Communication Major

The Communication major at SC&I helps you build practical, career-ready skills through theory, research, and hands-on work, preparing you to understand and shape communication in organizations, media, and society.

Planning to major in Communication? Start at Rutgers first.

Students enter the Communication major at SC&I beginning in their sophomore year, after completing introductory coursework.

If you’re a high school senior interested in Communication, your first step is to apply to and enroll at Rutgers–New Brunswick. Once you begin your Rutgers coursework, explore the field by taking 04:189:101 Introduction to Communication and Information Processes, a dynamic course that introduces key concepts and helps you discover whether the major is right for you.

After completing 101 and the additional writing prerequisites, you may apply to the Communication major during your first year.

Learn more about eligibility and the application process on the Communication Admissions and Requirements page.

About the Program

Clear, effective communication is essential in every career and personal relationship. It enables collaboration, conflict resolution, and persuasion, helping businesses, governments, and individuals connect and share ideas successfully. This program helps you develop strong writing, speaking, and analytical skills. You'll apply communication theories in real-world settings while considering diversity, ethics, and civic engagement. The program also strengthens your research abilities, enabling you to evaluate information, ask meaningful questions, and analyze communication processes effectively.

Program Learning Objectives

Upon completion of the 36-credit hours, students will meet the following:

• Competency in written communication in varied settings (including interpersonal, family, group, health, organizational, or mediated settings)
• Ability to use communication theories and concepts to analyze human behavior (including interpersonal, family, group, health, organizational, or mediated settings)
• Ability to apply communication theories and concepts to social and professional life (including issues of diversity, ethics, and civic engagement)
• Understanding of fundamental communication perspectives, theories, and concepts
• Proficiency in gathering and using evidence to study and understand communication processes and consequences (including asking questions and systematically attempting to answer them, understanding the value and limitations of the research processes and conclusions)
• Competency in oral communication in varied settings (including interpersonal, family, group, health, organizational, or mediated settings)

Career Possibilities

With a degree in Communication, you’ll gain the skills employers value most—clear writing and speaking, problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership. Along the way, you’ll have opportunities to tailor your studies toward areas of interest that prepare you for diverse professional pathways.

Graduates from our program pursue careers across virtually every field, including:

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

Your Communication degree prepares you not only for your first job, but for a lifetime of adaptability in an ever-changing workplace.