Graduate Studies in Rhetoric and Professional Writing

This area of study concentrates on various aspects of professional writing. It is intended for students and practicing professionals who wish to develop their writing skills in order to seek or advance a career in professional writing and who wish to explore the rhetorical, linguistic, and technological context of professional writing. This area of study is also intended for students who wish to pursue the master’s degree in professional writing as a stepping stone to further graduate study.

Required Courses

ENGL 510 Rhetoric of Prose Composition

ENGL 525 Methods of Research in Technical Writing

ENGL 599 Master’s Thesis (3)

Course work from the following

ENGL 509 Creative Writing (3)

ENGL 524 Professional Writing Institute (1-6)

ENGL 526 Technical Writing (3)

ENGL 527 Technical Editing

ENGL 528 Internship in Technical Writing, Research, or Editing (3)

ENGL 532 Writing for Electronic Media (3)

ENGL 592 Non-fiction writing (3)

Two of the following (6)

ENGL 503 Traditions in Written Rhetoric (3)

ENGL 529 Topics in Rhetoric (3)

ENGL 530 Theory and Research of Rhetoric and Professional Writing (3)

ENGL 531 Topics in Professional Writing (3)

ENGL 603 Seminar: Rhetorical Studies (3)

Two of the following (6)

ENGL 514 Introduction to Linguistics (3)

ENGL 515 Descriptive English Linguistics (3)

ENGL 518 Morphology and Syntax (3)

ENGL 520 Semantics (3)

ENGL 533 Discourse Analysis (3)

ENGL 534 Linguistics and Literature

Electives (0-6)

Students may elect Department of English courses in rhetoric, literature, and linguistics or, with the faculty advisor’s approval, courses in such areas as communication, education, journalism, art, business, technology, and instructional technology from other departments. Students in this area must demonstrate a competence in English grammar and usage by passing English 207 or by passing the grammar exemption examination.

“Guide to Completing Your M.A. Thesis (for Graduate Students in the Professional Writing area of study)” is available from the Graduate Secretary.