Overview

The Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication program at James Madison University offers an expansive curriculum and a wide variety of opportunities for hands-on learning.

Students learn the kinds of research, analytical and technical skills that allow them to become successful professional communicators as well as competitive candidates for a wide variety of graduate programs.

The faculty is comprised of practitioners and scholars from fields including rhetoric and writing, scientific and technical communication, creative nonfiction and professional writing, digital media, UX and usability studies, feminist and gender studies, rhetoric of health and medicine and science studies, and environmental and science writing.

Key Features

The study of writing, rhetoric and technical communication includes five advising tracks in the undergraduate major: Professional Writing and Publishing, Inclusive Design, Writing for Law and Society, Science and Health Writing, and Design Your Own Track.

The WRTC major emphasizes scholarly, humanistic and social scientific perspectives on the function and application of communication technologies, with instruction in areas such as:

editing

online theory and design

usability and user experience

publications management

knowledge and information management

writing for professional communities such as government, medical, scientific and academic

Careers

Many graduates choose typical career paths associated with this major. However, some graduates choose unrelated careers that utilize skills and experiences developed during their years in college. Keep in mind, that some fields will require graduate study or further training. The listing below offers examples of possible career paths and is not meant to be comprehensive.

Advertising Copywriter

Advertising Executive

Archivist

Blogger

Communication Consultant

Content Strategist

Copywriter

Digital Media Specialist

Document Designer

Documentation Specialist

Editor

E-Marketing Specialist

Freelance Writer

Grants / Contracts Specialist

Graphic Designer

Journalist

Legal Writer

Literary Agent

Magazine Publisher

Multi-Media Specialist

Paralegal

Proposal Writer

Public Affairs Officer

Public Relations Specialist

Publications Editor

Publications Manager

Researcher

Scientific Editor

Social Media Coordinator

Speech Writer

Teacher / Professor

Technical Writer

Technology Consultant

UX Designer/Strategist

Web Designer / Web Editor

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Studies in Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication

Professional Editing

Language, Law and Ethics

Research Methodologies in WRTC

Technical Communication

Internship in Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication

Capstone in Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-01-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International

More details

Fall deadline for national students: January 15

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Harrisonburg, United States

Disciplines

Communication Studies Creative Writing View 559 other Bachelors in Creative Writing in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Submitted online application

Official transcripts (complete and original copy, in English)

Proof of English language proficiency (non-native speakers)

One letter of recommendation

Copies of your temporary visa documents

Financial certification form

$70 Application Fee

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

31906 USD / year

≈ 31906 USD / year
Out-of-State

31906 USD / year

≈ 31906 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14300 USD / year

≈ 14300 USD / year

Living costs

Harrisonburg

United States

1050 - 1715 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Key Features

Careers

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Harrisonburg

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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