Admissions, Costs, and Financial Support 

The Ph.D. program is a competitive, interdisciplinary, on-campus program requiring 72 credits, including at least 24 research credits. Admissions is offered for the fall semester only.

Students applying for admission to the Ph.D. program typically have completed a master's degree in communication, information science, library studies, media studies, or another related academic or professional field. Highly qualified students from strong programs or research backgrounds without a master's degree may also apply in special circumstances.

We also encourage applicants to reach out to faculty in the Ph.D. program to express interest in working with them, learn more about their program of research, and gain insights into the program.

Please note that our entire Ph.D. program is in person only. We do not offer online courses or components at the Ph.D. level.

Before You Apply

As part of your application, you will need to provide the following items:

Personal Statement: Relate your experience and research interests to the Ph.D. program (3-4 pages is typical).

Writing Sample: Examples of acceptable writing samples include a chapter or portion of your master's thesis, a term paper from a previous class, an academic conference paper or journal publication, a professional work product, etc.

Resume or Curriculum Vita (CV): List your academic degrees, positions, and accomplishments.

Three Letters of Recommendation: Letters should come from faculty members, senior professionals, or industry leaders who know you well in an academic or professional context.

Official Transcripts: 

• We require both graduate and undergraduate transcripts. All official transcripts must be sent directly to Graduate Admissions from your institution. Official transcripts can be sent electronically.
• Transcript Evaluation: Applicants whose studies were undertaken outside the United States must submit an official course-by-course transcript evaluation. We require all transcripts to be evaluated by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member.            
• A full list of eligible evaluators may be found at the NACES website. Students must submit the NACES Official Evaluation to Rutgers Graduate Admissions along with the required transcripts.

English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirements [from Graduate Admissions]

All applicants—regardless of U.S. residency status—are required to submit proof of English language proficiency if their bachelor's degree (and master's degree, if applicable) was earned outside the United States in a country where English is not the primary language.

Rutgers Graduate Admissions accepts the following standardized tests to determine the English language proficiency of its international applicants. Score reports must be from tests taken within two years from the start of the semester to which you are applying and sent directly to us from the testing agency. Scores submitted by applicants themselves are considered unofficial and may not be reviewed.

TOEFL (internet-based test & Home Edition)

TOEFL Minimum Requirements:

• TOEFL taken through January 21, 2026:
  • Writing 22, Speaking 23, Reading 21, and Listening 17
• TOEFL taken January 22, 2026 onward:
  • Writing 4.5, Speaking 4.5, Reading 4, and Listening 4

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

• Minimum overall IELTS score for admission consideration is a bandwidth 7

Duolingo English Test (DET)

• Minimum DET score for admission consideration ranges between 120-130

NOTE: You are exempt from submitting TOEFL, IELTS, or DET scores only if, at the time you submit your application, you have already completed at least three consecutive academic years—at the undergraduate or graduate level—in a program where English was the exclusive language of instruction. Most master's degrees do not qualify for this exemption unless they meet the full three-year requirement.

For additional information for international applicants, visit https://newbrunswickgrad.rutgers.edu/sites/default/files/2026-01/OGA_Intl_Requirements_Jan2026_Updated.pdf.