Last Updated on January 17, 2023
Master of Communication and Media
Skills for today. Knowledge for tomorrow.
Change happens quickly in information-intensive fields like journalism, communication, public relations, marketing and media. A Rutgers’ Master of Communication and Media (MCM) puts you at the forefront of change so you can advance your career options.
Work with expert faculty who integrate theory and practice to keep you abreast of current trends. Choose from eight specializations, gain professional hands-on experience and join a robust alumni network that includes the information disciplines’ sharpest researchers, theoreticians and practitioners.
Give Yourself Unparalleled Opportunities
From marketing and digital media to corporate social responsibility, your Rutgers’ MCM will propel your next career advancement. Strategically located, Rutgers’ proximity to the New York and Philadelphia markets offers unparalleled opportunities in multiple industries.
Our alumni build on their journalism and PR backgrounds to succeed in roles such as:
- CEO, dating app
- CEO, PR firm
- Communications coordinator
- Community affairs manager
- Marketing and communications specialist
- Marketing director
- Public relations manager
“In looking at communication master’s programs in New York and New Jersey, I really wanted to find the right blend of corporate and organizational communication courses and journalism study. I found that at Rutgers.”
Colin DeVries, MCM’18, Assistant Director, Communications, NYU Langone Hospital–Brooklyn
Take Courses On Campus, Online & Hybrid
We offer on campus and hybrid courses between 6:20–9 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays and hybrid weekend courses during fall and spring semesters. We offer fully online courses each semester including winter and summer semesters. Earn your degree in 18–24 months or as little as 15 months, even while working full-time.
- 36 credit, self-paced program
- 5 core courses (12 credits)
- 8 electives (24 credits)
- 3 to 12 credits/semester
- Internship and study abroad opportunities
- GRE waiver available
Choose from Eight Specializations
All MCM students take the same five core courses (12 credits), then choose seven elective courses (24 credits) within your specific area of study. Choose from among these eight specializations:
- Communication and Media Research
- Communication and Media Studies
- Corporate Purpose and Social Impact
- Digital Media (Fully Online)
- Health Communication
- Leadership Communication
- Public Relations
- Strategic Organizational Communication
You may transfer up to six credits of graduate coursework toward your degree if you meet the transfer requirements. There are no language or mathematics requirements.
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.
- Health and Wellness Communication
- Leadership in Organizations and Community
- Relationship and Family Communication
- Strategic Public Communication and Public Relations
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.
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
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.
