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
Featured News
New Study Away Opportunity for Athletes Will Be Offered in Los Angeles This Spring
A new study away opportunity for student-athletes will be offered this year as a Maymester course in Los Angeles. The course, Networking and the Art of the Pitch, was developed by Rachel Dubrofsky, professor and chair of communication and rhetorical studies (CRS) in the College of Visual and Performing...
Faculty News
CRS Chair to Participate in 2024 ACC Academic Leaders Network
Rachel Dubrofsky, professor and chair of the Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies (CRS) in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, is one of five Syracuse University faculty members selected to participate in the 2024 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Academic Leaders Network. The program is designed to facilitate cross-institutional networking...
Alumni News
Lights, Camera, Actionable Advice
Filmmaker and alumnus Tari Wariebi '10 shares wisdom on navigating Syracuse University and launching a creative career.