Welcome to the Department of Writing, Rhetoric, and Cultures
The department of Writing, Rhetoric, and Cultures is the heart of and home for writing at Michigan State University. Across our initiatives, in the research and scholarship we pursue, and in the teaching and learning opportunities we offer, we emphasize curiosity, discovery, and the robust exchange of ideas along with attention to the importance of writing and communication—drawing across techniques and media, being attentive to audience and purpose, and sharing one’s ideas with the world.
If you have any questions about enrolling in a Summer or Fall 2026 First-Year Writing course (WRA 101 or WRA 195H), please see our frequently asked questions page.
The Department of Writing, Rhetoric, and American Cultures (WRAC) offers:
- the first-year writing experience for most MSU students, which prepares students to leverage their experiences as writers and learners as assets for informing their ongoing development as writers
- an undergraduate major in Professional and Public Writing, which provides students experience in the writing and communication strategies crucial for academic, professional, and personal success in today’s digital world
- an interdisciplinary undergraduate major in Experience Architecture, which provides students experience in developing strategies for UX research, design, development of digital applications, project management, coding, writing, and digital rhetoric for success in digital and professional spaces
- a graduate program in Rhetoric and Writing, offering MA programs and a PhD, helping graduate students develop the intellectual, pedagogical, and professional skills to be activists and leaders in academic and beyond-academic careers
we offer
First-year writing experience
Our First-Year Writing courses are the core composition experience for most MSU students, which prepares students to leverage their experiences as writers and learners as assets for their ongoing development as writers.
Undergrad major in professional and public writing
The BA in Professional and Public Writing (P2W) provides students experience in the writing and communication strategies crucial for academic, professional, and personal success in today’s digital world.
Minor in Writing
The Minor in Writing gives students collaborative experiences and writing tools to become great leaders, advocates, and communicators at work and in public spaces. The minor helps students reach their professional goals in any number of careers or graduate programs.
undergrad major in Experience Architecture
The BA in Experience Architecture (XA) provides students experience in developing strategies for UX research, design, development of digital applications, project management, coding, and writing for success in digital and professional spaces.
graduate program in Rhetoric and Writing
Our MA programs and our PhD program support graduate students develop the intellectual, pedagogical, and professional skills to be activists and leaders in academic and beyond-academic careers.
2019 Professional Writing Student of the Year
Emily Jenkins
2018 Professional and Public Writing
2018 Experience Architecture Student of the Year
Ashton Keys
2019 Experience Architecture
“This program has given me so much—the skills and tools to feel like I can enter the workplace at an advantage and people who I can count on along the way.”
SOPHIE SCHMIDT
Professional and Public Writing Alum
The Student Experience: Professional AND Public Writing Major
A quick look at the Bachelor of Arts in Professional and Pubic Writing (P2W) degree at Michigan State University, featuring P2W students, faculty, and alumni.
Spartan Strong: The Strength to Overcome Cancer
Justin Alexander (Experience Architecture ’20) was the picture of health. A baseball player and quarterback of his high school football team, there was no reason to be overly concerned when he developed a persistent cough. So it came as a shock when he first heard he had Hodgkin’s lymphoma, life as he knew it was placed on hold.
featured stories
Perfect Achievement: 16 College of Arts & Letters Graduates Receive Board of Trustees Awards
Sixteen College of Arts & Letters students who are graduating in Spring 2026 have earned the Board of Trustees Award for having maintained a perfect 4.0 grade point average during their undergraduate education. These students are among the 315 graduating from MSU in Spring 2026 with a 4.0 GPA, the highest scholastic average one can attain at the end of their undergraduate career at Michigan State University.
Surfing the Wave: How Professional and Public Writing Student Went from Writer’s Block to Creative Rebound
For Conner Larsen, the Professional and Public Writing program at Michigan State University is more than just a major – it’s a space where his academic work and creative passions intersect. A singer and songwriter, Larson found the major offers a unique opportunity to blend his passion for music with his scholarly work.
From Hardship to Revival: MSU’s P2W Club Rebuilds Under Student Leadership
Founded in 2021 by students in the Professional and Public Writing (P2W) major at Michigan State University, the P2W Club offers its members a space to connect, grow as scholars, and relax with peers. After going through hardship due to leadership struggles, losing their registered student organization (RSO) status, and a loss of direction, the club faced a crossroads and was under threat of ending altogether. Conner Larsen, a student leader and songwriter in the P2W program, joined the club his first year at MSU as a way to get involved and make connections with his peers. With encouragement