• ABOUT
• COURSES
• GRADUATE
  • { MA & PhD in RSTC }
  • { M.S. in S&TC }
  • { Tech Comm Certificate }
  • { Assistantships & Aid }
  • { Graduate Minors }
  • { Handbook }
  • { Diversity Statement }
• UNDERGRADUATE
• NEWS & EVENTS
• PEOPLE
• MAKE A GIFT
• INTRANET

{Home > Graduate : Graduate Handbook: M.A.: The Exam }

The Exam

In the judgment of the graduate faculty of the RSTC program, the demonstrated ability to write a scholarly paper on a focused topic relevant to a student’s interest is essential to advanced graduate study. Accordingly, only students who, in the opinion of the their advisor, have already demonstrated such an ability will be permitted to take examination option.

This option features a reading list that you create with your advisor and, perhaps, in consultation with members of your examining committee. The reading list should include books and articles related to your area of specialization and to a method of analysis, about 20 –30 works total. The list may include works required in courses you have taken but must include additional works. The list may include classics in the field and recent work. The list must be approved by all members of the committee, who should indicate their approval by signing the list.

You need write a short paper (750-1200 words) that sets forth how you became interested in the topic, why you organized your reading list as you did, and why you chose the works on the list. If you wish, you could identify some research questions that will guide your reading of the works.  Then, during a 48-hour period, you have to write a 15-20 page answer to one of two written exam questions prepared by the committee; you can use books, notes, and any other relevant materials for this essay.  During the semester when you complete the examination, you should register for Directed Readings (WRIT 8792).

You then defend your written examination and answer other questions pertaining to the reading list in a one-hour oral exam.