Declaring the Major | Progressing in the Major
Description of the Major
The major in writing, rhetoric and technical communication (WRTC) equips you for academic and professional success as a communicator in print and electronic media. It develops you into an accomplished writer and editor, able to evaluate the effectiveness of communication based upon the principles of rhetoric. You will also cultivate a proficiency in critical and analytical thinking as well as technology. Ultimately, this major will prepare you for a career as a professional communicator in a wide range of fields.
WRTC graduates can expect career opportunities in writing, editing, or production positions with a variety of business, educational, or industry employers, including the computer hardware and software industry, law firms, journalism, health care providers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, education, engineering companies, publishing houses, environmental concerns, not-for-profit or political organizations, and technical translation groups of multinational corporations.
Degrees Offered
B.A.
B.S.
Concentrations
Technical and Scientific Communication
Writing and Rhetoric
Minors
Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication
Declaring the Major
New Freshmen and Transfer Students
Declare the WRTC major when you register for orientation.
Currently Enrolled Major Changers
New Transfer Students and Currently Enrolled Major Changers
Any student coming into JMU as a first year student without previous college experience may declare WRTC as a major. However, any student who has completed one semester at JMU or another university must apply to WRTC. To be admitted into the WRTC B.A. or B.S. program, students must first satisfy all university general admission requirements. In addition, applicants to the program must submit to the WRTC director an application dossier that contains the following material:
- A completed WRTC Undergraduate Application form
- A copy of the student's Degree Progress Report
- A background and goals statement of no more than 500 words that explains how the B.A. or B.S. program would prepare the student for his or her anticipated career
Progressing in the Major
Students must be declared majors or minors to take core classes in the major. WRTC 200 and WRTC 201 are the pre-requisites for most of the courses in the major and minor.
