Writing, Communications, and Rhetoric

A student in the Writing, Communications, and Rhetoric Option of the English Major shares a 15-credit background with those in the Literature and Criticism Option, in examining texts and ideas in historical, formal, cultural, theoretical, and other contexts. The program then develops the student's abilities in writing, communications (including oral presentations), and rhetoric, in each of the following five areas: creative writing and emerging media; journalism and related nonfiction; persuasive and advocacy writing; public relations; and technical and professional writing.

Writing, Communications, and Rhetoric candidates must demonstrate their ability to analyze rhetorical problems while composing effective, well-formulated documents for specified audiences and to create documents using appropriate computer software.

Students in the Writing, Communications, and Rhetoric option have many opportunities for solid professional training. This concentration prepares students for a wealth of careers in business, public relations, advertising, human resources, government, education, media, and social services. It gives students a strong foundation from which to launch any number of careers and aspirations.

This program is tailored for people planning careers in technical and business communication, journalism, creative writing, publishing, public relations, electronic writing, teaching writing at the high school or college level. The curriculum appeals to both pre-career students looking for entry level writing positions and mid-career professionals looking to polish their writing skills and increase their marketability. Students receive a solid theoretical background and extensive writing and editing experience. The marketable skills that our English majors possess include the ability to express one's self verbally and in writing; experience in developing strong research and organizational skills, and the experience using computers to write and create documents. Jobs available for this major are: writing/editing; teaching, publishing, public relations, advertising, marketing/sales, librarian/information specialist, media (newspapers, television, radio, internet, and film), and technical and freelance writing.