Digital technology is transforming our world, our jobs, and our daily lives. All current and emerging fields of academic study and careers now require proficiency in digital communication as well as multimedia skills.

Through the Digital Communication, Information, and Media Minor offered by the Rutgers School of Communication and Information, students develop the skills they need to be successful now and in the future—regardless of their major or the industry they plan to pursue following graduation. This minor provides undergraduates with the chance to explore digital life, using digital tools, in digital environments, and the ability to effectively research, evaluate, develop, and share digital content.

Students learn to communicate effectively and persuasively in digital settings. They create, use, and analyze social media; evaluate digital information; examine modern techno-social issues; and ultimately become confident leaders in digital and physical environments.

Distinguished Teaching Professor of Communication and Information and director of the minor Mary Chaykosaid, “Students in the DCIM minor develop strong technical, analytical, interpersonal and entrepreneurial skills. Students build a portfolio of high-quality digital products through the fun, interesting projects they create in each course. They shape their own digital identity while building social networks and contacts that will be useful in every environment -- digital, physical, professional, and personal.”

The minor's innovative structure consists of six courses (18 credits) that are offered in both online and hybrid formats. Hybrid courses take place once a week in the classroom and the rest of the week online. Fully online courses are offered every semester as well, providing students with maximum scheduling flexibility.

To get started, students choose an introductory course — Virtual Team Dynamics (104:189:151), The Structure of Information (04:189:152), or Strategic Presentation Methods in Digital Media (04:189:251). If a DCIM course overlaps with a student’s major or minor, it can be double-counted simultaneously for both programs.   

“The DCIM minor is a visionary program that is current, relevant, customizable, and immensely practical,” Chayko said. “Interested students should feel free to reach out to me at any time to discuss how the program might align with their interests, and to get started!”

Discover more about the DCIM Minor at the School of Communication and Information on the website.