English (Writing, Rhetorics and Literacies), BA
Learn to create compelling arguments, engage in collaborative problem-solving, and transform words into action. You can develop the skills to use technology, language and design to make a lasting impact.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
English (Writing, Rhetorics and Literacies) degree description
In the Bachelor of Arts program in English with a concentration in writing, rhetorics and literacies, you learn strategies for inquiry and action.
You explore how communication creates knowledge and action, and you study how communication is constructed, circulated, reacted to and repurposed through time and place. You investigate the history, theories and methods of inquiry as well as pragmatic and social actions of rhetoric, writing and literacies.
In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, if you're interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, visit The College's website for more information and requirements.
Why specialize in writing, rhetorics and literacies at ASU?
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is the largest and most diverse college at ASU. You study English through a well-established liberal arts program that has evolved through curricular innovation since the 1930s, offering both tradition and contemporary approaches to rhetoric and writing studies.
Through your exploration of composition and rhetoric studies, you investigate the history, theories and methods of inquiry as well as the pragmatic and social actions that shape writing and literacies in communities and institutions.
This concentration requires an internship or research opportunity, which provides practical field experience and enables you to gain career-readiness skills. You can apply what you learn in professional settings and build hands-on expertise before you graduate.
You can pursue this concentration as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with the Master of Arts in English or Master of Public Administration. This pathway allows you to complete both degrees in less time and advance your education efficiently.
Additional details
You may join ASU's chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the international English honors society. Additionally, the Department of English's Glendon and Kathryn Swarthout Awards in Writing are among the most generous university writing prizes in the country, and Tempe campus students in any discipline are eligible to apply.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| ENG 110 Approaching Big Problems |
| ENG 300 Your Degree in the World |
| ENG 205 Introduction to Writing, Rhetorics and Literacies |
| ENG 390 Asking Good Questions |
| ENG 391 Writing in Context |
| ENG 392 History of Rhetorical Theory |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Apply available theories and/or methods given the demands of the rhetorical situation at hand or the problem to be investigated.
- Identify and analyze the historic, cultural, and political contexts of rhetorical situations.
- Compose arguments that respond to context and can be circulated, reacted to, and repurposed by audiences for sharing in and across various professional, social, and personal contexts.
Apply available theories and/or methods given the demands of the rhetorical situation at hand or the problem to be investigated.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Study abroad expands students' perspectives by exposing them to new and distinct cultures, communities and people. Students can explore the English language at a deeper level through an extended lens of literature, dialects and rhetoric.
Those who study abroad gain heightened cultural competency as well as communication and critical thinking skills, which enhance their educational experience and their resumes.
More than 300 study abroad programs are available. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends these programs to students majoring in English.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communications Specialist | -0.3% | $76,910 | Learn more |
| Editor | -1.1% | $77,920 | Learn more |
| English Professor | 0.0% | $78,760 | Learn more |
| Freelance Writer | -0.3% | $76,910 | Learn more |
| High School Teacher | -0.2% | $72,040 | Learn more |
| Public Relations Specialist | 1.8% | $74,750 | Learn more |
| SEO Specialist | 7.0% | $78,760 | Learn more |
| Social Services Director | 7.2% | $80,390 | Learn more |
| Technical Writer | 0.8% | $90,390 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Careers this writing, rhetorics and literacies concentration prepares you for
Graduates with a degree in English are prepared for graduate studies in a number of programs, including English, creative writing, education, law and business. They also have a variety of career opportunities in diverse fields. Employers seek those with strong writing and communication skills and the ability to think critically. Some of the most common professions for English majors are in these fields:
- business
- editing
- journalism
- law
- nonprofit organizations
- professional and technical writing
- public relations
- publishing
- teaching
- web content development
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
Department of English
|
RBHL 170
englishadvising@asu.edu
480-965-3168
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
