MA in English, Rhetoric and Writing

University of New Mexico

The Master of Arts in English with a concentration in Rhetoric and Writing prepares graduates for careers in professional writing and post-secondary teaching. Students interested in teaching study pedagogical theories and develop practical applications in traditional classrooms and in online or tutoring venues. Students interested in professional writing enroll in writing workshops, where they strengthen existing abilities and sharpen technical expertise in a variety of genres; internship placements in workplace professional writing venues are optional.

This degree requires 31 credit hours of coursework; competency in a foreign language or approved research skill; and a portfolio (ENGL 596). Students may choose an emphasis in Teaching or in Professional Writing; all students work under Plan II (no thesis).

9 credit hours of core required courses: 530 or 533 or 534; 542 and 543.
9 credit hours of coursework, including one 600-level seminar, chosen from at least two of the groups A-E listed in the English Department's Graduate Studies Handbook.
12 credit hours of general electives: Four courses from among 534-545, 513-520, 587, or other courses in English as approved by the Committee on Studies (COS) and the Associate Chair of Graduate Studies; students may offer up to 6 credit hours of courses from departments outside of English as electives as approved by their COS and the Graduate Director; students may offer up to 6 credit hours of ENGL 597 (Problems) for work related to teacher training or professional writing experience, as approved by their COS and the Associate Chair of Graduate Studies.
1 credit hour of Master's Portfolio, ENGL 596. In the semester before graduation, students prepare a portfolio of work under the direction of their COS which is presented for evaluation in the ninth week of the student’s final semester of attendance.

Emphasis in Teaching
Students in the Teaching emphasis take 530 or 533 or 534 (depending on what they take for the Core Requirement above) plus 9 credit hours in other pedagogy-based courses offered from the English department, the College of Education and Human Sciences, or other departments as approved by their COS and the Associate Chair of Graduate Studies; up to 6 credit hours may be offered as Teaching Practicum (ENGL 597, Problems). Total credit hours required = 12.

Emphasis in Professional Writing
Students in the Professional Writing emphasis must take 533, either in the Core Requirement or as an elective, plus 9 or 12 credit hours (depending on where they count 533) from 513-520, 587. Professional Writing Emphasis students may take up to 6 credit hours of courses in other departments as approved by their COS and the Associate Chair of Graduate Studies; up to 6 credit hours may be offered as Professional Writing Internship (ENGL 598, Internship, CR/NC) as approved by their COS and the Associate Chair of Graduate Studies. Total credit hours required = 12.