Rhetoric & Professional Writing

The Rhetoric and Professional Writing program at Oklahoma State University offers a distinctive curriculum for those who not only love language but love what language can do in the world. Specifically, the program investigates the act of composing texts in multiple situated contexts within both academic and workplace settings.

Rigorous, critical engagement with theories of rhetoric, genre, discourse, and pedagogy characterize the variety of courses offered, as does thoughtful dialogue between theory and practice. Students may choose to prepare for academic or professional writing positions.

The program offers concentrations in either Composition and Rhetoric or Professional Writing.

Composition and Rhetoric Concentration
Students may pursue a general MA degree or a Ph.D. in English with a focus on Composition and Rhetoric.

Professional Writing Concentration
Students may pursue a BA in Professional Writing, an MA with a focus on Professional Writing, or a Ph.D. in English with a focus on Professional Writing.

In both concentrations, students have the opportunity to take courses in many areas, including:

• Composition theory and pedagogy
• Discourse approaches to writing
• Visual rhetoric and design
• Environmental writing
• Genres of academic and professional discourse
• History of rhetoric
• Style and editing