Technical Communication and Rhetoric Emphasis

Minimum GPA for Admission: 2.5 within all English courses (other than ENGL 1010 , ENGL 2010 , CLEP, AP, etc.); 2.5 USU cumulative (including courses taken for another USU major); 2.5 career total (including transfer credits) for new transfer students

Minimum GPA for Graduation: 2.75 within major courses; 2.0 USU cumulative; 2.0 career total

Minimum Grade Accepted: C in courses taught by major, B- in ENGL 1410 , ENGL 3400 , and ENGL 3410  (up to 3 credits with pass/fail grades allowed for internship)

Number of Required Credits: 45

Credits in Residence: Students must complete 21 credits of major-applicable coursework at Utah State University.

This emphasis prepares students for career opportunities in various writing-related careers in professional organizations. The emphasis consists of: (1) a theoretical foundation in rhetoric and linguistics, enabling students to assess writing situations and meet the rhetorical exigencies they will face in the workplace; and (2) writing practice in a variety of contexts with a range of technological tools, preparing them to design, write, and edit professional documents.

Students begin their studies by completing two introductory professional writing courses familiarizing students with professional writing and the current technologies used in all levels of text production. These courses, ENGL 3400  and ENGL 3410 , are prerequisites for the rest of the major and must be passed with a grade of B- or better for students to continue in the program. In addition, students will take two courses addressing rhetorical issues and research methods in professional communication, as well as one course in linguistics.

Students then take five major courses, including professional editing, document design and graphics, digital and social media production, technology and activism, and project management. Students may also take courses focusing on more specific forms of writing, such as proposals, websites, and marketing materials. The department encourages and can help procure internships, which provide students with an opportunity to learn through hands-on experiences in a variety of organizations. Students complete the program by taking a capstone course, in which they design and construct portfolios, explore professional opportunities, and prepare to begin their careers. For more information, visit the Technical Communication and Rhetoric website at techcomm.usu.edu/.

A. English Department Requirements

Students should take note of the superscripts to find emphasis-specific requirements. 

Emphasis Requirements