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Communication and Rhetorical Studies B.S.

The communication and rhetorical studies (CRS) major is ideal for students who want to understand how communication shapes the world and use that knowledge to make a difference.
Communication and rhetorical studies major works on a writing assignment.
Communication and rhetorical studies major works on a writing assignment.

About this Program

  • Learn to communicate effectively across platforms, contexts and audiences; critically analyze cultural, political and social issues; craft persuasive arguments; advocate for change; and think independently and creatively—all skills that prepare you for career pivots in an uncertain job market.
  • Pursue a dual major or a minor within the College of Visual and Performing Arts, or combine your major with a major or minor from one of Syracuse University’s other colleges or schools.
  • Enjoy small class sizes and close interaction with distinguished faculty.
  • Find unique opportunities for hands-on learning and real-world application of your studies. Spend a semester in Los Angeles taking CRS courses and completing an internship or travel to New York City to explore the many career paths available to you.
  • Take advantage of study abroad opportunities through Syracuse Abroad in various cities, including at the University’s centers in London, England; Madrid, Spain; Strasbourg, France; or Florence, Italy.
  • Benefit from our strong, supportive CRS alumni network. Our graduates are successful in career paths such as law, finance, public affairs, education, public relations, marketing, television production, filmmaking, advocacy, media and government diplomacy.
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Program Information

Degree Type

Major

Outcome

B.S.

Modality

In-person

College or School

Related Pages

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College of Visual and Performing Arts

Home to the visual and performing arts at Syracuse University, VPA supports the creative process and professional development of its students. VPA is divided into seven areas: the School of Art; the Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies; the School of Design; the Department of Drama; the Rose, Jules R. and Stanford S. Setnor School of Music; the Department of Film and Media Arts; and the Department of Creative Arts Therapy.
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Curriculum

The CRS program allows students to integrate their individual professional interests with a thorough background in communication and rhetorical studies and a selection of arts and sciences courses. Tailor your degree to your interests and passions through elective courses, preparing you for a virtually unlimited array of careers in such areas as education, business and industry, political communication, media and entertainment, public affairs and advocacy, and law (the CRS program can be considered preparatory for law school).

Students must complete a total of 120 credits. Of these, 37 credits must be in communication and rhetorical studies. Students must also take 54 credits in arts and sciences, including 6 credits in writing (English); 6 credits in the natural sciences and mathematics; 6 credits in the social sciences; 6 credits in the humanities, including language proficiency at a 102 level (American Sign Language will fulfill this requirement) and 30 credits in areas supporting their studies in communication. 

  • Demonstrate effective and mindful listening practices in a variety of communicative contexts.
  • Ethically and effectively engage an audience through a variety of media.
  • Produce persuasive arguments on issues of contemporary concern adaptable to diverse audiences.
  • Describe and evaluate key communication theories.
  • Analyze communicative acts.
  • Recognize, analyze and critique diversity and systems of power as manifest in self, other and society, locally and globally.
  • Design, execute and write an original research project.

Extracurricular Opportunities

Professional development opportunity

Engaging Careers

Through the annual Engaging Careers program, a group of CRS seniors can travel to New York City and beyond to network with alumni and visit their places of work.

Study abroad opportunity

Syracuse Abroad

Spend a semester at Syracuse University’s center in London, England; Madrid, Spain; Strasbourg, France; or Florence, Italy. Or explore another study abroad destination through Syracuse Abroad, which offers more than 100 programs in over 60 countries.

Study away opportunity

VPA LA Semester

The VPA LA Semester is an immersive professional development program that provides you with the opportunity to work as an intern in Los Angeles while taking academic courses taught by LA professionals with expertise in their given discipline. The program is designed to broaden your understanding of career opportunities and gain skills to network and succeed in your career.

Related Programs

  • Writing and Rhetoric B.A.

    As a writing and rhetoric major, you’ll explore the power of language across a range of genres.

  • Public Relations B.S.

    Learn to use strategic communications to promote the image and mission of an organization or business.

  • Digital Humanities B.A.

    Combine the traditional strengths of the humanities with attention to digital and information technology. Learn how digital technologies enable us to explore key questions in the humanities.

Learn more about this program

Communication and Rhetorical Studies B.S.
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