Degree and Major Requirements
The study of writing, rhetoric and technical communication includes two concentrations in the undergraduate major: technical and scientific communication and writing and rhetoric. The WRTC major emphasizes scholarly, humanistic and social scientific perspectives on the function and application of communication technologies, with instruction in areas such as:
- literacy studies
- rhetorical traditions
- writing pedagogy
- editing
- website theory and design
- publications management
- knowledge and information management
- writing for professional communities such as government, medical, scientific and academic
In addition to offering students the rhetorical tools with which to excel as professional communicators, the B.A. and B.S. programs also prepare graduates for academic studies in writing, rhetoric and technical communication at the master’s level as well as for professional programs such as law school.
The B.A. and B.S. programs in WRTC unite three disciplines into a flexible, yet historically and theoretically grounded degree program. The WRTC degree teaches students to think in ways that cross disciplinary lines and to demonstrate accomplishment in multiple genres of writing, rhetoric and technical communication.
Students work with their WRTC advisers to design a program that fits their unique educational needs and career aspirations.
Course requirements differ between the B.A. and B.S. programs, and students should maintain regular contact with their WRTC adviser to ensure timely graduation. Requirements and eligible courses for the B.A. and B.S. in each of the two concentrations are outlined below.
