Contact

Regina Luttrell, Senior Associate Dean
315-443-3613
rmluttre@syr.edu

Faculty

Anthony D'Angelo, Beth Egan, Adam Peruta, Alex Richards, Margaret Talev

Program Description

The AI & Emerging Media Minor provides students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of generative AI and its applications in communication fields. With a focus on both the technical and ethical dimensions, this 18-credit minor equips students to harness AI for content creation, audience engagement, and strategic communication while addressing the societal and legal implications of its use. Designed for students across communication disciplines, the minor prepares graduates to become leaders in the integration of AI into media practices.

Goal

The faculty of the Newhouse School recognizes that communication is being reshaped by artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. The purpose of this minor is to provide students with a strong foundation in generative AI, data analytics, and new media tools while emphasizing their ethical, creative, and strategic applications across communication fields.

Audience

This minor is open to all Syracuse University students except those already majoring in related programs with overlapping requirements. Understanding and applying AI in communication is valuable for students across disciplines, including business, information science, political science, design, sociology, education, and more, who seek to enhance their ability to analyze, create, and innovate in an AI-driven world.

Entrance Requirements

Applicants are admitted on a space-available basis with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. To be eligible, students must have completed at least 30 credits at Syracuse University in courses graded A–F. Students should declare the AI & Emerging Media minor by the spring of their sophomore year. Applications submitted later may extend time to degree depending on course availability. Applications should be submitted to the Newhouse Academic Advising Office (316 Newhouse 3).

The AI & Emerging Media minor occupies a unique curricular niche by bridging the gap between technology, data analytics, and creative communication. Unlike traditional programs that focus solely on technical skills or media studies, this minor integrates the principles of artificial intelligence with practical applications in storytelling, content creation, and audience engagement. Students will explore how AI technologies like machine learning, natural language processing, and generative tools are transforming industries such as advertising, journalism, and public relations. This interdisciplinary approach allows students to not only understand the technical underpinnings of AI but also to apply these tools ethically and effectively within the context of media and communication strategies. By equipping students with a blend of technological proficiency and creative expertise, the minor prepares them to fill a critical and emerging gap in the job market.

1. Understand Generative AI Foundations: Gain a comprehensive understanding of generative AI technologies, their capabilities, and their transformative impact on communication practices.
2. Develop Technical Proficiency: Master a range of AI tools for creating text, images, video, and audio content tailored to diverse audiences and platforms.
3. Enhance Audience Engagement: Leverage AI for audience analysis, personalized communication, and real-time optimization of engagement strategies.
4. Foster Ethical and Legal Awareness: Evaluate the ethical, legal, and societal challenges of generative AI, including issues of misinformation, copyright, and inclusivity.
5. Cultivate Strategic Applications: Apply generative AI insights and tools to enhance storytelling, brand communication, and media production across traditional and emerging platforms.
6. Promote Responsible Innovation: Develop policies and best practices for integrating AI in communication fields while upholding ethical standards and promoting equity.

The core of the minor consists of the following required courses, which provide a foundational understanding of the subject. In addition to these core courses, students may select from a range of electives to tailor their learning experience based on their interests and career goals. With prior approval from their advisor, students may also substitute other relevant courses that align with the objectives of the minor. At least 12 credits must be at the 300-level or higher.

Minor Requirements