We seek to prepare flexible leaders in the practical, humanities-based tradition of rhetoric. Rhetoric is an academic specialty that focuses on making, evaluating, and improving arguments in practical, decision-making situations. This program integrates practice with theory to equip graduates to engage their everyday communication challenges with tools beyond those offered by more typical leadership training offered by the social sciences, business, the professions, or the military.

     Any person who has completed a bachelor's degree (in any field) with a 2.75 cumulative undergraduate grade point average.

     Rhetorical Leadership Program graduates are:

• able to understand a shared problem from multiple viewpoints and help others do so
• able to flexibly apply theoretical tools to practical, contemporary challenges
• trained to analyze and configure information critically to facilitate wise decision-making
• prepared to motivate and model effective participatory action, even in situations where they may not hold formal positions of authority
• aware and prepared to cope with the fact that the situations most requiring leadership are dynamic and often atypical, requiring a uniquely authentic approach on the spot