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M.A. Degree Requirements

M.A. students in RSTC are required to earn a minimum of 33 credits in course work, 15 of which must be taken in writing studies classes and seminars. You should realize that these are minimum requirements. We encourage you to take additional course work as appropriate to your interests, backgrounds, and thesis topics.

Specialty Areas

This list of specialty areas represents some of the areas of interest and expertise of the faculty in the RSTC program. We urge you to take advantage of the writing studies seminars in these areas. You may create other specialty areas in consultation with your advisor.

  • Science and rhetoric
  • Computer-mediated communication (Internet studies)
  • Feminist theory in science, technology, and communication
  • Scientific and technical communication pedagogy
  • Technology and culture
  • Environmental rhetoric (sub-area)
  • International / intercultural studies (sub-area)

Program Requirements

3 cr

One course in pedagogy (required your first semester - WRIT 5531 Introduction   to Writing Instruction: Composition Pedagogy)

3 cr

One course in rhetorical theory and criticism
(required WRIT 5775; highly recommended WRIT 5776)

3 cr

One course in technical communication research and theory
(required WRIT 8011; highly recommended WRIT 8012)

6 cr

Two courses in a selected specialty area

6 cr

Minor or supporting program

9 cr

Electives to fulfill the minimum 33 credit course requirement

3 cr

WRIT 8792 for the Exam Option
OR
WRIT 8794 for the Paper or Plan B Option

You will also be required to:

  • Demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language
  • Write a plan B paper or select the exam option
  • Pass a final oral exam
  • Maintain satisfactory progress toward the degree.