Rhetoric and Composition
Total graduates
1,331
2025 · 75 schools
International share
4.1%
54 international students
Bachelor's degrees
1,096
2.6% international
Master's degrees
107
8.4% international
Overview
Rhetoric and Composition is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on the art of effective communication and the processes involved in writing. This major examines the theories and practices of rhetoric, which is the study of how language influences and persuades audiences. Students explore various forms of writing, including academic essays, creative writing, technical documents, and digital communication.
The curriculum typically includes courses on writing theory, composition pedagogy, critical thinking, and the rhetorical analysis of texts. Students also engage in practical writing experiences, often involving workshops that allow them to receive feedback on their work and improve their writing skills. Additionally, the field emphasizes the importance of understanding audience and context, enabling students to tailor their messages to specific groups and situations.
Rhetoric and Composition prepares students for a wide range of careers, including roles in education, publishing, marketing, and communications. Graduates often find positions as writing instructors, editors, content creators, or communication specialists. Moreover, the skills developed in this major—such as analytical thinking, persuasive writing, and effective communication—are highly valued in various professional environments.
Overall, Rhetoric and Composition is a vital discipline that equips students with essential tools for navigating and contributing to contemporary discourse, making it an important area of study in the context of the increasingly complex communication landscape of the modern world.
Graduates by year
AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral
From 2010 to 2025, graduates fell 81% and the international share went from 1.6% to 4.1%.
Colleges that award this degree
In 2025, 75 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.
Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.
Related jobs and pay
| Occupation | US employment | Mean hourly wage | Mean annual wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | 149,840 | — | $90,630 |
| Editors | 91,690 | $43.30 | $90,060 |
| English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | 57,720 | — | $89,580 |
| Writers and Authors | 47,940 | $41.39 | $86,090 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2010–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.