Every professional path—really, every facet of life—demands clear, effective communication. Businesses and governments need people who can collaborate, manage conflict, exchange information and make persuasive cases for ideas. And in our personal relationships, understanding how we communicate—and how communication breaks down—makes all the difference.
As a Communication (COM) major, you’ll learn the theory and practice of communication, developing skills you can apply immediately and throughout a career in any field you choose..
First Semester Planning
We recommend that students register for approximately 15 credits each semester and no more than 16 credits in their first semester. Your schedule should be well-balanced and include coursework from a variety of subjects. A diverse schedule will help you begin your studies in potential majors and minors; explore a breadth of new knowledge across departments at Rutgers to meet SAS Core Curriculum learning goals; and survey broader academic interests through elective courses as you work to attain the required 120 degree credits for graduation.
Your schedule will look something like this:
College Writing or English course per placement results (3 credits) Major Exploration course (3 credits) Major or Minor Exploration course (3 credits) Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits) Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits) Byrne or First-Year Interest Group Seminar (FIGS) (1 credit) Total Credits: 15-16 |
Major Exploration Course(s) Recommended for Incoming First-Year Students
Introductory courses recommended by faculty. Include at least one of these in your schedule:
Course Title |
Course Number |
Credits |
Subject on University Schedule of Classes |
Introduction to Communication and Information Processes |
04:189:101 |
3 |
Communication and Media Studies (189) |
Introduction to Media |
04:189:102 |
3 |
Communication and Media Studies (189) |
Information Technology and Informatics |
04:189:103 |
3 | Communication and Media Studies (189) |
Course recommendations beyond this department
Your first year of college is an opportunity for you to explore fields of interest to enhance your understanding of yourself, the world around you, and your main academic and career goals. Think of your schedule as including courses you must take (English, courses to explore potential majors, etc.) and courses you can take (everything else!) All courses are part of your degree - if necessary, review the components of the SAS degree on this page.
Through these degree components, you will curate your own unique educational experience - but we understand that this level of flexibility and freedom can feel overwhelming for new students. Like a recommendation based on a book or TV show you enjoyed, the information below can help you identify related courses to consider in your first semester.
Course Title |
Course Number |
Credits |
Subject on University Schedule of Classes |
General Psychology | 01:830:101 | 3 | Psychology (830) |
Structure of Information | 04:189:152 | 3 | Communication and Media Studies (189) |
Virtual Team Dynamics | 04:189:151 | 3 | Communication and Media Studies (189) |
Additional Information Beyond the Classroom
For your first semester, we want you to focus on selecting appropriate courses, begin to understand the expectations and rigor of college, and identify resources to help you succeed at Rutgers. But, we also know that it is important to provide information for future planning.
In addition to the information below, students interested in exploring possible career options may find this resource from the Office of Career Exploration and Success helpful - you'll find that a degree in this subject prepares you for a wide variety of career options!
What opportunities exist in the department for beyond the classroom learning (internships, research, field work, etc.)?
- Internships
- Research
- Independent Study
Is there a departmental Honors track or program?
Each undergraduate program offers an Honors research thesis.
Please provide information on the careers obtained by recent graduates:
Recent graduates have gone on to careers in the following industries with employment titles representing the following:
- Corporate communication
- Education
- Government and politics
- Healthcare
- Market research
- Non-profit and advocacy organizations
- Public relations
- Information Security Analyst
- Network Security Analyst
- Data Security Administrator
- Information Technology Security Analyst
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Data Warehousing Specialist
- Database Architect
- Information Architect
- Web Administrator
- Web Designer
- Web Developer
- Information Architect
- Content marketer
- Copywriter
- Corporate communications specialist
- Editor
- Grant writer
- Public relations specialist
- Reporter
- Social media specialist