M.S. in Criminal Justice
The M.S. in Criminal Justice at UTC is structured to provide students with advanced kno...
M.A. in English: Rhetoric and Writing
Chattanooga, Tennessee
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.A. in English: Rhetoric and Writing at UTC focuses on deepening students' understanding of how language and communication function in diverse settings, from academic and professional environments to public and civic discourse. The program emphasizes critical thinking, rhetorical analysis, and advanced writing skills, preparing graduates to navigate and shape complex communication challenges. Students often choose between a thesis, which involves original scholarly research, or a comprehensive examination, demonstrating their mastery of the field. This concentration equips individuals for careers where clear, persuasive, and adaptable communication is paramount.
Curriculum: The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive exploration of rhetorical theory and writing studies. Core courses typically delve into the history of rhetoric, contemporary rhetorical theories, and the principles of composition and writing pedagogy. Students explore various genres and contexts of writing, including professional, technical, and digital writing. Elective options allow for specialization in areas such as grant writing, visual rhetoric, legal writing, or the rhetoric of specific cultural phenomena. The program also often includes coursework in linguistics or applied linguistics, providing a deeper understanding of language structure and use. This breadth ensures that graduates possess a versatile skill set in advanced communication.
Research Focus: A significant component of the M.A. in Rhetoric and Writing is its strong research focus. Students are encouraged to engage in rigorous scholarly inquiry, particularly for those pursuing the thesis option. Research areas can span a wide range, including the history of rhetoric, contemporary rhetorical theory, composition pedagogy, literacy studies, technical communication, professional writing, digital rhetoric, public rhetoric, and the rhetoric of specific disciplines or social issues. Faculty expertise guides students in developing research questions, employing appropriate methodologies (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods), analyzing data, and contributing original scholarship to the field of rhetoric and writing studies.
Industry Engagement: The program at UTC emphasizes the practical application of rhetorical and writing theory, fostering engagement with real-world communication challenges. While specific formal "industry engagement" details might vary, the curriculum often includes courses focused on professional writing, grant writing, and digital communication, which directly prepare students for roles outside of academia. Furthermore, faculty often bring their own professional experiences and connections into the classroom, and the department may offer opportunities for internships or collaborative projects with local organizations, allowing students to apply their skills in professional settings and build their portfolios. The program's focus on composition pedagogy also prepares students for teaching roles within various educational institutions.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in English: Rhetoric and Writing incorporates a global perspective by examining rhetoric and writing practices across different cultures and historical periods. Courses may explore how communication strategies vary globally, the rhetoric of international relations, or the challenges of cross-cultural communication. By analyzing diverse rhetorical traditions and contemporary global communication issues, students develop a more nuanced understanding of how context shapes meaning and persuasion. This global awareness is increasingly vital for professionals working in an interconnected world where effective communication transcends national and cultural boundaries.
Location
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 26852
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $40
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students pursuing their education in the United States. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership qualities, and contributions to the campus community, helping to make higher education more affordable and accessible for students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UTC provides merit-based scholarships that international students can apply for, typically based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall potential. These scholarships often cover partial to full tuition and are renewable based on maintaining satisfactory academic performance.
International Student Scholarships: Special scholarships are available exclusively for international students, helping offset tuition fees and living expenses. These awards may vary annually and are competitive, encouraging students to demonstrate strong academic records and involvement in extracurricular activities.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UTC offer scholarships targeted at students within specific fields of study. International students enrolled in areas such as Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, or Arts and Sciences can explore scholarship options through their respective colleges or departments.
Graduates with an M.A. in English: Rhetoric and Writing from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) possess highly sought-after skills in strategic communication, argumentation, and audience analysis. This specialized degree equips them for diverse professional roles that demand sophisticated understanding and application of language in various contexts.
Technical Writer/Communicator: This is a very common and in-demand career path. Graduates translate complex technical or scientific information into clear, concise, and user-friendly documents such as manuals, guides, reports, and online help content for industries ranging from technology and healthcare to engineering and finance.
Content Strategist/Manager: Leveraging their understanding of audience and purpose, graduates develop and manage content plans for organizations across various platforms (websites, blogs, social media). They ensure content aligns with business objectives, engages target audiences, and optimizes for discoverability.
Copywriter: Graduates can excel in advertising and marketing, crafting persuasive and compelling text for campaigns, product descriptions, slogans, and promotional materials. Their rhetorical training is invaluable in understanding how to influence consumer behavior.
Communications Specialist/Manager: In corporate, non-profit, or government settings, these professionals manage internal and external communications. They write press releases, speeches, internal memos, and develop comprehensive communication strategies to shape public perception and disseminate key messages.
Grant Writer: Possessing strong research, persuasive writing, and organizational skills, graduates are highly effective in securing funding for non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and research initiatives by crafting compelling grant proposals.
Editor (Professional, Academic, Digital): With a keen eye for detail, grammar, style, and effective communication, graduates can work as editors for publishing houses, corporate communication departments, academic journals, or digital media companies, ensuring high-quality written output.
UX Writer (User Experience Writer): This specialized role involves writing the text that guides users through software, websites, or apps (e.g., button labels, error messages, instructions). Graduates' understanding of user needs and clear communication is crucial for creating intuitive digital experiences.
Training and Development Specialist/Instructional Designer: Applying principles of rhetoric and pedagogy, graduates can design and develop training materials, e-learning modules, and educational programs. They focus on how information is effectively communicated to learners for skill acquisition.
Public Relations Specialist: Graduates manage an organization's public image and media relations. They write press releases, prepare media kits, and develop strategies to respond to public inquiries and shape positive narratives.
Higher Education Instructor (Composition/Writing): Many graduates with an M.A. in Rhetoric and Writing go on to teach first-year composition, technical writing, or professional writing courses at community colleges or as adjunct faculty at universities, sharing their expertise in effective communication.
