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Communication and Rhetorical Studies B.S.

If you’re looking for a program that combines practical skills, intellectual depth and cultural awareness, communication and rhetorical studies (CRS) is for you.

Timeless Skills for Whatever Comes Next

No one knows what the workplace will look like in 10 years, but with skills that have been relevant for over 2,500 years, we know how to prepare you for it.

What is CRS?

CRS is ideal for students who want to understand how communication shapes the world and use that knowledge to make a difference. This major is for thinkers, doers and visionaries who are passionate, strive to innovate and are change-makers.

In CRS you will learn to:

  • Communicate effectively across platforms, contexts and audiences
  • Critically analyze cultural, political and social issues
  • Craft persuasive arguments
  • Advocate for change
  • Understand equity, social justice and the impact of difference (race, gender, ethnicity, sexuality and class, for instance)
  • Apply theories to real-world challenges
  • Think independently and creatively

Why Choose CRS?

  • 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.
  • CRS offers a tight-knit, supportive community where you can thrive through mentorship, small class sizes and close interaction with distinguished faculty. Our alumni support CRS students with mentorship and networking opportunities.
  • A flexible CRS curriculum allows for double majors, minors, global study and tailored electives to fit your individual goals.
  • CRS graduates are excellent communicators and critical thinkers, successful in career paths such as law, public affairs, education, public relations, marketing, television production, filmmaking, advocacy, media, government diplomacy and more.

A Glimpse Inside Sims Hall

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

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Admission requirements
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Program Highlights

Curriculum

The 120-credit curriculum includes requirements and electives and leads to a bachelor of science (B.S.) degree. The program offers a broad educational framework and lets you tailor your studies to your 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.

View degree requirements, courses and student learning outcomes
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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; Florence, Italy; or 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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Faculty

Department Chair

Rachel E. Dubrofsky, Professor

Graduate Program Coordinator

Erin J. Rand, Professor

Full-Time Faculty

Rachel E. Dubrofsky, Professor and Department Chair
Ariel Gratch, Assistant Teaching Professor
Lyndsay Michalik Gratch, Associate Professor
Diane Grimes, Associate Professor
Rachel Hall, Associate Professor
Quran Karriem, Assistant Professor
Kendall R. Phillips, Professor
Erin J. Rand, Professor
Amardo Rodriguez, Professor
Sylvia Sierra, Associate Professor
Ryan Tabrizi, Assistant Teaching Professor

Affiliated Faculty

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

Part-Time Faculty

James A. Dunagan, Instructor
Jake Giovanini, Instructor
Anne Jakowenko, Instructor
Christopher Perrello, Instructor