Requirements (48 units)
The Master of Arts in English Composition is designed for students interested in pursuing studies in the fields of composition, literature and linguistics. The concentration in English Composition focuses on writing—how written texts work rhetorically and stylistically; how historical and social conditions affect what we write and how we construct meaning as we read; and how to teach people to write effectively. The literature concentration allows students an option to focus on advanced studies in literature as well as composition. The concentration in Applied Linguistics and TESL emphasizes the application of current linguistic theories to ESL pedagogy and familiarizes students with a wide range of teaching approaches and methods.
The program is firmly grounded in theory and research, with a strong emphasis on pedagogy. The internship component gives students practical classroom experience. Students also have opportunities to tutor in the Writing Center and to work as teaching assistants. In addition to teaching, graduates may go on to Ph.D. and M.F.A. programs as well as careers involving writing, editing, and researching.
