MA in Writing, Rhetoric, and Technical Communication

The MA program combines foundational coursework with robust research and pedagogical training. Students work with renowned faculty to develop expertise in areas like:

• rhetoric of science, environment, health, and medicine;
• technical communication, including usability, user experience design, and digital literacy;
• critical and intercultural pedagogy;
• multimodal composition; and
• digital and classical rhetorics. 

Our program enables students to become teacher-scholars in their field of choice and lead state-of-the-art research. The MA program also prepares students for doctoral-level work. In the fall of their second year, MA students making satisfactory progress are invited to apply to the WRTC PhD program.

Graduate Handbook

Review our MA handbook for current requirements and policies.

MA Program Requirements

The MA program requires 34 credits of coursework and the completion of a capstone project. MA students typically take three courses per semester, completing their degree in two years.

Coursework

Methods (3 credits)

MA students take one required course: Research Methods in Writing Studies and Technical Communication.

Core Areas (10 credits)

MA students complete four courses (or 10 credits) across the core areas of rhetoric, writing studies and pedagogy, and technical communication:

• Rhetoric: Take either Rhetorical Traditions: Classical Period or The Rhetorical Traditions: Modern Era.
• Writing Studies: Take both Introduction to Writing Theories and Pedagogies and Practicum in Writing Pedagogies.
• Technical Communication: Take Foundations and Futures of Technical Communication.

Disciplinary Electives (12 credits)

MA students choose courses in the Department of Writing Studies to develop their scholarly interests. At least two courses must be at the 8xxx level.

Outside Coursework (6 credits)

MA students choose courses in other departments to further specialize their programs. Students may complete a formal graduate minor to fulfill this requirement. We recommend that one outside course relates to method/ologies of interest to the student.

Thesis Credits (3 credits)

In their final semester, MA students enroll in a 3-credit Directed Research course. This course provides students the time and space to develop their capstone project with support from their advisor(s).

Capstone Project

MA students are required to complete a capstone project during their final semester. In WRTC, the capstone project typically takes the form of a research/scholarly project with an academic paper as the final deliverable. The project focuses on a student’s area of interest and stems from their coursework and/or faculty collaborations. See the MA handbook for more details.

Catalog Requirements

Full Requirements