Program Overview

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English (Writing, Rhetorics and Literacies), BA

The Bachelor of Arts program in English with a concentration in writing, rhetorics and literacies, allows students to learn strategies for inquiry and action. Students explore the ways that communication creates knowledge and action, and they study how communication is constructed, circulated, reacted to and repurposed through time and place.

Program Description

In this program, students investigate the history, theories and methods of inquiry as well as pragmatic and social actions of rhetoric, writing and literacies. The program is designed for those who want to be on the cutting edge of knowledge, using technology, language and design to make a lasting impact.

At a Glance

• College/school: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Location: Tempe
• Second language requirement: Yes
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
• First required math course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics
• Math intensity: General

Curriculum

The curriculum for this program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of writing, rhetorics and literacies. Students can view the 2025 - 2026 curriculum, as well as curriculum archives.

Concurrent Program Options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Accelerated Program Options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree.

Admission Requirements

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Change of Major Requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:

• 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.

Global Opportunities

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.

Career Opportunities

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

Example job titles and salaries are:

• Communications Specialist: $72,270
• Editor: $75,260
• English Professor: $78,270
• Freelance Writer: $72,270
• High School Teacher: $64,580
• Public Relations Specialist: $69,780
• SEO Specialist: $76,950
• Social Services Director: $78,240
• Technical Writer: $91,670