Master of Arts (M.A.)
Composition & Rhetoric
Next Start Date June 26
Est.Program Length 2 years
Course Length 7 & 14 weeks
Credit Hours 30
Cost Per Credit $452*
Transfer Credits Accepted 9
*Out-of-state students will be charged an additional $35 per credit.
-
M.A. in Composition & Rhetoric Overview
Earn the credentials needed to advance in your teaching career or apply to doctoral programs.
Shawnee State University Online Campus’s fully online master’s degree in rhetoric and composition emphasizes writing studies and pedagogy so that you can teach college-level courses.
In the online master’s degree in rhetoric and composition, you’ll study:
- How to teach writing.
- The history of rhetoric.
- Research methods in English composition.
- Special topics in the field.
- Writing assessment theory and practice.
Shawnee State University’s degree in rhetoric and composition gives you the knowledge and skills you need to create and execute high-quality writing instruction. You can complete the program in less than two years, with the flexibility to take courses part-time or full-time as your schedule allows.
The online master’s degree in rhetoric and composition is ideal for:
- Secondary teachers in southern Ohio and the outlying region.
- Teachers who want to teach in Ohio’s College Credit Plus Program.
- Teachers who want to teach courses at universities and community colleges in the region.
- Those pursuing a Ph.D. program in English composition, education, or a related field.
Develop Your Teaching Practices
Learn strategies based on theory and empirical research in the field.
Identify Your Unique Interests
Choose a capstone course and thesis topic relevant to your goals.
Become Qualified
Prepare to teach College Credit Plus and Dual Credit courses.
-
Courses and Requirements
10 Total Courses In This Program
Our online master’s degree in rhetoric and composition includes six core courses that provide you with foundational knowledge in writing studies, the history of rhetoric, and writing assessment. Then, you can choose three elective courses to direct your master’s in English composition to your specific career goals. You can complete your degree by working individually with faculty members to develop either a master’s thesis or master’s portfolio.
Composition Pedagogy
Strategies for teaching first-year writing courses based on theory and empirical research in the discipline. Students will develop a syllabus, assignment sequence, and sample lesson plans for a first-semester writing course at the college level.
Writing Assessment Theory and Practice
Students in this class will learn about different theories and practical approaches to writing assessment and evaluation, including responding to student texts, developing assessment plans and grading policies, and using assessment data to make curricular changes.
History of Rhetoric
An introduction to key movements and theorists in the history of rhetoric, from classical Greek and Roman rhetoric to modern and postmodern theories.
History and Theory of Composition
An introduction to key movements and theories in the history of composition, from the “prototype” first-year writing course created at Harvard University in 1874 to today.
Research Methods
In this course, students will explore the different research methods common in the discipline. The major project for the course is the thesis proposal.
Special Topics in Rhetoric and Composition
Study of various topics in composition and rhetoric not otherwise available in the standard curriculum. (Examples: feminist approaches to rhetoric, the rhetoric of science, rhetoric and cultural studies, environmental rhetoric.)
Choose Three Courses
Cognitive and Motivational Theories in the Classroom
Provides an overview of childhood, adolescent, and young adult cognitive development and motivation theory in the context of current research. Prepares teachers to understand the relationship between human brain function and all aspects of human behavior and development and to create developmentally appropriate teaching practices that support the learning of each individual, typical and atypical.
Technology Integration for Learning
This course examines antecedents, foundations, issues, trends, and practices associated with the theory and practice of computer-based instructional technologies; project-based approach.
Philosophy of Education Prof. Ethics
This course examines classic ethical approaches to problem-solving in conjunction with the knowledge, skills and dispositions needed to make professional decisions in the modern educational environment. Includes analysis and discussion of ethical case studies related to education.
Educational Data Analysis
Examines measurement techniques, quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, and statistical and qualitative data analysis techniques. Emphasis is on the understanding and application of descriptive and inferential statistics in educational research and K-12 classrooms.
Educational Research
Introduces research terminology, methods, purposes, and procedures, along with critical evaluation of research. Formal methods for writing research reports in APA style are introduced. Development of a proposal for the capstone course begins in this class.
Choose One
Master's Thesis
Students will propose and complete an independent empirical research project using qualitative, quantitative, rhetorical criticism, or mixed methods. If desired, students may develop the proposal for this project in RHET 6800: Research Methods Theory and Practice. The thesis should be 50-75 pages in length and follow manuscript formatting guidelines in MLA or APA documentation style.
Master's Portfolio
Students construct a portfolio of revised scholarly writing and teaching materials. At a minimum, the portfolio contains the following elements: 1. Table of Contents 2. Reflective introduction 3. Curriculum Vita 4. Teaching philosophy 5. Example of scholarly writing (with explanatory introduction) 6. Example of teaching materials (with explanatory introduction) a. Sample syllabus b. Sample assignment c. Sample lesson plan
Admission Requirements
Before applying for this program, you must have:
- Personal statement
- Two letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts from all institutions previously attended.
- A completed online application.
How to Apply
In order to apply for admission into our online master’s degree in rhetoric and composition, please contact an enrollment counselor and submit the following:
- Completed application
- Official transcripts from all prior
- Submit all required documents:
- Personal statement
- 2 Letters of recommendation
-
Costs & Financial Aid
The online M.A. in Rhetoric and Composition is offered at a tuition rate of $452 per credit hour for in-state students and $487 per credit hour for out-of-state students. This program can accept up to 9 transfer credit hours of comparable coursework. A limited number of half-tuition scholarships are available to apply to the 19 hours needed to earn certification to teach CCP for teachers in Scioto, Pike, Adams, Lawrence, Jackson & Ross Counties. Contact bmadden@shawnee.edu for more information!
Component Cost Total* Full Program Tuition $452 per credit hour $13,560 Total $13,560 Tuition with Maximum Transfer Credits (Up to 9) $452 per credit hour $9,492 Total with Transfer Credits $9,492 Component Cost Total* Full Program Tuition $487 per credit hour $14,610 Total $14,610 Tuition with Maximum Transfer Credits (Up to 9) $487 per credit hour $10,227 Total $10,227 Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted. This program takes five semesters to complete, depending on transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of time to completion, call an enrollment advisor at 855-815-0323 or request more information.
* Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Financial Aid
To help make your online education more affordable, Shawnee State offers financial aid in the form of loans, scholarships, and grants. If you have questions, our experienced enrollment counselors and tuition planners will assist you through the process.
Learn More About Financial Aid
Military Students
At Shawnee State, we want those who have served our country to get the education they deserve. As a veteran or current member of the U.S. military, you can receive federal and state educational benefits through the VA, and we will provide you with guidance and support throughout your online education.
Let Us Serve You -
Career Outcomes
The online master’s degree in rhetoric and composition can lead to advancement in teaching careers.
Salary and job growth information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- These teachers usually work in public and private colleges and universities, professional schools, and junior or community colleges. The median wage for postsecondary teachers was $79,540 in May 2019, with English language and literature teachers earning a median wage of $68,490. The overall employment of postsecondary instructors is projected to grow 9% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
- High school teachers give students the knowledge and skills they need for college and for entry-level employment. The median wage for high school teachers was $61,660 in May 2019, with the highest 10% of high school teachers earning more than $99,660. Increased student enrollment is projected to cause a job growth of 4% from 2019 to 2029.
- Writing center directors oversee the daily operations of a writing center in an educational setting. Their responsibilities could include interviewing and hiring writing center staff, supervising staff, providing professional development opportunities, acting as a liaison with their organization, and maintaining writing center resources. These professionals make an average salary of $42,968 per year.
- Writing program administrators, also known as WPAs, work in postsecondary settings to oversee the development and delivery of English composition and writing courses. WPAs also conduct primary and secondary research, support faculty who teach writing, manage first-year writing programs and meet with students who require assistance with their writing. Postsecondary program administrators made a median salary of $95,410 in 2019.
