M.A. in English with a Concentration in Writing Studies

The M.A. degree (writing studies concentration) requires 33 hours of course work.

All students working toward the Master of Arts with a concentration in writing studies must satisfy the following requirements:

Required Courses (18 hours)

ENGL 5090Current Writing Theory3
LING 5190Sociolinguistics3
ENGL 5210Issues in ESL Writing3
ENGL 6010Teaching College Composition3
ENGL 6180Research Methods in Writing Studies3
ENGL 6890Certificate Capstone3
Electives18
Total Hours36

Students will take eighteen credit hours in electives from Writing Studies, Linguistics, or Literature Courses, including special topics courses to be offered yearly.

Of these remaining 18 hours of course work for the degree, students may take a maximum of two courses from other departments in the humanities, fine arts or social sciences, as approved by the director of graduate studies. Students may count one independent study course toward the degree.

Plan of Study Grid
First TermHours
ENGL 6010 Teaching College Composition 3
LING 5190 Sociolinguistics 3
Elective 3
 Hours9
Second Term
ENGL 5090 Current Writing Theory 3
Electives 6
 Hours9
Third Term
ENGL 6180 Research Methods in Writing Studies 3
ENGL 5210 Issues in ESL Writing 3
Elective 3
 Hours9
Fourth Term
ENGL 6890 Certificate Capstone 3
Electives 6
 Hours9
 Total Hours36
  • PLO 1. Define key terms and ideas in the field of writing studies across various courses and content areas
  • PLO 2. Give examples of successful teaching practices for various classrooms and different student populations
  • PLO 3. Develop strong research skills in primary, secondary, and online research areas
  • PLO 4. Develop professional development documents, including doctoral statement of purpose, job application letters, and conference abstracts
  • PLO 5. Create program specific documents, including course syllabi, statement of teaching philosophy, course research papers, and a final portfolio