School of Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication
Director: Michael Smith
Email: smithmx@jmu.edu
Phone: (540) 568-6004
Location: Harrison Hall, Room 2252
School of Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication Website
Mission Statement
We guide and inspire writing professionals.
Vision
Changing how the world values writers.
Career Opportunities
In the WRTC major, students learn the kinds of research, analytical and reasoning skills that will allow them to become successful professionals in a wide range of fields. WRTC graduates can expect career opportunities in writing, editing or production positions with a variety of business, educational or industry employers, including publishing houses, marketing companies, law firms, journalism outlets, computer hardware and software companies, health care providers, engineering firms, environmental organizations, nonprofits, educational institutions and writing consultant groups. WRTC graduates also choose to further their studies in MA, MS, MBA, MFA, PhD and law school programs.
Co-Curricular and Professional Opportunities
Work-Based Learning Courses
All students in the WRTC major are required to enroll in at least one course designated as a work-based learning course. This requirement allows students to apply classroom concepts to real-world communication tasks, build professional skills, and gain experience working with organizations in fields like business, government, or nonprofits. It also helps students develop the confidence, workplace readiness, and practical experience needed to successfully secure and thrive in future internships. Courses fulfilling the work-based learning requirement include WRTC 480, WRTC 484, WRTC 486, and WRTC 488. In addition, several other courses include a work-based learning requirement.
Internships
The WRTC internship is a requirement for all WRTC majors. The internship allows students to apply content knowledge and skills acquired in their WRTC coursework in a professional context to design, write, edit and produce documents for internship providers in academia, business, industry and government. Students are supported throughout the process, from finding an internship placement to reflecting on the experience. Information about internships may be obtained through the WRTC website.
RhetTech Journal
RhetTech is WRTC's student-run, online journal. It publishes high-quality compositions in a variety of genres from undergraduate students working in the disciplines of writing, rhetoric and technical communication across the country. RhetTech is created and managed by students enrolled in WRTC 328. These practicum students develop evaluation criteria, read and discuss each submission, and work individually with writers to prepare their work for publication.
JMURJ
The James Madison Undergraduate Research Journal is a peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to promoting, publishing and sharing the text- and media-based research and scholarship created by undergraduate students in all JMU disciplines. JMURJ editorial board members collaborate with students, faculty and administrators in a university-wide effort to advance JMU undergraduate scholarship, research and intellectual work.
The Bluestone yearbook
The Bluestone is James Madison University's award-winning yearbook. The Bluestone was first published in 1910 and has been issued every year since, making it the university's oldest publication. The Bluestone is published in the spring, covering all events and activities from approximately March of one year to March of the following year. The book is created and produced by a student staff led by the Editor(s)-in-Chief. WRTC students frequently serve in roles on the editorial board and in staff positions such as writers and designers.
Semester in London
WRTC students can participate in the Semester in London program through the School of Media Arts and Design and can enroll in the cross-listed courses WRTC 351 and WRTC 360. Both courses fulfill requirements in the British Communication and Media minor, and WRTC 360 also fulfills a requirement for the Modern European Studies minor.
Pre-Law
Pre-law at JMU is not a major, but a number of WRTC majors elect to pursue law school after graduation. WRTC prepares these students by equipping them with strong analytical, research, and persuasive writing skills that are essential for success in law school. Through coursework focused on argumentation, critical thinking, and rhetorical awareness, students learn to craft clear, compelling legal-style arguments. This foundation helps graduates transition confidently into the rigorous reading, writing, and reasoning demands of law school. Relevant coursework includes WRTC 301, WRTC 314, WRTC 330, WRTC 340, WRTC 460 and WRTC 462.
Scholarship and Award Opportunities
JB Hancock Scholarship for Writing and New Media
The JB Hancock Scholarship awards at least $1,000 annually to one or more WRTC majors who have created a compelling piece of writing or new media communication that demonstrates both the importance of and excellence in connecting with audiences and communicating clearly and responsibly in a manner that is factual and persuasive.
Whitten Maher Memorial Scholarship for Writing and Design
The Whitten Maher Memorial Scholarship for Writing and Design was established to acknowledge and support undergraduate work that conveys the compassion, intensity and well-informed reason of its namesake. The scholarship is administered by WRTC but is open to all returning full- or part-time James Madison University undergraduate students in all academic disciplines. Each scholarship recipient is awarded at least $1,000 toward the following year's tuition.
Madison Writing Awards
The Madison Writing Awards (MWA), housed in WRTC, is a university-wide competition that celebrates writing across the curriculum in all undergraduate academic programs, regardless of medium and genre, from traditional papers to multimodal productions. These awards reflect the commitment of James Madison University, the College of Arts and Letters, and the School of Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication to prepare students for educated and enlightened global citizenship through the outlets of writing and rhetoric. The MWA biennial awards ceremony features a showcase of winning pieces as well as the presentation of cash prizes.