Graduate
What Sets Our Programs Apart?
The Department of Writing Studies’ graduate programs are among the oldest and most highly respected of their kind in the country. Students in both tracks work with internationally recognized faculty who are leaders in national and local disciplinary communities and engaged in ground-breaking research in rhetoric and scientific and technical communication. Our graduate programs center around a strong sense of community and collaboration, with close working relationships between faculty and students.
Our Degree Programs
The Department of Writing Studies offers four graduate degrees and three graduate minors, each tailored to meet distinct educational and career preparation goals.
Our degrees are divided into two categories:
Professional degrees with fully-online courses designed for individuals who wish to move into technical communication as a career and for working technical communicators who want to advance their careers. Students graduate prepared for work and leadership roles in such settings as the medical device industry, banking, higher education, online learning, and software development.
- MS in scientific and technical communication
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in technical communication
- Scientific and technical communication graduate minor
Research degrees that prepare students for positions in higher education as college professors, writing program administrators, and allied careers. Students participate in a residential program with a strong emphasis on writing pedagogies, produce original research, and teach undergraduates in such areas as technical writing and communication, rhetoric and composition, writing studies and writing pedagogy, and digital literacies.
- PhD in rhetoric and scientific & technical communication
- MA in rhetoric and scientific & technical communication
- Rhetoric and scientific & technical communication graduate minor
- Literacy and rhetorical studies graduate minor
Research Programs
Start here to review degree requirements and curriculum; learn about courses, funding, and professional development opportunities; access application instructions; meet our students; and see dissertations and placements.
Professional Programs
Start here to review degree requirements and curriculum, learn about courses and learning opportunities, access application instructions, explore careers, and more.
Connect with Us!
| Graduate Programs Coordinator | Director of Graduate Studies |
| Allie Cooperman (she/her/hers) 220 Nolte Center writgpc@umn.edu 612-624-4761 |
Molly Kessler (she/her/hers) 210 Nolte Center kesslerm@umn.edu |
College Resources for Graduate Students
Visit CLA’s website for graduate students to learn about collegiate funding opportunities, student support, career services, and more.