Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies, Other.

Degree Overview

Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies, Other (CIP 23.1399) is a specialized category for communication architects and strategic writers who operate at the intersection of psychology, technology, and persuasion. While a general English degree focuses on literature, professionals in this "Other" category are "Information Designers." They study how digital interfaces change human reading habits, the ethics of AI-generated content, and the use of linguistic "nudges" to influence public behavior. It is a path for "procedural communicators" who want to master the science behind the message.

This field is ideal for "narrative engineers"—individuals who are fascinated by how words function as a system to drive action, whether that action is a consumer purchase, a political vote, or a successful medical outcome.

What Is an "Other" Rhetoric and Writing Studies Degree?

A degree in this category is a technical and research-heavy path that emphasizes multimodal communication, cognitive rhetoric, and document design. You will study the "Rhetorical Core"—ethos, pathos, and logos—but your focus will be on specialized or emerging media. Because this code houses niche programs, your studies might focus on Scientific Communication for Policy Change, UX (User Experience) Writing, or the Rhetoric of Healthcare and Medical Consent. It prepares you to be a "Strategic Editor" who ensures that complex information is not just accurate, but accessible and persuasive.

Schools offer this degree to:

• Train "Information Architects" who structure the vast data of websites and apps to be intuitive for human users
• Develop experts in Crisis Communication, focusing on how language can de-escalate tension and manage public perception during emergencies
• Prepare professionals for Technical Storytelling, translating dense engineering or legal data into narratives for non-experts
• Study Visual Rhetoric, exploring how images, fonts, and layouts work alongside text to create meaning

What Will You Learn?

Students learn that "writing is a technology"; they focus on the cognitive science of how humans process information and the ethical responsibility of those who control the narrative.

Core Skills You’ll Build

Most students learn to:

• Master Audience Analysis—using data and psychology to tailor messages for specific demographic and cultural groups
• Use "Multimodal Design"—creating content that works across video, social media, print, and voice interfaces
• Design Information Hierarchies—organizing complex documents so the most critical "takeaways" are immediately clear
• Perform Usability Testing on Text—measuring how quickly and accurately a reader can follow a set of instructions
• Utilize Argumentation Logic—identifying and constructing high-level persuasive strategies for legal or corporate settings
• Understand Digital Literacy and Algorithmic Bias—how search engines and AI change the way information is discovered and trusted

Topics You May Explore

Coursework is a blend of traditional humanities, cognitive psychology, and digital media:

• The Rhetoric of Science and Technology: How to communicate complex innovations (like vaccines or climate data) to a skeptical public.
• UX Writing and Microcopy: The art of writing the "small words" on buttons and menus that guide users through software.
• Professional and Corporate Ethics: The study of honesty, transparency, and the limits of persuasion in business.
• Document Design and Typography: How the physical look of text influences its credibility and readability.
• Collaborative Writing Management: Leading large teams of writers and subject matter experts to produce massive reports or manuals.
• Political Rhetoric and Propaganda: Analyzing the historical and modern techniques used to move masses of people.

What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?

Graduates find roles as high-level communication leads, UX writers, and strategy directors in tech, government, and global NGOs.

Common job roles include:

• UX (User Experience) Writer: Crafting the language within apps and websites to ensure a seamless and intuitive user journey.
• Content Strategy Director: Managing the entire "voice" and messaging ecosystem for a major corporation or brand.
• Scientific/Technical Writer (Lead): Translating cutting-edge research into manuals, grant proposals, or public health campaigns.
• Speechwriter/Political Strategist: Designing the narratives and key messages for public figures and government agencies.
• Knowledge Manager: Organizing the internal information and training systems for global organizations.
• Editorial Project Manager: Overseeing the production of complex, data-heavy reports for think tanks or law firms.

Where Can You Work?

These specialists are the "translators" of the modern information economy:

• Tech Giants: Working on AI personality design, documentation, and user interfaces at companies like Google or Apple.
• Biotech and Pharma: Managing the complex regulatory and public-facing communication of medical innovation.
• International Organizations: Working for the UN or WHO to communicate global health and safety guidelines.
• Law Firms and Think Tanks: Providing the high-level drafting and rhetorical strategy for complex legal or policy briefs.
• Advertising and Design Agencies: Leading the "strategy" side of creative campaigns.

How Much Can You Earn?

Because of the technical and strategic nature of this specialty, salaries often exceed those of traditional English or writing majors.

• Senior UX Writers/Content Strategists: Median annual salary of approximately $95,000–$145,000+.
• Technical Communication Managers: Salaries typically range from $85,000 to $125,000.
• PR and Speechwriting Directors: Median annual salary of around $90,000–$130,000.
• Entry-Level Content Specialists: Often start between $60,000 and $75,000.

Is This Degree Hard?

The difficulty is in the precision and adaptability. You must be able to switch from writing for a Ph.D. scientist to writing for a 12-year-old app user in an instant. It requires a highly analytical and observant mindset—you must be comfortable with data, psychology, and the constant evolution of digital tools. It is a major that rewards those who are "Strategic Problem-Solvers" and who enjoy the challenge of making "impossible" information easy to understand.

Who Should Consider This Degree?

This degree may be a good fit if you:

• Love writing but prefer "solving a puzzle" to writing a novel
• Are fascinated by how people's minds work and what makes them click a button or change an opinion
• Enjoy working with technology and want to shape how humans and computers communicate
• Want a career that offers high influence and the ability to work in almost any industry
• Believe that the biggest problems in the world are actually "communication problems"

How to Prepare in High School

• Take AP English Language and AP Psychology; they are the two pillars of rhetoric and cognitive writing
• Practice Digital Creation—start a blog, design a website, or manage a social media account for a club
• Join the Debate or Mock Trial team to practice the art of constructing logical, evidence-based arguments
• Learn the basics of Graphic Design (like Canva or Adobe Suite); visual layout is part of modern writing
• Read about User Experience (UX) and Information Architecture to see the future of the field

The ability to apply rhetorical logic and strategic mastery to the complexities of modern information design is the hallmark of a successful professional in this field.