Program Details
Bachelor of Science, Major in Writing Rhetoric and Technical Communication
Bachelor of ScienceJames Madison University
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 are advised to 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.
Program Overview & Guidance
| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | Our major is an ideal one for anyone interested in writing and communicating in a broad sense. We are a great fit for a person who's just not quite sure yet what they'd like to study at JMU and/or just not ready to commit to what they'd like to do for a career. It's also a great major for those who've started out in a major that they are finding to not be a good fit after all. Our majors and minors learn how to apply traditional writing craft alongside digital media production in courses such as Digital Storytelling, Professional Editing, Online Design, and Content Strategy. Want to learn more about the kinds of projects WRTC students get to do? Check out some recent examples here: https://www.jmu.edu/wrtc/students/undergraduate/featured-class-projects.shtml. Want a fuller course list? See our complete course list here: https://www.jmu.edu/wrtc/students/undergraduate/course-descriptions.shtml If you want a major where your professors will know you by name and work with you to develop your interests and talents, we are your home! If you are not sure what direction your college career will take you in, but you're up for hands-on learning, innovation, and close friendships, we are your place! |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Here in James Madison University’s School of Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication, we pride ourselves on being an academic major that welcome students from a variety of backgrounds with open arms. That is to say: if you have successfully taken some general education courses that involve writing and communicating, you will be ready for our introductory level core courses.
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| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
| Doing More With Your Degree | Through our courses, and via our robust internship program, our graduates learn how to write across various media and leave our program with strong artifacts and professional portfolios of their work that speak to their skill sets. Interested in learning more? Check out some recent internships our students have completed here: https://www.jmu.edu/wrtc/students/undergraduate/internship-profiles.shtml Many of our majors take courses and/or complete internships in WRTC via JMU’s Semester in London program and in JMU’s X labs where they work in multidisciplinary teams to collaborate with industry professionals and solve real problems. Our degree programs complement a wide variety of double majors and minor programs. We also have scholarships that are exclusively for our students, which you can learn more about through the "Scholarships and Awards" link on our WRTC homepage: https://www.jmu.edu/wrtc/. |
| Program Successes & Highlights | Our major offers students a diverse set of skills that leave them eligible for a number or exciting potential next steps:
As a boutique program, we are able to offer our students the 'small school' feel within a large university. Our faculty mentor students closely, know them by name, and take specific interest in their development. Our hands-on mentoring is enhanced by the fact that our major is highly adaptable to individual students' interests. Our alumni report that they are working in jobs and/or attending graduate and law programs that make explicit use of their training in WRTC. |
Program Credit Requirements
If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements
The table below lists admissions agreements between James Madison University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Completion of an approved transfer associate degree will guarantee fulfillment of JMU's General Education requirements. https://www.jmu.edu/transfer/VCCStransfer/ASDegrees.shtml |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School |
| Credit for Prior Learning | JMU accepts and reviews AP, IB, CIE and CLEP for all students with eligible scores, which may be different than at your prior institution. JMU will complete an independent review of the test score to apply credit to the JMU student record. Credit for prior learning (CLEP) is awarded on a per case basis for Adult Degree (Individualized Studies Majors) and RN-BSN students only and in consultation with the department of expertise, with the exception of military service credit. Credit for learning acquired in military service is awarded by the registrar's office using the ACE guide credit recommendation for study/experience listed on the military transcript and in consultation with the department of expertise. |
| Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information
| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | JMU is a mid to large size institution that behaves more like a smaller institution. Faculty and staff hold students as the top priority. JMU has a 96% satisfaction rate. 89% of classes have less than 50 students. JMU is the #1 most recommended public University in the US by the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education; JMU is the #1 Best College for Employment in Virginia according to U.S. Department of Education statistics compiled by Zippia. JMU has the highest post-graduation job levels of all Virginia colleges. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance. |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance. |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Transfer applicants applying through the Guaranteed Admissions Agreement must submit a Letter of Intent prior to applying to JMU. Requirements and forms are available at: https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/transfer-GAA.shtml |
Where Can This Degree Transfer
| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgewater College | Professional Writing Major - BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Randolph-Macon College | English (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies
| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27-3041.00 | Editors | Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
| 25-1123.00 | English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in English language and literature, including linguistics and comparative literature. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 27-3043.05 | Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers | Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
| 25-1199.00 | Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | All postsecondary teachers not listed separately. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 27-3042.00 | Technical Writers | Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
| 27-3043.00 | Writers and Authors | Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
Cost To Complete