Master's in Writing
The master's degree in writing offers two sequences: (1) Professional Writing and Rhetorics and the (2) Teaching of Writing. Our graduates have enjoyed a high placement rate in teaching positions, in doctoral programs, and in the professional world as technical writers and editors.
The degree consists of eleven courses in addition to a comprehensive exam or ten courses in addition to a professional portfolio or a thesis. English 402 is required for students with teaching assistantships in composition. Such students usually teach courses in the Writing Program. Students work with an advisor to design a specific sequence of courses to fit their professional interests. The following are further details of both sequences:
Language Requirement for the Master of Arts Degree:
The Master of Arts degree is awarded to a student who has completed an appropriate degree program and met the foreign language requirement for this degree at
the college level. This requirement may be met by:
- Completing a minimum of four semesters (or its equivalent) in one foreign language. The requirement may be met by earning a C or better (or Credit or Pass) in the courses at either the graduate or undergraduate level.
- Obtaining a satisfactory score on a University administered language examination approved by the Graduate School available in German, French, or Spanish at the University Testing Office.
- Other methods as determined by the department/school with approval by the Graduate School. Students whose native language is not English may, with
departmental approval, petition the Graduate School to substitute proficiency in the English language as fulfillment of the language requirement.
Professional Writing and Rhetorics Sequence
The sequence in Professional Writing and Rhetorics prepares students to bring English Studies to professional and civic contexts where language and texts are involved in social and organizational change. The complexity of such literacies requires technical competencies in writing, editing, and designing texts. In our program, these competencies are rhetorically informed, guided by an understanding of the ethical, legal, economic, and political consequences of professional practices in the workplace, in the public forum, and in private lives.
Course Requirements
- ENG 401 (Introduction to Graduate Studies) (3 hrs.)
- ENG 402 (Introduction to the Composing Process, required only for students on graduate assistantship) (3hrs.)
- 6 courses (18 hrs.), with at least two from both of the following areas:
a. Technical Writing and New Media Studies: ENG 349, 350, 351, 353, 356,
451, 452, 467
b. Composition and Rhetorical Studies: ENG 391, 392, 402, 483, 494, 496, 497
- 3 or 4 elective courses (9-12 hrs.): Students are strongly encouraged to select a literary studies course and a linguistics course as electives. Additional electives may be chosen from the above list.
- An internship (ENG 498) or appropriate professional experience (3 hrs.)
Teaching of Writing Sequence
The sequence in the teaching of writing offers graduate students and teachers advanced work in the theory and practice of the teaching of writing.
Course Requirements
- ENG 401 (3 hrs.)
- ENG 402 (Introduction to the Composing Process, required only for students on graduate assistantship) (3hrs)
- 6 courses (18 hrs.), with at least two from both of the following areas:
a.Teaching Writing: ENG 390, 395, 402, 409.01, 409.02, 409.03, 409.04, 409.05, 409.06, 445, 452, 492
b.Composition and Rhetorical Studies: ENG 391, 392, 402, 483, 494, 496, 497
- 3 or 4 elective courses (12 hrs.). Students are strongly encouraged to select a literary studies course, a linguistics course, and a teaching internship as electives. Additional electives may be chosen from the above list.
