The Master of Arts in English – Rhetoric, Writing, and Digital Media Studies provides quality learning opportunities for students who wish to teach writing or who teach in K–12, college, or specialized settings; who are interested in language, literacy, and learning in contemporary society; and who intend to focus on educational, community, or workplace literacy programs. Faculty teaching in the program are committed to student inquiry, problem-focused discussions, and project-based learning. Students 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.
Our MA degree in RWDMS encourages you to explore your interests in writing pedagogy, composition theory, and digital media. We work with you on your research, writing, and project-design skills so that you can advance professionally as an educator, academic, or in any career. Our program focuses on rhetorical theory and persuasive argumentation, social media literacy, multimedia writing and design, professional and public discourse conventions, and teaching literacy and writing through theory-based application projects. You will also be working closely with faculty with a variety of disciplinary strengths, and you will join a talented community of fellow graduate students. The main goals of the program are to:
Our MA degree in RWDMS encourages you to explore your interests in writing pedagogy, composition theory, and digital media. We work with you on your research, writing, and project-design skills so that you can advance professionally as an educator, academic, or in any career. Our program focuses on rhetorical theory and persuasive argumentation, social media literacy, multimedia writing and design, professional and public discourse conventions, and teaching literacy and writing through theory-based application projects. You will also be working closely with faculty with a variety of disciplinary strengths, and you will join a talented community of fellow graduate students. The main goals of the program are to:
- strengthen your critical and analytical writing abilities necessary for teachers, writers, and scholars;
- prepare you to complete practical research projects needed in your current or future academic or workplace settings; and
- provide you with the tools to continue your studies in rhetoric, composition, communications, professional writing, and related fields.
Degree availability
- Online: Study online with full-time faculty experts and pay competitive tuition rates. No residency required.
Length of program
The MA RWDMS can be completed in two years. If you are an on-campus student and have a graduate teaching assistantship, you should plan on two years. If you work full-time and are completing the degree online, many students take courses part-time (1-2 courses/semester). Degree completion depends on the number of courses students take.Employment after graduation
Students completing our program find employment and career advancement opportunities in a variety of areas:- teaching writing/composition at the high school and college level
- social media/digital content writing, content production, and marketing
- grant and science writing
- editing and technical writing
- freelance writing
- community organizing and marketing
Preparation for future studies
Students in our program have successfully continued and completed their education in doctoral programs in rhetoric, writing, communications, or related field. Examples include:- Arizona State University
- Michigan Technological University
- New Mexico State University
- Texas Technological University
- Syracuse University
- University of Arizona
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
- University of New Mexico