Communication & Rhetorical Studies

The Ethical Difference

Following the founding principles of Duquesne University, we believe that it is essential for our students to develop the skills, the knowledge and the conscience of the next generation of communication leaders, those who will shape the world that they inherit. As a part of our educational environment, you will explore innovation, diversity, resilience and moral values in a changing world, and you will consider questions of communication ethics across the curriculum.

Walking the Humanities Into the Marketplace

As part of the Duquesne community, you will have access to the finest contemporary professional education, distinguished by a solid foundation in Catholic values, the humanities and practical application.

You will be educated as a communication engineer, not a communication technician, thereby garnering the knowledge, skills and expertise to solve practical problems in all areas of communication. And as a graduate you will understand the importance of theory-informed practice and action.

Undergraduate Program Tracks

B.A. in Communication Studies

Communication studies charges you with the responsibility to design a unique plan of study with undergraduate directors. This major optimizes specific marketplace participation in the area of communication.

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B.A. in Corporate Communication

Corporate communication addresses organizational communication strategies that will prepare you for ethical decision-making and leadership in for-profit and not-for-profit contexts. As a graduate, you will be prepared to work in management, corporate communication contexts, nonprofit development and communication, human resource development, public affairs, community relations and entrepreneurial contexts.Explore Corporate Communication

B.A. in Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC)

IMC unites advertising and public relations with the breadth of the marketing communication field for ethical strategic communication in a changing world. The IMC major will prepare you for service in advertising and public relations agencies, integrated marketing communication agencies, corporations, nonprofit organizations and public institutions.

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B.A. in Rhetoric

Rhetoric combines ethical concern for contemporary issues with artful public persuasion and reflects our department's strong philosophical and humanities focus. Argumentation and persuasion are skills fundamental to this major and are informed by rhetorical theory and philosophy of communication. As a rhetoric major, you will analyze the practice of these theories in areas such as religion, free speech, organizational communication and popular culture.

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Graduate Programs

Choose From Four Graduate Degrees

The Department of Communication & Rhetorical Studies offers four master’s degrees and a Ph.D.

As a student in one of our graduate programs, you will find a practical education built on Duquesne University’s liberal arts foundation, one that will expand your horizons and prepare you for a career in academia or the wider professional world.

Our doctoral degree is a Ph.D. in rhetoric, while our master’s degrees are as follows:

M.A. in Communication
M.A. in Corporate Communication
M.A. in Rhetoric & Philosophy of Communication
Dual master’s degree: M.A. in Corporate Communication & MBA

"Being a COMM major, I like having a voice and knowing that what I’m doing has a direct impact on the branding process. I like that it's a possibility that I can have something tangible that's put out there for the world."

—Emily Sample

Corporate Partnerships

Professional Exposure

As a student in our department, you will benefit from our founding corporate partnerships with MARC USA (an advertising and integrated marketing communication agency) and Ketchum Public Relations, which strengthen our ongoing emphasis on communication research and development.

Meet Our Faculty

Father Lazarus Langbiir

Teaching Assistant Professor/Contributed Services

Contact for more information