The School of Communications and Theater received nine top 10 rankings in eight different research specialties according to a recent study done by the Communication Institute of Online Scholarship. These rankings were based on faculty publication records and the departmental affiliations for the faculty.

The Broadcast, Telecommunications and Mass Media Department was ranked seventh in critical theory, ninth in demographics research, and ninth in visualization; the Department of Journalism was ranked third in mass communication research on the Pacific Rim, sixth in mass communication research on Asia, ninth in visualization and 10th in intercultural research; and the Strategic and Organizational Communication Department was ranked ninth in public relations and presidential figures.