What's it like to major in Rhetoric?

I'm interested in communication and persuasive writing. Is a Rhetoric major the right fit for me? What kinds of courses and career paths can I expect with this major?

A Rhetoric major might be a good fit for you considering your interest in communication and persuasive writing. Rhetoric courses focus on the art and technique of persuasion, typically through written and spoken discourse.

Typically, you'd start with foundational courses that introduce you to key concepts, theories, and principles in rhetoric. For example, at many colleges, you'll take classes on the history of rhetoric, from the Classical Age to modern times, and understand how its role and perception have evolved. This can give you a rich understanding of the impact of rhetoric across cultures and civilizations.

As you move forward, you'll likely dive deeper into areas such as rhetorical criticism, analyzing texts from various genres (political speeches, advertisements, literature, etc.) to dissect their persuasive strategies and impacts. You might also study topics like visual rhetoric, where you examine how images, design, and other visual elements can communicate and persuade.

You could also have opportunities to explore rhetoric in specific fields like politics or media. Nowadays, digital rhetoric is also becoming increasingly prevalent, delving into topics like social media communication, website design, and more.

As for career paths, a Rhetoric major can lead to a range of opportunities. You could find work in public relations, journalism, advertising, marketing, speech writing, or any field that relies heavily on persuasive communication. This major can also be a stepping stone to law school or graduate programs in communication studies, given its emphasis on argumentation and critical thinking.

In sum, If you have a passion for deep thinking, discussion, argumentation, and writing, a Rhetoric major could be a fulfilling academic path for you. Keep in mind each school has its unique spin on the Rhetoric curriculum, so it's a good idea to thoroughly research the course offerings at the schools you're considering.