BS in AI and Responsible Communication
Shape how people and AI talk to each other
How can we tell what's real in a world of deepfakes, chatbots and AI-generated content? The BS in AI and Responsible Communication at the University at Buffalo combines communication, artificial intelligence and data skills to explore how technology influences the way people share and understand information. You'll learn how to evaluate AI-driven communication, understand its impact on society and help create messages that are accurate, ethical and effective.
An interdisciplinary approach to AI
This program is offered through the Department of AI and Society and the Department of Communication, bringing together expertise from the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. This collaboration connects technical innovation with real-world perspectives to prepare students for an AI-driven future.
From social media algorithms to AI-generated news and virtual assistants, technology shapes what we see, what we believe and how we connect. This major helps you understand the relationship between communication and artificial intelligence while exploring how technology can inform, influence and sometimes mislead people.
You'll study communication theories, research methods and emerging AI technologies to investigate questions about trust, persuasion, misinformation and digital media. Along the way, you'll learn how to use communication research to make informed decisions about the technologies shaping our world.
At UB, you'll benefit from:
Interdisciplinary learning
Combine communication, artificial intelligence and data skills to understand how technology influences people and society.
Faculty expertise
Learn from researchers studying misinformation, social networks, media effects and digital communication.
A focus on responsible communication
Explore how ethics, accuracy and public trust shape the development and use of AI technologies.
A major research university
Access cutting-edge research, innovative technology and opportunities to explore real-world challenges.
UB: A leader in AI
At the University at Buffalo, you'll be part of a growing AI community with more than 400 researchers working across disciplines. Through initiatives like Empire AI and a National Science Foundation-funded National AI Institute, UB is advancing artificial intelligence to address real-world challenges and benefit society.
The BS in AI and Responsible Communication combines communication research with AI and data skills, helping you understand how information moves through society and how emerging technologies influence human interaction.
Your studies will include:
Communication foundations
Study interpersonal, organizational and mass communication to understand how people create, share and interpret messages.
AI and society
Explore artificial intelligence, ethics and the ways emerging technologies influence communication and public life.
Computing and data
Build a foundation in programming concepts, computational thinking, probability and data analysis.
Communication research
Learn how research methods help explain audience behavior, media effects and communication patterns.
Specialized electives
Explore advanced topics in communication, digital media, technology and related areas that match your interests.
Capstone experience
Bring together your communication and AI knowledge through a project focused on a real-world challenge.
You'll develop communication, analytical and technical skills that help you understand how AI influences information, audiences and human interaction.
You will learn to:
- Analyze how AI technologies influence communication and the information people encounter.
- Apply communication theories to understand audience behavior and digital interactions.
- Evaluate AI-generated content for accuracy, credibility and potential bias.
- Use research methods and data to investigate communication patterns and challenges.
- Examine ethical issues involving misinformation, privacy and public trust.
- Develop communication strategies that consider the opportunities and risks of AI.
You'll graduate with the ability to connect communication research with emerging technologies and help organizations navigate an increasingly AI-driven world.
Put your skills into practice through research, internships and projects that connect communication theory with real-world technology challenges.
Depending on your interests and available opportunities, you may:
- Intern with media organizations, technology companies, nonprofits or government agencies.
- Work with faculty on research involving AI, media effects, social networks or digital health.
- Participate in communication campaigns, research projects or collaborative technology challenges.
- Join student media organizations, communication groups or computing clubs.
- Explore study abroad opportunities to examine how different societies approach media and AI.
These experiences can help you build practical skills, develop a portfolio of work and understand how responsible communication can make a difference.
Turn your skills in communication, AI and data analysis into opportunities across media, technology and public service. From evaluating AI-generated content to developing communication strategies, you'll be prepared to help organizations communicate effectively and responsibly as technology evolves.
Industries you could work in
- Media and digital communication
- Technology and artificial intelligence
- Marketing and public relations
- Health care and education
- Government and public service
- Research and consulting
Potential career paths
- Digital communication specialist
- AI content analyst
- Social media strategist
- Communication research analyst
- Media literacy specialist
- Public relations specialist
- AI communication strategist
Some career paths may require additional education, training or professional experience.
Continue your education
Want to take your expertise further? This degree can also provide a foundation for graduate study in communication, information science, digital media, public policy and related fields.
Ready to explore how AI is changing the way people communicate? At UB, you'll combine communication research with technical skills while learning how to use emerging technologies responsibly and help people navigate an evolving information landscape.
Have questions about the BS in AI and Responsible Communication, advising or how the program fits your goals? We're here to help.
