Learn the art of effective communication.
“Going into the professional world, you need both speaking and writing skills to make an impact. This degree gave me the opportunity to round out all of my skills.”
Kellie Smith (B.A. in Rhetoric and English, '22)
Content Coordinator, RxMG
The Department of Writing and Rhetoric in the College of Liberal Arts offers the B.A. in Rhetoric, Writing, and Speech Communication. Students learn to speak, write, and design effectively while also becoming discerning critics of the communication practices saturating our world. They can choose from a wide variety of speech, writing, and rhetoric classes that examine communication in interpersonal, community, civic, academic, professional, and historical contexts.
Studying writing, rhetoric, and speech communication allows students to look at modern problems– and into the future– through the lens of a time-tested discipline.
The major helps students build critical thinking and communication skills that set them apart in the professional world. Combined with another major–in anything from the humanities to business or pre-med–the rhetoric helps prepare students to communicate specialized subjects in a variety of contexts.
Graduates leave UM with a portfolio of well-crafted projects and marketable skills for every aspect of professional life–from interviews and emails to business plans and reports.
B.A. in Rhetoric
Professional Writing, Speech Communication
120
Major
4 years
Here are some of the classes you may take while earning your Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric, Writing & Speech Comm. See all Rhetoric courses.
UG
3 credits
This course introduces small group theories and develops practices of group development, team growth, skills assessment, group communication dynamics, and conflict resolution. Students address crisis management issues with collaborative communication skills in various organizational and cultural settings via research, written statements, and live presentations.
UG
3 credits
This course is an exploration of communication within corporations, nonprofit groups, and other organizations. Students will research and apply theories of organizational communication and will reflect on their own communicative experiences and approaches.
UG
3 credits
This course is a survey of political rhetoric and communication, including theories of persuasion. Students will explore, analyze, and produce speeches and texts related to political discourse.
UG
3 credits
Students will learn to communicate effectively and responsibly with a wide range of health care audiences, including patients, clients, caregivers, medical colleagues, and the public. Students will research and write about contemporary issues in the health professions.
UG
3 credits
Study and practice of writing with generative artificial intelligence. Students will learn context and theoretical foundations of AI and will practice using AI tools effectively and ethically as researchers.
UG
3 credits
Study and practice in grant and proposal writing in business and organizational settings. Conventions for grant writing in nonprofit settings, consultant writing for proposals, science writing for government grants, small business grant writing. Emphasis on specific genres and transferable rhetorical skills.
Hear firsthand from students, faculty, and staff about the Rhetoric, Writing, & Speech Communication program.
As Coordinator of Student Recruitment for the College of Liberal Arts, I work with students, and their parents, who are interested in attending UM for their undergraduate degrees. I coordinate personalized visits to our departments, answer questions about the majors and programs in the CLA and handle all recruitment communications from the CLA. Please feel free to send me any questions you may have. It is my job to make sure you have everything you need to make an informed decision on where to spend your college career, and I hope it will be with the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Mississippi!
CLA Coordinator of Student Recruitment
We invite future undergraduates to learn about the College of Liberal Arts, the value of the liberal arts education, our programs, career opportunities, and resources to help you succeed. You can also request a personalized degree sheet.
We have a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for you and your family.
Are you ready to take the next step toward building your legacy?
