Harness the Power of Words With a BA in Writing and Rhetoric
Express yourself and make a positive impact on your community through language.
Why earn your Writing and Rhetoric degree at St. Edward's?
Austin is packed with opportunities for strong writers. Intern with an award-winning advertising agency, a policy research organization that’s analyzing bills during the Texas legislative session, or one of the many publications that cover news and profile the capital city’s incredible characters. You’ll also learn from experienced, passionate, and invested faculty whose work has appeared in professional journals, short-story collections, books, newspapers and more.
Learn from published authors
Hosted by the School of Arts and Humanities, the Marcia Kinsey Visiting Writers Series brings poets, novelists, playwrights and essayists to campus to read from their work and talk with students about the process of writing. Previous visiting writers include Pulitzer Prize winner Jericho Brown, Jonathan Safran Foer, Naomi Shihab Nye, and many more.
Collaborate with avid readers
A fully student-run organization, The Book Jackets Literary Club gathers students to share conversation about books and writing ideas. Students also gather to read and perform each other’s work and invite speakers to discuss internship and job opportunities for literature and writing majors. The club also shares information about upcoming literary events on campus and at local bookstores.
Get published on the hilltop
If you have a love for poetry and prose, a desire to report news, or an itch for comedy writing, there’s likely a publication on the hilltop waiting for you! Submit a piece to or join the editorial staff of Sorin Oak Review, St. Edward’s literary magazine that showcases the poetry, prose and artwork of the students. Arete is the student-produced academic journal that publishes student-written research and nonfiction essays. Inspired by our Hilltopper goat mascot, B. Hooved is the student humor magazine and is often featured in the student newspaper, Hilltop Views. The award-winning print and online newspaper welcomes creatives from all over campus.
Reap the Rewards of Austin
You’ll have ample opportunities to intern in the book publishing world, in media, and on communications teams for businesses and nonprofits. St. Edward’s students have recently interned at the Texas Book Festival, KUT Radio, Community Impact Newspaper, Texas Monthly, Austin Chronicle, KXAN-TV, The Writing Center, Austin Film Festival and many more.
What do our graduates do?
Writing and Rhetoric majors go on to a variety of careers and graduate schools from St. Edward’s. Here’s a sample:
- Technical writer at Amazon Publisher Services
- Communication chief in the Dallas Mayor’s Office
- Content strategist for IBM
- Information specialist for the American Cancer Society
- Graduate student at the Newhouse School of Journalism at Syracuse University
- Assistant Editor at Better Homes & Gardens
- Editor for the Texas Legislative Council
- Reporter at the Houston Chronicle
- Grant Writer for the City of Brownsville
Explore Details About the BA in Writing and Rhetoric
Under the Writing and Rhetoric Program, students can choose one of four specializations.
1. Creative Writing
Creative Writing offers courses from traditional genres such as poetry, fiction, nonfiction, playwriting and writing for stage screen, as well as writing in emerging and hybrid genres. Our Creative Writing faculty is led by award-winning working artists. In addition to traditional workshop-based writing courses, this concentration includes courses in literature and professional writing to create customized writing experiences and broad skills.
- Major Requirements: 36 hours of major courses plus electives.
- General Education Requirements: 34 hours of general education courses.
View and download the full degree plan the Creative Writing concentration (PDF).
2. Professional Writing
The Professional Writing track provides students with timely experience that they can apply in the job market. The professional writing faculty, whose experience ranges from the courtroom to the conference room, help students develop an array of skills and problem-solving strategies. Students can choose coursework in editing, magazine writing, advertising and public relations, and technical and business writing, as well as courses in journalism and creative writing.
- Major Requirements: 33 hours of major courses plus electives.
- General Education Requirements: 34 of general education courses.
View and download the full degree plan for the Professional Writing concentration (PDF).
3. Journalism and Digital Media
The Journalism and Digital Media track offers courses in reporting and writing news, digital media production and design, copyediting and media standards. Students select additional courses in various areas of journalism and digital media, including magazine writing, opinion writing, broadcast journalism, documentary production, entertainment writing, and sportswriting. Those pursuing careers in journalism and digital media need strong writing and research skills. Public relations and business professionals benefit from learning clear communication for branding, marketing, and pitching new ideas.
- Major Requirements: 36 hours major courses plus electives.
- General Education Requirements: 34 hours of general education courses
View and download the full degree plan for the Journalism and Digital Media concentration (PDF).
4. General
The General track is for students who seek to develop their versatility as writers and scholars. With a solid foundation in grammar, style, and rhetorical theory, students can choose to customize a course of study that may include classes in Legal Writing, Entertainment Journalism, Grant Writing, or Humor Writing.
- Major Requirements: 24 hours of major courses plus electives.
- General Education Requirements: 34 hours of general education courses.
View and download the full degree plan for the General concentration (PDF).
A few examples of courses students take in the major.
- In Grant Proposal Writing, you’ll choose an Austin area nonprofit to help with application for grant funding. Your class will visit the foundations library to search for funders, choose a foundation that matches the mission of your nonprofit, and write a grant proposal. Many students have successfully won funding for their cause in amounts of up to $75,000.
- Technical Writing will help you communicate complex ideas clearly in any professional context. You'll conduct usability testing and learn about the principles of universal design that improve accessibility for English language learners and for users with physical and neurological differences. You’ll leave the course with professional writing samples you can use to apply for scholarships, internships and employment opportunities.
- In Career Preparation, you’ll network with alumni from across the country, curate a personal branding and e-portfolio, and learn about graduate programs and freelancing. You’ll also participate in “deep dives” with employers from different professional writing sectors. These guest speakers are in a position to hire, and they explain the history and mission of their organization, what the workplace culture is like, and what a strong application looks like. Previous speakers have included staff from National Instruments and the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
What you will learn.
Develop your ability to persuade your audience as a campaign speechwriter, an advocate for policy changes, or a marketing copywriter. Learn digital techniques and skills that will prepare you for work in newsrooms and other media outlets. Train your editor’s eye to notice mistakes and improve a piece of writing. Use your skills to make the world a better place, by writing copy for nonprofits or winning grants that let them expand their mission. Your classes are built to help you refine your craft and practice writing in real-world settings.
Skills you will gain.
Upon completing the Writing & Rhetoric program, you’ll be ready to:
- Clearly communicate complex information to a variety of audiences;
- Confidently apply your extensive knowledge of grammar and style;
- Market and pitch original ideas;
- Support statements using trustworthy sources;
- Conduct in-depth research;
- Professionally provide and accept feedback;
- Share your writing using a variety of formats;