B.A. in Rhetoric
Learn the essential art of using language and other symbols to inform or persuade.
Gain the skills and tools of effective communication by learning to speak, write, and design effectively while also becoming a discerning critic of the communication practices saturating our world. Choose from a wide variety of speech, writing, and rhetorical theory classes that examine communication in interpersonal, community, civic, academic, professional, and historical contexts.
Key Benefits
The Department of Writing and Rhetoric is at the cutting edge of undergraduate rhetoric programs with its combination of speech, writing, and theory classes. It also adds employment value as a second major, pairing well with studies in the humanities, social sciences, applied sciences, engineering, and the natural sciences.
Graduate Outcomes
A liberal arts education prepares graduates to deal with complexity and change. They gain key skills in communication, problem-solving, and working with diverse groups. Employers consistently rank strong written and oral communication skills as the most-desired abilities in job candidates, so rhetoric majors are well-equipped for public and private sector careers in writing, editing, marketing, media, publishing, business, non-profit administration, and public policy advocacy. It is also an asset for those pursuing advanced degrees in law, politics and public administration, library services, teaching, religion, and other graduate studies.
Experiences Offered
Rhetoric majors have opportunities to participate in study abroad, debate, community writing partnerships, Writing Center and Speaking Center activities, and many cross-campus collaborations designed to help build and document your skills as effective communicators.
B.A. in Rhetoric Faculty
Faculty members bring not only academic credentials but real-world experience as professional speakers, writers, and communicators.
Course Requirements
The B.A. in rhetoric requires 33 credit hours, including:
- Spch 102 or 105;
- Spch 305 or 314;
- Writ 220, 250, and 300;
- and 18 hours of Rhet, Spch, and Writ electives at the 200 level or higher. Only one Writ 398 or 399 course may count toward the major.