Choosing Your Rutgers Major

Choosing a major at Rutgers New Brunswick can be a daunting task, given the vast array of options available. With over 100 undergraduate majors to choose from, the university offers a diverse range of academic opportunities for students to explore their interests and passions. From the School of Arts and Sciences to the School of Engineering, Rutgers New Brunswick provides a well-rounded education that prepares students for success in their chosen fields. The university's focus on experiential learning, research, and community building equips students with the skills and knowledge to become future leaders and changemakers across various disciplines.

Rutgers-New Brunswick's School of Arts and Sciences

Rutgers University–New Brunswick offers more than 100 majors and minors across the sciences and humanities, providing a liberal arts education for students. The School of Arts and Sciences is the largest school within Rutgers University, with nearly 50 academic disciplines. The school combines excellence in teaching with world-class research and a rich cultural and academic diversity.

The School of Arts and Sciences is dedicated to preparing students for meaningful lives and advancing knowledge that improves the world. The faculty includes award-winning teachers and renowned scholars and scientists who are recognised for their specialised research. The school offers a wide range of courses, including Signature Courses that cover engaging topics of intellectual sweep and enduring importance.

The School of Arts and Sciences at Rutgers University–New Brunswick provides students with multiple opportunities, including:

• More than 100 majors and minors in life sciences, physical and mathematical sciences, humanities, and social and behavioural sciences
• Scholarships for incoming and continuing students
• Career exploration programs to help students develop their sense of purpose and bring together their academic interests with career possibilities
• An Honours Program that offers a small college-like academic environment within a leading research university
• Unique First-Year Seminars with senior faculty members
• Internship and service-learning opportunities, both locally and abroad, as well as study abroad programs
• Support for transfer students
• Opportunities for joint degrees with other Rutgers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs
• Accelerated health professions programs, including joint degrees with medical, dental, and physician-assistant programs

The School of Arts and Sciences at Rutgers University–New Brunswick offers a diverse and dynamic community for students to discover their life's mission and make their mark on the world.

Majors offered in the School of Engineering

Rutgers University–New Brunswick offers more than 120 undergraduate majors through its schools and colleges on campus, online, and at satellite sites throughout New Jersey. The School of Engineering at Rutgers University–New Brunswick offers a range of engineering majors to choose from.

The School of Engineering offers a Bachelor's program in Engineering with various focus areas. Students can choose from the following majors:

• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering
• Agricultural Engineering

In addition to these majors, the School of Engineering also offers the following departments and programs:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Applied Sciences in Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
• Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Energy Systems Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Industrial and Systems Engineering
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

The School of Engineering at Rutgers University–New Brunswick offers a diverse and dynamic community that shares a passion for visionary thinking and creative problem-solving. Students can expect instruction from prominent faculty in a state-of-the-art learning environment and the opportunity to apply their knowledge to make a positive impact on the world. The school encourages collaboration, innovation, and the ignition of imaginations to bring about change.

Majors offered in the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences

Rutgers University–New Brunswick offers more than 120 undergraduate majors through its schools and colleges. The School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS) is one of them.

Students in the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences can choose from a variety of majors. These include:

• Biological Sciences, which is offered by the faculty of the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS). SEBS students must complete the same major requirements as students at SAS, with an additional Experiential Learning requirement.
• Public Health, which is offered by the faculty of the Edward J Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy. SEBS students must complete the same major requirements as students at the School of Arts and Sciences and the Bloustein School, with an additional Experiential Learning requirement.
• Agriculture and Food Systems
• Animal Science

Rutgers University–New Brunswick also offers a wide range of other majors across its schools and colleges, including Aerospace Engineering, African, Middle Eastern, and South Asian Languages and Literatures, and Africana Studies.

Dual degree programs

Rutgers University offers a wide range of dual-degree programs for students who want to pursue two areas of interest concurrently. These programs are a great way to fast-track your education, often reducing the time it takes to complete both degrees separately. Here is an overview of some of the dual-degree programs offered at Rutgers New Brunswick:

Undergraduate Dual-Degree Programs

Rutgers New Brunswick offers several dual-degree programs at the undergraduate level, allowing students to earn a Bachelor's degree in their chosen field along with a Master's degree, often in a shorter duration than pursuing the degrees separately. Here are some examples:

• Bachelor's Degree/Master's Degree in Criminal Justice: Offered by the School of Arts and Sciences in cooperation with the Rutgers School of Criminal Justice in Newark, this program is designed for students pursuing majors other than criminal justice. It allows them to complete both degrees in four and a half years.
• Bachelor's Degree/Master's Degree with the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy: This joint-degree program is offered in cooperation with the School of Arts and Sciences. It enables students pursuing specific majors to complete both their Bachelor's and a Master of Public Health or a Master of Public Policy in five years.
• Bachelor's Degree/Master of Applied Psychology (BA/MAP): The combined program allows undergraduate psychology majors to take a minimum of six graduate credits during their senior year. Students can obtain their Bachelor's and Master's degrees in applied psychology in a total of five years.
• Bachelor's Degree/Master of Public Health (BA/MPH or BS/MPH): This articulated degree is offered by the Rutgers School of Public Health in conjunction with the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS). Highly qualified undergraduate students can begin graduate study during their undergraduate years, accelerating their Master of Public Health degree.
• Bachelor's Degree/Master in Communication and Media (BA/MCM): Rutgers SC&I Communication and Journalism & Media Studies majors can apply for the MCM program in their junior or senior year as part of the 5-Year Program (Dual Degree Option).
• Five-Year, Dual-Degree Program in Engineering and Liberal Arts/Sciences: This program leads to a BA or BS from the School of Arts and Sciences and a BS from the School of Engineering. Students must gain acceptance into both schools.
• Five-Year, Dual-Degree Program MA/BA in Religion: Qualified undergraduate students can apply for the 4+1 B.A./M.A. program in Religion in their junior year, allowing them to complete the M.A. in just one additional year.
• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) 4+3 Program: This seven-year program combines a four-year Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Exercise Science from Rutgers University - New Brunswick with three years of graduate school at the Rutgers School of Health Professions Doctor of Physical Therapy Program - Newark Campus.

Graduate Dual-Degree Programs

Rutgers Business School offers various dual-degree programs at the graduate level, often in conjunction with other schools and institutions. These programs typically involve full-time study and provide a significant advantage in terms of time and career opportunities. Here are some examples:

• Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science / Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Professional Accounting: This program leads to a Bachelor's degree and an MBA in Professional Accounting.
• Doctor of Medicine / MBA: Offered in both Newark and New Brunswick, this dual-degree program combines a Doctor of Medicine degree with an MBA.
• Doctor of Pharmacy / MBA: This unique program combines a Doctor of Pharmacy degree with an MBA, enhancing career options in the business aspects of the pharmaceutical field.
• Master of Public Health / MBA: This dual-degree program is ideal for those seeking a combination of public health expertise and business acumen.
• Master of Public Policy / MBA: Combining a Master of Public Policy with an MBA, this program equips students with a strong foundation in policy-making and business management.
• Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences/ MBA: This dual-degree program integrates scientific knowledge with business skills, providing a unique skill set for careers in the healthcare industry.
• J.D./Master of Business Administration (MBA): Offered at the Rutgers Business School in Newark and New Brunswick, this program combines legal expertise with business acumen, providing a strong foundation for careers in corporate law, restructuring, and more.

These are just a few examples of the dual-degree programs offered at Rutgers New Brunswick. For specific information and requirements regarding each program, be sure to visit the official Rutgers University website or contact the relevant departments.

Experiential learning opportunities

Rutgers University–New Brunswick offers a plethora of experiential learning opportunities for its students. Experiential learning is a process where students learn by doing and reflecting on their experiences. It includes internships, research, labs, practicums, fieldwork, service learning, and study abroad opportunities, to name a few.

Internships

Rutgers University–New Brunswick offers a wide range of internship opportunities for its students. These internships allow students to gain practical experience and apply their academic knowledge to real-life situations. Some examples of internships offered by the university include:

• Internship in American Studies
• Field Study in Archaeology
• Internship in Criminal Justice
• Environmental Studies Internship
• Washington Internship
• Zimmerli Museum Internship in Russian Art

Research

The university also encourages students to engage in research as part of their experiential learning. Students can work with faculty members on original research projects or collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams. Some examples of research opportunities include:

• Research in Biology
• Research in Cognitive Science
• Research in Computational Biology and Molecular Biophysics
• Research in Psychology
• Research in Sociology

Labs and Practicums

In addition to internships and research, Rutgers University–New Brunswick offers a variety of lab and practicum courses that provide hands-on learning experiences. These courses allow students to apply theoretical concepts and develop new skills. Some examples include:

• Fundamentals of Evolution Lab
• Advanced Neurobiology Laboratory
• Sensation and Perception Laboratory
• Computer-Based Experimentation and Physics Computing
• Anatomy and Physiology: Health Sciences

Fieldwork and Study Abroad

Fieldwork and study abroad opportunities are also available for students seeking experiential learning. These opportunities allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings and gain a global perspective. Some examples include:

• Field Methods and Analysis in Primatology in Kenya
• Study Abroad: Applied Conservation and Ecosystem Management
• Study Abroad: Advanced Primate Behavior and Ecology
• Study Abroad in Germany
• Study Abroad in China

Other Opportunities

Rutgers University–New Brunswick also offers other unique experiential learning opportunities, such as:

• Leadership roles through the Leader Corps
• Rutgers Summer Service Internship (RSSI) Program
• Innovation, Design, and Entrepreneurship Academy (IDEA)
• Rutgers Business School Student Experiential Learning Program

Frequently asked questions