Prepares you to teach writing in colleges and universities, to pursue doctoral studies, and to research and write more effectively in professional settings.
Rhetoric and Composition
credit hours
online program
Overview
You will be invited to develop a course of study that combines foundational knowledge in the history and theory of rhetoric, composition theory and pedagogy, and research methods with focused study in areas that best suit your own needs and future goals. These areas range from minority rhetorics and writing center studies to teaching with technology and basic writing theory and practice.
This degree in rhetoric and composition will prepare you to teach writing in high school, community college, and university settings; develop and administer writing programs and writing centers in these settings; train teachers of writing; enter doctoral programs in rhetoric and composition, and write for business and industry.
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Program Mission
The Master of Arts (M.A.) degree with a major in Rhetoric and Composition ranks among the top nationwide with award-winning faculty and commitment to student success. Students enjoy a vibrant community dedicated to studying written discourse and the teaching of writing within a variety of contexts.
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Career Options
The Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Composition degree prepares students to pursue writing careers in business, industry, and nonprofits; teach writing in high school, community college, and university settings; develop and administer writing programs and writing centers; train teachers of writing; and enter doctoral programs in rhetoric and composition.
Advanced Specialization
A Master of Arts (MA) in Rhetoric and Composition degree can lead to advanced specialization, either through doctoral studies or through focused career paths. The MA in Rhetoric and Composition serves as a strong foundation for advanced specialization, preparing individuals for both scholarly research and leadership roles in a variety of writing-intensive professions.
Career Outlook Statistics
Writers and Authors
- 2024 Median Pay: $72,270 per year/ $34.75 per hour
- Work Experience in a Related Occupation: None
- Number of Jobs, 2024: 135,400
- Job Outlook, 2024-2024: 4% (As fast as average)
Post-Secondary Teachers
- 2024 Median Pay: $83,980 per year
- Work Experience in a Related Occupation: None
- Number of Jobs, 2024: 1,415,600
- Job Outlook, 2024-2034: 7% (Much faster than average)
Instructional Coordinators
- 2024 Median Pay: $74,720 per year/ $35.92 per hour
- Work Experience in a Related Occupation: 5 years or more
- Number of Jobs, 2024: 232,600
- Job Outlook, 2024-2034: 1% (Slower than average) *Despite limited employment growth, about 21,900 openings for instructional coordinators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
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Tuition Breakdown**
Total Tuition: $16,519
Per Credit Hour: $501
**Estimated cost, which does not include the cost of BookSmart.
Tuition will increase slightly to $502 per credit hour, effective fall 2026.