TRACK DESCRIPTION
The Rhetoric and Composition track in the Master of Arts in English program focuses on how language is used in real-world contexts.
The Rhetoric and Composition track in the Master of Arts in English program focuses on how language is used in real-world contexts. This degree is ideal preparation for teaching college-level writing, for continuing to a PhD program in rhetoric and composition, and for working in other public and professional situations, which call for effective written and verbal communication.
CURRICULUM
| Total Credit Hours Required: |
| 33
Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Bachelor's Degree |
Each student must complete at least 33 credit hours, including four core classes. Near the end of the degree program, each candidate will write a comprehensive examination based on a prescribed reading list and enroll in either a thesis option or a nonthesis option that requires a classroom-based research project.
The program requires that students complete a thesis or a classroom research project approved by the graduate faculty that will contribute to the field of study with an emphasis on innovative pedagogy.
Required Courses—12 Credit Hours
- ENC 6335 Rhetorical Traditions (3 credit hours)
- ENG 5009 Methods of Bibliography and Research (3 credit hours)
- ENC 5705 Theory and Practice in Composition (3 credit hours)
- ENC 6712 Studies in Literacy and Writing (3 credit hours)
Elective Courses—18 Credit Hours
Restricted—12 Credit Hours
Students will choose courses in concert with a graduate faculty adviser from among the three concentration areas:
Rhetorical Foundations
- ENC 5337 Modern Rhetorical Theory (3 credit hours)
- ENC 6332 Gendered Rhetoric (3 credit hours)
- LIT 6435 Rhetoric of Science (3 credit hours)
- ENC 6339 Rhetorical Movements (3 credit hours)
- ENC 6333 Contemporary Rhetoric and Composition Theory (3 credit hours)
Rhetoric in Practice
- ENC 6306 Persuasive Writing (3 credit hours)
- ENC 5237 Writing for the Business Professional (3 credit hours)
- ENC 6244 Teaching Technical Writing (3 credit hours)
- CRW 5932 Teaching Creative Writing (3 credit hours)
- ENC 5745 Teaching Practicum (3 credit hours)
- ENC 6702 Issues in Writing Assessment (3 credit hours)
Studies in Literacy and Writing
- LIN 5675 English Grammar and Usage (3 credit hours)
- LIN 5137 Linguistics (3 credit hours)
- ENC 5276 Writing/Consulting: Theory and Practice (3 credit hours)
- ENC 5945 Community Literacy Practicum (3 credit hours)
- ENC 6429 Teaching Writing with Computers (3 credit hours)
- ENC 6338 The Rhetorics of Public Debate (3 credit hours)
Unrestricted—6 Credit Hours
Students will work with an adviser to choose two other graduate-level English courses or approved courses outside the department.
Thesis Option—3 Credit Hours
Students complete a formal thesis on a topic selected in consultation with an advisory committee and will meet both departmental and university requirements for the thesis.
Nonthesis Option—3 Credit Hours
Classroom Research Project —Students complete a research project approved by an advisory committee. This project will consist of a pedagogical research project of direct applicability to the field of Rhetoric and Composition.
Comprehensive Examination
The comprehensive examination is a written exam, based on a booklist, and consists of essay questions.
INDEPENDENT LEARNING
For nonthesis students, a classroom-based research project is required that emphasizes innovative pedagogy.
Application Requirements
For information on general UCF graduate admissions requirements that apply to all prospective students, please visit the Admissions section of the Graduate Catalog. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline(s).
In addition to the general UCF graduate application requirements, applicants to this program must provide:
- One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.
- A bachelor’s degree in English or its equivalent.
- Official, competitive GRE score taken within the last five years.
- Two letters of recommendation from faculty members or others familiar with applicant’s academic potential.
- One year of a foreign language at the university level (may be taken while in graduate residence).
- A one to two page goal statement addressing the applicant's reasons for pursuing graduate study in English.
- An academic essay that demonstrates an ability to analyze and argue, approximately ten pages. A cover statement of no more than one page that explains why you chose to submit this particular academic essay and how you would revise it if you had the opportunity. All statements and essays should be revised writing (i.e., not written under timed conditions). Writing should be "clean": typed, error-free, with no teacher comments. The academic essay should demonstrate an ability to follow a scholarly format such as MLA or APA.
- A score of at least 233 (computer-based test) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for applicants from countries where English is not the official language or applicants with degrees from a non-U.S. accredited institution.
A résumé is required for applicants seeking assistantship positions.
Meeting minimum UCF admission criteria does not guarantee program admission. Final admission is based on evaluation of the applicant's abilities, past performance, recommendations, match of this program and faculty expertise to the applicant's career/academic goals, and the applicant's potential for completing the degree.
Application Deadlines
All application materials must be submitted by the appropriate deadline listed below.
| Rhetoric and Composition |
Fall Priority
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Fall
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Spring
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Summer
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Domestic Applicants
| Jan 15 | Mar 30 | Nov 1 | |
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International Applicants
| Jan 15 | Jan 15 | Jul 1 | |
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International Transfer Applicants
| Jan 15 | Mar 1 | Sep 1 | |
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FINANCIALS
Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see Student Finances, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.
Fellowships
Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student’s graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see Fellowships, which includes descriptions of UCF fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.