Online B.S. in Writing and Rhetoric Studies
Learn to write effectively and confidently.
The University of Utah's online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Writing and Rhetoric Studies degree program helps you become a skilled writer who can craft compelling narratives, construct persuasive arguments, and analyze complex texts for any audience or purpose.
Credits Required
What Does It Cost
$520/credit*
*Subject to change without notice
Tuition Estimator
Learning Format
Start Terms
Fall, Spring, and Summer
Why Choose UOnline’s Bachelor’s in Writing & Rhetoric Studies?
The ability to communicate is essential in every field, and no matter your primary focus, writing clearly and thinking critically enhances your career prospects. UOnline's online rhetoric degree gives you the tools to write well across disciplines—from business and law to social sciences, activism, and beyond.
Our online writing courses cover various genres, including professional, technical, and creative composition. As a student, you refine your craft while exploring how writing and rhetoric are shaped by, and help shape, society and culture. Whether you're drafting grant proposals, business plans, or creative pieces, the program ensures you can meet the demands of any writing task.
UOnline’s small class sizes and collaborative environment provide you with personalized support from faculty, helping you grow as a writer and thinker. Even as an online student, you can access internships and real-world opportunities to put your skills into practice. Plus, you can easily pair the online rhetoric degree with a double major or minor in fields like pre-med, engineering, business, or the social sciences.
View sample degree plans .
Application Deadlines
Start your application for UOnline’s rhetoric degree and prepare to sharpen your writing and communication skills.
Fall, Spring, and Summer Admission
Applications are open for the fall, spring, and summer terms. The fall deadline is April 1, the spring deadline is Nov. 1, and the summer deadline is March 1.
Writing and Rhetoric Studies Overview
At the University of Utah, our courses combine the flexibility of online teaching with the advantages and direct engagement of traditional teaching. Enjoy the benefit of studying online at your own pace while still engaging with classmates and instructors. This flexible way of teaching improves your overall experience and your ability to retain what you learn.
Interactive learning comes in a variety of ways:
- Group assignments, where you collaborate via email or a discussion forum to answer a problem set.
- Contributions to a discussion forum, where you directly respond to previous posts.
- Peer reviews, where you review and comment on assignments from other students.
Our classes also offer multiple routes to stay connected and get help:
- Communicate directly with the instructor via email.
- Participate in and guide online discussions.
- Attend online office hours in discussion threads or on the phone.
- Instructors are available in “real” office hours for students on or near campus; for some courses we offer Q&A sessions in a classroom.
Students may choose the Bachelor of Science (BS) in in Writing and Rhetoric Studies from the College of Humanities, which is fully available online. The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Writing and Rhetoric Studies is attainable through on-campus language courses. Please see your advisor for details on these options. We also offer the Writing and Rhetoric Studies Minor online.
Courses are taught by the same instructors, whether they are online or on campus. There is no distinction on a student’s transcripts or diploma between an online or on campus degree.
51 Credit hours 42 hours in Writing and Rhetoric and 9 credit hours of allied work.
You will need 120 credit hours, 40 upper division credit hours, and your general education and Bachelor’s degree requirements in order to receive your diploma.
You can complete the major requirements in about 4 semesters. The online program's flexibility also allows for part-time study if needed.
Writing and Rhetoric Studies Major
All major courses must be completed with a C- or better. The following courses are required for students who declare for catalog year 2025-2026 Fall 25 or later. Please refer to your catalog year or the Writing and Rhetoric Studies Website for more information.
WRTG 2010 WR2 Intermediate Writing: Academic Writing and Research (or equivalent) is a prerequisite for the major and all major courses must be completed with a C- or better.
view major curriculum & requirements
Writing and Rhetoric Studies Minor
The writing and rhetoric studies minor consists of 18 credit hours, which includes two foundational courses and additional electives.
If you’ve earned an associate degree (typically 60 credit hours) and plan to complete the bachelor’s in writing and rhetoric studies degree program (51credit hours), you will complete 111credit hours. To meet the 120-credit requirement for a bachelor's degree, you must complete an additional 9 credit hours through another major or minor. At least 40 of the 120 credits must be upper-division (3000-level or higher).
You can choose your Allied hours based on your double major or minor, giving you 18 credit hours total that you can fulfill outside of the Writing department.
This flexibility makes the writing and rhetoric studies major ideal for pairing as a double major or combining with minors or certificates. The online rhetoric degree complements a wide range of disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, sciences, and professional programs. Additionally, all writing and rhetoric studies majors graduate with an e-portfolio showcasing their writing skills, which you can use for job applications or graduate school admissions.
The Office of Admissions evaluates transfer credits toward the 120-credit graduation requirement and general education credits. Academic departments assess if transferred courses are equivalent to the University of Utah courses and determine their applicability to the bachelor's degree.
Tuition for the bachelor’s in writing and rhetoric studies degree program is $520 per credit hour and is subject to change without notice. Get a personalized tuition estimate.
Tuition does not include additional fees such as online textbooks or proctored exams. Fees and materials vary by program.
Review UOnline's pricing and scholarships.
Note: In certain cases, new students beginning their studies with UOnline in fall 2024 may be eligible for university employee tuition reductions. Email us at uonline@utah.edu to find out if you qualify.
You can apply to the online rhetoric degree program by submitting an application to the University of Utah. Contact Alex Graff to declare your major or minor in writing and rhetoric studies.
Career Outcomes
A degree in writing and rhetoric studies equips you with essential skills that employers across many industries highly value. Strong writing, critical thinking, and communication abilities consistently rank among the most important capabilities in today's workforce.
In addition to becoming a better writer, you develop a deeper understanding of how texts serve as powerful cultural products and tools for social change. This empowers you to succeed in careers where writing and rhetoric play a central role in shaping ideas, policies, and public opinion.
Potential Roles
Graduates of the writing and rhetoric studies program enter roles that require clear and persuasive communication, including:
- Communications Coordinator
- Content Writer
- Editor
- Grant Writer
- Public Relations Specialist
- Social Media Manager
- Technical Writer
Further Your Education
A bachelor’s in writing and rhetoric studies also provides a strong foundation for graduate studies. Many students go on to pursue advanced degrees in fields such as:
- Communication Studies
- English
- Journalism
- Law
- Public Administration
- Rhetoric and Composition
$73,690
Median Annual Wage
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that professional writers and authors earned a median salary of $73,690 in 2023.
15,100
Job Openings
According to the BLS, they anticipate 15,100 new writing jobs to become available each year over the next nine years.
5%
Expected Growth
The BLS expects the writing occupation to grow by 5% through 2033.
Department Contact
Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions about the University of Utah’s online bachelor’s in writing and rhetoric studies degree program.
