The M.A. emphasis in rhetoric and writing studies is designed for students who wish to strengthen their skills as writers while deepening their understanding of theories of writing from the fields of rhetoric, composition and writing studies. Cognate work in linguistics, literature, or literacy studies further enriches the study of writing. Students may choose either a non-thesis or thesis program of study.<br>This emphasis supports a range of professional pursuits, including technical and professional writing, literacy studies, the teaching of composition and rhetorical studies. Students in the program are active in publishing, participating in conferences and serving as writing interns in businesses, community agencies, or educational institutions. The M.A. rhetoric and writing studies program has placed graduates in community colleges, positions in the public and private sectors, and Ph.D. programs throughout the U.S.<br><br>Students will obtain broad knowledge of several of the historical fields in, literary genres of, and major critical approaches to British, American, and World Literatures in English; or, broad knowledge of writing studies issues and methodologies; or broad knowledge in literary and rhetorical public engagement and its methodologies; or broad knowledge of linguistics issues and methodologies. Students will demonstrate specialized competence in the primary and secondary literature of an appropriate specialized sub-field of literature or writing or public engagement or language.