Bachelor in Speech Communication and Rhetoric (Bachelor's)

Tuition is Tuition for in-state students is $375 per credit hour. Out-of-state students pay $525 per credit hour.; applications for the Jan 2027 intake are open until Nov 15, 2026.

This programme focuses on the study of rhetoric through critical analysis of spoken and written language. Students examine how language shapes public discourse and influences audiences in political, cultural, and social contexts. The curriculum emphasizes argumentation, debate, and intercultural communication. Courses include rhetoric of American issues and persuasive communication strategies.

Focus areas include rhetoric, argumentation and debate, intercultural communication, rhetoric of American issues, persuasive communication, public speaking.

The rhetoric emphasis requires a minor and is offered as either a B.A. or B.S. degree. Total credits are distributed across core communication courses, the required minor, and specialized rhetoric coursework.

Graduates enter roles such as public relations specialist, political strategist, event planner, or multimedia manager.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required. Submit official transcripts and a personal statement.

The programme totals about 120 credit hours. On-campus, full-time, four-year duration. For international students, tuition is well below the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 86% of applicants.

Professional preparation shapes the Northwest experience. Founded in 1905, the university offers more than 200 majors and programs across agricultural sciences, business, communication and mass media, computer science and information systems, education, fine and performing arts, health science and wellness, humanities and social sciences, literature, language and writing, mathematics and statistics, and natural sciences. Programs include bachelor's, master's, certificates and accelerated bachelor's-to-master's options. Students learn through research, internships and campus opportunities as well as classroom study.

Applied learning includes broadcast work on radio and television stations, client projects through Knacktive, the Northwest Mock Trial Team, and study at the 448-acre Wright Farm and Horace Mann Laboratory School. Small classes, approachable professors, academic advising, success coaching, tutoring and career services support students as they progress. Within six months, 95% of graduates are employed or continuing their education. The university has more than 8,500 total students and a 16:1 student-faculty ratio.

Maryville is a walkable college town, and Northwest is the city's only traditional four-year university. Local coffee shops, restaurants and events extend student life beyond campus. More than 150 clubs and organizations, Living Learning Communities, leadership, campus employment and community engagement offer ways to build connections. The Bearcat Advantage offers eligible out-of-state students an $8,728 scholarship for a GPA of 2.75 or above. Other financial support includes the Northwest Promise and automatic scholarships.