Rhetoric and Writing Studies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Rhetoric and Writing Studies is an interdisciplinary field dedicated to the critical analysis and practical application of written and spoken communication across diverse contexts. This program equips students with advanced skills in argumentation, textual analysis, and rhetorical strategy, preparing them for impactful careers in writing, education, media, and beyond.
- Discourse Analysis: The systematic examination of how language functions in social, cultural, and political settings to shape meaning and influence audiences.
- Rhetorical Theory: The study of persuasive techniques, historical and contemporary models of argumentation, and the ethical dimensions of communication.
- Writing Pedagogy: Research and practice in teaching writing across educational levels, emphasizing effective instructional methods and learner-centered approaches.
- Genre Studies: Exploration of the forms, conventions, and purposes of different types of writing, from academic essays to digital narratives and professional reports.
- Digital and Multimodal Composition: The creation and analysis of texts that integrate visual, auditory, and interactive elements, reflecting modern communication practices.
- Academic and Professional Writing: Development of clarity, precision, and structure in formal writing for scholarly, business, and technical contexts.
- Research Methods in Writing: Application of qualitative and quantitative approaches to investigate writing processes, literacy practices, and communication outcomes.
Rhetoric and Writing Studies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Rhetoric and Writing Studies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Rhetoric and Writing Studies degrees, including English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary, Editors and Writers and Authors. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 208,030 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1123 | $78,270 | $47,540 - $154,800 | 59,590 | N/A |
| Editors 27-3041 | $75,260 | $36,200 - $140,840 | 95,480 | $36.18 |
| Writers and Authors 27-3043 | $72,270 | $41,080 - $133,680 | 47,800 | $34.75 |
| Proofreaders and Copy Markers 43-9081 | $49,210 | $33,530 - $78,040 | 5,160 | $23.66 |
Rhetoric and Writing Studies Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $49,487 in Oklahoma to $91,360 in California—a 85% difference. The highest-paying states include California, District of Columbia, and Connecticut. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 208,030 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Rhetoric and Writing Studies by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 18 institutions offering Rhetoric and Writing Studies programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Rhetoric and Writing Studies is found at Full Sail University (313 graduates), Rowan University (34 graduates), Boston University (BU) (28 graduates), Syracuse University (18 graduates), and Old Dominion University (ODU) (10 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 446 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Sail University |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
313 | Winter Park, Florida | Private | fullsail.edu |
| Rowan University |
Other Award
|
34 | Glassboro, New Jersey | Public | rowan.edu |
| Boston University (BU) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
28 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | bu.edu |
| Syracuse University |
Bachelor's
|
18 | Syracuse, New York | Private | syracuse.edu |
| Old Dominion University (ODU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
10 | Norfolk, Virginia | Public | odu.edu |
| University of Southern California (USC) |
Master's
|
9 | Los Angeles, California | Private | usc.edu |
| Delta College |
Other Award
|
7 | University Center, Michigan | Public | delta.edu |
| The University of Findlay (UF) |
Master's
|
7 | Findlay, Ohio | Private | findlay.edu |
| Pepperdine University |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Malibu, California | Private | pepperdine.edu |
| Northern Arizona University (NAU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Flagstaff, Arizona | Public | nau.edu |
| University of Arkansas (UAFS) |
Other Award
|
2 | Fort Smith, Arkansas | Public | uafs.edu |
| Millersville University of Pennsylvania |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Millersville, Pennsylvania | Public | millersville.edu |
| Whitman College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Walla Walla, Washington | Private | whitman.edu |
| Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) |
Other Award
|
2 | California, Pennsylvania | Public | pennwest.edu |
| Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) |
Master's
|
1 | Cape Girardeau, Missouri | Public | semo.edu |
| Western Oregon University (WOU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Monmouth, Oregon | Public | wou.edu |
| Charleston Southern University (CSU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Charleston, South Carolina | Private | charlestonsouthern.edu |
| Middle Georgia State University (MGA) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Macon, Georgia | Public | mga.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Rhetoric and Writing Studies programs
How much can I earn with a Rhetoric and Writing Studies degree?
Salaries for Rhetoric and Writing Studies graduates vary by role and location. English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $78,270 annually, while Editors earn around $75,260. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $91,360 compared to $49,487 in Oklahoma. Approximately 208,030 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Rhetoric and Writing Studies programs?
Currently 18 accredited institutions offer Rhetoric and Writing Studies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Full Sail University (313 graduates), Rowan University (34 graduates), and Boston University (BU) (28 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Rhetoric and Writing Studies growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 117 in 2010 to a peak of 506 in 2020, before declining slightly to 446 in 2023-24. This represents a 281% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Rhetoric and Writing Studies degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary, Editors, and Writers and Authors. Related occupations employ approximately 208,030 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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