Immerse yourself in the power of language and learn how to write for different purposes—to make an advanced argument, to write technically and to incorporate storytelling techniques in creative nonfiction.
As a Writing and Rhetoric major, you will explore the power of language across a range of genres. Discover rhetorical traditions and new writing technologies and learn how writing identity is reflected in different cultures. You’ll also come to understand the relationships among writing, rhetoric, identity, literacy and power.
Working in small, student-centered classes taught by attentive, award-winning faculty, you will gain the skills needed for a variety of today’s careers as well as the adaptability to succeed in jobs that are just emerging.
The major is both rigorous and flexible, allowing you to pursue what you love while deepening your critical thinking, composing and creative problem-solving skills. It’s also a great second major.
You will practice writing in categories such as:
- Digital
- Argumentative
- Research
- Civic
- Science
- Professional
- Technical
- Creative nonfiction
The student-run magazine, Intertext, features outstanding undergraduate Department of Writing Studies, Rhetoric and Composition essays, and is published yearly in the spring. This is an opportunity to showcase your hard work.
What can I do with my degree?
Writing and Rhetoric majors become skilled and agile writers ready to pursue a wide range of professions, in areas such as:
- Business
- Education
- Public relations
- Publishing
- Digital writing
- Marketing
- Public advocacy
- Editing
- Law
- Medicine
- Humanities
Study abroad
Broaden your perspective with an international experience through Syracuse Abroad, which features more than 100 programs in 60 countries.
Writing and rhetoric majors most often go abroad to Syracuse University centers in Florence, London, and Madrid, and to World Partner programs CEA Prague, CEDEI Semester in the Andes (Cuenca, Ecuador), Kansai Gaidai University (Osaka, Japan) and University College Dublin.
Summer programs of interest may include Civic Writing (London) and Global Citizens/Global Cities–Critical Research (Madrid).
The Writing Center
The Writing Center offers one-on-one consulting services to support the success of all Syracuse University students. Each year, thousands of students from various academic and linguistic backgrounds visit the Writing Center for help with a wide range of writing projects, including academic assignments, internship applications and professional portfolios. Writing consultants will work with you at any stage of your writing process.
The life lessons I learned. and what I learned about myself as a person were as valuable as my degree.
Upcoming Events
Books by our Faculty
Intertext
A student publication of Syracuse University's Department of Writing Studies, Rhetoric and Composition.
Writing and Rhetoric was the one major that I felt was opening doors, instead of closing them.
Recent News
(Oct. 9, 2026)
Fulford Wins Outstanding Book AwardThe Association for the Study of Higher Education honors Fulford's groundbreaking examination of adult student writers and their contributions to higher education.
(Sept. 22, 2026)
Patrick W. Berry Coauthors Article Challenging Conventional Views of Professional WritingPublished in Technical Communication Quarterly, the study highlights the professional contributions of formerly incarcerated people in publishing and editorial work.
(Sept. 11, 2026)
Writing and Rhetoric Alumna Honored at Ball StateAllison Hitt has been recognized with the Outstanding English Faculty Member award.
(Aug. 27, 2026)
CCR Alumnus Wins LeMoyne-Owen College Teaching AwardThe award recognized Seth E. Davis's outstanding commitment to students.