University of Texas at El Paso Academic Catalog

Academic Catalog

M.A. in English-Rhetoric and Writing Studies

The Rhetoric and Writing Studies (ENWR) concentration includes courses in Rhetoric and Writing Studies, as well as an introduction to graduate studies in the field. There is sufficient flexibility through electives to allow students to fashion degree plans suitable to their individual interests. The ENWR concentration offers students the opportunity to prepare for careers as professional/technical writers and community college teachers, as well as for academic study at the doctoral level.

Admission Requirements 

  1. A bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. institution or proof of equivalent education at a foreign institution.
  2. Evidence of adequate preparation for graduate coursework in Rhetoric and Writing Studies.
  3. A writing sample.
  4. A statement of purpose.
  5. Three letters of recommendation.
  6. Optional: a resume or other supporting materials to give a full picture of the applicant’s potential.
  7. Applicants from countries where English is not the first language are required to demonstrate English proficiency. Please consult the graduate school website for required scores.

The admission factors will be reviewed holistically to assess the potential of the applicant.  The successful applicant would typically have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher that demonstrates focus on academics and gives ample evidence of adequate preparation for graduate work in the discipline, an analytical writing sample that illustrates the applicant's ability and creativity, a personal statement that demonstrates maturity and commitment to graduate studies, and letters of recommendation from supporting faculty who can serve as judges of the applicant's competence and determination.

Degree Plan

Required Credits: 30

MA in English Profressional Writing & Rhetoric (All courses require a grade of C or better)
Required Courses:
RWS 5309Intro to Rhetoric & Writing St3
Internship:
RWS 5311Persuasion and Argument3
Writing Studies:
Select four courses from the following:12
Technical Writing
Grant Writing
Multimodal Composing
Prof Writing & Rhetoric
Special Topics in RWS
Oral Examination:
Complete defense of thesis or practicum document
Thesis/Practicium Options:
Select one of the options6
Other Electives:
Select six hours from the following:6
Seminar-Contemporary Rhetoric
Seminar - Communication Theory
Master of Arts Research Paper
Approach-Methods & Bibliog.
British Literature to 1485
British Literature 1485-1660
British Literature 1660-1832
British Lit 1832-Present
Am. Lit: Exploration to 1800
American Literature 1800-1865
American Literature 1865-1945
American Lit 1945-Present
English Historical Linguistics
Critical Theory and Practice
Literature of the Americas
Literature and Culture
Multi-Cult Lit: Theory & Pract
Multi-Cult Lit: Special Topics
Genre: Theory and Practice
Var Topics-Contemp Literature
Intro to Secondary English
Literature for Youth
Eng Studies in the Borderlands
Digital Lit and the Lang Arts
Integrated Teaching Methods
Writing to Learn
Special Topics in English Ed
Directed Studies
M.A. Written Examination
Master of Arts Research Paper
Practicum in English Education
M.A.T. Written Examination
Writing Practicum
Thesis
Thesis
Principles of Ling Analysis
Pedagogical Issues in Engl Str
English Historical Linguistics
Study in Language
Linguistic Variation
Seminar-Public Policy Analysis
Technical Writing
Grant Writing
Multimodal Composing
Prof Writing & Rhetoric
Community Literacy Internship
Special Topics in RWS
Composition Theory & Pedagogy
Total Hours30

Thesis Option

ENGL 5398
ENGL 5399
Thesis
and Thesis
6
Total Hours6

Alternate Option

ENGL 5397Writing Practicum3
Select three hours from the following:3
Seminar-Contemporary Rhetoric
Seminar - Communication Theory
Master of Arts Research Paper
Approach-Methods & Bibliog.
British Literature to 1485
British Literature 1485-1660
British Literature 1660-1832
British Lit 1832-Present
Am. Lit: Exploration to 1800
American Literature 1800-1865
American Literature 1865-1945
American Lit 1945-Present
English Historical Linguistics
Critical Theory and Practice
Literature of the Americas
Literature and Culture
Multi-Cult Lit: Theory & Pract
Multi-Cult Lit: Special Topics
Genre: Theory and Practice
Var Topics-Contemp Literature
Intro to Secondary English
Literature for Youth
Eng Studies in the Borderlands
Digital Lit and the Lang Arts
Integrated Teaching Methods
Writing to Learn
Special Topics in English Ed
Directed Studies
M.A. Written Examination
Master of Arts Research Paper
Practicum in English Education
M.A.T. Written Examination
Writing Practicum
Thesis
Thesis
Principles of Ling Analysis
Pedagogical Issues in Engl Str
English Historical Linguistics
Study in Language
Linguistic Variation
Seminar-Public Policy Analysis
Technical Writing
Grant Writing
Multimodal Composing
Prof Writing & Rhetoric
Community Literacy Internship
Special Topics in RWS
Composition Theory & Pedagogy
Total Hours6