College of Arts and Letters2013-2014

Department of English

English - Rhetoric and the Teaching of Writing, Master of Arts

The M.A. in English: Rhetoric and the Teaching of Writing provides outstanding graduate education focused on issues and problems that matter in rhetoric and the teaching of writing. The program is supported by highly acclaimed faculty in the areas of rhetoric, composition, literacy studies, digital literacy, and the teaching of writing. It focuses on providing quality instruction for students who are interested in language, literacy, and learning in contemporary society; who wish to teach writing or who teach in K-12, college, or specialized settings; and who intend to focus on community or workplace literacy programs.

The program in Rhetoric and the Teaching of Writing allows students to follow a clearly articulated plan that provides for structure within a flexible framework, and that provides the skills necessary for succeeding in competitive work environments.

Careers

What Can I Do with a Master of Arts in English - Rhetoric and the Teaching of Writing?

You want to teach writing more effectively? You want to write like a professional? You want to complete coursework online? In our program, you will discover cutting-edge approaches that will make you a better writer as well as a better teacher of writing. You will learn to analyze documents and produce relevant and practical projects geared towards your career goals. You will be able to work from your home, your office, or a public library close to you to ensure flexibility in completing your degree.

Our program prepares you for successful careers as educators, writers, and communication specialists. We provide you with skills in written and digital communication that will help you lead rewarding lives in an increasingly diverse world.

You can customize your coursework to apply to your career aspirations by choosing from a cross-disciplinary set of courses in rhetoric, composition, literature, linguistics, teaching English as a second language, and professional writing. You will be part of a collaborative and engaging community of students and teachers dedicated to your success.

University Requirements

  • To receive a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. (Many master’s degree programs require more than 30 units.)

    You must additionally complete:

    • All requirements for your specific academic plan(s). This may include a thesis.
    • All graduate work with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.
    • All work toward the master’s degree must be completed within six consecutive years. The six years begins with the semester and year of admission to the program.
    The full policy can be viewed here.

     

Overview

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Minimum Units for Completion 36
Thesis Thesis may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option.
Research Individualized research may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option.

Details
Additional Admission Requirements
  • Admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
    • NAU Graduate Online application is required for all programs. Details on admission requirements are included in the online application.
    • Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution
    • Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A"), or the equivalent. 
    • Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.
    • Transcripts
    • For details on graduate admission policies, please visit the Graduate Admissions Policy
    • International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy 


    Individual program admission requirements include:

    • 3 letters of recommendation
    • Writing sample
    • Personal statement or essay
Master's Requirements
  • Please note: You can substitute 6 units of ENG 699 for:
    • 3 units of ENG 685 and 3 units of elective requirements.

  • No more than 6 units of ENG 699 may be applied to your degree. If you are interested in writing a thesis, you should consult with your advisor early in your plan. Be aware that you may end up taking more than the 6 units of thesis credit you can count toward your degree, since you must enroll for it each term while you are working on your thesis.

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also take. For prerequisite information click on the course or see your advisor.
     

Campus Availability

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