The Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies (CRS) creates skilled and versatile communicators prepared for the diverse professional and personal contexts they will come to understand, pursue, and influence.
318+
Faculty research publications
Books, journal articles, book chapters
12
Areas of emphasis for undergraduates
Unlimited career opportunities
78
Faculty and student awards
Given at the campus, national and international levels
A Degree that Grows with You
Our undergraduate program is ideal for those students who wish to acquire communication skills that are highly valued by employers across numerous industries, including the media, business, politics, law, education, public affairs, public relations, and marketing. Our graduate program provides first-rate training in communication research and pedagogy, preparing graduates for competitive careers within academe or for diverse career opportunities outside it.
Learn from Experts
The CRS faculty is made up of active scholars who are absorbed in the study of communication and rhetorical studies. They conduct original research, present their work at national and international conferences, and write books or publish essays in scholarly journals. This enables them to share cutting-edge perspectives with students and keep their teaching up-to-date with current trends in the field of communication studies.
A Vibrant History
We’re proud of our department’s long history at Syracuse University. Launched in 1910 as the Department of Oratory, CRS is one of the nation’s first academic programs devoted to the study of communication and rhetoric. Throughout our evolution, our department has been housed in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, where our programs have benefited from close association with the disciplines of art, design, film and media arts, drama, and music.
Recent CRS News
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Alumni News
Alumni Participate in LA Conversation on Racial Equity in the Entertainment Industry
Four College of Visual and Performing Arts alumni—all prominent entertainment industry professionals—participated in a panel discussion last week regarding racial wealth disparities in American society and the inequities they have witnessed and experienced in that industry. The event, “Lender Conversation in Los Angeles: Seeking Racial Equity in the Entertainment Industry,”...
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Alumni News
Students Build Networks, Gain Career Insights At Industry Day
Over 250 students connected with alumni during the College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) Industry Day on Friday, Oct. 25. Read More...
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Alumni News
Adara (“Darla”) Hobbs ’22 G ‘26, an alumna of the Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies, will soon begin a two-year research project examining the potential social justice and public health impacts of living in neighborhoods that have experienced the historical discriminatory practice of redlining. Hobbs was recently named a 2024-26...
