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
![Ryan Nkongnyu]()
Featured News
CRS Student Organizes TEDx Syracuse University Event
 Ryan Nkongnyu ’25, a communication and rhetorical studies major, has organized a TEDx event on the theme “Changing the Narrative” for April 9 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Tan Auditorium of the National Veterans Resource Center, 101 Waverly Avenue. The free event is open to students, faculty, alumni and members of the community and will feature thinkers, doers and innovators from a variety of fields who will share groundbreaking ideas and inspiring stories. Read More...
![Ryan Bode, Emily Castillo-Langley, Ethan Davis, Aphrodite Gioulekas, Sidney Hanson, Erin Keith. Bottom row, left-right: Kelsey Quinn Leary, Angelina Lim, Mason Romero, Danielle Spring, Eleni Stavros, Abigail Wood.]()
Featured News
College of Visual and Performing Arts Announces 2025 VPA Scholars
Twelve seniors in Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) have been named VPA Scholars, the college’s highest undergraduate academic honor. Read More...
![Ryan Nkongnyu talks to a student sitting at a desk.]()
Featured News
Fostering Identity, Celebrating Community
Communication and rhetorical studies senior Ryan Nkongnyu is leading initiatives that champion diversity and unity during Black History Month.
