B.A. in Rhetoric, Writing & Speech Comm
Description
Rhetoric is both a classical and modern subject, one that influences and shapes all forms of human communication. While pursuing the B.A. in rhetoric, writing, and speech communication, students will develop skills in persuasion, critical thinking, professional writing, and speaking. The program focuses on the humanistic study of rhetoric and emphasizes practical lessons and applications grounded in theory. Students may select an optional emphasis in Professional Writing or Speech Communication. Graduates will be prepared for advanced study in law, business, education, civil service, and other fields. They will also be prepared for professional positions in publishing, grant writing, and communication. An ideal double major, the B.A. in rhetoric, writing, and speech communication complements many degrees on campus.
Minimum Total Credit Hours: 120
General Education Requirements
See the College of Liberal Arts’ General Education/Core Requirements.
Course Requirements
The B.A. in rhetoric, writing, and speech communication, requires 33 credit hours, including:
- Spch 102 or 105;
- Spch 305 or 314;
- Writ 220, 250, and 300;
- and 18 hours of Rhet, Spch, and Writ electives at the 200 level or higher. Up to 3 of those 18 hours may be MCOM courses at the 200-level or higher.
Only one Writ 398 or 399 course may count toward the major. Students may choose to specialize by using their Spch and Writ electives to add an optional emphasis in professional writing or speech communication, which requires a minimum of three courses from the approved list for the emphasis. The same course may not complete the required courses and an emphasis area. The overall degree requirements remain the same. Students may complete both emphases.
Other Academic Requirements
A minimum grade of C is required in all speech and writing courses applied by a student toward the major.