WRTC Graduate Program Mission
The mission of the School of Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication (WRTC) Graduate Program is to teach writing professionals to be agents of change in evolving work and academic environments.
Greetings From The Director
"When you join our program, you become part of a supportive, high-energy community of faculty and students who are dedicated writers and content creators." Read More
— Dr. Lori Beth De Hertogh, WRTC Graduate Program Director
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Graduate Student Spotlight
From editing visuals to shaping voices, Aminat’s journey through the WRTC Graduate Program is about transformation. Now in her second year, she reflects on how the program has helped her hone a powerful mix of writing, editing, and teaching skills through hands-on collaboration with faculty and peers.
“Professional Editing and Writers Who Design really stretched me creatively,” Aminat shares. “I learned to craft video and graphics that tell a story—visually and persuasively.”
But it’s not just about technique. Aminat says the Launch Your Writing Career course gave her the real-world insights she needs to confidently navigate professional paths in writing, education, and design.
“The versatility of the coursework is what excites me most,” she says. “It’s helping me think critically about today’s social issues and how writing can drive change.”
“Professional Editing and Writers Who Design really stretched me creatively,” Aminat shares. “I learned to craft video and graphics that tell a story—visually and persuasively.”
But it’s not just about technique. Aminat says the Launch Your Writing Career course gave her the real-world insights she needs to confidently navigate professional paths in writing, education, and design.
“The versatility of the coursework is what excites me most,” she says. “It’s helping me think critically about today’s social issues and how writing can drive change.”
Program Advantages
Why we're one of the top graduate writing programs in Virginia:
- Assistantships to cover tuition and provide a stipend to qualified applicants.
- Design & Technological Skills to pursue writing careers in digital storytelling, publication management, professional editing, content strategy, UX, and more.
- Public & Professional Writing and Health & Science Writing tracks.
- Students From Diverse Majors including science, English, sociology, business, education, writing studies, psychology, journalism, and more.
- Career Support that includes close mentorship, career advising, job application guidance, and conference travel funding.
- Internship or Thesis Option to pursue either an internship or write a research-based thesis.
Writing Careers
WRTC graduates pursue writing careers in:
- Technical Communication
- Medical Writing
- Professional Editing
- Science Writing
- Information Design
- Digital Storytelling
- Content Strategy
- User Experience
- Grant Writing
- Teaching Writing
- Publication Management
Course Offerings
Some of our 2025-2026 graduate course offerings include:
- Professional Editing
- Intercultural Technical Communication
- Ethics in Communication
- Public Work of Rhetoric
- Publication Management
- Writers Who Design
- Teaching Writing
Want to know more? Contact Dr. Lori Beth De Hertogh, WRTC Graduate Program Director, at dehertlb@jmu.edu.
Please go to the Cost of Attendance Calculator to see the estimated cost of attendance for your program of study.
Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication, Graduate Program
