The RWS Major
Think Critically. Write Strategically. Lead Effectively.
The Rhetoric and Writing Studies B.A. at SDSU is unique among colleges and universities in California and joins a growing trend of writing majors across the nation.
Why SDSU?
Located within the broader SDSU community, the RWS Department provides a small-campus feel with the opportunities of a larger network. Combining theory and practice, the department is home to the only rhetoric degree program in the California State University system. With hands-on internships, core courses in rhetorical theory and writing project management, and the Professional Writing specialization, SDSU’s RWS program offers tailored paths for future success.
Program Features
- Interdisciplinary Nature
The RWS program pairs well with other areas of study such as Business, Political Science, Philosophy, and English. - Supportive Community
Due to small class sizes, the department fosters close-knit faculty and peer relationships. - Comprehensive Approach
Courses prioritize the exploration of cultural and marginalized rhetorics and writing practices, encouraging diversity and open-minded thinking. - Successful Alumni
Graduates with a degree in RWS find career paths that match and exceed their passions.
Preparation for the Major
The prerequisites for the RWS Major consist of 6 units from:
- RWS 200 - Rhetoric of Written Arguments in Context (3 units)
- RWS 250 - Rhetoric in Everyday Life (3 units).
OR
RWS 290 - Business Writing and Rhetoric (3 units but not both)
Requirements for the Major
The major is comprised of a minimum of 30 units in Rhetoric and Writing Studies.
Five core courses (15 units) are required:
- RWS 410 - Rhetoric and Culture (3 units)
- RWS 411 - Digital Rhetorics (3 units)
or
RWS 414 - Visual Rhetoric (3 units) - RWS 415 - Writing Rhetorically: Genre, Audience, and Style (3 units)
or
RWS 504 - Foundations in Technical and Professional Communication (3 units) - RWS 498 - Seminar: Writing and Research (3 units)
- RWS 506 - Writing Internship (3 units)
The remaining 15 units, including RWS 305W, 500W, or 503W, will be selected from upper-division elective courses in the Rhetoric and Writing Studies Department. See our courses page for more information.
Core Courses are offered on the following rotation:
| Fall | Spring | |
|---|---|---|
| Every Year | RWS 411 RWS 415 RWS 500W RWS 503W RWS 504 RWS 506 |
RWS 410 RWS 503 RWS 500 RWS 506 |
| Every Other Year | RWS 498 (starting Fall 2027) |
The program will produce graduates who will:
- Develop and apply contextually aware writing and rhetorical strategies for diverse audiences and genres.
- Propose and conduct research situated within conversations in the broader field to create new knowledge, advocate, and/or problem solve.
- Collaborate and compose with attention to equity, justice, and culture.
- Compose texts drawing on multiple ways of making meaning, including multiple modes, languages, and technologies.
- Analyze the ethical and critical dimensions of texts, technologies, and of composing.
- Reflect on writing and critical practices and productively engage feedback.
Meet Greg Papania
Majoring in RWS was not Greg's first plan. He was originally working toward a degree in chemistry, but, before entering his third year of college, he made the difficult decision to switch majors.
Advising
Emma Lee Whitworth
Lecturer and Undergraduate Advisor
Office: Storm Hall West 123 | Email: [email protected]
See our Undergraduate Advising Assistance page for more information.
