Majoring in Rhetoric and Communication Studies

This major requires a minimum of 52 semester hours. The Rhetoric and Communication Studies major prepares students for careers that demand good communication skills and theoretical understanding of communication, including social and human services, business, and law. It emphasizes communication theory, the study and practice of rhetoric, and basic research methods (as well as context-specific training).

Degree Requirements

Total Program: 52 semester hours

Core Requirements

36 Semester Hours

RCS 100Fundamentals of Public Speaking4
RCS 120Introduction to Speech Communication Theory and Practice4
RCS 260Plato to Hashtags: Intro to Rhetoric4
RCS 300Advanced Argumentative Writing for Public Discourse4
RCS 460Rhetorical Criticism4
RCS 499Senior Project4
Select a minimum of three of the following:12
RCS 210
Interpersonal Communication
RCS 220
Intercultural Communication
RCS 240
Persuasion and Social Influence
RCS 250
Spin Doctoring
RCS 265
Decolonial Rhetorics
RCS 270
Peer Tutoring in Writing
Total Semester Hours36

Electives

16 semester hours

RCS 310The Dark Side of Interpersonal Communication4
RCS 330Interviewing Princpl & Prac4
RCS 350Argumentation and Debate4
RCS 360Leadership Communication4
RCS 380Feminist Rhetorics4
RCS 390Queer Theory and BIPOC Rhetorics4
RCS 400Voices of Revolution4
RCS 410Advanced Interpersonal Communication4
RCS 420Health Communication4
RCS 450Political Communication4
RCS 490Special Topics in Rhetoric and Communication Studies 14
1

May be taken twice for up to 8 semester hours.