Communication Bachelor of Science Degree

Customize your communication BS by taking professional core courses from RIT’s nine colleges, in areas as diverse as design, photography, marketing, health care, programming, and engineering, to name a few. This unique combination of coursework allows you to explore the breadth of the communication field while studying other subject areas of professional or personal interest. Your BS in communication will prepare you for a variety of careers, ranging from traditional corporate communication to entrepreneurial start-up environments.

Take courses in communication theory, visual communication, public speaking, mass communication, communication law and ethics, technology-mediated communication, and research methods. Complete a professional core from one of the many minors across the university, or you may design your own. Electives and liberal arts courses complete the curriculum. Complement your classroom work by completing one semester of cooperative education that deepens your knowledge of the communication field while you gain hands-on work experience that prepares you for a full-time position after graduation.

Every student in the School of Communication is assigned a professional academic advisor and a faculty mentor. Professional advisors assist with course planning and registration. The faculty mentor provides advising on career development and planning, including information about research opportunities, graduate school, and jobs. Peer mentors, who are upper-level advertising and public relations students, are also available to answer questions about classes, clubs on campus, student-run activities, and other matters from the student’s perspective. For more information, please refer to the college's academic advising page.

Option

The communication BS offers a journalism option that enables you to enhance your communication degree with skills for careers in prepare for careers in multimedia storytelling, digital production, news reporting and editing, and digital content creation and management. You'll learn to gather information, critically assess its importance, craft well-written content, and merge both verbal and visual data to effectively communicate news stories and digital content across diverse media channels.

RIT’s Pre-Law Program

Law schools welcome applications from students majoring in a wide range of academic programs. RIT’s pre-law program will help you navigate the admission process for law school, explore a range of legal careers, and guide you through course selection to ensure you build the skills and competencies required of competitive law school applicants. The program is open to students in all majors who are interested in pursuing a career in law.

Furthering Your Career in Communication

Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees

Today’s careers require advanced degrees grounded in real-world experience. RIT’s Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees enable you to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years of study, all while gaining the valuable hands-on experience that comes from co-ops, internships, research, study abroad, and more. Learn more about our accelerated bachelor’s/master’s degrees and how you can prepare for your future faster.

• Communication BS/Sustainable Systems MS: In this combined accelerated dual degree, you'll earn your communication BS and your sustainable systems MS in less time than pursuing each degree individually. Gain the scientific knowledge and communication prowess necessary to bridge the gap between sustainable solutions and public understanding, preparing you for impactful roles in environmental advocacy, corporate sustainability, and policy development.
• +1 MBA Early Acceptance Pathway: Successful RIT applicants who are offered admission into the BS degree in communication as an incoming first-year student may also be offered conditional early acceptance into the +1 MBA Early Acceptance Pathway. This option enables you to earn both your BS degree and an MBA in as little as five years of study. Learn how the +1 MBA Early Acceptance Pathway can help you add a competitive advantage to your studies.
• +1 MBA: Students who enroll in a qualifying undergraduate degree have the opportunity to add an MBA to their bachelor’s degree after their first year of study, depending on their program. Learn how the +1 MBA can accelerate your learning and position you for success.

3+3 Accelerated BS/JD Programs

RIT has partnered with Syracuse University’s College of Law and University at Buffalo School of Law to offer accelerated 3+3 BS/JD options for highly capable students. These programs provide a fast track to law school where you can earn a bachelor’s degree at RIT and a Juris Doctorate degree at Syracuse University or University at Buffalo in six years. Interested students may apply to the option directly, with successful applicants offered admission to RIT and conditional acceptance into either Syracuse University’s College of Law or University at Buffalo School of Law. RIT's communication degree is one of the approved majors for the 3+3 option. Learn more about Accelerated Law 3+3 Programs.

RIT’s Teaching Partnership Programs

Whether your goal is to go into early childhood or elementary education, become a secondary education teacher with a content area specialty at the middle or high school level, or work in the higher education or counseling fields, RIT’s partnership programs with local universities provide a guided pathway to a career in teaching. These 4+1 or 3+2 programs enable you to earn your bachelor’s degree at RIT and a master’s degree in education at one of our partner universities. As you progress, you’ll benefit from focused academic advising, career exploration opportunities, and resources for research, learning, and skill development. RIT's communication degree is eligible for RIT’s Teaching Partnership Programs.