Writing and Rhetoric Studies

Program Description

Rhetoric is the study of effective speaking and writing: it is the art of argument and persuasion. Through the Writing and Rhetoric Studies program, you will become a strong analytical thinker and proficient writer. Students of this program learn rhetorical analysis and the ways that culture and society shape what we define as “literacy,” giving you critical thinking skills and social awareness that can be applied to a number of pursuits. Students in the program choose courses from topics such as under-represented rhetorics, rhetorics of gender, writing poplular non-fiction, professional discourse, grammar and stylistics, digital storytelling, writing as a social practice, and others. The culminating experience of the program is a senior seminar, synthesizing all of the student's undergraduate work into a portfolio piece. Employers consistently rank written communication skills as among the most-desired abilities in job candidates, and strong writing and argumentation abilities are excellent assets for graduate-level coursework.

The Student Experience

Students who wish to take their academic experience to the next level may complete an undergraduate research project, thesis, internship, or study abroad program, allowing them to apply their writing and rhetoric skills to a specific problem or context. A number of resources and involvement opportunities are also available to students. For assistance with your studies, visit the Writing Center. To meet like-minded peers and network, join the Writing and Rhetoric Studies Student Advisory Committee or WriteClub.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program have a vast number of career opportunities available to them. Enter the worlds of publishing (as a publisher, editor, or writer), marketing (as a marketing specialist or social media coordinator), or media (as a journalist or producer). Be your own boss and work as a novelist or author, or freelance and provide writing or editing services to those who need it. With a master’s degree in a related field, students can also become technical writers, lawyers, librarians, curators, professors, or teachers.

More Info

• Department of Writing & Rhetoric Studies
• College of Humanities
• Department Advising
• Career & Professional Development Center

Catalog

• Writing & Rhetoric Studies BA/BS
• Writing & Rhetoric Studies Minor

Exploratory Classes

• WRTG 2905 - Special Topics in Writing & Rhetoric
• WRTG 2040 - Introduction to Writing Studies