MA in Writing, Rhetoric, and Technical Communication

The Rhetoric and Scientific & Technical Communication (RSTC) MA is now the Writing, Rhetoric, and Technical Communication PhD. The WRTC MA has an updated name and curriculum; all other degree requirements are the same as the previous RSTC MA. All prospective MA students applying for Fall 2026 and beyond will apply to the WRTC MA program. Please contact Allie Cooperman at [email protected] with any questions.

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

Coursework

The MA program requires 34 credits (typically 12 3-credit courses) across five primary requirements. MA students typically take three courses per semester..

Methods (3 credits)

MA students take one required course:

• WRIT 8011: 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 WRIT 5775: Rhetorical Traditions: Classical Period or WRIT 5776: The Rhetorical Traditions: Modern Era.
• Writing Studies: Take both WRIT 5531: Introduction to Writing Theories and Pedagogies and WRIT 5532: Practicum in Writing Pedagogies.
• Technical Communication: Take WRIT 5001: 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. 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 WRIT 8794: Directed Research. This course provides students the time and space to develop their Plan B project with support from their advisor(s). 

Plan B Project

MA students are required to complete a “Plan B” project during their final semester. In WRTC, the Plan B 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