Jul 05, 2025  
Rensselaer Catalog 2025-2026 
    
Rensselaer Catalog 2025-2026

Business & Management and Communications, Media and Design; B.S.


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The Dual Major in Business & Management (BGMT) and Communication, Media and Design (COMD) offers a dynamic, interdisciplinary education for students seeking to blend business expertise with strong communication skills. This program is designed for those who aspire to lead organizations, shape corporate strategy, and craft impactful messages that resonate with diverse audiences across various media platforms. Students in this dual degree program will gain a comprehensive understanding of business operations, leadership, and strategic management, while also mastering the art of communication, from public relations and media strategy to digital communication and organizational messaging. The combination of business and communications knowledge equips graduates to navigate complex business environments, foster stakeholder relationships, and manage brand narratives effectively in today’s fast-paced, digital world. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills in both areas, allowing students to develop a well-rounded proficiency in business decision-making, financial analysis, and marketing, as well as in communication theory, persuasive writing, crisis communication, and content creation.

Graduates of this dual major will be prepared to pursue careers in corporate communication, public relations, marketing, media management, and entrepreneurship. With the ability to lead teams, manage brands, and communicate effectively across various platforms, they will be well-positioned to succeed in both business leadership and communication roles within a wide range of industries.

This dual major is fulfilled by completing the curricular requirements of both the BGMT and the COMD majors. It consists of core classes in BGMT and COMD. The students’ Science Core is fulfilled through the curriculum of BGMT major, and students have flexibility in their curriculum with one free elective for deepening their learning in an area of their own choosing. Students are required to complete an internship as a part of their BGMT curriculum.

Year 1


Year 2


Year 3


Please note: The third year of the program varies depending upon which semester the student chooses to take away following The Arch Summer Semester classes. Please note the following differences in curriculum:

If students are going to be away during the Fall semester of their junior year, they should take the listed courses for each term and any courses under the Fall Away Track for year three of their program.
 

If students are going to be away during the Spring semester of their junior year, they should take the listed courses for each term and any courses under the Spring Away Track for year three of their program.

The Arch Summer Semester*


*For more information on the ARCH process, please click here: The Arch 

Fall / Spring


Year 4


Fall


Spring


Footnotes


1 COMD Gateway course (INQR 1492  , INQR 1560  , or INQR 1562 ); if taken after a students first year, any WRIT, LITR, or COMM courses not used for another requirement may be used.

2 COMM Electives includes any COMM, LANG, LITR, or WRIT electives

COMM 4000-level electives includes any 4000-level COMM, LANG, LITR, or WRIT electives

4 MGMT 4000-level Marketing Electives is limited to the following courses: MGMT 4180  , MGMT 4450  , MGMT 4460  , MGMT 4470  , or MGMT 4490 .

 

 

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