English

Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric and Writing Studies

As a rhetoric and writing studies student at Western Michigan, you'll strengthen your writing, communication and critical thinking skills through practical, real-world projects. You'll explore literature, language and diverse perspectives while discovering how communication shapes culture, communities and ideas. Along the way, you'll build skills in research, analysis and professional writing that prepare you for careers in media, education, business, law and beyond, or for continued graduate study.
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Points of pride

9 of 10

Broncos are employed quickly, working in their fields in jobs they like

—2024-25 Career Outcomes Report
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98%

of Broncos had instructors who made them excited about learning

—2024-25 Career Outcomes Report
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22 trips abroad

led by College of Arts and Sciences' faculty in 17 countries across the world

—
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Pursue a B.A in Rhetoric and Writing Studies

At Western Michigan, the rhetoric and writing studies program blends coursework in rhetoric, literature, creative nonfiction and professional writing with real-world application. Through writing-intensive projects and digital communication work, you'll build a professional portfolio while sharpening skills in analysis, problem-solving and communication. Whether your interests lean toward publishing, journalism, education, law or content strategy, you'll graduate ready to write, think and communicate with confidence.
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What you'll learn

 You'll explore how language and rhetoric shape the world around you—from social media and advertising to public and corporate communication. Through courses in multimedia writing, editing, web content and grant writing, you'll build practical, real-world skills and gain experience creating content for real audiences.

You'll also study a wide range of literary traditions, including American, British, African American and Asian literature, while discovering how language evolves across cultures and time. By graduation, you'll be prepared to think critically and communicate with confidence across careers and industries. 

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student quote

I really wanted to soak everything in and just learn from it, for me, it was confirmation this is what I want to do, and it was the coolest thing ever.
— Laney Roberts, at Cannes film festival as an intern for FlimFestivals.com

Where you'll be after graduation

As a WMU graduate, you'll be prepared to continue your education in master's programs or launch a career of your choosing. Recent graduates have gone on to organizations such as the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs hospital system and Children's Nature Playscape, while others have pursued publishing and media careers with organizations like Study Breaks Magazine and Local Life Media. Wherever your path leads, you'll graduate with the communication, adaptability and critical thinking skills to get there. 

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What others have achieved

What others have achieved

Students graduate with the analytical, writing and communication skills to build careers in publishing, media, education and beyond. 

Laney Roberts and Sean Knowles stand next to the Cannes Film Festival Sign

Yes, you Cannes: WMU film students land internship at world’s most prestigious film festival

Western Michigan University students Sean Knowles and Laney Roberts completed a dream internship with FilmFestivals.com at the Cannes Film Festival. As press interns, they filed stories, captured photos and video of celebrities, attended press screenings, networked with film industry insiders and even walked the red carpet at movie premieres.

Making the most of your learning experience

You'll gain real publishing experience through internships with organizations like Third Coast and Medieval Institute Publications, working alongside editors and industry professionals on real publishing projects. From manuscript evaluation and book production to editorial meetings, reviews and marketing content, you'll build practical skills in writing, research and digital content strategy. These experiences help you create a professional portfolio, grow your network and graduate ready to contribute in publishing, media and communication-focused careers.
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What scholarships are available for a Rhetoric and Writing degree?

At Western Michigan, scholarships and grants help make your degree possible. WMU offers institutional awards for students with financial need, academic achievement and multicultural leadership, with merit scholarships renewable for up to three years. Our financial aid team can help you explore options, from first-year awards like the Empowering Futures scholarships and Medallion Scholarship Program to transfer-specific funding, so you can focus on becoming a Bronco.
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Frequently asked questions

A degree in rhetoric and writing studies opens doors across publishing, journalism, content strategy, education, law and corporate communication. WMU graduates bring strong writing, research and critical thinking skills to every role, whether launching a career right away or continuing into graduate study. 

Yes—practical experience is central to the rhetoric and writing studies program at WMU. In your coursework, you'll produce real-world materials like websites, multimodal texts and grant proposals using industry-standard technology, giving you a portfolio of work before you even graduate. Internships let you step into professional settings and build skills valued by employers. Past graduates have gone on to work as digital content writers, technical writers, content directors and freelance writers. 

Yes—WMU offers institutional and college-level scholarships to help make your education affordable, and as an English department major, you're also eligible for department-specific scholarships. Connect with the Office of Student Financial Aid to explore what you qualify for. 

No extra steps here—if you're admitted to WMU, you're ready to pursue this degree. We recommend declaring your major by sophomore year so you can connect with faculty early, build your skills progressively and stay on track for graduation. 

Both degrees build strong communication, critical thinking and storytelling skills, but they point in different directions. Rhetoric and writing studies focuses on how language shapes culture, public discourse and professional contexts, preparing you for careers in media, law, content strategy and corporate communication. Creative writing centers your development as a literary artist, with workshops in poetry, fiction, plays and creative nonfiction that lead to careers in publishing, journalism, marketing and beyond, or into graduate and MFA programs. If you're drawn to the craft of storytelling and building a creative voice, creative writing is your path; if you want to harness writing as a tool for analysis, persuasion and professional communication, rhetoric and writing studies delivers.