2016-2017

Rhetoric and Writing, Undergraduate Certificate

Department of English

College of Arts and Letters

This certificate is available for English majors who wish to polish their thinking processes and skills in this area. Coursework covers such topics as rhetorical techniques, persuasive strategies, writing for specific disciplines/social venues, and recognizing rhetorical tactics in the writing of others.

  • To receive an undergraduate certificate (at least 15 units) at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject matter areas with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0.

    Please be aware that federal financial aid is not available for some certificates, if the certificate is pursued and completed as a stand-alone certificate (i.e., not completed concurrently with a degree program). See the "Details" tab for additional information.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion 15
Major GPA 3.0

Purpose Statement

The Rhetoric, Writing, and Digital Media Studies (RWDMS) Program engages students with a curriculum that prepares them as writers and scholars. The program emphasizes the importance of critical reading, reflection, writing, digital media, and spoken language to educate knowledgeable citizens who understand and appreciate their civic, professional, and personal responsibilities in an increasingly global community. We specialize in preparing students for intercultural and interdisciplinary communication practices in digital and traditional work settings to further global engagement, diversity, and social participation. Students gain experience with rhetorical theory and persuasive argumentation, social media literacy and multimedia writing, professional and public discourse conventions through theory-based application projects. In addition, our courses provide a foundation for workplace writing and M.A. programs in rhetoric, writing, digital media, communication, and composition studies. 

Certificate Requirements

  • Take the following 15 units with a cumulative GPA of 3.0

    A maximum of 6 units of lower-division coursework may count toward this certificate.

    A minimum of 9 units of upper-division work must count toward this certificate.This certificate is available only to English and English Education Majors. You must also complete requirements for the English B.A. or the English B.S.Ed. Secondary Education. 

    *ENG 301W and ENG 403 are only open to English Education Majors.

  • This certificate may only be pursued and completed concurrently with a degree program. This certificate is not available as a stand-alone certificate.

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.