Stony Brook University has announced the approval of a new bachelor's degree program in rhetoric and writing. Current students can enroll starting Spring 2025, while it will be available to new applicants for Fall 2026.
"Strong writing and other communication skills are consistently rated as among the most important skills employers look for when they are hiring new employees," said Peter Khost, director of the College of Arts and Sciences Program in Writing and Rhetoric. "Yet many of those same employers say they fear most job applicants lack those skills. Graduates of this program will absolutely have those vital writing skills, as well as analytical and critical thinking skills that can take them so far both professionally and personally."
The degree is offered by the soon-to-be Department in Writing and Rhetoric within the College of Arts and Sciences, alongside the School of Communication and Journalism. The program consists of 39 credits and is designed to accommodate students pursuing it as a second major.
"This program is for students who are fascinated by the power of language in everyday life," stated Patricia Medved, undergraduate program director. "The rhetoric and writing program will help students analyze and produce written communication, for different purposes and in different contexts."
Graduates will earn a Bachelor of Arts degree, preparing them for careers such as speech writing, technical writing, policy work, grant development, education, law, or fundraising. Students will engage with courses on intercultural communication, rhetorical theories, professional writing, along with electives covering diverse topics like health, AI, culture, and environment.
This marks the first degree offering from Stony Brook's Program in Writing and Rhetoric. The existing minors in writing & rhetoric and professional writing remain popular choices among humanities students at the university.