Richard Dool
Teaching Professor
Director of Master of Communication and Media Program
richard.dool@rutgers.edu
Admissions and Costs
We encourage recent undergrads and accomplished professionals from a variety of educational and employment backgrounds (e.g., communication, information science, media studies, human resource management, health communication, management, psychology, leadership, or other social sciences) to apply. Rutgers’ Master of Communication and Media is designed for working professionals, and 60% of our students work full-time.
We usually require a minimum Undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 3.0; however, we do consider other factors if the GPA is under 3.0.
Interested applicants* must submit an online application to the Graduate and Professional Admissions office along with the following supporting documents:
- Official school transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Resume or CV
- 300-500 word personal statement
- $70 non-refundable application fee
- (Optional) GRE test scores
*International students have additional requirements to apply.
Tuition and Fees
Getting a degree from Rutgers SC&I is an investment in you, and we’re here to help you plan for it. Explore the estimated costs of tuition, fees, and living expenses to make an informed decision for your future.
Before You Apply
As part of your application, you will need to provide the following items:
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All official transcripts must be sent directly to Graduate Admissions from your institution. Official transcripts can be sent electronically. We require all transcripts from international applicants or those with international degrees to be evaluated by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member.
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As part of your online application, you must provide the names and email addresses of your recommenders. Your letters should:
- Be from a faculty member, senior professional, or corporate leader who knows you well.
- Focus on your academic abilities—such as problem-solving, analytical thinking, and reflective skills—rather than workplace efficiency or character traits.
- Clearly state your recommender’s relationship to you.
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This document should describe your skills and experience, including:
- Employment history
- Academic honors
- Scholastic recognition
- Publications
- Leadership roles and/or other academic, professional, and community activities
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Graduate Records Exam (GRE) scores are OPTIONAL for Master of Communication and Media applicants. All applications will be reviewed equally with or without GRE scores. Not submitting GRE scores will not hurt an applicant's chances of admission, nor will submitting GRE scores give applicants an advantage in admissions.
How to Submit Your Application?
Complete the online admissions application
For the hybrid/on-campus Master of Communication and Media program, select the following:
- Applicant Type: Degree
- Degree Type: Master's
- Area of Study: Communication, Information and Media
- Location/Instructional Method: New Brunswick
- Program Selection: Communication and Media (MCM) New Brunswick
- For the on-campus New Brunswick MCM, select “Communication and Information Studies – 17194”
For the fully online Master of Communication and Media program, select the following
- Applicant Type: Degree
- Degree type: Master's
- Area of Study: Communication, Information and Media
- Location/Instructional Method: Online
- Program Selection: Communication and Media (MCM) Online
- For the MCM Online option, select “Communication and Information Studies Online – 171940”
For the 5+ Year BA/MCM Dual Degree, select the following:
- Applicant Type: Degree
- Degree type: 5-Year Master's
- Area of Study: Communication, Information and Media
- Location/Instructional Method: New Brunswick
- Program Selection: Communication and Media - 5 Year (MCM) New Brunswick
- For the 5+ Year BA/MCM Dual Degree, select “Communication and Information Studies–BA and MCIS Dual Degree – 171943”
Submit transcripts
E-transcripts are strongly encouraged. Send to e-transcripts@gradadm.rutgers.edu. If your institution does not offer e-transcripts, please have official transcripts mailed to:
Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Proctor Hall, Suite 308
65 Davidson Road
Piscataway, NJ 08854 U.S.A.
Draft a personal statement
Provide a personal statement of 300-500 words. In writing it, please describe your professional and academic backgrounds and career objectives. Within the statement, be sure to:
- Include why you want to attend the Master of Communication and Media program
- Detail aspects of the program that you find attractive
- Note specific areas you would like to study within the program
Submit all supporting documents
Include two letters of recommendation and a resume or CV.
After You Apply
Make a financial plan
- Tuition and fees vary based on your resident status, course load, delivery method, and housing needs. Rutgers Office of Financial Services provides helpful resources for estimating costs.
- University Cost Calculator
- Cost Of Attendance
- Graduate students interested in should review the options for living on campus for specifics on housing costs.
Apply for aid
- Your first step in applying for any financial aid is to complete the FAFSA® (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form. Completing a FAFSA will indicate whether you are eligible to apply for aid from federal, state, and other funders.
- Visit the Scarlet Hub for student information regarding financial aid, billing and payment, registration, records, admissions, and upcoming deadlines.
Have Questions?
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