Department of Communication
Department of
Communication
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The Department of Communication’s degree programs, minors, and immersions emphasize applied theory and practical knowledge that build the communication skills necessary to succeed in a variety of industries. Coursework leverages strengths from across the university to develop proficiency in technical or professional areas such as design, photography, marketing, healthcare, or technology and creates interdisciplinary opportunities to practice these skill sets inside and out of the classroom. Our faculty are dedicated to exceptional teaching and providing individual attention to students. The department maintains a small feel, with a strong sense of community and a commitment to student mentorship.
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Degree programs
Advertising and Public Relations BS, Communication BS (with journalism option), and Communication MS
7
Minors offered
Advertising and public relations, American arts, communication, film studies, journalism, health communication, and visual culture
6
Immersions offered
Advertising and public relations, American arts, communication, film studies, journalism, and visual culture
Latest News
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July 8, 2026
Communication Students Win 2026 PRSA Awards
Two student groups and an adjunct professor earned accolades at the society's annual awards ceremony.
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April 23, 2026
Graduating student credits leadership roles for future success
Makaela Kirish is not only looking forward to an engineering career, but she is also reflecting on her past five years at RIT with her friends, a variety of experiences, and the leadership skills she has gained.
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February 21, 2026
Town of Brighton hosts Black History Month event
WHAM-TV interviews Katrina Overby, assistant professor in the School of Communication, about a celebration for Black History Month hosted by Brighton, N.Y.
Featured Work and Profiles
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Mentorship Plus Dynamic Curriculum and Experiences Supported Grad's Success
"...My education at RIT uniquely prepared me for this role by blending communication, business thinking, and human-centered leadership—foundations I rely on every day as I help build and advance large...
Read More about Mentorship Plus Dynamic Curriculum and Experiences Supported Grad's Success -
Learning by Doing Led this Grad to Consumer Research Career Path
"[RIT Learning by Doing Experiences] sparked my curiosity and guided me toward professions where I could continue to research and leverage my undergraduate background alongside the research skills...
Read More about Learning by Doing Led this Grad to Consumer Research Career Path -
Four Years and a Full Experience: From career-launching co-ops to clubs and research, this 2025 grad made the most of every moment at RIT
Hailey Fowler began at RIT like so many other first-year college students, slightly shy but super psyched to begin her college journey. At RIT, she soon connected with experiences that gave her an...
Read More about Four Years and a Full Experience: From career-launching co-ops to clubs and research, this 2025 grad made the most of every moment at RIT -
Meet Cassandra Paul, May 2025 AdPR Grad
Experiences in and out of the classroom helped this Advertising and Public Relations major grow as a leader, explore new experiences, and prepare for a career in digital marketing, advertising, and...
Read More about Meet Cassandra Paul, May 2025 AdPR Grad -
Philosophy Grad Makes Positive Impact with a Career in Teaching
“No matter what subject you teach, you are helping the future of our entire nation. The nation may rest in the hands of the future generations, but those future generations are resting on our...
Read More about Philosophy Grad Makes Positive Impact with a Career in Teaching -
RIT Alumna Thrives in Real Estate Law at Prestigious NYC Firm
After passing the New York state bar exam, Shakierah Smith became a real estate associate at Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson, a law firm in New York known nationally for its...
Read More about RIT Alumna Thrives in Real Estate Law at Prestigious NYC Firm
Undergraduate Programs
Students develop relevant skills through a core of courses focused on the theories of advertising and public relations, communication, or journalism and their application in the real world. A professional core from a different college such as Saunders College of Business or the College of Art and Design develops complementary skill sets in areas such as marketing, photography, or design. Electives and liberal arts courses complete the curriculum.
Create persuasive campaigns and build brands across traditional and digital media—backed by hands-on projects and industry connections.
Learn more about the Advertising and Public Relations BS programExcel in corporate communication, digital media, journalism, advocacy, nonprofit organizations, or advanced graduate studies in the ever-changing media landscape.
Learn more about the Communication BS programIn RIT’s journalism option, you’ll master the skills to successfully interview, investigate, write, edit, report, and publish news and featured stories across a range of digital media.
Learn more about the Journalism Option programGraduate Programs
The master’s program combines focused study in communication with coursework in an applied or professional area such as marketing, health systems administration, information technology, or digital publishing. You’ll be able to analyze of communication problems, develop solutions, and creatively craft messages to target audiences.
Blend research, strategy, and innovation to launch your career in a rapidly evolving communication landscape.
Learn more about the Communication MS programAnnual Student Research in Communication Conference
The RIT Department of Communication hosts graduate, undergraduate, and high school students from across New York state and beyond to share their research in communication and related disciplines during our Student Research in Communication Conference.
Research paper submissions on any topic within the communication field and related disciplines (including advertising, public relations, media studies, film studies, journalism, and others) are invited. Read about our most recent conference, how to submit papers, and deadlines for submitting >





