Learn how to write in every form, from advanced argument to technical or creative nonfiction, or public essay. Explore rhetorical traditions and new writing technologies, and learn how writing identity is reflected in different cultures. You’ll also come to understand the relationships among writing, rhetoric, identity, literacy, and power.
Gain the strong writing, reasoning, and communication skills you need to pursue careers that demand practitioners with your passion for words and ideas.
About the College of Arts and Sciences
The founding college of Syracuse University remains at the center of undergraduate learning. The College is divided into the natural sciences and mathematics, the humanities, and the social sciences, with the lattermost offered in partnership with the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.
Courses
Sample courses for writing and rhetoric majors include:
- Rhetoric and Ethics
- Technical Documentation and Usability
- Studies in Creative Nonfiction
- Emerging Technologies in Professional and Technical Writing
- Theorizing History and Culture
- Writing for News and Public Relations in a Digital Age
Practical Experience
As a writing and rhetoric major, you’ll maintain an electronic portfolio of your writing that showcases your expertise in different genres and rhetorical contexts, in addition to reflecting your growth and development as a writer.
Seize opportunities to do community volunteering and professional internships—on campus, off campus, or internationally. Academic counselors and faculty advisors will guide you in aligning your interests and academic path with opportunities for growth.
There are more than 350 student organizations at Syracuse University, and you can get involved with any of them. Write for the different campus magazines, or explore themes like art, entertainment, advocacy, government, media, publications, and service.
Study Abroad
Broaden your perspective and enhance your resume with an international experience through Syracuse Abroad , which features more than 100 programs in 60 countries. You can choose semester, summer, short term, and yearlong options for international study.
Writing and rhetoric majors most often go abroad to Syracuse University centers in Florence, London, and Madrid, and to World Partner programs CEA Prague, CEDEI Semester in the Andes (Cuenca, Ecuador), Kansai Gaidai University (Osaka, Japan), and University College Dublin.
Summer programs of interest may include Civic Writing (London) and Global Citizens/Global Cities – Critical Research (Madrid).
Life After Syracuse University
As a College of Arts & Sciences graduate with a major in writing and rhetoric, you can explore such careers as:
- Teaching
- Law
- Business
- Public relations
- Public advocacy
- Editing and publishing
- Copywriting
- Journalism
You can also pursue graduate training in such areas as law, library science, education, journalism, and more. Recent graduates of the program have attended some of the top graduate schools in the U.S.