Planning Your Program
The Department of Rhetoric & Communication Studies includes a major and a minor. Students who want to challenge themselves academically may opt to participate in the Honors Program. Once students declare the RHCS major, typically some time during their sophomore year, they are assigned a faculty member who will serve as their advisor. RHCS advisors mentor their advisees on the best program of study and can help students balance their personal interests with their professional goals.
Rhetoric and communication studies students have a rich palette of classes and complementary experiences from which to choose. While RHCS students certainly learn to create, present and analyze speeches, the curriculum is designed to develop a sense of history, theory and culture. After completing the required courses, students enjoy a wide range of electives. Electives cover subjects ranging from law, politics, business and culture to relating in interpersonal, family and organizational settings.
Many students choose to enhance their experience in the department by joining the Richmond Debate Team or taking part in research or another experiential learning opportunity.
