Does anyone know about RPI?

[phd in geek]

I have a bit of a question. A while back I decided I wanted to study comm in grad school. I applied, and I got into RPI's PhD program for Communication and Rhetoric. I'm glad, but I was wondering if anyone could tell me anything about their program. When I was applying a few months ago, none of the professors (at other schools) or students (RPI students, but not in the comm department) even knew that the program existed! It's a little concerning...

I got wait-listed by UMass Amherst, so I'm waiting until I hear back from them to make a decision, but until then, can someone give me some info on RPI, or at least about how their program is viewed (reputation, ranking, etc)?

[PRguy101]

I have a bit of a question. A while back I decided I wanted to study comm in grad school. I applied, and I got into RPI's PhD program for Communication and Rhetoric. I'm glad, but I was wondering if anyone could tell me anything about their program. When I was applying a few months ago, none of the professors (at other schools) or students (RPI students, but not in the comm department) even knew that the program existed! It's a little concerning...

I got wait-listed by UMass Amherst, so I'm waiting until I hear back from them to make a decision, but until then, can someone give me some info on RPI, or at least about how their program is viewed (reputation, ranking, etc)?

I assume you are a technology and communication person? Or only rhetoric? It isn't a top program ( I think NCA ranks it #15 for Comm and Technology, I would expect it to be higher given the school, but hey, maybe because it was new in 2004), but I would venture to say that technology and communication is a field with many opportunities. It depends on your future goals and your specialty. The program is very much computer-human interactive, game studies, etc. There is little room for much else outside of the technology umbrella. If that is where you see your future study and scholarship going, then I think it is a good choice. People in Comm know about the program, but I assume most faculty would only look to RPI's graduates if they were looking to feel a very specific niche. The good thing is that niche is on the rise because the place of technology as it relates to comm/mass comm is pretty hot right now. To me the degree is limiting if you want to do more than that, but perfect if all you care about is technology. The question is one of personal taste and future aspirations. Good luck!

[phd in geek]

I assume you are a technology and communication person? Or only rhetoric? It isn't a top program ( I think NCA ranks it #15 for Comm and Technology, I would expect it to be higher given the school, but hey, maybe because it was new in 2004), but I would venture to say that technology and communication is a field with many opportunities. It depends on your future goals and your specialty. The program is very much computer-human interactive, game studies, etc. There is little room for much else outside of the technology umbrella. If that is where you see your future study and scholarship going, then I think it is a good choice. People in Comm know about the program, but I assume most faculty would only look to RPI's graduates if they were looking to feel a very specific niche. The good thing is that niche is on the rise because the place of technology as it relates to comm/mass comm is pretty hot right now. To me the degree is limiting if you want to do more than that, but perfect if all you care about is technology. The question is one of personal taste and future aspirations. Good luck!

Thanks for the reply! The thing is, while my interests are kinda related to tech (I want to research the role of the internet in media consumption, for example), it's mostly media and cultural studies that I want to research. I clearly laid out my research interests in my SoP, so why would they accept me if I'm such an off fit? Between that and the fact that RPI's deciding not to teach foreign languages anymore (and I want to focus a lot on international media, so I want to study a foreign language), I'm leaning towards not going.

I was thinking USC would be a better fit, but I doubt I'd get in. For what it's worth, I got a BA from a top school, good GRE scores, and research experience, but I'm hesitant to reject the offer and not get in anywhere else.

[PRguy101]

Phd in geek, one way to find out what type of graduates they really produce is to do a nice google search or contact them to find where their graduates are teaching right now. Then look at how their graduates describe their research and what types of research interests they list on their faculty profiles. I would also then see if they fall under certain departmental section titles. To me, this is the best way to determine if "cultural studies" is really a strong component of the program. They do offer classes in your area. I didn't mean to imply that you weren't a good fit. My point is "what are they good at?" I think it is the more technological topics under Media and Design and Communication and Computers.

They have a critical-cultural background too, but it may not be the strongest component. Plus, also consider what happens if you get into the literature and you want to expand critical cultural understandings outside of the internet and onto other cultural products? At RPI, it is a very narrow focus. That is NOT a bad thing if you know what you want to do. But as you said, you only have a BA and you are entering the program with just that? Most people have a MA in which they were able to explore their interests, read the literature in depth and wrestle with what they want to study at the PHD level (and even then when they get there most change their mind.) You may not have that flexibility at RPI. You will be in this program for 3-6 years. If you are sure about what you want to do and don't anticipate ever leaving the "technology" arena, then go with RPI. It is a solid school.

[phd in geek]

Phd in geek, one way to find out what type of graduates they really produce is to do a nice google search or contact them to find where their graduates are teaching right now. Then look at how their graduates describe their research and what types of research interests they list on their faculty profiles. I would also then see if they fall under certain departmental section titles. To me, this is the best way to determine if "cultural studies" is really a strong component of the program. They do offer classes in your area. I didn't mean to imply that you weren't a good fit. My point is "what are they good at?" I think it is the more technological topics under Media and Design and Communication and Computers.

They have a critical-cultural background too, but it may not be the strongest component. Plus, also consider what happens if you get into the literature and you want to expand critical cultural understandings outside of the internet and onto other cultural products? At RPI, it is a very narrow focus. That is NOT a bad thing if you know what you want to do. But as you said, you only have a BA and you are entering the program with just that? Most people have a MA in which they were able to explore their interests, read the literature in depth and wrestle with what they want to study at the PHD level (and even then when they get there most change their mind.) You may not have that flexibility at RPI. You will be in this program for 3-6 years. If you are sure about what you want to do and don't anticipate ever leaving the "technology" arena, then go with RPI. It is a solid school.

Sorry, I didn't mean to imply you thought I was a bad fit! That was just me worrying that I am a bad fit (compared to the other schools I applied to). My main concern is going to a good school and keeping my options open both during and after I graduate, so I've been worried (a bit too much) about reputation and variety of research. I've contacted the department with a bunch of questions, so I'll get some more info to clear up my confusion.

Thanks again for the advice! You've given me some peace of mind.