full-time study or at your own pace.
• Save money by paying undergraduate tuition rates for MCM courses (taken in fall or spring semesters only).

If you want to enter the dual-degree program:

• Plan to apply during your junior or early in your senior year.
• Apply at least one semester before you will take your first dual-degree course.
• Determine whether you have to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

By the end of junior year, you will have completed your six required courses and one upper-level elective for the JMS major. You do not have to complete these before applying to the dual-degree program.

During your junior year or early senior year, apply to the MCM program through Graduate Admissions. Your application will be reviewed once you submit all application materials and your application is considered complete.

The MCM program is selective in accepting students. To enhance the chances of being accepted, ask for letters of recommendation from professors in the Department of Journalism and Media Studies or other Rutgers faculty who know your work.

Please note you will need to apply for the term following your anticipated undergraduate graduation term. You need to remain coded as an undergraduate student during your senior year. If admitted, you will be able to complete MCM courses in your senior year. You will receive special permission numbers from the Office of Student Services to register for the courses.

When selecting your junior-year courses, your priority is to work toward completing your undergraduate major and minor requirements. If you are admitted to the MCM program, meet with MCM Program Director Richard Dool, who will help you plan future coursework.

After admission, the MCM director will advise you about your study plan and options.
For your senior year:

• Register for any combination of four MCM courses or 400-level undergraduate courses to count toward both your undergraduate and MCM requirements.
• You may take any 500-level MCM course in your senior year with the exception of:
  • 17:194:508 E-Portfolio
  • 17:194:514 Communication Research
  • 17:194:519 MCM Capstone Seminar
  • Any MCM elective that is cross-listed with the Ph.D. program
• If you enter in the second semester of your senior year, it may be a challenge to enroll for the full 12 credits, but we encourage you to apply to gain some benefits. The MCM program director will advise you.

For questions regarding dual-degree BA and MCM, reach out to MCM Program Director Richard Dool. You can also discuss the dual-degree program with Graduate Student Counselor Alli Machiaverna. Undergraduate advisors in the Office of Student Services can provide the best advice about completing your undergraduate degree requirements.