Rhetoric and Writing, BA
The Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric and Writing provides practical and theoretical training in writing and composing, rhetorical literacy and analysis, and communication and presentation. Students learn the foundations of rhetoric, including how individuals use language, symbols, and texts in various ways to generate meaning and develop worldviews. The program prepares students to apply the art of persuasion to real world situations through developing and analyzing various texts, verbal and nonverbal communication, digital, multimedia, and visual content, and other creative works. Simultaneously, students build competencies as scholars and leaders in their communities, to help them understand, assess, and think critically about rhetorical influences that have the power to shape, reinforce, and intervene in systemic inequalities, discrimination, and injustice. Students emerge from this degree prepared with both the theoretical and technical skills they need to successfully process, synthesize, and evaluate persuasive appeals and communication. They are empowered to become critical consumers and producers of messages and can apply their skills to a wide variety of professional, civic, and academic contexts, preparing them for competitive careers in an evolving global workforce that depends on exceptional writing skills and rhetorical competencies. This degree is jointly offered by the Department of Writing and Rhetoric and the School of Communication and Journalism.
Intakes
- Jan
- May
- Sep
Application Processing Time in Days: 30
Minimum English Language Requirements
| English Level Description | IELTS (1.0 -9.0) | TOEFL IBT (0-120) | TOEFL CBT (0-300) | PTE (10-90) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert | 9 | 120 | 297-300 | 86-90 | |
| Very Good | 8.5 | 115-119 | 280-293 | 83-86 | |
| Very Good | 8 | 110-114 | 270-280 | 79-83 | |
| Good | 7.5 | 102-109 | 253-267 | 73-79 | |
| Good | 7 | 94-101 | 240-253 | 65-73 | |
| Competent | 6.5 | 79-93 | 213-233 | 58-65 | |
| Competent | 6 | 60-78 | 170-210 | 50-58 | |
| Modest | 5.5 | 46-59 | 133-210 | 43-50 | |
| Modest | 5 | 35-45 | 107-133 | 36-43 | |
| Limited | 4 | 32-34 | 97-103 | 30-36 | |
| Extremely Limited | < 4 | < 31 | < 93 | < 30 |
Job Opportunity Potential
Stony Brook University offers strong job opportunity potential, with approximately 95% of bachelor's degree graduates finding employment or pursuing further education within a year of graduation. This high placement rate indicates good employment prospects for graduates and suggests the university provides a valuable pathway into the workforce or continued academic pursuits.
Key Takeaway:
High Graduate Success:
Stony Brook University demonstrates a high success rate for its graduates in securing employment or continuing their education after graduation.
Good Employment Prospects:
This statistic indicates strong job market opportunities for those who have completed a bachelor's degree at the university.
PSW Opportunity
Post-Study Work visa or permit, allowing international students on F-1 visas to work in the US after completing their studies, typically through Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Eligibility:
To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled full-time in a US educational institution for at least one academic year and be seeking work related to their major.
Duration:
Students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT, either before they finish their studies (pre-completion) or after graduation (post-completion).
STEM OPT:
Students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields can apply for an extended OPT period of up to 24 months.
Contact our PSA counselor for more information
Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria
high school GPA (typically above 3.0), while graduate admissions depend on the specific program and may waive GRE requirements for 2026 entry
TOEFL (Internet-based) = 80
IELTS = 6.5
Duolingo = 105
ACT English = 19
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (New Exam) = 480
IB English Higher Level = 5
AP English Language/Comp or Literature/Com exam = 3
A -level (Advanced) English = C
PTE Academic = 53
- Course Type: Full Time
- Course Level: Bachelors/UG Degree
- Duration: 04 Year
-
Total Tuition Fee:
124184 USD
Average Cost of Living: 14000 USD /year
Application Fee: 50 USD

