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{Home > Graduate : Graduate Handbook: M.A.: Capstone Options}

Capstone Options

Final Paper or Written Exam

At the end of your program, you will do a “Plan B” project, which involves either writing a paper for a specific scholarly journal, or taking a written examination.* Most students will write the Paper. The Exam option is intended for students who have already produced a publishable paper. Either option must be approved by your advisor and the DGS. Both require 33 credits, including the 3-credit Directed Research or Directed Study, and an oral exam. 

Both options require that you have an examining committee comprised of two members from Writing Studies and one from another department.  Some professors hold graduate faculty positions in Writing Studies and another department and can serve in either capacity. You should discuss the composition of this committee with your advisor or the DGS.

 

* “Plan B” is the term used by the Graduate School for a capstone project involving a single example of scholarly writing.  Our program does not offer the “Plan A” option which involves a formal thesis.