2017-2018

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

Student Learning Outcomes

Theory and Knowledge

  • Examine and evaluate the major theories in rhetoric, writing, and digital media studies by participating in and advancing current knowledge and practices in the field.
  • Produce academic writing and projects applicable to educational and public settings to demonstrate an advanced understanding of research methodologies and writing skills applicable to English studies, including academic writing, workplace writing, and information development. 
Analysis and Critical Thinking
  • Critically analyze how cultural artifacts (written, digital, visual, and spoken texts) shape identities and ideologies in diverse local, national, historical, and global communities.
  • Apply theoretical and practical knowledge to projects that synthesize and evaluate appropriate research, scholarship, and methodologies in rhetoric, writing, and digital studies, including research on significant issues related to global learning, diversity, and sustainable educational and environmental practices. 
Research and Application
  • Apply rhetorical, pedagogical, narrative, new media, and public writing theories and practices by carrying out advanced course-related and client-related projects directed at conceptualizing, researching, understanding, and reformulating current theories in the field of rhetoric and writing 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.