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A degree in communication and rhetorical studies (CRS) provides a solid foundation to build your career and the skills to adapt professionally in evolving industries.

Balance and flexibility make CRS a great major for the 21st century. We offer a balance between “big picture” conceptual courses and “hands-on” practical skills courses. So, in CRS you can study the ways that ancient philosophers like Plato and Aristotle conceived of persuasion and citizenship and study the most effective means to deliver a public speech.

Few people will remain in the same career field throughout their professional lives, and most people will find that their own personal interests and ambitions will take them through a wide variety of professional and civic activities. But wherever you go and whatever profession you undertake, the core skills involved in the CRS program will help: the ability to listen, think critically, organize information, lead groups and advocate for yourself and others.

Why Choose CRS?

  • You have flexibility in CRS. Follow your interests and passions through elective courses that prepare you for your desired career.
  • CRS graduates are excellent communicators and critical thinkers, thriving in career paths such as law, public affairs, education, public relations, marketing, advocacy, media, government, diplomacy and more. CRS alumni create award-winning advertising campaigns, win Emmy Awards for their television editing skills, are selected for grand jury prizes at the Sundance Film Festival, coach college basketball, practice law, are leaders in international banking and have created the first Asian American-themed television network, to name just a few.
  • The skills you learn in CRS prepare you for career pivots in an uncertain job market, empowering you to adapt and innovate as industries evolve.

A Glimpse Inside Sims Hall

Sims Hall is the home of the Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies.

Watch the video

Program Highlights

Curriculum

The 120-credit curriculum includes requirements and electives and leads to a bachelor of science (B.S.) degree. The program is designed to have a flexible framework, providing a broad educational foundation and the flexibility to pursue your own interests and needs. As one of our students, you will be assigned a professional academic advisor who will guide you through your academic career and help you navigate class schedules, course selection and more.

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Global Study

You can participate in study abroad or study away programs through VPA or Syracuse Abroad. CRS majors may study at Syracuse Abroad centers in London, England; Madrid, Spain; Strasbourg, France; or Florence, Italy or in other cities. The VPA LA Semester program in Los Angeles is offered to CRS majors in the spring semester of their third or fourth years. Your advisor can discuss your options with you.

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Career Exploration and the CRS Alumni Network

CRS alumni are devoted to the department, with active groups in New York City, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Alumni serve as mentors to current students and return to campus regularly to give presentations and participate in panel discussions. Through our annual Engaging Careers program, a group of seniors can travel to New York City and beyond to network with alumni and visit their places of work.

In addition, all CRS majors have access to career advisors and services through the College of Visual and Performing Arts’ Office of Academic and Career Advising. The office connects VPA students with networking opportunities, mentors and more.

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Program Faculty

Program Coordinator

Rachel E. Dubrofsky, Professor and Department Chair

Full-Time Faculty

Charles E. Morris III, Professor
Kendall R. Phillips, Professor
Amardo Rodriguez, Professor
Lyndsay Michalik Gratch, Associate Professor
Diane Grimes, Associate Professor
Rachel Hall, Associate Professor
Erin J. Rand, Associate Professor
Sylvia Sierra, Associate Professor
Ariel Gratch, Assistant Teaching Professor
Ryan Tabrizi, Assistant Teaching Professor

Future Professors Fellow

Chaz Antoine Barracks

Affiliated Faculty

Srividya Ramasubramanian, Professor
Jennifer Stromer-Galley, Professor
Charisse L’Pree, Associate Professor

Part-Time Faculty

Jonathan M. Bullinger, Instructor
Rob Carpenter, Instructor (VPA Los Angeles Semester)
James A. Dunagan, Instructor
Jake Giovanini, Instructor
Anne Jakowenko, Instructor
Christopher Perrello, Instructor