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WRITING, RHETORIC, & INFORMATION DESIGN (WRID)

 

5 Reasons to Study Writing, Rhetoric, and Information Design!

Overview

Writing, Rhetoric, and Information Design (WRID) delivers a dynamic range of courses in rhetoric and composition, technical and professional writing, information design, and the teaching of writing. Rooted in real-world communication, WRID equips students to craft purposeful, usable, and accessible messages through persuasive writing, visual design, and digital media across a variety of professional settings. While distinct from the more literary and personal aspects of creative writing, WRID stresses strategy and impact of writing and information design across public and private sectors. In short, WRID prepares students to thrive in today’s human-centered communication networks—spanning careers in business, industry, government, and nonprofit fields. The program also plays a key role in advancing the university’s commitment to strong writing and critical thinking through general education writing courses. Come track with WRID!

Declare a WRID major or minor today.

  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Tracks: Technical and Professional Writing and Writing Studies 
  • Minors (21 hours)
  • Program Coordinator: Dr. Kyle Mattson

WRID Courses & Checksheets

The WRID Faculty. We’re here for you!

WRID Tracks

The major in Writing, Rhetoric, and Information Design prepares students for jobs such as professional and technical writer, editor, grant writer, online content creator, social media manager, usability experience professional, teacher, and other jobs involving writing, information design, and publishing. Students will also have a good foundation for graduate study in professional writing, rhetoric, composition studies, law, journalism, business, and education.

Students in either track of the WRID major are required to complete a track-specific contract early in their coursework and submit a corresponding graduation portfolio in the semester prior to graduation.

For questions about the WRID major or minors, the track-specific graduation contract, or the graduation portfolio, contact the WRID Program Coordinator, Dr. Kyle Mattson, or any of our WRID faculty. We’re here for you!

TRACK 1: Technical & Professional Writing, Major & Minor

Technical and Professional Writing Contract and Portfolio Instructions

Technical and Professional Writing, or Track 1 of the WRID major and minor, gives students practical and theoretical experience as writers working to get things done. Whether planning and designing digital or print-based projects or contributing to and curating knowledge for diverse social media platforms, professional writers design information for use and accessibility. 

Professional writers produce websites and blogs, training manuals and infographics, reports, proposals, and white papers, among numerous other workplace genres, projects, and products. Students following this path often pursue futures in industry, government, or non-profit sectors. Recent graduates of this track have worked as writers and curators of niche content for companies across Central Arkansas and Greater Little Rock.

The Technical and Professional Writing track is designed to give students theoretical and practical experience in developing communication that works, that is to say, communication that people use (to make decisions, to get work done, to get information, etc.) such as social media, websites, white papers, training materials, reports, and proposals for a 21st-century audience.

TRACK 2: Writing Studies, Major & Minor

Writing Studies Contract and Portfolio Instructions

The Writing Studies track, or Track 2 of the WRID major and minor, offers a breadth of experience in rhetoric, composition, professional writing, creative writing, and linguistics. While pursuing an interdisciplinary understanding of these many areas, students will enhance their writing skills in a range of academic, and creative writing genres. 

Writing studies majors and minors will study the diverse purposes and practices of textual production and the different social and cultural contexts of writing. Students in the Writing Studies track value the diverse purposes and practices of textual production, whether through rhetorical analysis, creative exploration, or multimodal compositions and presentations.

The Writing Studies track is designed to give students substantive opportunities to explore the histories, theories, and circumstances in which written text is created and used, including social history of writing as a technology; theories on writing and identity, ideology, and politics; writing as a mode of expression, cognition, and memory; and writing as recognizable form and genre.


WRID Internships

Writing, Rhetoric, and Information Design Internship

To Enroll in WRID 4v85 To enroll in the course, you must first secure an internship and complete and sign all required paperwork before the internship begins and for a designated term of study. This step includes obtaining notarization on the UCA Internship Waiver form. Completing the Internship for Course Credit You must complete all worksite and academic components during the term for which you are enrolled. Also, if you do not return internship-issued equipment to its owner by the end of the internship, you will earn an automatic F for the course, regardless of your performance otherwise. You may also face legal consequences for holding onto property that does not belong to you. No Retroactive Course Credit Will Be Issued for Any Internship Completed Prior to the Term of Enrollment in Course Academic credit will not be granted retroactively under any circumstances.

WRID 4v85, Internship in WRID. Reminder of in-term requirements (ver. 8-16-25).

 

WRID Directed Studies

Writing, Rhetoric, and Information Design Directed Study

WRID Awards

Joanna Castner Post Outstanding Student in Writing, Rhetoric and Information Design Award 

2024-25            Gillian Howard

Best Individual Project in Writing, Rhetoric and Information Design

2024-25            Zachary Walter

Best Team Project in Writing, Rhetoric and Information Design

2024-25           Grace Flannagin, Will McDonald, Zachary Walter

WRID Awards (2015-16 through 2023-24)


Scholarships

Apply here for scholarships listed below.

Donis W. Ford Memorial Book Scholarship

For full-time junior or senior African-American students majoring in English, African-American Studies or Writing with a GPA of 3.0 or above. Consideration may be given to financial need.

Fred and Lillian Petrucelli Scholarship

For full-time students majoring in writing, journalism or theatre with a GPA of 2.75 or above. Selection shall be based on financial need, potential and academic performance.

John C. Rohweder Scholarship

For full-time undergraduate students who have completed 30 or more hours with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or above. Preference is given to non-traditional students, students majoring in writing, or students pursuing a degree within the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Consideration may be given to financial need.