Rhetoric, Scientific and Technical Communication M.A.

The Department of Writing Studies trains students to understand how people use written communication (textual, digital, and visual) to shape the world around them, with a particular emphasis on communication in scientific and technical areas. The MA program prepares students for doctoral-level research by training them in the areas of rhetorical theory and history; writing studies and pedagogy; and technical communication, technology, and culture. Students build a broad base of knowledge in these three areas while developing a speciality area and pursuing interdisciplinary study.

MA applicants should have a strong interest in language and rhetorical theory or communication theory. Students often benefit from entering the program with a background in a science, Internet studies, environmental studies, or pedagogy and technology. Students work in collaboration with faculty mentors and peers to develop the expertise required to make original contributions to the scholarship in their field. The curriculum, professional development training, and funding are structured to support students in making early and regular contributions to the published literature and in teaching first-year writing and advanced writing courses at the college level.

Each student also develops a supporting field or minor by taking courses outside the department. Students often build expertise in such areas as communication studies; curriculum and instruction; history of science and technology; history of medicine; or gender, women's, and sexuality studies.