Rhetoric and Writing
Major in the College of Liberal Arts
Analytical, communicative, and persuasive skills are in high demand in almost every profession, including law, education, politics, consulting, business, public relations, professional writing, advertising, and academia.
The Rhetoric and Writing major aims to produce sophisticated communicators able to perform the sort of analyses and persuasive presentations that such careers require. It also is an excellent preparation for graduate-level study in law, business, media studies, literary and cultural studies, and other liberal arts disciplines.
Declaration Requirements
ShowProspective University of Texas at Austin students should visit UT Admissions to learn about the application process and how to declare a major.
How to Declare
ShowUndergraduates currently enrolled at UT who wish to declare a Rhetoric and Writing major must first meet with a rhetoric and writing advisor. There is no formal application process. For more information, visit the student affairs page on how to declare a major.
Required Courses
ShowVisit the Rhetoric and Writing degree plan to see all required courses for the rhetoric and writing major in the College of Liberal Arts. For additional information, view major requirements and Rhetoric and Writing course descriptions.
Specializations
ShowThe Rhetoric and Writing major does not require a specialization. Students in the major select from a wide variety of theory, analysis and applications courses.
Skills
ShowStudents in the Rhetoric and Writing major learn to:
- Critically analyze information, texts, and arguments.
- Organize and communicate ideas clearly and effectively.
- Engage thoughtfully in public debates.
- Advocate a position effectively and ethically.
Rhetoric and Writing majors develop their ability to apply these practical skills in person, in print, and electronically, while studying the rhetorical and philosophical principles in which they are based.
