The Master of Arts Program in Rhetoric and Writing Studies prepares students for advanced study in rhetoric, composition, communication, and related fields, as well as for careers in areas requiring advanced skills in written rhetoric. Graduates may pursue such careers as teaching at the college and secondary levels; curriculum design; technical, scientific and professional writing; public relations; corporate communications and training; publishing; document and information design; educational technology; web development; medical informatics and others.
Students complete a 30-unit program of study beyond the bachelor’s level. The MA Program in Rhetoric and Writing Studies offers students three emphases:
- The General Program
- The Teaching of Writing
- Professional Writing
The Specialization in the Teaching of Writing prepares students for teaching writing at universities, colleges, and in specialized settings, and offers secondary school teachers an opportunity for career advancement.
Required classes (21 units)
RWS 600 – Reading and Writing Rhetorically (3)
RWS 601 – History of Rhetoric (3)
RWS 602 – Modern Rhetoric and Composition Studies (3)
RWS 609 – Theory and Practice of Teaching Writing (3)
RWS 640 – Research Methods in Rhetoric and Writing Studies (3)
RWS 796A – Teaching Internship (3), OR
RWS 798 – Special Study (3)
RWS 799A – Thesis or Project (3) OR
RWS 790 – MA Exam Preparation
Electives – 6 units of thematically focused electives selected with the approval of the graduate advisor.
The Specialization in Professional Writing prepares students for careers as professional writers and editors in business, industry, and other writing-intensive and training contexts, as well as complements other professional preparation (for instance, in educational technology, software development, business administration, regulatory affairs, and others areas).
Required classes (24 units)
RWS 504 – Advanced Professional Writing (3)
RWS 505 – Writing Project Management (3)
RWS 600 – Reading and Writing Rhetorically (3)
RWS 601 – History of Rhetoric (3)
RWS 602 – Modern Rhetoric and Composition Studies (3)
RWS 640 – Research Methods in Rhetoric and Writing Studies (3)
RWS 796B – Writing Internship (3), OR
RWS 798 – Special Study (3)
RWS 799A – Thesis or Project (3) OR
RWS 790 – MA Exam Preparation
Electives – 6 units selected from the following:
RWS 501 – Editing (3)
RWS 503W – Professional Writing (3)
RWS 507 – Professional Communications in Non-Profit Organizations
RWS 508 – Scientific Writing (3)
OR with the approval of the Graduate Director other appropriate classes offered at the University.
The General Program offers students the most flexibility in terms of emphasis.
Required classes (15 units)
RWS 600 – Reading and Writing Rhetorically (3)
RWS 601 – History of Rhetoric (3)
RWS 602 – Modern Rhetoric and Composition Studies (3)
RWS 640 – Research Methods in Rhetoric and Writing Studies (3)
RWS 799A – Thesis or Project (3) OR
RWS 709 – MA Exam Preparation
Electives – 15 units of thematically focused electives selected with the approval of the graduate advisor.
Contact the department at 619.594.6515 or visit RWS for more information.