Degree programs in speech communication and rhetoric are about more than learning how to persuade people to see your side of things and consider your viewpoint. \n
The curriculum explores interpersonal, organizational, intercultural, and mass communication. It spans the art of persuasion, public speaking, the psychology of communication, and verbal and nonverbal communications through media and in person. It teaches how certain messages influence individual and group behavior and why and how our reactions reflect the underlying values of society. It summons those who love language, who choose their words carefully, and who know that compelling speech relies on attentive listening.
", "display_order": 1, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:05.255709-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-11-18T13:55:40.205705-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 576, "page": 1, "title": "Program Options", "summary_markdown": "**Bachelor\u2019s Degree in Speech Communication and Rhetoric \u2013 Four Year Duration** \r\nAt the bachelor\u2019s level, students learn the fundamentals of the human communication process. Components of the typical curriculum include communication theory and practice, argumentation and advocacy, communication in organizations and healthcare settings, international and intercultural communication, digital communication and social media, and media production. \r\n\r\nHere are sample core courses that may be part of a bachelor\u2019s program in speech communication and rhetoric: \r\n\r\n- Introduction to Communication Studies \u2013 theories and methodological approaches in communication studies; communication and ethical reasoning within social, political, and economic institutions \r\n- Public Speaking \u2013 choosing and researching a topic, organizing and delivering a speech, handling speech anxiety, listening critically, and adapting language to an audience \r\n- Communication Research Methods \u2013 overview of the concepts, methods, tools, and ethics of communication research; reading, interpreting, and evaluating research reports \r\n- Persuasion and Rhetoric \u2013 classical and contemporary theories of persuasion; how persuasion is used in everyday language, nonverbal communication, sales techniques, politics and propaganda; ethical issues in persuasion \r\n- Communication Theory \u2013 how our cultural assumptions inform and shape our ability to communicate; contexts explored include popular culture, social media and online content, organizational communication, and interpersonal interactions \r\n- Principles of Organizational Communication \u2013 the communication process in organizations and how to improve it; the evolution of organizational communication, communication networks, information management, and communication climate \r\n- Communication in a Digital Age \u2013 how to become an effective online communicator; email filtering, online collaboration, and writing in a Web markup format; online privacy, gender and racial bias, marketplace credibility, and fraud \r\n- Sex, Relationships, and Communication \u2013 the role of communication in interpersonal attraction, relationship development, relationship maintenance, and relationship dissolution \r\n- Global and Intercultural Communication \u2013 negotiating cultural differences and understanding intercultural contact in societies and institutions \r\n- Communication and Gender \u2013 a theoretical and practical examination of the ways in which communication is gendered in various contexts \r\n- Communication Law \u2013 exploration of the interplay between the First Amendment and personal and professional responsibilities; topics include copyright, defamation, free press, hate speech, incitement, obscenity, and threats; related ethical issues \r\n- Free Speech in Cyberspace \u2013 how law and policy shape the development and use of new communication technologies; how new technologies challenge existing law and policy \r\n- Mobile Communication \u2013 the impact that mobile hardware and software have on society, culture, and politics \r\n- Health Communication \u2013 patient-provider communication, organizational systems, advertising in the health industry, how media creates expectations about health, the use of media to promote social change \r\n- Interpersonal Communication \u2013 definitions of the communication process, identity, self-disclosure, verbal and nonverbal language, listening, and management of interpersonal conflict", "content_markdown": "- Communication and Inclusion \u2013 communication and inclusion in the contexts of gender, race, sexual identity, social class, ability, and age \r\n- Political Communication \u2013 the construction and influence of rhetoric in political campaigns, particularly contemporary presidential campaigns; the impact of mass communication on the outcome of elections \r\n- Great Speakers and Speeches \u2013 analysis of significant speeches throughout history \r\n- Communication Criticism \u2013 thinking critically about and analyzing various forms of texts, such as speeches, advertisements, music, and art \r\n- Free Speech: Law and Practice \u2013 the philosophy of freedom, historical legal cases about free speech and the press, political correctness, repression of dissent \r\n- Communication and Sexualities \u2013 examination of the ways in which sexualities intersect with issues relating to interpersonal communication, mediated communication, popular culture, identity, and social movements; topics covered include outing, media representations, queer identity development, and the HIV/AIDS epidemic \r\n- Theories of Conflict and Negotiation \u2013 theories of conflict and strategies for managing conflict in interpersonal relationships, organizational settings, and society at large \r\n- Communication, Politics, and Social Change \u2013 examination of the role of race, gender, and sexual identity in American politics and public discourse \r\n- Nonverbal Social Interaction \u2013 insight on methods people use to communicate different types of social action through body language; how body language is used to start new relationships and communicate anger, frustration, happiness, and grief \r\n- Youth and Communication Technology \u2013 how communication technologies and the content they deliver affect the social, emotional, and cognitive development of young people; how these changes are influenced by family, school, and community \r\n- Crisis Communication and Image Management \u2013 theories, models, and strategies related to crisis communication; developing effective crisis communication plans \r\n- Health Communication Campaigns \u2013 how persuasive health campaigns are designed to influence awareness, increase knowledge, and prompt attitude and behavior change \r\n- Communication and Quality of Life \u2013 how an understanding of the function of communication relates to quality of life \r\n- Online Communities \u2013 what it means to develop and maintain a successful online community; how this relates to topics such as human behavior, identity, and online communication \r\n- Communication Capstone \u2013 a research and writing project related to the field of strategic communication; possible topics from business, politics, advocacy, entertainment, public health, the environment, and other sectors \r\n\r\n**Master\u2019s Degree in Speech Communication and Rhetoric \u2013 Two Year Duration** \r\nMany master\u2019s degree programs in speech communication and rhetoric are designed for professionals already working in the field. The graduate curriculum provides students with opportunities to broaden their understanding of communication as human activity and enhance their abilities to be leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators in the workplace. Master\u2019 students complete research projects and a thesis. \r\n\r\nThese are some of the learning outcomes associated with a master\u2019s program in speech communication and rhetoric: \r\n- Knowledge of the fundamental and advanced concepts related to human communication and interaction and an ability to communicate successfully both orally and in written form \r\n- The ability to use computer-mediated technology to manage the processes required to retrieve and distribute information \r\n- Knowledge of the mass media and the information society, including information technology, telecommunications, public policy, publishing, and the cultural industries \r\n- Knowledge of government, social, and business organizations and an understanding of how the exchange of information is fundamental to their operation \r\n- An understanding of the management of communication industries and of internal and external corporate communications (public relations, advertising, marketing) \r\n- An understanding of culture, international and intercultural communication, negotiation and conflict management; an ability to communicate effectively in diverse and difficult circumstances \r\n\r\nTo achieve these leaning outcomes master\u2019s students take advanced courses in areas such as: \r\n- Academic Integrity and Plagiarism \r\n- Communication Theory \r\n- Research Process in Communication \r\n- Strategic Digital Communication \r\n- Communication, Culture, Media, and Technology \r\n- Communication and Culture in Organizations \r\n- Media Production \r\n- Conflict Analysis and Management \r\n- Communication for Development and Social Change \r\n- Communication for Sustainability and Conservation Issues \r\n- Communication Policy, Politics, and Law \r\n- Organizational Design, Communication, and Knowledge Management \r\n- Organizational Culture Development", "content_html": "
\n- Communication and Inclusion \u2013 communication and inclusion in the contexts of gender, race, sexual identity, social class, ability, and age
\n- Political Communication \u2013 the construction and influence of rhetoric in political campaigns, particularly contemporary presidential campaigns; the impact of mass communication on the outcome of elections
\n- Great Speakers and Speeches \u2013 analysis of significant speeches throughout history
\n- Communication Criticism \u2013 thinking critically about and analyzing various forms of texts, such as speeches, advertisements, music, and art
\n- Free Speech: Law and Practice \u2013 the philosophy of freedom, historical legal cases about free speech and the press, political correctness, repression of dissent
\n- Communication and Sexualities \u2013 examination of the ways in which sexualities intersect with issues relating to interpersonal communication, mediated communication, popular culture, identity, and social movements; topics covered include outing, media representations, queer identity development, and the HIV/AIDS epidemic
\n- Theories of Conflict and Negotiation \u2013 theories of conflict and strategies for managing conflict in interpersonal relationships, organizational settings, and society at large
\n- Communication, Politics, and Social Change \u2013 examination of the role of race, gender, and sexual identity in American politics and public discourse
\n- Nonverbal Social Interaction \u2013 insight on methods people use to communicate different types of social action through body language; how body language is used to start new relationships and communicate anger, frustration, happiness, and grief
\n- Youth and Communication Technology \u2013 how communication technologies and the content they deliver affect the social, emotional, and cognitive development of young people; how these changes are influenced by family, school, and community
\n- Crisis Communication and Image Management \u2013 theories, models, and strategies related to crisis communication; developing effective crisis communication plans
\n- Health Communication Campaigns \u2013 how persuasive health campaigns are designed to influence awareness, increase knowledge, and prompt attitude and behavior change
\n- Communication and Quality of Life \u2013 how an understanding of the function of communication relates to quality of life
\n- Online Communities \u2013 what it means to develop and maintain a successful online community; how this relates to topics such as human behavior, identity, and online communication
\n- Communication Capstone \u2013 a research and writing project related to the field of strategic communication; possible topics from business, politics, advocacy, entertainment, public health, the environment, and other sectors
\n
\n
Master\u2019s Degree in Speech Communication and Rhetoric \u2013 Two Year Duration
\nMany master\u2019s degree programs in speech communication and rhetoric are designed for professionals already working in the field. The graduate curriculum provides students with opportunities to broaden their understanding of communication as human activity and enhance their abilities to be leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators in the workplace. Master\u2019 students complete research projects and a thesis.
\n
These are some of the learning outcomes associated with a master\u2019s program in speech communication and rhetoric:
\n- Knowledge of the fundamental and advanced concepts related to human communication and interaction and an ability to communicate successfully both orally and in written form
\n- The ability to use computer-mediated technology to manage the processes required to retrieve and distribute information
\n- Knowledge of the mass media and the information society, including information technology, telecommunications, public policy, publishing, and the cultural industries
\n- Knowledge of government, social, and business organizations and an understanding of how the exchange of information is fundamental to their operation
\n- An understanding of the management of communication industries and of internal and external corporate communications (public relations, advertising, marketing)
\n- An understanding of culture, international and intercultural communication, negotiation and conflict management; an ability to communicate effectively in diverse and difficult circumstances
\n
To achieve these leaning outcomes master\u2019s students take advanced courses in areas such as:
\n- Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
\n- Communication Theory
\n- Research Process in Communication
\n- Strategic Digital Communication
\n- Communication, Culture, Media, and Technology
\n- Communication and Culture in Organizations
\n- Media Production
\n- Conflict Analysis and Management
\n- Communication for Development and Social Change
\n- Communication for Sustainability and Conservation Issues
\n- Communication Policy, Politics, and Law
\n- Organizational Design, Communication, and Knowledge Management
\n- Organizational Culture Development
", "display_order": 2, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:05.256788-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-12-06T12:05:48.705301-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 576, "page": 1, "title": "Degrees Similar to Speech Communication and Rhetoric", "summary_markdown": "**[Advertising](/degrees/advertising-degree/)** \r\nDegree programs in advertising are made up of courses that demonstrate how to develop a brand and communicate it through the various advertising channels of print, television, radio, and online media. \r\n\r\n**[Broadcast Journalism](/degrees/broadcast-journalism-degree/)** \r\nStudents of broadcast journalism learn how to report, produce, and deliver the news for television, radio, and other broadcast media. Their studies typically include communication theory, electronic media production, mass communications law, and media and society. \r\n\r\n**[English](/degrees/english-degree/)** \r\nIn English degree programs, students read, study, and write about the literature and culture of the English-speaking world. Coursework also includes the history, linguistic structure, and use of the English language. \r\n\r\n**[Journalism](/degrees/journalism-degree/)** \r\nJournalism degree programs teach students how to report, write, and edit articles for broadcast or publication. They include classes in broadcast news writing, copyediting and design, reporting, and media law and ethics. \r\n\r\n**[Marketing](/degrees/marketing-degree/)** \r\nThis degree field is focused on activities undertaken by businesses to promote the buying or selling of products and services. Students study advertising and promotion, marketing communications, international marketing, marketing management, sales and sales management, consumer behavior, marketing research, and marketing strategy.", "content_markdown": "**[Mass Communication and Media Studies](/degrees/mass-communication-and-media-studies-degree/)** \r\nMass communication and media studies degree programs examine the history, laws, institutions, and cultural impacts of mass media. \r\n\r\n**[Psychology](/degrees/psychology-degree/)** \r\nThe scientific study of the mind and behavior is the focus of psychology degree programs. In simple terms, psychology students study the way that humans and animals act, feel, think, and learn. \r\n\r\n**[Public Relations](/degrees/public-relations-degree/)** \r\nDegree programs in public relations (PR) teach students how to deliver information from a business, organization, government body, or individual public figure to a target audience. The curriculum differs from that of other communication sciences. In advertising and marketing programs, students learn how to design and develop communication pieces that clients seek out and pay for. Public relations courses focus on how to achieve image management, generate publicity, and earn positive media attention through press releases, press conferences, blogs, and a social media presence. \r\n\r\n**[Sports Communications](/degrees/sports-communications-degree/)** \r\nDegree programs in sports communications prepare students for careers in sports journalism, play-by-play broadcasting, college sports information departments, and professional sports team front offices. Courses cover media writing, video and audio production, sportscasting, and sports marketing.", "content_html": "
Mass Communication and Media Studies
\nMass communication and media studies degree programs examine the history, laws, institutions, and cultural impacts of mass media.
\n
Psychology
\nThe scientific study of the mind and behavior is the focus of psychology degree programs. In simple terms, psychology students study the way that humans and animals act, feel, think, and learn.
\n
Public Relations
\nDegree programs in public relations (PR) teach students how to deliver information from a business, organization, government body, or individual public figure to a target audience. The curriculum differs from that of other communication sciences. In advertising and marketing programs, students learn how to design and develop communication pieces that clients seek out and pay for. Public relations courses focus on how to achieve image management, generate publicity, and earn positive media attention through press releases, press conferences, blogs, and a social media presence.
\n
Sports Communications
\nDegree programs in sports communications prepare students for careers in sports journalism, play-by-play broadcasting, college sports information departments, and professional sports team front offices. Courses cover media writing, video and audio production, sportscasting, and sports marketing.
", "display_order": 3, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:05.257837-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-12-06T12:06:47.334542-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 576, "page": 1, "title": "Skills You’ll Learn", "summary_markdown": "Speech communication and rhetoric graduates come away from their studies with these useful skills: \r\n- Ability to absorb and summarize new information quickly \r\n- Ability to disseminate information accurately \r\n- Ability to learn on the job \r\n- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team \r\n- Attention to detail \r\n- Clear, concise, and creative writing \r\n- Communication and interpersonal skills \r\n- Digital literacy \r\n- Ethics \r\n- Media and marketing savvy \r\n- Objectivity and logical reasoning \r\n- Organization \r\n- Problem-solving \r\n- Public speaking \r\n- Research", "content_markdown": "", "content_html": "", "display_order": 4, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:05.258860-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-11-30T10:46:13.683429-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 576, "page": 1, "title": "What Can You Do with a Speech Communication and Rhetoric Degree?", "summary_markdown": "Potential careers and job titles for speech communication and rhetoric graduates include: \r\n- [Administrative Assistant](/careers/administrative-assistant/) \r\n- [Advertising Manager](/careers/advertising-manager/) \r\n- Auctioneer \r\n- Communication Studies Teacher / [Professor](/careers/professor/) \r\n- Communications Consultant \r\n- [Copywriter](/careers/copywriter/) \r\n- Corporate Communications Director \r\n- [Editor](/careers/editor/) (freelance or for in-house publications / correspondence) \r\n- Grant / Proposal Writer \r\n- Human Resources Specialist / Manager \r\n- [Journalist](/careers/journalist/) \r\n- Labor Relations Specialist \r\n- [Lobbyist](/careers/lobbyist/) \r\n- [Management Consultant](/careers/management-consultant/) \r\n- [Marketing Manager](/careers/marketing-manager/) \r\n- Media Consultant \r\n- [News Reporter](/careers/news-reporter/) / [Correspondent](/careers/correspondent/) \r\n- Politician \r\n- Press Secretary \r\n- Public Address System Announcer \r\n- Public Relations Officer \r\n- [Publicist](/careers/publicist/) \r\n- Publisher (books, journals, magazines) \r\n- Radio and Television Announcer / Broadcaster \r\n- [Research Analyst](/careers/market-research-analyst/) \r\n- [Sales Manager](/careers/sales-manager/) \r\n- Speechwriter \r\n- [Technical Writer](/careers/technical-writer/) \r\n- Training and Development Consultant / Manager \r\n- Writer / [Author](/careers/author/)", "content_markdown": "Employers of speech communication and rhetoric grads include: \r\n- Advertising agencies \r\n- Colleges / universities \r\n- Entertainment industry \r\n- Government agencies \r\n- Hospitals \r\n- Industrial firms \r\n- Law offices \r\n- Marketing / retail firms \r\n- Media industry \r\n- Political organizations and campaigns \r\n- Private corporations \r\n- Public relations firms \r\n- Research firms \r\n- Social services agencies \r\n- Volunteer / non-profit agencies", "content_html": "
Employers of speech communication and rhetoric grads include:
\n- Advertising agencies
\n- Colleges / universities
\n- Entertainment industry
\n- Government agencies
\n- Hospitals
\n- Industrial firms
\n- Law offices
\n- Marketing / retail firms
\n- Media industry
\n- Political organizations and campaigns
\n- Private corporations
\n- Public relations firms
\n- Research firms
\n- Social services agencies
\n- Volunteer / non-profit agencies
", "display_order": 5, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:05.259903-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-12-06T12:07:59.140153-08:00"}], "degree_specializations": []}">
