Graduate Overview

Yotam Ophir, with the Department of Communication, holds a class discussing media effects and misinformation through the Extremism MEME Lab.

Photographer: Douglas Levere

Explore the Science of Communication

At the University at Buffalo Department of Communication, we take a scientific approach to understanding how people interact, how messages shape behavior and how technology transforms communication.

Learn about:

Why choose UB?

  • Engaged, Committed Faculty: Learn from accomplished scholars dedicated to mentoring students.
  • Collaborative Research: Work alongside faculty on cutting-edge projects published in top academic journals.
  • Personalized Mentorship: With fewer than 50 graduate students, you’ll benefit from one-on-one guidance and support.
  • Global and Scientific Approach: Study communication through a social scientific lens with a diverse, international faculty.
  • Hands-on Experience: Gain real-world research experience, including grant writing and publishing in refereed journals.
  • Highly Published Faculty: Faculty members regularly contribute to leading journals in communication, social psychology and information science.

Life in Buffalo

A city with energy, culture and room to grow

Buffalo offers the culture and opportunity of a major city without the cost or congestion. You get professional sports, a nationally recognized orchestra, a vibrant theater district and one of the country’s leading art museums, all in a city that is easy to navigate. Restaurants, coffee shops and local markets make it easy to settle in and feel at home.

Love the outdoors? Lake Erie, the Niagara River and nearby state parks offer hiking, skiing, skating, camping and beaches throughout the year. Winter is part of life here and so is the energy that comes with it.

Buffalo is affordable, connected and growing. Toronto is just 90 minutes away, and the region’s expanding economy means new ideas and opportunities are always within reach.

"Keep Buffalo a Secret" mural on a downtown Buffalo building.

Photographer: Douglas Levere

What you'll study

Our research areas include:
  • Social Influence and Networks
  • Health Communication
  • Science and Risk Communication
  • New Media and Communication Technology
  • Interpersonal and Organizational Communication
  • Entertainment-Education/Entertainment Media
  • Political Communication

We focus on the scientific study of communication using advanced quantitative methods, including multivariate statistics, mathematical modeling, computer simulation, experimental research and survey research.

Communication careers

What can you do with a graduate degree in communication?

  • Teach and conduct research at the university level
  • Study social media and its impact on relationships and health
  • Design media campaigns for public health initiatives
  • Analyze network patterns within organizations
  • Conduct advanced attitude and behavioral analyses
  • Model decision-making in negotiation and conflict
  • Study policy communication on a global scale
  • Monitor information flows between nations

Graduate Degree Programs

Achieve your goals and advance your career with one of our graduate degrees:

Contact us

For more information, please reach out!