Writing, Rhetoric & Communication

Enhance your studies with skills and knowledge in writing and communication by choosing the writing, rhetoric & communication minor.

You'll learn how to:

read and think critically
write with style and conviction
develop strong research and organizational skills
communicate effectively through written and oral presentations
utilize traditional and digital media

Our award-winning faculty members specialize in a wide and diverse range of fields such as creative nonfiction, composition and rhetoric, fiction, technical writing, and many more.

The skills you'll develop as an English & Communication minor are essential in today's competitive job market and can lead to rewarding careers in communications, editing, journalism, public relations, social media, technical writing, web publishing, writing for general and specialized audiences, and many other areas. You'll also be prepared for graduate study across many disciplines, such as creative and professional writing, education, law, and library/information science.

Consider a minor to improve your writing, communications, and critical thinking skills: all qualities that employers value highly.

Course descriptions, schedules and requirements

Student success

Ghenwa Elkhoury '21, '23: Plain language

Lebanese transfer student overcomes adversity and completes two degrees in four years.

Graduate School Placements

Bridgewater State University
Brown University
Endicott College
Harvard Kennedy School
Holy Names University
Southern New Hampshire University
UMass Dartmouth
University of Pennsylvania

Career Placements

American International Group
Boston’s Children Hospital
Disney ABC Television Group
Fall River Public Schools
GateHouse Media
Goodwill Industries International
Google
The Providence Journal
Reebok
Wells Fargo
Yahoo! Sports

UMassD's undergraduate experiences

Honors College

Take advanced courses, pursue research, and be part of a community of scholars.

Study Abroad

Earn academic credits and gain a global perspective on your field.

Bhen with his art students at Talibon Elementary School in Bohol, Philippines.

Undergraduate Research

Faculty work with students on cutting-edge research projects.

Student studying at Claire T. Carney Library

University Studies

Gain the benefit of a broad university education to enhance your knowledge and skills.

UMassD advantages

Publish your work in Corridors, an e-journal of student essays; Dart, a pop-culture magazine; or Temper, a literary review
Pursue internships in communications, editing, journalism, professional writing, publishing, and more
Join the Literary Society, write for The Torch student newspaper, or DJ on WUMD 89.3FM

Expand your opportunities

Accelerated Master's programs: Earn your master's degree with only one additional year of study. Juniors and seniors are eligible to apply.
MA in Professional Writing & Communication: Develop your professional skills in diverse areas of writing such as technical writing, web authoring, journalism, public relations, and creative writing.
Graduate certificate in Professional Writing & Communication: Develop professional writing skills that focus on specific settings, situations, and communities.